Page 12 of Deadly Waves

“I think Jake is exactly right,” Ally said, patting his cheek. “I didn’t spend all of that money on a new bikini so no one but Mandy can see me in it. What a waste. I look good in that thing.”

Jake realized his error when it was too late to correct it. “I … um … is that the bikini you showed me the other night?”

“Yup.”

“You brought that?”

“Yup.”

“It barely covers anything,” Jake pointed out, risking a glance at James. “I thought that was a joke bikini.”

“Mandy has the same thing in black,” Ally said. “It will be fine. Don’t worry about it.”

Jake couldn’t help but be worried. “I … um … .”

“When did you turn into such a prude?” Grady asked, legitimately curious. “I never knew you were such a downer.”

“I am not a downer,” Jake clarified. “That happens to be my fiancée, though. I like her to remain covered up except for me.”

“Yes, well, we all want that,” Grady said. “If we see too much of Ally, we’ll cry.”

“I heard that,” Ally said, wagging a finger.

James tamped down his irritation as he forced a smile for Will’s benefit. On a normal day Grady and Ally’s antics wouldn’t bother him. Being loud in front of a client was another story, though. “I apologize … .”

“Don’t worry about it,” Will said, waving him off. “I knew when I hired you that this would be a family occasion. It’s fine. As long as you do your work while you play, I don’t care how you get the job done.”

“Thank you.”

“No, thank you,” Will said. “It’s very important to me that this launch goes well. I have every faith you’ll do exactly what I hired you to do. Your name is revered in certain circles. That’s why I wanted you.”

Mandy smirked as James’ cheeks colored. “He lives up to the hype,” she offered, squeezing his hand. “Trust me. He’s … amazing.”

“And only a woman truly in love could say that with such joy in her eyes,” Will said. “As for the rest, take a look around and enjoy yourselves. If you see a white-haired man down here, his name is Richard Archibald. He’s the captain. He mostly keeps to himself and my daughter thinks he’s crabby and avoids him whenever possible, but he has some fun stories if you get him in a drinking mood.”

“We just might do that,” James said. “We’ll start taking a look around this afternoon.”

“Why don’t you spend this first day relaxing and getting the lay of the land,” Will suggested. “You have several days to work out all of the security snafus. Enjoy your first night on the ship. I think you’ve all earned it.”

“I … well … thank you.”

“Don’t mention it,” Will said. “I hope you have a wonderful night. In fact, I hope you enjoy the trip. It should be one for the ages.”

“That’s what I’m counting on,” James said. “Thank you.”