As usual, the pool area was busy with once vibrant but now faded umbrellas dotting the sun-soaked deck. Sunbathers lounged on chaise lounges, sipping fruity cocktails garnished with mini umbrellas. A group of teenagers dove off the diving board with gleeful shrieks, their laughter echoing against the backdrop of soft reggae music drifting from Tidal Hops. Each step I took heightened the knot of tension coiled in my gut and finally I climbed the three short steps onto the pier and marched down its length to face my doom. As I neared the end of the faded but solid wooden structure, I froze.
Eli was hosing downSunset Diver. Shirtless. His broad, muscled back glistened with a light sheen of sweat as he carefully swept the deck of the boat clean from saltwater and accumulated debris from the day.
I swallowed hard, telling myself that hot flush creepingover my skin was just the sun. “Oh, for heaven’s sake,” I muttered and marched forward. I stepped onto the fiberglass boat, hoping he wouldn’t blast me with the hose. “Eli!”
He turned, flashing that infuriating grin as he blessedly shut off the water. “Julianne. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
I pointedly averted my gaze from his very defined chest and abs. “You can start by putting a shirt on. We need to discuss business.”
Eli held that sunny smile as he reached for a nearby staff T-shirt. “As you wish, boss.”
“I’m not your boss,” I snapped, then exhaled a long breath through my teeth. So much for him not affecting me.
“Could’ve fooled me,” he replied, pulling the shirt over his head. “So what’s on your mind? Come to tell me how much you’re looking forward to our dive class?”
I took a deep breath, steeling myself. “I’ve decided to approve the purchase of new dive computers.”
Eli’s eyebrows shot up, genuine surprise crossing his face before morphing into that insufferable smirk. “Well, well. Look who came around.”
“Don’t get cocky,” I warned, my jaw clenching. “This isn’t a blank check.”
“Hey, I’ll take what I can get.” He held up his hands in mock surrender. “So are you excited to get your feet wet? Literally?”
I narrowed my eyes, fighting the urge to roll them. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I’m doing a favor for my best friend. That’s all.”
Eli leaned against a raised platform in the rear part of the boat, crossing his arms casually. The movement drew my attention to his biceps, and I quickly snapped my gazeback to his face. His grin widened as if he’d caught me looking. Damn him.
“Come on,” he cajoled. “Admit it. You’re at least a little excited about learning to dive.”
I scoffed, ignoring the tiny flicker of anticipation in my chest. “I’m excited about maintaining our resort’s reputation and keeping my best friend’s wedding on track. Nothing more. Certainly not being around you any more than absolutely necessary.”
“If you say so,” Eli replied, his tone light. “But I bet I can change your mind once I get you in the water. Diving is irresistible, and with me there, you can double that.”
The casual confidence in his voice sent an unexpected ripple through me. I tamped it down, reminding myself of the headaches this man had caused me.
“When can we start the class?” I inquired, my tone filled with a touch of impatience I couldn’t quite conceal.
Eli paused to think about it for a moment. “I’ve got some availability opening up next week if that suits you.”
I gave a brisk nod, maintaining my professional demeanor. “That’s fine. Lacey and Daniel are eager to start. And Daniel’s best man, Randy, will be joining us also. I’ll make sure the schedule works. The sooner we start, the sooner we’ll finish.”
Eli’s grin widened, and dammit if he didn’t have a dimple on his right cheek that only appeared when he smiled. “Aye aye, captain. Promise I’ll be on my best behavior.”
I found myself fighting a smile of my own. No, absolutely not. I would not let this infuriating man charm me. “We’ll see about that.” I stood squarely and inhaled a deep breath of the salty air, determined to regain control of the situation. “About the lessons. I expect nothing but the mostprofessional instruction. This isn’t some beach party, Mr. Coleridge.”
Eli’s eyes sparkled as he nodded. “Of course. I promise you the best certification class ever. You’ll be a pro in no time.”
I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “That remains to be seen.”
“Oh, ye of little faith.” He laughed lightly as he bent over to swoop up a wetsuit. “Trust me, by the time we’re done, you’ll be as comfortable in the water as you are crunching numbers.”
The mental image of myself gliding effortlessly through crystal-clear waters was admittedly appealing. But I squashed that thought immediately. This was business, nothing more.
“Speaking of numbers,” I said, my accountant’s instincts kicking in, “let’s talk dive computers. I need you to choose something practical and affordable. Think Honda, not Lexus. Ten of them maximum. Is that understood?”
“I can work with that. Sometimes the top of the line isn’t the best, especially for rental gear.” His tone had become less arrogant and more approachable. “I’ll find us the most reliable, cost-effective option out there. No flashy bells and whistles, just good, solid tech.”
His easy compliance surprised me. I’d been prepared for an argument, for more of his usual charm offensive. This cooperation was unexpected.
