I’m tackling the repairs on the other boat with motor problems. Technically, I didn’t need to be here this early—I could have gone for my usual morning run instead. But the lingering embarrassment from yesterday still weighs on my mind. I’ve chosen to come in early and put in the work, determined to prove that I’m not just trouble.
I don’t want to give North the slightest chance to grumble at me today.
I wanted to use the spare key to get into the back door again, but the door wasn’t even locked, so I have no guilty consciencewhatsoever. And since we are alone, I deem it safe to talk with Saylor and pry a bit more.
As I tighten a screw on the boat’s motor, I venture, “Have you thought about your unfinished business some more?”
Saylor’s playful tone masks a hint of hurt as he replies, “Why? Do you want to get rid of me?”
I look up from my task and meet his gaze, telling him honestly, “No, I want you to find peace, Casper.”
He grins from ear to ear, his dimples becoming more pronounced.
I knew he would love that.
“I’m the friendliest ghost you know,” he singsongs with a playful lilt in his voice as he crouches down beside me. His words draw out a warm chuckle from me. “Can I keep you?” he asks, his expression earnest while his gaze is intent on mine, searching my eyes for an answer.
I recognize the movie reference, and yet, in that moment, it feels like more than just a line. It’s as though he’s reached into my chest and gently nudged my heart, making it flutter unexpectedly.
My mind races, searching for the right words. The silence stretches on because I have no idea what I could say to that.
If I’m honest, I want to keep him too, but that would be purely selfish.
And dangerous.
“That’s my jam! Make it louder, please,” Saylor exclaims suddenly, his enthusiasm breaking our stare off. His face lights up with excitement as he stands straight.
I glance at the radio, and the familiar tune of “Sweet Dreams”by Eurythmics fills the room. A smile tugs at the corner of my lips as I tease, “You weren’t even alive in the eighties.” Despite my words, I stand and turn the music up a notch, the catchy melody filling the space.
“I’m not alive now either,” he retorts with a cheeky grin. Without missing a beat, he begins to dance around me. As he sings along, he beckons, “Come on, dance with me, Boo!”
“Why?” I ask, but my amusement is evident in my voice.
Now, Saylor is dancing even more animatedly in front of me, wiggling his eyebrows.
He’s so fucking cute.
“Because I asked you to,” he says with a playful smile, twirling around on the spot.
Fuck it, we are alone here anyway.
I give in to his infectious energy and start dancing alongside him. We laugh, our voices mingling with the lyrics of the song. I grab two wrenches from the table, using them as makeshift drumsticks. Saylor’s laughter grows louder, and he belts out the song with even more gusto. I join in, closing my eyes and letting myself get lost in the music and the sheer joy of the moment.
It’s been so long since I’ve felt this carefree.
I can’t even remember the last time I was happy.
As that thought crosses my mind, the music abruptly stops. The remnants of my off-key singing hang awkwardly in the air. I open my eyes in surprise and turn around, only to find North standing right in front of me, his hand resting on the radio. His face is a mask of anger, a vein pulsating ominously on his temple.
Well, fuck.
“What do you think you’re doing?” North demands, his voice low and filled with barely restrained fury.
“It’s just a little dance session. She’s not even on the clock yet. Chill out.” Saylor tries to calm him down, but of course, North can’t hear him, and his impatience grows with every passing second.
“I-I came in early to work on the motor,” I stutter, trying to keep from blushing.
That shit was embarrassing, even for my standard.
