Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 128211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 641(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 427(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 641(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 427(@300wpm)
“Not the smoothest, that’s for sure.”
“For what it’s worth, I think you did a great job. The guests were happy, loving the drinks, commenting on all the little things you and interior did to go above and beyond. Theodora was over the moon that you had a portable ring light for her to use to get the best lighting no matter where she was on the boat.”
“Sadly, I don’t think a ring light will make up for the train wreck dinner.”
“Ag, you’ve got tomorrow night. It’s the last meal that sticks in their heads, anyway.”
I smiled. “Hope you’re right.”
“I usually am.”
His next drag was long, and he watched me with that same intense, curious gaze. I knew this kid was a flirt, but in just five minutes alone with him, I could see he was also a predator. Anyone attracted to a man wouldn’t last long with those eyes of his devouring them the way they were currently feasting on me.
My cheeks flushed under the gaze, and I bit my lip against a smile, looking down at where my hands were wrapped around the glass of water. I hadn’t seriously dated anyone since Finn, but I’d kissed a few boys on past boats and tried my hand at a few app dates — just for fun, just to remember what it felt like to be wanted. I could see myself doing the same with Eli.
A big part of me knew I should do just that — because if I was kissing Eli, then maybe I wouldn’t be so hung up on what it used to be like kissing Finn.
But the smarter half of me screamed not to even think about it. I’d learned my lesson about boatmances, and I was not encouraging any type of romantic entanglement while on board this time. I was a woman on a mission, and that mission did not include getting my heart broken again.
“So, how do you feel about the interior crew so far?”
“They’re great,” I said honestly. “Going to make my first go at chief stew easy, I think.”
“Careful. Famous last words.”
I knocked on the teak wood just in case. “How about you? Deck team cool?”
“Oh, yeah. Team’s solid so far. Palmer’s a good bosun, and I’ve worked with Cam before — good bloke, knows his stuff. Gisella might be stronger than him, though, judging by how she was hauling those provisions around yesterday. But hey, don’t tell him I said that. Let’s keep his ego intact.”
He winked.
“You know anyone?” Eli asked next, pausing to finish the last of his cigarette. He put the butt out in the small ashtray he’d brought out with him. “From before the show, I mean.”
Heat crept up my throat. “I do.”
“Who?”
“One guess,” I said, looking up at the moon breaking through the thin clouds above us. When I looked at Eli again, he smirked.
“Ah. Cheffy.”
I rolled my lips together, eyebrows raising into my hairline as I pointed at him as if to say bingo.
“Any story there?”
I chuffed a laugh, draining the last of my water.
I was in love with him.
He said he loved me, too.
I thought we’d travel the world together.
He let me think it.
He said he was done with yachting, that he was opening a restaurant in Dublin.
Now, he’s here, back on a superyacht.
With Gisella.
But I didn’t say any of that.
I just stood, groaning a bit at the way my muscles protested the movement. “Not one worth telling. Goodnight, Eli.”
“’Night, Em.”
CHARTER CONFESSIONAL
CLOSE QUARTERS
SEASON 4, EPISODE 1
CHARTER 1
PALMER HUGHES: BOSUN
PRODUCER:
Are you happy with your deck team after this first charter? Feeling confident in a good season?
PALMER:
I’m feeling… cautiously optimistic. We had a good start, but I’ve got a green deckie, and his roommate likes to horse around more than work. Still, they got the job done, and I think with a little guidance, they’ll all make Captain proud.
PRODUCER:
And what about Gisella? You two hitting it off?
Palmer shifts, sips water.
PALMER:
Gisella is interesting. I haven’t quite figured her out yet. But like I said… I’m cautiously optimistic. At least, until someone gives me a reason not to be.
“All crew, all crew — meet me in the main salon for our first tip meeting.”
Captain Gary’s voice crackled over the radio on my hip as I stripped the bedding in one of the guest cabins, and I smiled a bit when I heard various hoots and hollers ringing out from around the boat. It was everyone’s favorite part of any charter.
We’d made it.
It was time to turn the boat, count our cash, and enjoy a night out.
I poured up tall glasses of champagne for everyone, delivering them to the main salon on a tray and letting Bernard hand them out. We all clinked our glasses together in a rowdy cheers! before kicking back on the couches, all our attention on Captain and the fat envelope in his hand.