by Susan Hatler
“Wow,” I said, leaning against the wall. “A shower for your board. Swanky.”
Brody chuckled, and I turned away to cover the rush of heat that flared across my skin. Obviously wealthier communities had upscale amenities. The fact that I’d noticed and commented on it made me feel way out of my element. But that didn’t stop me from my task. “I want to talk to you. Ask you, well—”
“It’s okay.” He flipped on the shower, the water smacking against his board. “Worst I do is say no.”
“Oh, right.” I cleared my throat, clasped my hands together, thought about how I’d rejected him, but stepped toward him anyway. “I’m here to offer you the opportunity of a lifetime.”
His breath whooshed out. “With a lead up like that, this is sure to be good,” he said, smiling as he turned his board over to wash off the backside.
I noticed a small dimple on his right cheek that made him look way too adorable. “I’d like to invite you and all your buddies to join us on a fishing expedition today. We also have some great other activities planned. All expenses paid.”
“Planned activities?” His smile faded, and the shower handle squeaked as he turned it off. “Sorry, no. We’re not up for expeditions. Just here to hang with each other.”
My stomach tightened. “Oh, come on,” I said, forcing my smile to stay in place and gestured toward the bay. “Eight single women on a boat, and some kind of fish dinner if we catch anything. How can you guys pass that up?”
His dark brows came together. “Some of the guys are married, and nobody’s here to hook up with anyone.”
Tell that to his friend who’d been flirting with Amy.
“Of course not,” I said, recovering quickly. But then the thought popped into my head that it didn’t matter if guys were single or not. “This isn’t a matchmaking thing. It’s a friendship bonding thing. We’d love some more people around the party. Totally harmless. Plus, you claim to want to spend time with me. How can you pass up an incentive like that?”
His grin returned. “Now who’s got the ego? What makes you think I’m still interested?”
My face heated profusely. “Well, I mean, I—”
“If the other guys are okay with joining you, we’ll tag along on some of your stuff.” He set his board down, and moved closer to me. “I’ll talk to them for you.”
My head spun from the surprise victory. Also, he’d just stepped close enough that his thigh brushed mine, which both thrilled and infuriated me. I swallowed. “Then, it’s decided.”
He nodded, his blue eyes darkening. “Now how about having dinner with me?”
My belly danced. Even though he was clearly just looking for a good time, I wanted to say yes. Greta’s book flashed through my mind, though, reminding me I was an independent woman capable of resisting temptation and succeeding on my own. Still, I didn’t want to turn him down outright after he’d just helped me out.
“Not yet,” I said, with what I hoped was a coy smile. “But we’ll see,” I added, then caught someone out the corner of my eye coming toward us from the bottom of their stairs.
An athletic blonde in a bikini jogged up to us, and I worried she’d lose her top in the process. Her gaze flicked over me once, then she turned all of her focus on Brody. “Snacks are ready up at the house. You hungry, handsome?”
I watched Brody’s gaze snap to mine. He opened his mouth—
“Please be at our dock by eleven-thirty,” I said, as irritation rolled through me. I knew he was just looking for a good time, but I hadn’t realized that he already had a woman staying with him. Thank goodness I hadn’t accepted his date invitation. “Greta and I appreciate your cooperation.”
With a slight smile directed at the other woman, I turned and hurried back up the stairs, fighting every step of the way not to look back and see Brody and his beautiful blonde. Athletic and perfect, she reminded me of Hunter’s ex, who he’d dumped me for. It shouldn’t have bothered me that Brody was dating someone, since it’s not like we were together. But for some strange reason him having fun with another woman stung.
Chapter Six
Greta and I had already assembled our retreat guests at the dock, when a bunch of guys from Brody’s house arrived, along with Brody himself. Amy and Erin looked elated, whereas a couple of the other women gave me questioning looks. Charlie crossed her arms over her chest, and stepped back so far I thought she might fall off the dock into the water.
Janine sidled up close to me. “What gives?” she whispered.
