Permission to Come Aboard (The Great Outdoors Book 2)

by Shayne McClendon

  Her brother wasn’t afraid of anything but his beating at the hands of a bunch of homophobes gave him a glimpse of the ugly underbelly of human nature. She squeezed his bicep with a small smile.

  Her twin, her other half, suffered for something he had no control over. A part of him he hadn’t purposely chosen.

  They’d moved to the Keys when they decided to open the charter company. He was more accepted here and the very real danger he faced was a little further removed.

  “I love you and I’d never put you in danger. Go on. I’ll be right behind you.” She closed the door dressed quickly. “I need to get up there, Gunner.”

  Suddenly he was behind her, running his hands over her arms. “Dakota, listen to me. My friends would never hurt your brother. I’ve known Shawn since I was fourteen. Twenty-four years of friendship.” He turned her around to face him.

  “I knew he was gay from the beginning. He’s my best friend and the best man I know. My life has literally been in his hands more times than I can count. I don’t give a shit who he’s attracted to. The others don’t either. Your brother is safe.”

  Hugging her hard, she exhaled roughly. “I want him to be happy. He hasn’t dated since everything happened. We keep each other company but sometimes you need a connection that reminds you why you get up in the morning.”

  Going up on her toes, she kissed him on the mouth. “You can have the bathroom in three minutes.”

  She needed the day to be a good one.

  Sore and relaxed from the hours she spent with Gunner, Dakota admitted it was off to a great start.

  Chapter Nine

  When Gunner stepped out on the deck, the boat was in motion and the sun was coloring the sky a gorgeous palette of blues, pinks, and purples. He handed Shawn a coffee.

  Chaz and Bubba moved efficiently through their duties while the divers who’d booked the charter lounged on the benches along the cabin and rear of the boat.

  Nodding to his friends, he noted they seemed tense and headed up to the captain’s bridge.

  He gave Dakota a chaste kiss on the cheek. When he pulled back, she smiled. He took in her blue sport bikini with appreciation.

  With a cheerful expression, she told him quietly, “They’re making the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I don’t like their vibe. Watch but don’t get involved. Can you do that?”

  Assuming a relaxed stance, he nodded. “It passes a certain point and I won’t ignore it.”

  “Understood. I should have worn a one-piece.”

  “You look amazing and your suit isn’t revealing. If there’s an issue, it won’t be because of what you’re wearing.”

  “Thanks.”

  “No thanks necessary. I’ll go down and keep an eye on things while I watch you captain the fuck out of this boat.”

  He passed Bubba on the steps and ruffled his hair before settling beside Shawn. He slipped his shades in place to watch the clients without being obvious.

  On the higher deck, Dakota stood to apply more sunscreen to Bubba’s shoulders and the back of his neck.

  The group consisted of two couples.

  Both men openly leered at Dakota and leaned together to murmur about her. One chuckled as the other adjusted his groin behind his baggy bathing suit.

  Ah, they were those kinds of guys.

  Their girlfriends pretended not to notice the exchange. One of them already looked seasick.

  Chaz brought up tanks two at a time and the women’s eyes tracked him as he set them down and went back for more. They nudged each other each time he passed.

  When one of the tanks started to tip, Chaz lunged for it and they sighed dramatically. It was their lack of discretion that drew the attention of their boyfriends.

  Shawn stiffened beside him.

  He knew Dakota watched everything from behind dark shades. As the two men changed their focus to her brother and started whispering angrily to one another, she stood silently.

  They traveled south for almost an hour. As the sun rose fully, she slowed the boat and dropped anchor. Bubba handed out gear with Chaz and they did tests with each diver.

  Gunner and his men suited up without assistance and turned to help the others.

  When everyone was ready, Chaz and Dakota pulled on wetsuits that came to mid-thigh and the two men watched her intently while their girlfriends continued to whisper behind their hands.

  Dakota secured her long hair in a snug bun that wouldn’t interfere with her mask.

  She strapped a wicked dive knife to her thigh.

