Finn’s right.It's a very short flight.I thought we were flying all the way to Catalina, but we land in Long Beach.Once we come to a stop, Declan comes back into the passenger area and opens the door.
Before I can step out onto the stairs, Declan gives me a big hug goodbye, which takes me by surprise.Then he steps back and says, “Get used it it—we’re a close family.Have fun!”
Does he know something I don't?
Finn leaves the plane first and helps me down the stairs.A black SUV is waiting for us with a driver standing ready by the open back door.
It’s right about now that I have to stop and ask myself,is this really my life?
We slide in.“Where are we going.Finn?”
“We’re going to sail the rest of the way to Catalina.It’s not that long of a trip, but I do like to helm a boat whenever I can.”
“You know how to sail?All the way to Catalina?”
“I was a Navy SEAL, remember?I have a little boat of my own.I haven't been able to sail her for a while, so this is a good excuse.Not to mention, it’ll be nice to have you alone on the high seas away from all my nosy-ass family.”
I clutch onto his arm.“I’ve never been on a boat, either.”
“Do you get sick in the back of a car?”
I shake my head.He smiles at me, his beautiful violet eyes twinkling.I’ve never seen him this happy.I think he’s having a blast showing me around his life.“You’ll be just fine.”
We drive to the harbor and get dropped at the dock.Finn grabs my bag, and we walk to the end of the pier, where a huge sailboat is tied.Several men are on board, finishing up with preparations.
Fancy cursive letters painted on the back of the boat read, “Jasmine’s Joy.”
I stop in my tracks.This is Finn’slittleboat?It’s huge!I think it’s what’s called a yacht.I can’t believe it’s sitting unused just waiting for whenever he’s in the mood to sail it.I can’t even wrap my head around how much something like this might cost.I don’t think I can count that high.
He thanks his crew, welcomes me on board, and gives me a tour.Below there are two large bedrooms and a full-size galley kitchen.There’s a wheel on deck to steer the boat and inside are the controls to start the motor.There’s as many high-tech gizmos on board as on Declan’s jet.There’s GPS and satellite communications.I tell Finn that seeing how connected we are to land makes me feel safe on the water.
“You are perfectly safe with me,” he says.“I’m going to get the boat going.Would you like to wait below or come up on deck with me?”
I’m tempted to hide under the covers on one of those beds, but I want to enjoy myself with Finn, be a part of his world.Now that we're together, I never want to be apart.
“I’m going with you,” I tell him.
“Good.”
A few minutes later, I’m glad I chose to be on deck.It’s a breathtaking day, and the winds are with us, according to Finn.We sail through the marine traffic of Long Beach, and soon we’re out in open water.I thought I would be scared to death, but I’ve never felt so free as I stand at the bow.
Open water.Open air.Safe and loved.A whole world of adventure in front of me.
I keep looking at Finn behind the wheel.He’s completely in his element here, the wind in his dark curls, the ocean reflected in his dark sunglasses.He catches me looking at him, and his bright white grin flashes in my direction.
“You look happy, Finn!”
“I am!Because you’re with me!”
Oh, lord have mercy.Yet again, I have to ask myself… Is this my life?Is this my man?How did this even happen?
I turn back to watch the boat moving like an arrow through the green-gray ocean waves.People talk about the majesty of nature, and I’ve experienced a lot of that on Yosemite Ranch, but nothing like this.Nothing like being in the middle of the Pacific, sailing at a breakneck pace.
About an hour away from Long Beach, Finn slows the boat and joins me at the bow, wrapping his arms around my middle.“Shouldn’t someone be steering?”I ask him.
He chuckles low and deep into my ear and I feel his arousal pushing against me.“It’s called autopilot.”
I squirm against him.“Oh.Are you on autopilot, too?”
