“Thank you, Lily,” I grit out, my face hot once more. We exchange a look as I follow Brody out the door, heading toward his black Mercedes.
“I’ll get that,” he stops me at the edge of the porch, gesturing to my luggage.
“Oh, that’s okay,” I counter. “I’m your employee.”
He cocks a brow at me, looking amused. “I have no idea what that has to do with me offering to carry your suitcase. It’s just the right thing to do.”
“Well… okay.” I let him take my bag while I slide into the passenger seat. I run my hand over the black leather before grabbing the seatbelt. The car is spotless.
And Brody’s scent lingers throughout.
I wonder if this is what his yacht smells like?I do my best to relax as Brody climbs into the driver’s seat and starts the car. I let my mind run to blue waters and a bunch of rich aristocrats on board theSerendipity.
Which seriously sounds like something right out of a movie.
“I think you’re really going to enjoy this,” Brody’s voice carries through the car as he heads out of the city and toward the marina. “Have you mentioned it to your dad? I haven’t been able to get ahold of him.” He frowns at that, shaking his head. “I guess he’s in Italy?” He meets my gaze, holding it for a brief moment.
“I… I have no idea.” I can barely find the words as my mouth grows dry. “I haven’t heard from him since my birthday.”
“Typical Robert,” he mutters, his eyes jumping back to the road. I can tell there’s more that he wants to share, but he doesn’t offer it up—and I don’t have the nerve to push him.
Mostly because I just realized I’m inBrody Wilder’scar and we driving to themarinawhere hisyachtis docked.
This is really happening. I’m about to be a chef on some crazy yacht trip.Maybe I can make some connections.I try to focus on the business aspect of the trip, letting that be more exciting than the prospect of a shirtless Brody.
There really might be something wrong with me.
Brody, on the other hand, doesn’t seem fazed by my presence at all, one hand on the steering wheel, and the other resting on the console. He’s the epitome of chill, calm and collected.
Dad says the military did that to him, but if that’s the case, it definitelydidn’thave the same effect on my father. He’s wound up tight and ready to fight just about anyone—over anything.
And I’m not sure how he’d feel about this whole job situation.
So I just won’t tell him.Problem solved.
Brody pulls into the marina a few moments later, taking one of the covered parking spots down by the entrance to the docks. I take a deep breath as he kills the engine. It almost feelssurreal.
“We’re pretty early, but there’s a good chance everyone will already be on board.”
“Oh?” I tilt my head at him. “Bunch of early birds?”
He smiles at me, his hazel eyes lingering long enough to make my heart flutter. “Yeah, no one likes to be late. I think we’re all really needing this trip.”
I nod, and he slides out before I can even ask him who’s going. I don’t even know how many peoplefiton a yacht.
My phone buzzes in my pocket as Brody pops open my passenger door for me. He then disappears around to the back, and I pull my phone out to see the text from Daisy.
Daisy: HAVE FUN! Go get ‘em, chef girl ;) This is going to be life-changing! So excited for you!
I glance back at Brody, carrying my suitcase with ease, his shoulders taut and strong. My eyes hang there for a few beats, and then I pocket my phone.
Maybe itwillbe life-changing. Hopefully in a good way.
Chapter 3
Georgia
Istand on the dock, staring at theSerendipityin awe. It’s notsuperyachthuge, like I had pictured in my mind. But it’s just as sleek and modern as I imagined, the silver sides and jet-black windows giving it this almostevilappearance.
