I watch as he walks down the hall, giving me a longing look before stepping around the corner to go to the elevator.
And I know without a doubt, that if Gia weren’t here, Iwouldhave invited him in, and not a single part of me would have felt bad about it.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Elliot
“Where are we going?” Seraphine asks as we pull into the Elliot Bay Marina. “I thought we were getting lunch?”
“We are getting lunch, sweetness. Just not at a restaurant.”
She looks at me suspiciously, but I pull into a parking spot and get out to open the door for her. Taking her hand, I lead her down to the docks. She looks around, as if she’s never seen a marina before. There are boats all lined up, the sun bright in the sky even though it’s chilly out. It’s going to be cold out on the bay, but I have plenty of blankets and jackets on the boat to keep her warm.
“You have a boat,” she says matter-of-factly when we stop in front of it.
“Boat, yacht. To-may-to, to-mah-to,” I say with a wink and step on board.
“Permission to come aboard?” she asks—so damn adorable.
“Permission granted.” I offer her my hand and help her onto the deck.
The yacht is sleek and luxurious, with an elegant white hull. It has four levels: the main deck for lounging, a lower deck with a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, and two upper decks. The top deck is reserved for the captain's control station which gives panoramic views, while the second upper deck is a sunbathing area with plush seating and a small bar.
I can’t wait to bring her aboard during the summer, when I can see her laying beneath the sun in a tiny bathing suit. Or better—naked.
“This is… wow. I’ve never been on a boat before.”
“Never?” I ask.
“Nope. Well, maybe in elementary school for a field trip, but I hardly remember that.”
“Those boats are trash anyway. This is much better.” I gesture for her to move into the cabin and down the sts. It’s already warm because I asked the dock manager to get things situated for me. “Let me give you the grand tour.”
She gasps once we reach the kitchen. “There’s a bed in here?” She moves into the bedroom.
It’s big enough for us to fit comfortably. Along with the king-sized bed, there is a TV mounted to the wall, and drawers built into the walls.
“And a bathroom!” she swipes the wall, looking for the light. The room brightens when she finds it, and I catch her excited look in the mirror. She turns back to me. “This is so cool.”
“I’m glad you approve.”
“Mr. Caldwell?” My name is called from above deck, pulling my attention.
“I’ll be right back. Keep looking around.”
I head up the stairs, and find Teddy, one of the workers, standing on the dock, holding a few bags.
“Right on time,” I say as I take the bags from him. “Thank you for this.”
“Of course, sir. Any time.”
Bringing the bags downstairs, I leave them on the countertop in the kitchen.
“What’s that?” Seraphine asks, leaning against the door jamb.
“Lunch.”
“It smells amazing.”