“Temptation teasers,” I replied, watching her confused expression turn to one of understanding. “Women need to be strong and independent, even with men around.”
“Hot men,” Janine corrected, nudging me with her elbow.
Brody introduced his friends, and Erin immediately took an interest in a guy named Jasper, who regaled her with tales of his previous fishing expeditions. I nearly fell asleep standing up. Snooze. Brody and I stood next to each other in silence as we watched the captain go over some papers with Greta. Apparently, she had some safety concerns, which I understood having had a near drowning accident once myself.
Brody turned to me. “Are you looking forward to fishing?”
I shook my head slightly. “Not really,” I admitted. “I’ve never been before. But I generally prefer ordering my fish off a menu.”
He chuckled. “Don’t worry. You’ll be great at this. I’ll teach you everything I know.”
Yeah, he probably said that to Ms. Blonde Bikini as well. I refused to respond to his flirtations anymore, and instead checked over the boat. The boat was large, blue and white, and looked more like a yacht than a fishing boat. It was named “Miss Independent” in elegant cursive letters.
The captain and Greta returned, and he chuckled when Isabel asked him why he’d named his boat that. He pulled down the bill of his hat, and said, “I bought this boat for my daughter when she got married. I just wanted to remind her that she’d always be her own person. She lets me borrow it for group excursions like the one today.”
“This is luxe,” Isabel said as the captain showed us the plus lounge below deck. “Can I just stay down here the whole time?”
“I’m torn,” a woman named Sophia said. “I love below deck but I want to work on my tan, and today is perfectly sunny. Which should I do?”
“Ladies, we’re all going to learn how to fish.” I gave them my best cruise director smile, and a few of them wrinkled their noses at me. “Being independent means that we don’t have to depend on anyone for our food. We’ll learn some necessary skills today.”
“I’m a vegetarian,” a woman named Gretchen said. “Can I just practice catch and release?”
I remembered Gretchen’s preference from when she signed up. “You do whatever makes you comfortable, and there are vegetarian snacks provided in the lounge below.”
“I’m definitely up for becoming more independent,” Charlie said, gazing around the boat. When she caught my eye, I gave her a grateful smile, and she nodded.
“I’m with you, Charlie,” said Silvi, Charlie’s roommate. She stepped up next to Charlie and tinkered with a fishing pole.
“It’s fun,” Meredith said, tucking her arm through Gretchen’s. Just wait until you get your first catch. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.”
“I doubt that,” Sophia said sulkily.
I was inclined to agree with her. Catching a fish just didn’t do anything for me, but if Greta thought angling was the way to becoming more independent, she would know.
“Let’s go,” I said, as the captain welcomed us onto the deck.
The captain shook hands with Brody, whose friends started helping the captain unload the gear and set up. Meredith had already started baiting her hook. She had the sun-tanned look of someone who spent a lot of time outdoors. We hadn’t gotten the chance to talk much yet, but I got the impression she was already pretty self-sufficient.
I wondered about each individual’s motivation
for coming on this retreat. In addition to advancing my business, I couldn’t wait to become confident and independent like Greta. This was my opportunity to impress her, not only with my superior organizational skills, but with my commitment to following her life philosophy of being independent. To do that, I was going to learn to fish. Blech.
“Okay, everyone, the captain is going to explain the kind of fishing we’ll be doing today,” I called, clapping my hands together to focus the attention of the group.
The captain gave me a quick nod. “We’re going to be trolling today.”
“What?” Silvi moaned. “I thought we’d be deep sea fishing.”
The captain chuckled. “Trolling is more fun. You’ll want to keep your bait near the top of the water. I’ll keep the boat going in a slow, straight line. When you feel a bite, I’ll stop the boat and we’ll work to land the fish. You’re going to have to fight them to reel them in, but that’s part of the excitement.” He pumped his fuzzy brows.
Erin gave a fist pump, and turned to the guy closest to her. They exchanged a high five, but then Erin turned her attention back to her bait and line. I glanced at Greta, and saw the approving smile on her face. Even Erin was resisting temptation.