  Once the twins were in the water, Bubba handed her an underwater camera that she placed on the rear platform.

  Chaz helped the other less experienced divers get in. Gunner, Tyler, and Shawn dropped from the side as they’d been trained and offered to help.

  Bubba stood on the dive deck and took pictures of the two couples and the SEALs. Gunner was impressed to learn the boy was trained in emergency procedure if there was a problem. He stayed aboard during dives and watched them from a camera beneath the boat.

  Dakota gave her clients an explanation of where they were and what they were doing. One by one, they lowered their masks, inserted their regulators, and made final adjustments.

  The Hardings were right about the reef. The clarity of the water and vibrant palette of the coral were incredible. Careful to disturb nothing, they led the group along the ridge, pointing out fish and plant life.

  Two nurse sharks swam near at one point and the two female clients panicked. Chaz and Shawn calmed them down with hand gestures and escorted them slowly to the surface.

  When their girlfriends were gone, their boyfriends took the opportunity to swim to either side of Dakota.

  One reached out to stroke her breast and Gunner thought his brain would explode. He didn’t need to worry.

  She pivoted fast in the water and grabbed their air hoses in her fists. She shook her head slowly and they froze.

  Message received.

  Gunner kept his eyes on her behind his mask. She continued on, taking photos for a while longer before pointing to the surface and they all started the ascent.

  When everyone was back on deck, the men wouldn’t look directly at Dakota. After asking casually after the women they’d brought with them, they turned their attention to Chaz handing out water and towels.

  By putting them in their place, Dakota succeeded in humiliating them. Though they’d deserved it, it made them want to fight so they could prove their manhood. Gunner could see the tack they planned to take to instigate one.

  Chaz wasn’t ogling their hot girlfriends.

  They were the type who liked everyone to look but loved to fight over that fact at the same time. Nothing more than bottom-feeders who picked up scraps where they could and figured other men were the same.

  As the sun climbed higher in the sky, they started getting verbally aggressive with their girlfriends. One was getting sicker from the motion and climbing heat but it didn’t temper the man with whom she’d chosen to spend her time.

  Dakota maneuvered them toward a cove with underwater caves. Gunner could read the tension in her body. He knew she saw and understood why the men watched her brother.

  Over three months spent in the twins’ company, he had no doubt they could handle any issue that arose. He hated that it would come to that but it was the nature of such types. The SEALs would back them up if needed.

  Something told him it wouldn’t be necessary.

  They dove the caves and there were no episodes of panic or inappropriate touching. Gunner was pissed such an idyllic location was ruined with the presence of such assholes.

  None of them naively thought they were in the clear.

  On board again, Bubba brought out servings of fresh fruit and crackers, giving the sick girl bottled water and a sunhat.

  She patted the seat beside her and he sat to chat with her. He hoped to take her mind off feeling poorly.

  Her boyfriend showed his jealousy of the attention she
gave a little boy because he was an insecure man-child.

  Gunner and his men gave the appearance of casual relaxation, soaking up the sun and keeping to themselves.

  They were probably fifteen miles from the marina when the situation came to a head. Chaz chatted with Dakota and one of the idiots picked up on some intangible thing only someone spoiling for a fight would notice.

  “Dude,” the taller one said loudly, “you a fucking fag or something?”

  Chaz pivoted on the steps, his expression blank. He didn’t respond but his body was tight with tension.

  The friend chimed in, “You don’t look at our girlfriends and you act fucking odd. That your sister? Huh? You into your sister? It ain’t natural, man. It’s like you don’t see tits and ass.”

  “What if I were to say I’m not gay, I just don’t find them attractive? What if I were to say I am gay so I don’t see them sexually at all?”

  Chaz descended to the deck and put his hands on his hips. Dakota killed the engine and stood two steps above him, watching the scene.

  “Which answer is going to encourage you to behave like an adult? For whatever reason – your mama didn’t hug you, your daddy whooped your ass, you have a cocktail frank for a dick – whatever it is, you’re spoiling for a fight.”

