Page 33 of Father Figure

“Looks like it’s gonna rain.”

I looked up at the dark gray clouds looming overhead. “We’re supposed to have some bad weather roll in this weekend. Should be all right, though. We’ll be back before you know it.”

“Where are we headed?”

“Key West. We’ll be gone for four days. Just waiting on Sam and our guests. We’ll be dropping them off in the Keys and then we’ll have the boat to ourselves on the way back.”

“I’ve never been to Key West,” Nicky said excitedly. “Will you show me all your favorite spots?”

Aside from the thrill of his touch and the way I burned when his eyes raked over me—like he was figuring out the best way to get me naked—this was the stuff I was excited about. I loved that he just wanted to be in my company, to spend time with me and see the places that I loved, the places I’d told him stories about over the years. And now, I was finally able to share them with him in person.

“You bet. You’re gonna love the Sunset Festival.”

Nicky was hesitant with his hug, but once he had his arms around me and I returned his embrace, he planted his lips on my cheek, and I smiled. Whatever it was he dreamed of being to me, he was still my Nicky—he always would be.

He disappeared down the stairs to stow his bags, and I caught a glimpse of Sam coming down the dock, carrying six grocery bags and his duffel.

“Looks like it’s gonna get rough this weekend,” he observed, glancing at the sky.

“Looks like it. Good thing I’m an excellent captain.”

He smirked. “You figure things out yet with Nicky?” he asked, climbing aboard.

“Not even close.”

“Well, this should be interesting. Looks like the seas won’t be the only thing that’s rough this weekend.”

“Hey, do me a favor.”

“Maybe,” he shrugged.

Jackass. “Don’t let me do anything stupid this weekend.”

Sam chuckled. “Your idea of stupid and mine are probably very different things. My advice is to tie the drawstring on your shorts real tight, maybe even knot it. That way, it’s harder to lose your pants.” Sam waggled his eyebrows and popped a kiss on my lips before heading down the stairs after Nicky.

Absolutely no help.

The voyage to Fort Lauderdale wasn’t too rough, and we made good time, docking at the Riverfront Marina. Our guests went ashore to enjoy the city for the afternoon while we refueled. The three of us ate lunch on deck, and when our guests returned with shopping bags from the downtown Riverwalk, we set sail again for our final destination.

We pulled into a slip at the Key West Marina, giving us easy access to Duval Street and the downtown area. Christ, I’d forgotten how expensive it was to dock there. As soon as we ushered our guests off board, Sam and I took Nicky to lunch at Sloppy Joe’s Bar.

“I can see why this is one of your favorite places,” he gushed. His bright smile made me feel ridiculously happy.

They kept all their doors wide open, and the warm, humid air kissed my skin as we nursed mango iced teas while waiting for our conch fritters and sloppy Joe sandwiches.

“I’m gonna hit the head,” Sam announced.

“I’ll join you,” I added, following him.

When we returned to our table, Nicky’s smile was a little wider, and his eyes shone brighter. I eyed his refill of iced tea, wondering what might be in it. Grabbing his glass, I took a sip from the neon pink straw. There was enough rum in it to knock me on my ass.

“Is this a Long Island Iced Tea?” He shrugged and giggled, and I shook my head. “She served you?”

“I told her it was for you,” he said mischievously, taking another long pull from the straw.

Do not look at his lips. Fucking quit, Cass!

“Well, take it easy. With this heat, that shit will hit you quicker than you think.” When it came to drinking, Nicky was a lightweight. His inexperience and small frame couldn’t handle much.

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