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Kiernan loved me. He said it, he showed it, and I knew it.
And he deserved a partner who gave him as much in return.
We could work together and see what happened. And if he didn’t like being a crew member, he could go back to being a bodyguard and we could do long-distance. It wasn’t ideal, but we’d find a way. Once I got my captain’s license, my schedule would change and I’d be able to pick and choose.
And I chose Kiernan.
Next thing I knew, I found myself heading upstairs to the wheelhouse, knocking on George’s door.
“Enter!”
I stepped inside.
“Hey George, I was wondering—” I paused when I noticed Rafe sitting beside him. “Oh, sorry, am I interrupting?”
“No of course not,” Rafe murmured and got up, kissing George’s cheek. “I was just about to head downstairs to the gym.”
Rafe slid past me and closed the door behind him.
“I’m not due for a week’s vacation until February, but I’d like to ask Derrick if we can switch.”
“If he’s good with it, it shouldn’t be an issue. Is everything okay?”
“Yes, everything is great, I just—” I paused and licked my lips. “I need to go to Ireland.”
George nodded in understanding.
“If Derrick’s good, I am too.”
“Thanks George,” I turned to leave but paused near the door. “What would you say if I told you Kiernan was interested in joining our deck crew?”
George gave me one of his rare smiles. “I would say it’s fortuitous. Cade informed me yesterday that he’s leaving us at the end of the month. And I suppose this is as good a time as any to mention that I’m going to be cutting back on my hours.”
“Really?”
“Yes. When you get your captain’s license, I’d like to split the charters with you, half the year. For your consideration. It means I get to spend more time with Rafe and our family.”
I nodded, shocked. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Think about it. You don’t need to give me your answer now.”
“I’m in! I mean, I’ll talk to Kiernan, but yes, I would be more than happy to captain this ship half the year.”
“Excellent.”
“I’m going to talk to Derrick.”
“Safe travels, Charlie. Give Kiernan my best.”
“I will.”
An hour later, after Derrick confirmed he could swap weeks with me, I was booking a flight to Ireland.
I called my boyfriend but got his voicemail.
“It’s me. Call me back when you get this or I’ll try calling you back in a few hours.”
It was more than a few hours. More like eight.
