Page 27 of Necessary Roughness

“About Luke!” she exclaimed. “Do you really need me to spell it out for you? You’ve spent months documenting his every move.”

“That’s my job, Claire!”

She threw her head back and laughed. “My dear, sweet, summer child.”

I furiously sipped my cocktail. “You think you know everything, don’t you?”

She giggled. “I know a lot. For starters, I know how you really feel about Luke Dalton.”

“Oh?” I asked, trying to pretend I was uninterested. “Care to share your wisdom and insights? Besides, Luke hates me, don’t you think?”

Suddenly, her eyes widened, and her mouth slowly went agape.

Then, her cheeky grin returned as she nodded her head, indicating that I should look behind me. “Maybe you should ask him yourself.”

There, without warning, crashing into my otherwise beautiful day, was Luke Dalton.

8

LUKE

My worst nightmare had become reality.

I was trapped on a boat with Brett Mercer. And, evidently, his friend.

They both stared at me, mouths agape. Brett seemed furious. Scratch that—he seemed livid.

For a moment, the only sounds that filled the air were lapping waves and water rushing by.

Then, to my surprise, Brett’s friend giggled.

Once.

Then, continuously.

Like a kid at recess. A bona fide giggle fit.

Brett scowled at her then turned to glare at me.

Our eyes met. I wished I could see past Brett’s steely exterior and get a small glimpse into his internal world. Maybe then I could figure out why he hated me so much.

Or at least I could figure out why he was so permanently embedded in my psyche.

“Oh look, the muscle has arrived!” his friend exclaimed. “Now it’s a party. Grab a drink big guy, we’ve got enough awkward tension to sink this boat.”

“Well,” Brett said, clearing the air and trying to talk over his friend’s snickers, “this is going to be a nightmare.”

Great, I thought.We’re off to a fantastic start.

When I’d realized I was trapped with him, I’d secretly hoped that Brett and I might get along for once.

That clearly wasn’t going to happen.

“I’m Claire,” his friend chuckled. “I’d stand up, but this swimsuit isveryrevealing.”

“Wrong tree, Claire,” Brett scoffed. “Why are you here?”

There was no way I was going to explain myself to this asshole. What a ridiculous question. I had every right to be on that boat. Leonard had invited me.

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