“Looking good, ladies,” Greta called, tightening the belt of her navy and white striped sweater.
I picked up a fishing pole, and eyed the tackle box set on the deck with narrowed eyes. What was I supposed to do with that?
“You have to open the lid first.” Brody appeared beside me suddenly, and put his hand on my lower back.
I jumped at his touch. “Please don’t let Greta see you do that.”
He glanced over his shoulder and grinned. “That’s right. You’re here to prove that you can do everything without men, even though you invited us here today.”
“It’s not exactly like that,” I said. “We’re here to prove we’re strong enough to resist handsome men as we direct our own paths in life.”
“You think I’m handsome, huh?” he asked, grinning.
“You’re impossible, and I’m already an independent woman. Just trying to build up my business,” I said, bending down to open the tackle box. The smell of raw fish hit me like a wave, and I gagged. Straightening quickly, my eyes watering, I breathed through my mouth, hoping that I wouldn’t hurl.
“Would you like some help?” he asked, pressing his hand against the small of my back, then quickly removing it like I was on fire. “Don’t worry, I checked, and Greta’s not watching. I’ll grab a sardine for you.”
I choked out a laugh. “Great. Ugh, it smells awful.”
“You’ll get used to the scent,” he said. “Now hand me your hook.” He lifted my hand. “Now, just to be clear, I have to touch your hand while I’m teaching you to bait your hook, but I don’t like it. I’m an independent man, you know.”
I giggled. I couldn’t help myself. He had a decent sense of humor. Before I cast my line over the side of the boat, I glanced over my shoulder and caught Greta looking my way. Instantly, panic washed over me. I hoped she didn’t think I was enjoying being around Brody, because I so wasn’t. Much.
The boat cruised along slowly, and I watched my line bob in the water. I felt hypnotized, and my work obligations were soon adrift. Brody stood beside me and his arm brushed mine, sending shimmers of temptation down my arm. Were he and the blonde dating? Not that it was any of my business. She had called him handsome, though. Could I just let myself enjoy the moment?
Suddenly there was a whoop, and Silvi shouted, “I got one!”
We all turned to watch her and the boat slowed. She reeled and tugged. Finally, she pulled a large floundering fish over the edge of the boat, and the squirming fish dropped to the deck. As she knelt down beside what looked like salmon, several of the other women offered congratulatory praise. Greta looked as if she had swallowed something sour.
“I need some refreshments,” she announced, just as I caught a glimpse of Amy descending the stairs to the lounge hand in hand with one of Brody’s buddies.
I gasped on the bait-filled air I was breathing. “We can’t let Greta go down there.” I grabbed Brody’s arm, and squeezed. “If she does, she’ll see Amy down there with your friend, and I’ll lose my job for sure.”
“On it,” Brody said, grabbing my fishing line, and hooking both of ours on the side of the boat. “Go break them up.”
I watched as he made a beeline for Greta. Even though I couldn’t hear what he was saying, I saw her toss her head back and laugh. Man, he was good. I couldn’t help wondering what he’d said as I hurried down the stairs to the lounge. Amy was lip-locked with that same guy she’d been flirting with yesterday. The second they heard my footfalls, they leapt apart like guilty teenagers.
“I was just showing Pete where the restroom was,” Amy offered lamely. “I’m totally into this whole catch-your-own-fish-thing. I swear.”
I held up my index finger and rolled it in the direction of the stairs. “Maybe you should let Pete get back to his business, and you should head back to your line on the deck.”
With that crisis averted, I was relieved. I returned to my fishing pole. Brody joined me a few minutes later. “Your boss is sweet as pie. No idea what you’re so worried about,” he said, wearing a grin.
“Well, thanks for your help.” I smiled gratefully, then we lapsed into silence as we watched our lines bob and float, twisting in the gentle wake of the boat. Over the next few hours, several more people caught fish, mostly salmon, but I was still unclear as to the appeal of hauling a fish out of the water, until there was a tug at my line.
