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“You’re in better shape than most people my age. I don’t think you need to worry,” I replied with a grin.
“That’s because I use the gym every day, and I try to limit my participation in Rowan’s ten-course gourmet dinners.”
After provisions were loaded, I carefully reviewed the preference sheets again and set up the bar in anticipation of guests’ arrival. One of the remaining deck crew helped me complete the laundry and arrange the bedrooms. I also checked in with Lisette and Cassie about dinner.
“Tonight, we’ll be serving crab croquettes, cucumber-spinach gazpacho, grilled snapper with a Scotch bonnet pepper sauce, fingerling potatoes, and a passionfruit souffle for dessert. Mr. Carter senior likes to eat early, at 6. If you have any questions about their preference sheets, just ask Rowan.”
I flinched at the mention of Rowan’s name but did my best to keep a blank face. Inside, I was a mess of frustration, desire, and regret.
“Is there anything about them that’s not listed on their sheet? Any odd quirks or habits I should be aware of?”
Cassie laughed loudly, but Lisette glared at her.
“I feel you should be warned,” Cassie replied as she stopped chopping onions. “Jamie, Mr. Carter, is a fine man but he’ll talk your ear off, so don’t feel bad about telling him you need to get back to work. Ruby, his wife, isn’t one for much conversation with the staff and is very particular about her food. She loves excursions to the islands and will probably have you hauling back twenty bags of shopping. Rafe is a lot of fun, outgoing, and he likes to flirt. He’s also a night owl, so don’t be surprised if he calls on you for a drink and a snack at three in the morning.”
Cassie paused, then continued chopping. “Rebecca is the quietest, and she usually works while she’s here. She may ask you to be a test subject for one of her apps – it’s up to you if you want to say yes. And finally, Rowan’s aunt Cara. She’s a romance writer, and she likes to ask people questions about their sex life for research purposes. I’m not joking.”
“Cassie…” Lisette warned.
“He needs to know Lis,” Cassie said as she turned back to me. “Feel free to tell Cara no comment.”
I ran a hand through my hair. “I guess Mr. Carter wasn’t joking when he said his family was a motley crew.”
“Definitely. But they’re very nice people, so don’t worry. It will be a fun charter.” Cassie smiled and resumed her work.
“I appreciate the heads-up.” I glanced at my phone. “ETA fifteen minutes. I’m going to get changed. See you on deck.”
Thankfully I had yet to encounter Rowan today. He’d texted of course, about work, and said he’d arranged with Lisette to have his meals delivered to his room, by her. Apparently, he was busy working on a new project and didn’t want to be disturbed. Right. If I needed confirmation that yesterday’s sauna session was a mistake, this proved it. I should’ve listened to Hunter’s advice.
The one good thing was that I was on call as the chief stew for the next five days, 24/7, so there’d be no time for ruminating about my stupid behaviour. I’d chalk it down to sleep and sex deprivation and add in heatstroke for good measure.
After changing into my uniform, I scrambled up to the lounge and was pouring glasses of champagne at the bar when my earpiece buzzed.
“Andrew, please report to the main deck aft immediately.”
“Copy, Captain.” I put my sunglasses on and deftly balanced the tray in both hands, making my way through the lounge and out onto the bridge deck aft and down one flight of stairs. It was a small welcoming committee today, George, Lisette, Cassie, and Charlie standing in line, ready to welcome the Carter family. No sign of Rowan. Yet.
I was more than curious to meet Rowan’s family now that I had background information about them. Observing the interplay would likely be very interesting. Not that I cared about watching Rowan anymore. Been there, burned by that. My focus was solely on providing the best possible service to meet their unique needs. I had the usual first day nerves, but I was also confident in my ability to make this a memorable week. Ready for anything, I took a deep breath and put on my game face.
Until I saw Rowan walk down the stairs and my heart lurched. Why, why did the man have to be so fucking beautiful? In a casual outfit of white jeans and a matching short-sleeve button-down shirt, he looked like the successful businessman on holiday. But all I could see was Rowan’s naked body, dusted with sweat and dark blond hair. My mind replayed our dirty banter and the sight and smell of our mutual release.Fuck, look away from your sinful boss. Now is not the time for a boner.
Focusing my attention on the group of five well-dressed people walking along the dock toward the boat, I ignored the laser-like stare of my boss. Bad enough I could smell his edible cologne as he stood nearby. My hand started to shake, and the tray rattled, so I firmly held it with both hands.You can do this.
Rowan moved to the edge of the deck and waved to his family.
“Permission to come aboard?” Jamie yelled out as he let his wife Ruby, his daughter Rebecca, and his sister Cara board first. I was right when I speculated that the rest of the Carter family would be gorgeous. Rowan hugged each family member in turn and then introduced them to the crew. Jamie was an older version of Rowan, with short grey hair and dark blue eyes, his wife Ruby a petite blonde, her age indecipherable thanks to someone’s medical expertise with filler.
Next aboard was Rafe, the model, who didn’t disappoint with high cheekbones and long dark brown hair, his blue eyes full of mischief. I knew trouble when I saw it. Rebecca was petite and blonde like her mom but didn’t make much eye contact compared to her siblings. And lastly, but certainly not least, was Cara, Jamie’s sister and Rowan’s aunt. Dressed in a bright red outfit, her brown hair in big curls, she winked at me and gave me a sultry smile. Oh God.
“Ah, Andrew,” Jamie bellowed out in his big Irish brogue as I handed him a glass of champagne. “You’re the young man giving my son a much-needed hand.”
Rowan coughed and choked on his drink, spewing his champagne all over Rafe’s blue linen shirt. Everyone backed away in horror, except for the captain, who quickly grabbed a towel and handed it to Rafe.
“Thank you, George,” Rafe said softly to the captain, who turned a bright shade of red and quickly made his leave. Rafe shook his head as he wiped down his shirt. “Bloody hell, Ro, champagne is meant to be drunk, not recycled.”
“Poor Rowan. He’s been so busy working lately he probably forgot how to swallow,” I murmured to Rafe as Rowan continued to cough. Stealing a glance, I saw the warning glare in Rowan’s gaze and raised an eyebrow in return.
“You’re a feisty one,” Rafe whispered and winked at me, and Rowan’s face turned a very dark shade of purple.
