Page 22 of Devlin

"I wish I could, but I need to get back to Boston. We'll talk soon."

"Sure."

"And Devlin, maybe let this Frank businesssettle for a while. I know you need Frank working for you, but the timing is bad."

"I could lose him, Trey. There are any number of firms who would love to snap him up."

"Not here in Maine, and he has never wanted to live anywhere else."

"That could change."

"Is Frank pushing you to hire him back?"

"Actually, he hasn't said much, but his daughter is another story."

"Little Hannah?"

"Not so little anymore," he returned, Hannah's beautiful image flashing in front of his eyes. "She's a grown woman and a spitfire. She has been all over me about our very poor treatment of her father, our most loyal employee, and I can't say she's wrong. The other employees are unhappy with the situation as well. With Hannah stirring up trouble, I could have a mutinyon my hands if this doesn't end soon."

"Who knew the boat business could be so dramatic?" Trey said lightly. "You'll figure things out, and I think both Mom and Dad will come to their senses."

"Hopefully before my entire company collapses."

"You can head that off. Sweet-talk the spitfire—use that old Devlin charm," Trey said, slapping him on the shoulder. "Ross mentioned thatHannah is a beautiful woman now. He said you two had a long conversation last night."

"She is very attractive, yes. But it will take more than charm to get Hannah off my back," he said dryly.

"Maybe you should get her on her back," Trey joked.

He shook his head. "Go to Boston; you are no help."

As his brother left, he couldn't help picturing Hannah on her back in themiddle of his bed. And his morning just got a little better.

CHAPTER FIVE

HANNAHand her father spent an hour examining every nook and cranny of theDaisy Mae. Her fear that her father would decide against sailing the boat grew with each passing minute. She wanted to ask him for an answer, but she was afraid if she pushed too soon, he'd sayno.

She had to admit that the sailboat had seen better days, and she was starting to have her own doubts as to whether they could win with it. But she'd rather try with this boat than give up altogether, and she doubted they could find another boat that would be in better condition this close to the race.

"Well?" she asked, unable to keep the impatient note out of her voice. "Whatdo you think, Dad?"

He gave her a somewhat unhappy look. "I think I've spent the past year building theWind Warrior, and I sure wish I could race her."

"That's not an option at the moment. It's not just about the boat, right? It's also about the crew, too. We can beat Devlin and whoever he gets to go with him," she said confidently.

"Devlin is a very skilled racer, Hannah.Don't underestimate him."

"I'm not underestimating him, but I know you are better than him."

He smiled. "Trying to flatter me into a yes?"

"I mean every word. I think it's time the Reids showed the Blackthornes they aren't the only ones who can win."

"Well, when you put it like that…I'm in. Let's race together."

A wave of pleasure ran through her. "Great. Thiswill be fun, Dad."

"More fun if we win."

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