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I just knew, I fucking knew in that moment, that someday, somehow, Kiernan was going to wreck me. He was breaking through the safety wall I’d carefully constructed around my heart. And I was going to let him.
Did no one else see how freaking sweet this man was? Not just beautiful outside, but inside.
I pulled back and stared up at him.
Yes, physically he was hot, sexy, rugged. A wet dream come true.
But it was those damn eyes, and that quiet smile, that drew me in. They had from the first moment we met.
“We good?” he asked.
“Yeah.”
He smiled down at me, the crinkles at the corners of his eyes deepening. “You can let go now.”
“Oh, shit. Sorry,” I muttered as I finally stepped back.
I full-on shivered and it was eighty degrees out.
“Guests are arriving soon. I, uh, I better get the crew organized,” I replied quickly and pointed over my shoulder.
At what, I have no idea. There was no one on deck right now but me and Kier.
I was flustered like I never was.
Kiernan nodded. “Cool. I’m gonna go get changed.”
I started to walk past him when I remembered something. “By the way, George texted me this morning. Noah’s feeling better but he’s going to be in isolation for a few days. Are you still okay sharing the cabin?”
“I’m good if you are.”
“Yup. Good. Great. Totally good. Wonderful.”
And I was babbling like an idiot. What the hell was wrong with me? Smooth talking Charlie was MIA. “Oh, and the dogs will be coming on board too. Be prepared.”
“George mentioned yesterday but I already knew,” Kiernan’s voice lowered to a hoarse whisper as he leaned into me. “When I confirmed with Alex about this job, I went straight out and bought Christmas gifts for the dogs. Plushie toys and treats. And a heated blanket for Ginger. She snuck into my room last time, but she was cold with the air conditioning. Poor thing was huddled up next to me all night.”
OMG.
A gorgeous, gruff man with a soft spot for animals? Fuck, that was my personal kryptonite.
Just thinking about Kiernan cuddled up with a cute dog had my brain short-circuiting.
“Charlie.”
George called out my name and I startled. I turned around and looked up.
“A moment please.” George motioned for me to head upstairs to the wheelhouse.
“We’ll talk later, Kier.”
He nodded and headed inside.
I ambled up the stairs and met the captain on the upper deck.
“I was just going to radio the crew to get ready for departure. Everything okay?” I asked.
George nodded. “We’re on schedule. Rafe texted and they’re ten minutes out. But the third stew, the temp we hired to start today, didn’t report for duty. Jana says she and Olivia can manage but I’d appreciate if Pat could split his time between the interior and exterior. There will be a lot of guests.”
