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“Ya can’t miss me, Char, even in the dark.”
“You’re stealthy.”
“Stealthy?” I bit back a surprised laugh.
“From your martial arts. Come on, you may be big, but you move smooth and fast. That’s why you’re the Irish Tiger.”
Charlie was referencing my fighting moniker from back in the day.
My face heated and I was grateful for the dark.
George glanced between the two of us like he wasn’t sure what to make of our conversation.
“Yes, well, we’ve got a sick crew member and an engine room that will need a full check before we head out tomorrow. Noah’s been moved to his own cabin for isolation purposes, so you’ll have to share with another crew member,” George explained.
Charlie stood up. “Just let me get changed.”
“Do you need help?” I asked.
George and Charlie both stared at me, and I felt my flush deepen. “I mean, in the engine room. I know a thing or two about ships, remember? I worked on a trawler before I started fighting.”
Charlie nodded. “Flynn and I could use another set of eyes when we run tests. I’ll meet you there in five.”
Charlie grabbed his shirt and bag and headed inside.
He was one to talk about stealth. Charlie had a walk that was confident and fluid, and I couldn’t help but notice the way his back muscles flexed.
My eyes seemed to have a mind of their own, running down over his form until they locked on his arse. Charlie’s arse was round and firm and displayed perfectly by wet shorts that clung to him like a second skin.
I remembered that arse from my last visit. It had my undivided attention then, too. Which was interesting, giving that I’d never been into men before.
But apparently, I was into arses. Or at least, Charlie’s.
He’s a mate, knock it off.
Then I remembered George standing beside me.
“What time are we due to head out tomorrow?” I asked, trying to get out of my strange head space.
“Everyone should arrive around ten thirty. If all goes according to plan, we’ll leave here at eleven.”
I nodded. “And what about your in-laws?”
“They’ll be flying down to join us the following week.”
“Going to be a full house. I mean, deck.”
“Indeed. Including the dogs.”
“Alex told me. That’s great.”
George gave one of his rare smiles. “It wouldn’t be a holiday without our fur babies. Rafe’s got their Christmas and New Year’s outfits all sorted.”
“I can’t wait to see that.”
“They’ll be glad to see you too. Ginger most of all.”
I had a soft spot for the feisty terrier rescue. Last time I was on board, she’d followed me around like a shadow and even snuck into my room for a cuddle or two. Before George and Rafe had adopted her, she was a stray that had suffered neglect. One of Ginger’s back legs had broken and never healed properly. But it didn’t stop her from being an active pup. And I loved her tenacious spirit.
