"You have to swear to secrecy." I make a show of looking her dead in the eyes. "You can't tell anyone."
Keeran mimes locking her lips, a smile pulling at the corners.
"Alright," I breathe, trying to force my nerves down and squaring my shoulders. "I've kind of got a thing for Captain.”
"Pffft," she scoffs, arranging her legs underneath her. "Who the fuck doesn't have a thing for him? For real, this whole damn boat is filled with the world's hottest men and the captain is their leader." We both break out into a fit of giggles. "I say," she huffs, "if you get the chance to ride that dick you take it. Then come and tell me all about it!"
Part of me has serious doubts that he has any interest in me. I mean, the man barely looked at me and couldn't be bothered to stand and greet me like a gentleman.
But hell, I wouldn't turn him down if he offered.
We talk our way through the other crew members, sharing what we know about them so far, but after our quick gossip session, it's back to work. The boat might be in good condition after the previous charter season, but there's still a lot to do and I'm the only one to do it.
I've checked and organized the cabinets to my liking, cleaned the day heads, started the laundry for the guest bedding, and now I'm cleaning the guest rooms.
All with a fucking hangover.
Thankfully after downing several water bottles and popping some headache medicine the sharp ache has faded into a dull one.
Note to self, don't show up to work hungover. It makes everything a thousand times more difficult.
It’s getting late, the sun beginning to set through the windows as I work casting the room in an orange glow. Garrett already came on the radio telling the deck crew to go down for the night and to be on deck early in the morning, but I know I’m not getting sleep anytime soon. With the Oliviers arriving tomorrow and all this work still left to do, I have a feeling it's going to be a long night.
One thing I enjoy about my job is the quiet solitude. There's something therapeutic about changing the sheets, wiping down counters, and scrubbing toilets. I'm not saying that it's fun or even enjoyable, but the repetitive motions are soothing.
After a while of working in pleasant silence, I slide my headphones over my head and get to work. I fear if I don’t give myself something to listen to, I’ll fall asleep on the bed I’m attempting to make. My thumb slides through all my Spotify playlists before settling on one and letting the music blast. It doesn’t take long for my hips to sway to the beat as I putz around the room. It was a smart choice because I’m already feeling more awake.
Out of nowhere, a tap on my shoulder has me yelp in fright. My hand flies to my headphones, ripping them off my head.
"How are you handling everything?" Captain Pike’s deep voice makes me jump. Again. I'm fitting the sheets in the owner’s suite and look up to find him standing behind me, leaning against the wall.
Why is that so damn attractive? Maybe it's that dominance thing but I like the feeling of him towering over me. Maybe I like it too much...
"Sorry," I gasp, my hand over my pounding heart. "You scared me." He doesn't say anything, just crosses his arms over that delicious chest of his. "Um, everything's great. Keeping me busy," I chuckle.
His eyes travel around the room before landing on me. "What do you need help with?"
Why is he asking me this? Most captains trust that their crew will get things done, but hadn't he already said his trust has to be earned?
I think for a moment while I smooth out the sheets. "I'm making the beds now, but the vacuuming needs to be done." More than that needs to be done really, but I'm not telling him that.
He gives a brisk nod of his head and unwinds his arms. "If you need anything, just let me know. Don't worry about vacuuming. I've got it."
"No, it's okay—" I protest, but he cuts me off.
"Hannah." He says my name in a way that's both comforting and demanding.
"Yes, Captain?" I swallow hard and meet his gaze.
"I've got you, Hannah." Those sky-blue eyes of his have my insides turning molten and his words make my muscles clench. He gives me a warm smile and a pointed look before leaving me.
This crush is going to make this charter impossible.
Chapter Four
Anson
What the fuck am I doing?
