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"Yes." Confused why they found it hard to believe, I decided to clarify further. "Dale's dog attacked me, that's how we met. Actually, I met Bob first. Then Jeremy barged in and started taking care of me." Juliet sniggered, acknowledging that sounded like Jeremy. "And then Dale introduced himself."
"Was it love at first sight?" Heidi asked with enough lilt that I knew was sarcasm.
Laughing at how rocky a start Dale and I had, I grinned. "God, no. We got off to the wrong foot from the word go. He tried to stop me from moving into my house. When I did move in, his dog attacked me, then he started legal action over our shared driveway access. He was an asshole."
"Now that sounds like Dale." Juliet relaxed, and so did Heidi nodding. "I've been dating Bob on and off for years. Dale is one of the few remaining gentlemen in the world, but he is a very successful businessman for a reason."
"He still won you over, though?"
My brows pinched, confused by Heidi's attitude. "Not yet. We only went on our first date last night. We are getting to know each other, that's what today is about."
Huffing into her water bottle, Heidi turned side on to assess the mouth of the harbor as we passed through. Jerking away when a hand touched my shoulder, I jumped around to face my assailant.
Hands held up to show he meant no harm, Dale stood wary. "Easy, Vera. You've been in the sun too long. Come inside, and I'll show you where you can put some sunscreen on and get your hat."
Biting my lip as I stood, I turned away from Juliet's sympathetic gaze. Frowning, Heidi looked confused about the way I reacted to Dale's touch. At a guess; Juliet knew about domestic violence second hand; either her parents or a friend. Heidi; she'd never been physically injured by another soul.
Following Dale inside, we went downstairs where the cabin rooms were.
Chapter 14
The room dale led me into was a luxurious cabin room, complete with a large bed and an open plan bathroom. "Wow! I never knew boats could be like this. I should've bought a yacht instead of the house."
Dale smirked. "I doubt you could afford one of these."
"At least I wouldn't have had to worry about neighbors, or pack-houses, or driving people crazy."
Forehead scrunching, Dale stepped forward. "No. But there are lone wolves who would jump at the chance of finding a female of their species alone and unmated."
My mouth fell open as he took the wind from my sails. "So, no matter where I went, or what I did, I was going to end up in the same situation?"
Closing the distance, Dale brushed his nose past and around mine. "No, because I am your mate, Vera. I will never harm you, I will love, spoil, and adore you. No one else is going to make you feel as alive and happy as I will."
My breathing a little heavy, I stared into his eyes. "That's egotistical, to think you are the only man who could make me happy."
Unperturbed, Dale chuckled. "It's the truth." Stepping back, Dale opened the bag to pull out the swimmers. "Go put these on, I'll help you with your sunscreen when you're ready."
Taking the swimmers, I looked around for a screen or anything to change behind.
"I'll keep my back turned."
Checking over my shoulder, Dale was facing the bed removing the tag from the hat and shoes. Licking my lips, I changed as quickly as possible. Once covered, I moved back up to the bed where Dale was waiting, sunscreen in hand. "I'll do your back for you."
Lifting my hair out of the way, I bit my lip when he started rubbing the cream into the exposed skin. His hands felt nice when he started doing my arms and shoulders. Taking a breath, I stepped away from his reach. "I can do the rest, thank you." Not turning to look at him, I breathed deep.
Dale's breathing sounded as labored as mine. "I'll wait upstairs."
Waiting until the door closed, I finished applying the sunscreen. With my dress on, I grabbed up the hat and changed my ballet flats for the sandals, then headed back out and to the main deck.
As I came up the stairs, Dale was leaning in the doorway. His hands were in his pockets, and a small smile on his face as he listened to the others. He seemed at ease.
Moving up next to Dale, I could see Jeremy and Bob sitting with Juliet and Heidi on the outside lounge flirting. Holding my hat clenched in my hands, I studied the interactions to learn what was normal.
Turning that hint of a smile my way, Dale offered me his hand. "I want to show you something."
Taking his hand, Dale led me around to the front of the boat. When we reached the sundeck complete with hot tub, Dale turned to me. Pulling his shirt over his head, he left it on the cushioned expanse of the sunbeds. "You might want to take your dress off if you want it to stay dry." Then he moved to the very front of the boat.
Folding my dress next to his shirt and the hat - since I was sure the hat would blow away at the bow - and followed Dale. "You aren't going to make me do the titanic Kate, and Leo thing are you?"
