Garrett’s hand slaps my shoulder, his usually stoic expression is now one of happiness. “You’re coming too, right Captain?”
My gaze lingers on Hannah for a moment longer. She’s laughing with Keeran, the two of them no doubt making plans for tomorrow.
“I’m afraid not,” I sigh as I drag my eyes away from her. “Someone has to stay on the boat.” As if tethered to her, my eyes again find Hannah, her long hair pulled back into a ponytail hanging over her shoulder. “I might be able to stop by for a while. I’ll see what I can work out.”
“Good,” he says, patting me on the shoulder while he takes a sip of coffee. “It’ll be nice to see everyone off the boat, help the morale.”
With a huff, I push myself up from my seat and head back to the bridge, the sounds of Hannah’s laughter following me as I go.
***
I’m in a shit mood. The crew is bustling around as happy as can be, and here I am pissed off that I can’t be with Hannah.
Time with her is quickly dwindling and now I’ll have to spend a whole day away from her. While she’s in a bikini.
Fuck.
My fists clench in frustration at the image of her sunbathing, her ass oiled up and glistening in the sun. But it was a close call this morning and we can’t take any more risks than we are.
“Hey there, Captain.” Joe, this ship’s engineer, takes a seat in the bridge, letting out a huff. “Not as young as I used to be,” he manages between heaving breaths.
“Oh, I don’t know, Joe. You look like you’ve got a couple of years left in you.” Joe’s an old-school hard worker. He’s either sleeping or in the engine room, almost like he’s part of the ship.
His weathered face breaks out into a toothy grin. “Might have some juice left in these old bones still.”
Every afternoon, Joe makes his way up from the bowels of the ship to have our afternoon chats. The man has some amazing stories and I enjoy listening to his knowledge.
He drags a hand down his bald head and leans back comfortably in his seat.
“What adventures will you share today?” I ask. Our daily talks sometimes involve work, but mostly it’s two men exchanging stories.
He thinks for a moment, rubbing his chin as he does. “How about my greatest achievement?” His face is solemn, no longer smiling or cheerful. Our talks are never serious, but I get the feeling today will be different. His weathered gaze meets mine and I nod for him to continue.
“Did I ever tell you I was married?” The gold ring on his finger catches my eye.
“No, I don’t believe you have.”
“Her name was Vera.” His voice cracks at her name, the look in his eyes going distant as if he’s picturing her in his mind. “We were married for thirty years. Today is our anniversary.” His chin wobbles slightly and he clears his throat. “She was my greatest adventure.”
The energy in the room shifts as the tough man in front of me fights back tears and breathes deeply. Part of me wants to ask what happened to her but out of respect, I won’t push him.
After a few moments, he sniffles and clears his throat. “I’ll tell you something, Anson. As a man who has spent most of his life at sea and squandered what he had when he had it, when you find that woman who settles your soul, you hold on tight and never let go. All the boats, all the seas… nothing will compare to the adventures you share with her. You hear me?”
His impassioned plea has me fighting to keep my composure. “Loud and clear.”
Chapter Eleven
Hannah
Screw cleaning toilets, this is the life.
Ask anyone what got them into yachting and the majority of the time their answer will be wanting to see the world and make a lot of money. Which, yes, is true, but the other big reason for me is the perks. And shit, this is a pretty fucking good one if I say so myself.
It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve seen the sun with so much time spent below deck, away from the sun’s warmth. My skin is slathered with tanning lotion as I’m hoping to regain the tan that I’ve seemed to have lost in the time I’ve been on board.
The resort isamazingand after the shit Keith put me through, this is exactly what I need. Well, not exactly. The only thing that could make this day better is Anson and his big—
“Hannah! C’mon.” Keeran yells at me from the middle of the pool with Robbie grabbing her waist from behind.