  He shook his head. “You don’t want to do this. You’re already embarrassing your girlfriends. Your own embarrassment will be worse.”

  The guy stood up, shrugging off his girlfriend who tried to calm him down. “You think I can’t take a faggot? I could whip a whole team of fucking faggots.”

  Shawn moved to stand and Gunner murmured, “Wait.”

  “Please demonstrate. Just pretend I’m a whole team of fucking faggots.” He smiled grimly. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  Chaz remained still, waiting in nothing but a snug swimsuit.

  The man charged him and Chaz ducked, hooked his arm and neck, and dropped him easily. There was a loud grunt as his attacker hit the deck.

  His friend jumped up and Dakota shook her head. Chaz grabbed him by his arm and the waist of his suit, sending him sailing overboard.

  When he hit the water and came up sputtering, the older Harding male said through clenched teeth, “He started it alone, he can goddamn well finish it alone.”

  The first one stood and assumed a martial arts position.

  “Oh, you didn’t think you needed that the first time? Did I take you by surprise? Let’s dance, Neanderthal.”

  The guy went at Chaz with everything he had and Dakota’s twin expended little effort in blocking every punch and kick. He backed his attacker around the deck fluidly, toying with him to highlight the difference between amateur and professional.

  When he was near the dive deck, Chaz made one offensive move. He spun with a powerful roundhouse kick and knocked the guy into the water. He hit the surface hard and came up in a daze, shaking his head.

  Dakota grabbed two boards and hooked them to ring bolts on the deck. She stood with her hands on her hips and stared at the men gasping in the water.

  “Someone you underestimated just kicked your macho asses with very little effort in front of your girlfriends. That’s got to hurt.” She tossed the boards at them. “Hook them up or swim back. I don’t give a flying fuck.”

  They scrambled to grab the boards.

  “If I ever see you near my brother or my boat again, you deal with me. He’s the nice one. I’m older by two minutes and fiercely protective. Try not to swallow too much water, bitches.”

  Chaz sent Bubba to the captain’s chair and in less than thirty seconds, they were moving again.

  Turning to the two women sitting on the benches Dakota said sharply, “You can do better. Men always looking for a fight will eventually turn to you if they can’t find one. Drop these douchebags and grow a spine.”

  Gunner hid his smile. He understood why Chaz and Bubba handled most interactions with clients.

  On her way back to the captain’s deck, she punched her twin playfully in the arm. She let Bubba continue to drive while she kept her hands on his shoulders.

  Chaz’s fury was barely contained. He stared out over the water at parade rest. He was trying to calm himself and Gunner could imagine all the thoughts in his head.

  Shawn didn’t take his eyes off him.

  Everyone kept an eye on the passengers they towed behind the boat but not even their girlfriends looked interested in seeing them back on board.

  After ten miles, Dakota told Bubba to stop again. She walked to the dive deck and threw the idiots bottles of water.

  One asked, “Can we get out of the water now?”

  “Not my call, dickless. My brother went easy on you. He could have snapped both your necks and fed you to the fucking fish.”

  Chaz appeared at her side and pulled them in with little effort. Lifting them from the water, he dumped them unceremoniously on the deck and crouched beside them.

  “Get in your seats. Keep your mouths shut. You don’t and I kick your teeth down your fucking throats. Don’t even look at my sister again or you’ll be eating your own dicks.”

  Standing, he walked inside. Bubba rolled his eyes at the two men and followed.

  Soon after, Dakota guided the boat into the marina and was happy to see the backs of the foursome.

  Their girlfriends walked angrily ahead of them.

  “Lie down with dogs…” she murmured as they disappeared. Turning to the SEALs, she grinned. “Thanks for tying us off. Did you have fun?”

  “Fascinating. Trips like that happen a lot?”

  She shrugged. “We look like prep school kids. Some people think it’s cool to ogle us and that’s whatever. The mistake is when they underestimate us. That’s just stupid.” One pretty aqua-blue eye winked. “Now I’m starving.”

  “Ass-kicking has that effect,” Shawn said with a tight smile.

