Page 58 of Wanting a Family Man

“This is when I start getting surly,” Johnny added with a rueful look. “I’m almost home after being away from the family all week. I just want to be there.”

Cloe understood. As much as she liked their guests, she was missing Storm and couldn’t wait to have Trystan to herself.

TheStorm Frontwas ahead of them, so those guests were already onshore with Wayne. Cloe and Johnny tied up on the section of wharf that was kept in good repair, then he led their guests up to join the other group.

Cloe gathered the mimosa fixings and followed Trystan as he carried one of the folding tables into a floating shed that was open to the elements on two sides. A couple of logs were mounted across the width. Another had fallen down and one seemed to be missing completely.

“The fishermen used to repair their nets in here.”

It was almost cozy with the rain pattering on the tin roof and the slurp of water on the logs that held it afloat. It was also very private.

After she helped Trystan set the table upright, she thought they might be able to steal a kiss, but Vic, the captain of theStorm Ridge, came in with another table, followed by Sarah, who brought a couple of carafes with, presumably, coffee and hot water.

“Cloe, hi!” Sarah greeted her warmly. “How is it going?”

“Really good. You?” Cloe had wondered a few times if Sarah had been annoyed with her for being relegated to the other boat, but she seemed perfectly happy with the arrangement.

They left the captains to finish setting up the bar for brunch while they went back to theStorm Frontto discuss their brunch menu.

“I’ve already boiled some pasta shells to make a salad. I’m fresh out of breakfast items,” Cloe told her. “We’ve got two adolescent boys on board, and I don’t know if they have a bet going or what, but I’m out of eggs, muesli, yogurt, and anything that looks like bread.”

Sarah giggled. “I’ll throw a couple dozen quiche cups into the oven and I’ll cut up our melons. The salad sounds good. We have a vegan on board so no bacon or cheese in that, please. If there’s cream in the dressing, keep it on the side?”

“Will do. And we have cottage cheese to go with the melon. I’ll bring that out.” Cloe nodded and left theStorm Front, heading toward theStorm Ridge, which was tied in front of it.

One of theStorm Frontguests was walking toward her. He was kind of bearing down on her, actually.

“Excuseme,” he said in a way that told her excuses would actually not be tolerated.

“Rick, your office can handle it. Just let it go,” a woman said behind him. She had firm hold of her two young children’s hands.

“No. I should have got this email an hour ago.” He shook his phone at Cloe. “I thought these boats were supposed to be equipped with Wi-Fi? How did my phone only ping when I got off it?”

“Oh my God, Rick. It’s notherfault.”

“She can tell her boss, can’t she? Tell him this is unacceptable.” He took another step toward her that had Cloe dropping back a step, heart hammering in her throat because he was really tall and really angry. “How the hell am I supposed to enjoy my vacation if I can’t work?”

“I’m the boss.” Trystan’s voice came from right behind her, startling her, but his hand was right there on her arm to steady her.

“Yeah? Maybe you can tell me why the hell your boat doesn’t have decent Wi-Fi? We paid enough. We ought to have it.”

Trystan gently steered Cloe one step to the side, then folded his arms. His feet were planted so firmly, she would dare a charging bull to shift him one inch on this rolling wharf.

Meanwhile, the other man seemed to forget they were on the water and staggered slightly, then frowned crossly as though someone had pushed him.

“Cloe, would you take the kids onto theStorm Front? Ask Sarah to get them something to eat while I work this out.”

“Sure.” Her voice came out more squeaky than she would have liked. She held out her hands. “Are you guys hungry?”

“Uh-huh.” The little girl of six or so came straight up to grab her hand, but the boy was closer to eight and quick to shake off his mother’s hand and ignore Cloe’s.

“No running,” Trystan warned sternly as the boy started to leap forward.

Cloe bit her lip and quickly guided the kids aboard theStorm Front.

“Hi, Sarah. You probably already know these two,” Cloe said with high-voiced cheer as she helped the kids get settled at the island.

“I do. Hi, Kingston. Hi, Lily. Did you guys get hungry?” Sarah flicked Cloe a glance that saidOhmygawd.

---