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Something in the way the man spied him gave Daniel the feeling he’d just passed a test he hadn’t known he was taking. Which begged the question, what else did this man have in store for him?
Conversation on the drive to Galveston bounced from one topic to another. Paige couldn’t remember the last time she’d spent time with someone who could talk about anything from the challenges of the increase in new Doodle breeds to the expected rise in society of centenarians. Not at all what she expected from a former professional jock, but it certainly had made the drive to Galveston all the more pleasant.
She was practically spitting with laughter as they entered the parking lot to the marina and he finished up a story on the pitfalls of getting caught sneaking out after curfew in the middle of Stanley Cup playoffs. “Needless to say, we were all in the team office when we returned from that trip.”
“How much trouble did you get into?” Paige parked her SUV.
“Depends how you define trouble. Since we made it to the finals, we weren’t suspended from playing, but let’s just say we lost a few privileges on the next road trip.”
As he’d done the other day, he quickly opened Paige’s door and extended his hand to help her out of the car. Not able to remember the last time she’d gone on a date and had the guy hurry to open doors, pull out chairs, and extend a helping hand, she couldn’t help think maybe she’d been dating all the wrong men. Of course, Daniel wasn’t exactly a date. Despite her grandfather’s wish to have her assistance in swaying the former hockey player to choose Houston, this entire escapade was little more than a means to an end. When the next few days were over, the good looking team scout would be moving on. On the other hand, there was nothing in her grandfather’s playbook that said until all was said and done, that she couldn’t simply sit back and enjoy the man’s company.
Dragging her thoughts back to the conversation about daring team escapades and rebellious youth, she stepped onto the blacktop and nodded a silent thank you for the help. “Aren’t team dinners supposed to be a bonding moment?”
“They are, but the team looks forward to the laid back, no real rules social time, so our bosses succeeded in making sure we never pulled a stunt like that again.” He opened her back door and pulled out the bag she’d set on the rear seat.
“I can take that.” She held out her hand.
A twinkle in his eye and lopsided grin teasing his lips, Daniel slowly shook his head. “My mama would roll over in her grave if I let you carry this.”
Knowing when to stand her ground and when to accept defeat, she bobbed her head and waved her arm at the yacht everyone in the family loved. “Mostly my brother Kyle uses this as his home away from home, but whenever she’s in port, the family gathers for fun in the sun and wind.”
His stance a little stiff, he slowly nodded before following her. “I didn’t realize when the itinerary said Galveston that we were going to be on a boat. Isn’t this hurricane season?”
“Technically, the season started last month, but the weather is perfect, with no high winds or storms in the forecast for days. No better way to enjoy the gulf coast than on the Baroness.”
“I see.”
She wished he’d sounded a tad more enthusiastic. The family needed him to enjoy every minute of his stay. If he liked the ship, the water, and the city, he should be more inclined to choose Houston for his team. Though she wouldn’t mind if he liked her too, at least a little. But for now, the true objective of this little excursion was to show Daniel a good time.
The tension in his stride gave her the sense that she was going to have to work harder to sell this trip to Daniel. That was okay. She was up to the task.
Reaching the end of the pier, his steps slowed, and his eyes widened as he scanned the ship from bow to stern, then let out a whistle. “That’s beautiful.”
She couldn’t help the grin that took over her face. This was more of the reaction she’d been hoping for. “If you haven’t figured it out, we Barons don’t do anything halfway.”
Daniel laughed. “Apparently not.”
“Come on. I’ll show you around. The crew will be ready to get underway as soon as the Governor boards.”
Daniel’s gaze darted back and forth across the ship before he forced a stiff smile and followed her aboard. Something was off but she didn’t have a clue what she was doing wrong. Whatever it was, she’d better figure it out fast.
Every moment of each day he was realizing more and more that the Barons had more than enough money to finance their own team. Why the heck did they want his?
“Welcome aboard the Baroness.” The brother with the stack of towels in his arms from the house stood grinning at him like the Cheshire Cat.
“Permission to come aboard.” He’d seen enough movies to know a person is supposed to ask to come aboard.
“Granted.” Craig smiled. “But I should warn you, I’m not the captain.”
He chuckled and feeling solid flooring beneath his feet, relaxed. “I won’t hold that against you.”
“Wish more people felt that way.” The man laughed heartily.
Every inch of this family yacht shouted sheer decadence and yet Daniel had never felt more at home. The soft leather seating in the room they’d all gathered in was more inviting than off putting. The shiny brass and polished wood warmed the large space. What was it they said—everything is bigger in Texas. He was sure he was barely beginning to understand the truth of the old cliché. Laughter carried from the opposite direction and he realized more of the family was already onboard. He didn’t know what he had expected from today, but this was for sure not it.
“Everyone here?” The Governor appeared from yet another doorway. Daniel couldn’t imagine how many rooms thislittleyacht had.
“All aboard and accounted for.” A bright eyed young woman with light auburn hair grinned at the old man.
