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Chapter Ten
Nick
I’m trying not to stare.
I’m failing.
Meghan is seated beside me in the passenger seat, a pair of short khaki shorts and boat shoes framing her long, thin legs. And let’s not get me started on the tank top that hugs her upper body like it was tailor-made just for her. Her hair is up in a high ponytail, and she’s sporting a visor on her head to shield her eyes from the sun.
I can also see strings around her neck.
She’s wearing what is probably a bikini.
I most likely won’t survive the day.
As I pull into the parking lot of the marina, I quickly notice the lack of available parking. Instead of searching for a spot, I pull up to the walkway that leads to the dock where Rhenn’s boat is located, and stop.
“We can unload here, and then I’ll go hunt for parking.”
Popping the trunk, I remove the cooler with food and a bag with condiments and extras. Meghan joins me with her own bag, a towel sticking out of the top. The thought of Meghan sunbathing on the deck of the boat has me already half-hard.
“Wait here. I’ll go park and be right back.”
I’m saved from having to park in the back lot when a car vacates their spot only a few rows back from the marina. When the vehicle is locked and I make sure my keys and wallet are in my pocket, I join Meghan back on the walkway. “Ready?” I ask, throwing the bag over my shoulder and reaching for the cooler.
“Here, let me,” she says, coming over to grab the bag. Her hand brushes against my shoulder, and I’ll be honest, the casual touch doesn’t suck. In fact, it is pretty much the exact opposite of suck.
When she has both bags, I grab the cooler and head toward where Rhenn moors his boat, year-round. “Watch your step,” I instruct, setting the cooler on the ground when we approach the sailboat.
“Thanks,” she says, taking my hand and stepping onto the decking.
She quickly sets the bags down and tries to help with the cooler. “I got it.” I offer her a smile as I step around her and set the cooler down.
“You brought a friend? I didn’t know we were bringing friends,” Rhenn says, stepping up from the cabins below deck and retrieving his cell phone.
“Don’t you dare,” I tell him.
“Give me five minutes. I could have some friends here in thirty.”
“Not happening. It’s a perfect day for a sail, and I’m going to spend it with my two favorite people.”
“But…one of your favorite persons is a dude…who likes the company of women.”
“You’ll have to use this five-hour dry spell to sit and reflect on your life,” I tease.
“That’s bullshit,” he mumbles. Honestly, I’m surprised he doesn’t already have a cabin full of half-naked women on board. “At least I get to spend the day with this gorgeous lady,” Rhenn croons, turning all of his charms on Meghan. He reaches out and takes her hand, bringing it to his mouth for a kiss. “Meghan Summer, always a pleasure spending time with you.”
“Knock it off, Burleski. Your charms don’t work on me,” Meghan fires back, making me bark out a laugh.
“Ouch. You wound me, Meghan.”
“I’m sure you’ll survive. You have enough ego to pad your fall,” she sasses. You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face with a putty knife.
Rhenn joins me and helps carry the cooler down to the galley below. “Dude, I think I’m in love with her. She’s the perfect combination of sweet and sassy. If you don’t claim her, I’m going to. Make your move and now is the perfect time. Ladies dig boats. If you play your cards right, I might even let you play Captain for a bit.”
Rolling my eyes, I look over at my friend. “You’re such an idiot. You can’t just claim women like a table at Starbucks. Besides, Meghan has way too much class for a loser like you.”
“Don’t I know it,” he replies, unloading the food and placing it in the small refrigerator. “It was worth a shot, though.”
