“I look forward to working with you, Hannah.” Turning, I look over at him still sitting in the captain’s chair. His dirty blond hair has streaks of gray on his temples making it clear that he is without a doubt, too old for me.
Smiling, I nod my head in agreement. “Captain.”
Chapter Two
Anson
Screwed. Utterly and completely screwed.
Of course, the beautiful woman I couldn't take my eyes off of as she walked down the dock is on this ship. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven when she struggled to keep her dress down showcasing those beautiful, mouthwatering legs.
Completely off-limits.
She's quite possibly the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Her chestnut hair is pulled back into a ponytail hanging down to her trim waist. That motherfucking sundress had my mouth watering and dick hard the instant I turned around making it impossible for me to stand or else face a sexual harassment charge.
Hannah. Her name rings like a gong through my mind. Hannah with those blue eyes that shine like the Caribbean.
Fuck, I'm so screwed.
Not only is she off-limits, but she’s also too damn young for me. I have to be at least a decade older than her, my hair and beard already flecked with gray.
The number one rule of yachting is ‘don't screw the crew’ and I've never been as tempted as I am right now. Back in my younger days, sure, I had my fun, but never since I climbed my way up the chain of command.
Fuck.
This job is supposed to be a means to an end. A final hurrah before buying my own boat and traveling the world. I've been a captain for a long damn time, traveling through exquisite waters and seeing breathtaking views, but never on my own boat.
I can't make Hannah a distraction. I don't need a distraction.
But maybe I want one...
Shit, I can't think this way. She'snotan option. Somehow, I know I'm fighting a losing battle, but damn if I don't try.
Footsteps coming up the stairs pull me from my internal hell. The crew of theSirenarrive today to ready the boat before the owners come tomorrow. Not having a continual turnover of guests should make for a more relaxed summer season. That's if the weather stays calm, but there’s no telling what can happen.
"Captain?" Standing before me is a tall guy with a serious, focused expression on his face. He holds out his hand in greeting, "I'm Garrett, your first mate."
I remember looking at his CV and finding him highly qualified. He's risen from deckhand to first mate quickly. I can tell he's going to go above and beyond on this job, clearly having captain as his next goal.
My body finally calm after seeing Hannah up close, I stand, grasping his hand. "Right. Nice to meet you, Garrett. It looks like you've got a lot of experience."
He sucks in a deep breath as he scans the bridge and out the windows. "Yes, sir. I was on a 90-meter last season as a bosun and earned my stripes. Don't worry, I have all the certifications and plan on doing my best."
He's so eager that I can't help but grin at him. "I can see that." Crossing over to the stack of files, I hand him the one on the top. "Here is your deck crew. You can pick for yourself who will be bosun. The stewardess, Hanah, is already on board. She'll have your uniform and room assignment."
Garrett flips through the file, nodding his head as he does. "Thanks, Captain. I'll let you know when I make my choice." Then with a quick nod, he leaves.
Several hours later the rest of the crew arrived and make their introductions. Since theSirenis 40 meters and small compared to superyachts, we have a minimal crew. One stewardess, a first mate, a bosun, two deck crew, and an engineer. Honestly, it feels more like a skeleton crew, but the owners like it this way.
Stepping free of the bridge, the salty sea air fills my nostrils. Closing my eyes I take a moment to bathe in the warm sun, centering myself on the job at hand. Friendly chatter of the crew carries across the boat as the deck crew scrubs it down and I do my best to ignore it, but a hushed feminine voice filters over to me, making me pause.
"So, is there anyone on board who you find attractive?" Her question is met with a deep, male chuckle.
"I'm not sure yet."
"Oh c'mon," the girl laughs. "There's gotta be someone you're interested in. What's your type?"
This shit always happens on boats. All these young, attractive free-spirits gathered in one place, hook-ups are bound to happen. I don't think the female voice is Hannah, but I have to know. There's only one other female crew member on board and that's Keeran.
