Page 13 of The Billionaire's Proposal

“Okay, ladies, you’re here to celebrate, and I’m going to help you feel powerful by catching a large fish today that you can go home to your partners and brag about. You’ll have the groomsmen salivating over the fish we catch today.”

They holler and as I pass out the mimosas, they raise them in the air before knocking them down their throats.

“Now, sit down, ladies, and put your life jackets on while we taxi out into the waters.”

I follow Cameron where she puts a knee on the tan vinyl seat and her hand on a gear, pushing it backwards. The boat moves slowly out of the marina. She seems to be at peace on the water and doesn’t say word for at least ten minutes. “So, are your corporate lawyers still coming after me?”

“All you have to do is take the video down.”

“Are you serious? You said it was awful what the lawyers were doing to me until you found out you were the one in the video. You’re a spoiled brat.”

“Surely, you understand how that makes me look. I’m part owner of one of the most powerful companies in the world.”

“Yeah, it says you have poor listening skills, trouble with authority, and you think your penis knows everything.”

I feel a grin threatening. Holding back produces a half-laugh. “Why are you thinking about my penis, Captain?”

“Oh, for God’s sake,” she huffs and leaves the boat idling as she stomps down the four steps back to the guests.

Even if the crew has captured the moment, it’s my company, and I’ll make sure that part is edited out.

Orlando and Cameron shout instructions and this time, I listen. Cameron and I may not get along, but I want to prove to her that I’m willing to follow directions.

Two hours into the excursion, the woman who looks like my late fiancée has a bite on her line. Instinctively, I move beside her and feel Cameron’s unyielding gaze on my back. “What’s your name?”

“Elena. I can’t believe I’m going to catch something.” Her voice is filled with excitement, and she’s happy, just like my Phoebe.

“Sit in the chair so he doesn’t pull you in.” I swivel around, looking for the long-legged captain. “Cap, she has one. Do you want her to keep it in the rod holder?”

She runs up to her sonar. “What do you think?”

I roll my eyes because she’s referencing my inability to follow directions the last time, but something about the captain’s sass and authoritative tone has my mind wondering.

Elena frowns. “But I still want to feel how strong it is.” Her words carry a hint of sensuality, but there’s no stir of desire down below.

Since the rod is securely fastened in place, I guide her hands to the spot where the bend begins. “Do you feel his strength?”

Elena nods with a hefty smile.

Cameron maneuvers the boat back and forth as she struggles with the fish, until it finally bobs to the surface and calls out to Elena, “Okay, reel him in.”

Elena can’t manage it alone, so I assist her by covering her hand with mine. The powerful tug on the line from the thrashing fish feels like a ton of bricks on the other end.

As her friends cheer and scream excitedly, Elena and I keep up the fight.

As the minutes pass, Elena releases and asks if any of her friends want to try. The blonde sidles up beside me with her bare skin rubbing against my side. “She’s getting married, you know. But if you’re looking for a good time…” Her fingernails trail over my hand. “We’re having a cocktail party tonight at Enzo’s.”

Enzo’s is a place I frequent. The chef is a friend of mine and occasionally, Phoebe would have him cook at our penthouse.

The fish decides to jump, snapping me from my subconscious, and I finally get that baby to the surface. It’s beautiful, covered in red shimmering scales that fade into pink, then to blush, reminding me of the dress Phoebe wore the night my world changed.

Orlando and Cameron descend upon the fish, taking out the hook. Cameron rubs her hand over the scales. “Red grouper. Nice. Mr. Worthington, help Orlando weigh it.” She hands me some gloves. “You’ll need these.”

After pulling them on, Orlando and I pick up the four-foot-long fish, weigh, and measure it while Cameron gathers the women for a photo. Elena stands in the middle, and the women now have bragging rights when they go to Enzo’s tonight.

We lower the fish back into the sea, and he glides through the water. I take a glimpse of Cameron, back at the helm, turning the boat around and heading back to the marina.

When we dock, Elena approaches me. “Thanks for your help. For some reason, I feel like we knew each other in another life.”

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