Page 52 of Deadly Waves

“How much sex did you have?” Grady asked. “She’s walking as if she’s got something shoved up her … you know what.”

James scowled. “Don’t be a dick,” he warned. “That’s my wife.”

“And you apparently forgot you weren’t on your honeymoon last night,” Grady shot back.

“We’re going to be on our honeymoon forever,” James countered. “What do you have by way of information?”

“Maverick put together some files, but he thinks we should look through them because he says he’s not sure what constitutes a red flag when it comes to real estate,” Grady replied. “I figured we could pick a room and go through the files together to get through them quicker after breakfast.”

An idea occurred to James. “Or Finn, Jake, and you can continue the walkthrough and make notes and I’ll handle all of the files.”

Grady was instantly suspicious. “Why would you want to handle all of the files? You usually hate busywork.”

James shrugged and averted his gaze. “I … want to make things easier on you,” he lied. “I know I’ve been bad about coming into the office and everything – and I want you to know that I’ll be better when we get home – and I figure I owe you.”

“You don’t owe me anything,” Grady countered. “The fact that you and Mandy seem to be back to your normal selves is thanks enough. I’ve been a little worried. I’m not going to lie.”

“I know you’ve been worried,” James said, choosing his words carefully. “It was something we had to work through on our own, though. We’re … better.”

“Are you completely better?”

“Close,” James replied. “Last night was … amazing.”

“You sick bastard.”

James made a disgusted face. “Not just that, you tool,” he said, flicking the spot between his brother’s eyebrows. “We connected better than we have in weeks. It was beautiful.”

“Connecting isn’t your problem,” Grady said. “Disappearing into your own little world is the problem. That still doesn’t explain why you’re willing to do all of the grunt work on your own.”

James shrugged, noncommittal. “I figure I owe you for giving me the time to get through this on my own.”

Grady wasn’t convinced, but he wasn’t about to look a gift manual labor break in the mouth. “Okay. Thanks.”

“You’re more than welcome.”

GRADY MADEa big show of being happy and comfortable with Sophie over breakfast – although he did earn a few odd looks from Mandy and Ally – and then he joined Finn and Jake for the walkthrough.

In truth, the cruise liner’s security was fairly well thought out for the small things, which was what Davenport was mostly worried about. Pickpockets and jewelry thieves wouldn’t be completely eradicated, but they could be easily contained given the protocols in place. It was the big crimes Grady was worried about.

After an hour of work, Grady left Jake and Finn to finish up. They didn’t seem to mind and yet he couldn’t focus on anything but what Sophie almost did the night before. How could she think proposing would be a good idea? Had he really missed all the signs regarding what she wanted that badly? Grady begged off – citing an upset stomach – but he was pretty sure Finn and Jake didn’t believe him. He didn’t really care. As much as he loved Finn and liked Jake, when he was struggling with relationship drama, there was only one person he wanted to talk to.

James.

The women were on deck enjoying the sun, drinks, and fun close to the pool. Grady knew that because Sophie texted him.She texted him! She’d been uncomfortable since his meltdown, too. He raved long into the night. Finally she passed out from exhaustion and Grady followed suit minutes later. He felt guilty for ruining their night but he couldn’t seem to focus on anything other than the fact that she almost stole his thunder.

How did it come to this?

Grady knew James was alone in his suite since Mandy was with the other hens and he rapped on the door before pushing it open. His eyes widened when he caught sight of James and Mandy. They weren’t naked – which was the biggest relief ever – but James reclined on the floor, numerous pillows propping up his back, and Mandy rested on top of him. Her chin was on his shoulder so she could stare into the marine window and James studied files on his iPad behind her back.

“You have got to be kidding me!”

“Shh.” James pressed his finger to his lips and inclined his chin in Mandy’s direction. “She’s sleeping.”

“No, she’s not,” Grady argued, shifting so she could study Mandy’s face. It was only then that he realized her eyes were closed. “How can she sleep in that position?”

James shrugged. “She’s multifaceted weird,” he replied. “Don’t talk too loudly. She needs her rest.”

Grady sighed as he sat in the lone recliner at the edge of the room and shook his head. “You two are sick. You know that, right?”