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“He’s charming, but he’s interested in someone already. Too bad.”
How had I not noticed that Andrew was interested in one of the crew?
“I guess you’re not the sharpest barb on the wire when it comes to this sort of thing. The answer’s staring at you plain in the face.” Owen closed the door behind him and left me alone on the deck, watching the sun set. Oh my God. Were Andrew and I that transparent about our attraction to each other? If Owen could read us so easily…
Desiring Andrew and resisting him was one thing. Knowing that I was wanted in return changed everything. Or, given our circumstances, nothing at all. After all, Andrew had been horribly burned by his last workplace romance, and I had to avoid any hint of scandal until Owen signed that deal. If word got out that I was involved with an employee, nothing good would come of it. For either of us.
* * *
ANDREW
Two weeks later…
I stood on the bridge deck watching the sun rise and enjoying the quiet lull of the waves. It was just before Christmas, and we’d anchored off the coast of Saint Martin to pick up provisions.
Rowan had talked Owen into returning for another weekend in January to seal the deal and felt confident that this time he would follow through. And things on board with the crew had settled into a familiar routine.
At Rowan’s request, Dylan stayed aboard for a full two weeks. I joined him and Rowan for dinner every other night. Rowan had a scheduled conference call with his US team at 5 PM, I’d take notes, then Dylan would join us for a bite, and we’d chat about everything and anything. It usually ended with Dylan and I teasing Rowan about his billionaire lifestyle and Rowan lambasting us with snarky comebacks.
But Rowan’s demeanor had changed a lot after our beach day – mine too - and we were guarded, keeping things professional. That photo of us on the beach was a wakeup call for sure. You couldn’t tell it was me in the picture, but Dylan and Rowan had received a lot of social media chatter about it. The one good thing was that Rowan’s media team hadn’t noticed any other pictures circulating, so that was good news.
I was curious to ask Rowan how he was doing since he looked stressed out again. I saw him rubbing his chest a few times and wondered if his asthma was acting up. Dinnertime conversation was light with no more heated stares or lingering glances. Whatever crazy feelings Rowan conjured up in me, I cut them off and threw them away. The overwhelming desire I’d discovered on that beach seemed like a million years ago. I guessed that day was an anomaly even though my mind would wander back and replay it over and over.
My phone pinged with a new message, and I reluctantly turned away from my perch on the deck.
Hunter:Video chat?
Andrew:Just let me head to my bunk. Call you in 5.
Once I was safely settled in my room, I dialed Hunter. A familiar smiling face with hazel eyes and curly red hair popped up on screen.
“Long time no speak, Drew. I guess I don’t need to ask how things are in the beautiful Caribbean, since your tan says it all. Not to mention the awesome pictures you sent me.”
I smiled. “Yeah, so far so good. It’s been a great month. The weather is perfect, most of my colleagues are nice, and my boss is keeping me busy, but he’s cool.”
“He’s not riding your ass too hard?”
I coughed as my face grew warm.
“No ass riding.”Unfortunately.
“How long are you staying on the yacht?”
“Until March. Right now, I’m filling in for Rowan’s PA, but I’ll resume being the chief stew come the end of January.”
“Is he another rich asshole with weird demands?”
Rolling my eyes, I shook my head.
“No, but this conversation falls under attorney-client privilege.” I chuckled. “He’s a pretty normal guy. Granted, he has more money than I’ll ever see in my lifetime, but outside of that, he’s nice. I went with him and his friend Dylan to St. Thomas awhile back, and we hung out on the beach. It was great. He works hard, and I respect him. It’s a good gig.”
“You hung out with him and his friend? Wait. Dylan, you mean Dylan Aylmer, the actor? There was a picture of him and Carter in the news. Holy shit, man! My friend Drew, friending celebrities! Sounds like you’re having fun.”
“I am. I’m learning a lot, and I’ve enjoyed watching him. I mean, watching Rowan work. His schedule is busy as fuck, and the way he leads his team, it’s impressive. He’s so smart, and charming, funny.” I paused before I made a total idiot of myself. “What about you? How’s the job? And how’s married life?”
Hunter sighed and grinned. “Good. I’m vying for a promotion to make partner, so we’ll see what happens. Dana and I are also trying for kids now that the wedding is over and the house is bought. Stage three in her master plan is ready to launch.”
“That’s exciting, Hunt. That woman knows what she wants and goes after it. And she keeps your lazy ass in line, so she’s a keeper,” I chuckled.
