Page 47 of Something Blue

He frowned and stretched back on the cushioned bench. She was on the bench across from him, dazzlingly beautiful as the sun turned her skin bronze and her hair a lighter red. “I told you—nothing good comes from telling people about my work. I make ends meet, and I am honest in all I do. Or try to be.” He smiled to show her he was joking.

“Will you ever tell me?”

He squinted over at her again. “How about after you tell me you love me?”

Her mouth dropped open and he laughed.

“Don’t tell me, I have your heart completely, right?” He grinned.

She held a hand over her pink swimsuit on her heart. “Not yet. But I am going to make you keep that promise.”

He closed his eyes and smiled. “I look forward to it.”

After lunch, Andy headed to the back of the boat. “Ready to get back at it?”

She stood up and winced. “Oh, I am so sore. I’m too old to jump on things.”

He laughed loudly and came up next to her, wrapping an arm around her waist. “Should we go for a ride then? I think we have enough gas to explore a bit.”

“Yes, I’d love to.”

Since it was late afternoon, some of the morning boats were gone, replaced with dolphin cruise boats and family entertainment pirate ships. Sadie stayed next to him on the captain’s seat, occasionally holding his free hand.

“Can I drive?” she asked after they had entered a calmer section of the bay.

He shrugged. “Sure.” When he tried to move to give her the seat, she pulled him back and stood in front of him and the wheel with very little space in between.

“Sorry,” she said. “I don’t want to do it alone.”

He chuckled. “Where did your bravery from earlier go?”

She looked back at him and smiled slyly.

Reaching around her, he helped her steer the boat. “Ah, so you wanted to be close to me.” After she got the hang of it, he stood up and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Okay, Captain. Let’s head toward the bridge.”

She nodded, and her hands shook as she took the wheel. It didn’t take long for her confidence to grow. He enjoyed holding her as they bobbed along, but eventually he moved to the side and she took over completely as they headed back to shallower waters.

The sea air, the wispy wind, her next to him, it felt like he had everything in the world.

“This was so fun,” she said. “Thanks for taking me.”

“It’s been a fun day for sure.” He pointed toward the docking area. “Want to park it?”

“Not even a little.”

As she stepped back, he slipped into her spot and parked the pontoon in the nearest stall. When he killed the engine and stood, his legs vibrated with the constant motion and buckled underneath him. He reached out to grab something, but Sadie grabbed him from behind and wrapped both arms around his chest.

“Steady there, Captain.”

He held both of her hands and laughed. “Glad you had my back. I almost toppled over.” He turned around to face her, still keeping one of her hands in his. He couldn’t help but stare at her mouth. He licked his lips subconsciously, then pulled her closer until she was inches away.

Her eyes widened as she looked from his eyes to his mouth. She gave a small smile and stepped closer.

He didn’t wait another second. His lips melted against hers in a slow, perfect kiss. But when he pulled back and saw the same burning desire in her eyes, he released her hands and threaded his through her hair as he pulled her closer. Her lips were salty and warm against his and . . .

“Are you two finished yet?” someone called from behind them.

Instantly, they pulled apart. Andy touched his lips, wanting the sensation to never leave. He stared down at the guy in a wifebeater and jean shorts. His long, stringy bangs brushed across his face as he stared at them with impatience.

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