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I didn’t know how to describe what was happening. My whole body was vibrating. Everything had synced up the way I wanted it to. It was heady and exhilarating.
“It’s the biggest rush I’ve ever had. Well, at work.”
George let out a bark of laughter. “Spoken like a true captain.”
I was so buzzed I was gonna burst. “Only a few more months until I take the final licensing test.”
“You’ll be leading your own trips in a short amount of time,” George declared.
“You really think so?”
“I know so. And you do too.”
I appreciated his confidence in me. More than I could ever voice.
And now that my first major duty of the day was done, my mind wandered back to my situation with Kiernan.
“Can I ask you a personal question, George?”
George nodded; his gaze curious.
“Has it been difficult juggling being married and working here? I mean, yachting isn’t really conducive to long-term relationships, right?”
Sometimes my mouth overrode my brain. Why would I even be interested in knowing that? And was it too late for me to take the question back?
George looked at me for a moment and took a sip of his coffee before replying.
“Rafe and I both understood each other’s work demands going into our relationship. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Like anything in life, communication is key. And prioritizing each other when we’re together. I gather you’re asking the question because you’ve met someone, and you’re concerned about the future?”
“Yes. I mean, no. Maybe,” I bumbled. “I’m not seeing anyone. But I could, in the future. I guess? You never know, right?”
Thank God no one else was around to witness my word vomit.
George stared at me like I’d lost my mind.
Which was possible given the past twenty-four hours.
“Well, I better head down and see if Flynn needs help in the engine room,” I stated and stepped away to make my escape.
“Charlie,” George called out and I swiveled back to face him. “You can have both, you know. A career in this industry and a relationship. If that’s what you want. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it. At least, that’s my point of view.”
I nodded at him and took my leave.
Instead of going through the interior, I took the outside stairs and enjoyed some much-needed fresh air.
I passed the sun deck and Rafe and Rowan clapped again when they spotted me. I took a bow when I reached the platform.
“Do you think this means my husband will now retire early?” Rafe asked.
I smiled and shook my head. “No comment.”
Rafe nodded and gave me a wink as he walked past, then bounded up the stairs two at a time. I knew where he was headed. Rafe was never far from George when they were on board together. I really didn’t know how the captain got any work done when his husband was around. Rafe was a former model and freaking gorgeous, not to mention he was a total chatterbox. George had his hands full. Literally.
Then I imagined myself at the helm of the ship, solo, and Kiernan walking into the wheelhouse in nothing but those low-slung sweatpants.
We’d end up shipwrecked for sure.
“Do you have a moment?” Rowan asked me, and I put my dirty thoughts aside.