“I got something.” I gulped. With my arms burning from fighting what pulled at my line, my arms began to shake and my muscles hurt. I didn’t dare give up while Greta watched. I couldn’t fail at proving I was strong and capable, but the fish was winning.
Brody’s body pressed against me from behind, and he wrapped his arms around my waist. “You don’t have to do this alone.”
My throat hitched. Having support infused a wave of heat inside my chest.
We pulled together. Suddenly there was a slippery fish thrashing in my hands. Brody helped unhook the fish, and as he held it out to me I felt a swell of hope and pride. I had caught that. Wow. A rush of adrenaline rolled through me, along with something else—appreciation for Brody.
“Congratulations.” His hand was on the small of my back again, as he reached down to pick up the fish by his gills. “I’ll put this beauty in the cooler for you.”
“No, wait . . .” I gazed out at the ocean water, then turned back to Brody. “Let’s throw it back in the water. Is that okay?”
He shrugged and held my gaze for a few moments. “Whatever makes you happy, lovely lady.”
“Be free, fishy.” I leaned over the railing, watching the fish fall into the blue water, then it swam away. It was good to know I could catch a fish, but also that I could choose to let him go.
By the time we got back to the dock, the smile on Greta’s face could have powered the electricity in several counties. “Well done,” she said to me as we disembarked. “The ladies seemed engaged in their personal activity, while also resisting temptation. The perfect day.”
As we all parted ways, Brody thanked me for the boat excursion, and I thanked him for helping bait my fish and then letting my catch go for me without protest at losing a good meal. Then I let my gaze linger on his retreating form, still able to feel his hand against my lower back, his arms around my waist, and his body pressed against mine.
Was Brody dating Ms. Blonde Bikini? I told myself I didn’t care. That liking him would only lead to something disastrous . . . not only to my job, but to my heart as well.
Chapter Seven
The next day, I stood on the mansion’s front doorstep and clapped my hands. All eight women looked up at me expectantly. The stretch limo idled in the driveway behind them, waiting to take us to our next event. Despite the sheer blue-skied, sun-dappled perfection of the day, I broke out in
a cold sweat at the shouts of excitement coming from our next-door neighbors. After the near disaster of the fishing trip, which thankfully had been averted, I was glad this morning’s activity would be solo. Now I had time to prepare myself before seeing Brody at the next group event.
I pegged each woman with my gaze and held up my finger. “As you know, phase one of Greta’s brilliant plan to become an independent woman is to ‘Love Yourself,’” I said, using my cheerleader voice. Greta stood next to me, wearing a gold silk top with beige leggings, as we addressed the group. “So, today we’re applying the principle from chapter five, ‘Pamper Yourself, You’re Worth It,’ by going to the Blue Moon Day Spa.”
Murmured approvals ensued, making me smile, and I earned a pat on the shoulder from Greta. Score!
“Please take a seat in the limo, and we’ll be on our way.” I exhaled after the last person climbed in, then I slid into the plush leather seat next to Greta, and my stomach growled. I’d been so busy all morning I hadn’t eaten breakfast. So, I opened my purse, grateful that I always carried an emergency granola bar with me. I’d also packed my hardback copy of Men: Who Needs Them? I was in sore need of a reread. Just this morning I’d woken up from a hot and heavy, delicious dream about Brody. Again.
“Are you feeling alright?” Greta asked. “You seem flushed, darling.”
“I’m fine.” I forced a grin. “Just excited about the pampering.” Duh. I sounded like I was going to receive a diaper change. What was wrong with me?
I never swooned over a guy like this. Not even Hunter. Truthfully, I’d been taking things slow with Hunter until he’d started talking about our future and a lovely little cottage with a view of the bay, and a white picket fence to boot. Then he’d pulled the rug out from under me, deleting that nice little scenario, just because I’d had to focus hard on work. Thank goodness I was single again, and didn’t need to worry about a male distraction. Only here I was stressing.