  Chapter Ten

  Chaz and Bubba reappeared on the deck and Dakota hugged the boy against her side as she went up on her toes to kiss her twin’s cheek.

  He said quietly, “It’s a little harder to get me when I’m not drunk off my ass.”

  Stroking his hair back, she smiled. “It was hard even then. You have amazing skills.”

  “I saw you move in. I’m not six anymore. You don’t have to fight for me. I love that you would though.”

  “Always.”

  “It never gets easier.”

  “I know. Fuck those guys. They’re just jealous and you know it.” She shook her head. “It didn’t help that the girlfriends couldn’t stop giggling over your hot bod.”

  He closed his eyes with a grimace. “Shut up.”

  Laughing, she bent to kiss the top of Bubba’s head. “Let’s put this fuckery behind us and get some food.” She winked at the youngest of them. “He’s so pretty when he’s mad though.”

  Chaz growled and she used Bubba as a shield. “I know you hate being called pretty but you’re gahgeous, dahling!”

  “That’s it.” He smoothly moved his brother out of the way and grabbed Dakota around the waist. It was almost a dance move as he spun her away and both took up a fighting stance.

  They circled each other, talking smack, while Bubba jumped on a bench to referee. “No hair pulling or tickling. First to get too hungry to continue wins.” He put his hands on his hips. “That was a hint, by the way!”

  The twins paused and looked at him. “Oh yeah, we need to feed the spawn. Well come on then!” Dakota held out her arms and Bubba went into them. Chaz chose her distraction to dart in and sharply smack her ass.

  Bubba made a face. “Is that what they’re teaching you in Krav Maga? Ass smacking? I think you’re getting bait-n-switched.”

  Dakota lifted his chin. “That doesn’t mean what I think you think it means.”

  “I hate when I show my age.”

  “I know. It’s hard to be so smart.” Laughter dispelled the remaining tension and Dakota announced, “Clothes so we can get our feed on.” Turni
ng to the SEALs, she inhaled carefully. “You guys have enough excitement for one day?”

  There was movement on the dock. Alan, Joey, and Lance walked to the side of the boat with huge grins.

  “Good morning! Good trip?”

  Shawn said, “Incredible.” Chaz glanced at him in surprise. “Our guide got the jump on a couple of ignorant fucks.”

  “Nice. Y’all need an alibi?” Alan was serious.

  “He handled it quick and dirty. Let them limp away with their tails between their legs. They had women with them so it only served to make their dicks look smaller.”

  Joey waved his hand. “Of course I missed it. Since leaving the service, I’ve fallen in love with sleeping late.”

  Leaning on the rail, Lance told them, “We thought we’d see if Bubba wanted to hang with us for the day. We’re going jet skiing and figured he could show us around.”

  “Why would you want a kid tagging along?” the youngest Harding asked carefully.

  Alan laughed. “Totally age-appropriate day planned and you’re not like most kids anyway. We’re gonna eat, rent equipment, go on a couple tours if you feel like it. What do you say?”

  Tyler jumped from the boat. “I’m down for that.” Chaz handed down his gear bag. “Dude, you kick righteous ass. Happy to chill with you anytime.” He offered his fist and Chaz bumped it. To Gunner and Shawn, he asked, “You two hanging here?”

  Both men nodded.

  Bubba looked uncertain about going with the guys. Chaz went below and returned with a t-shirt and a waterproof bag holding cash and a cell phone.

  Dakota ruffled his hair. “Go have fun! You work too much. You can buy everybody ice cream at that place you like on the next marina over.”

  “I don’t want to leave you short-handed.”

  “The two of us will try to cover for you,” Shawn offered.

  “We might be able to do the labor but we’re nowhere near as charming so we’ll do our best,” Gunner added.

  Bubba laughed and looked at his siblings. “You sure?”

  “Absolutely. You deserve it. We’ll meet after the last tour. Try not to make them look bad on the jet skis. They’re big bad Navy SEALs, you know? Fragile. Take it easy on them.”