Page 20 of Deep Waters

The latest makeover was entirely sympathetic to the original architecture, maintaining the old-world charm alongside modern facilities.

Harry reached the hotel exactly at five. As well as the main entrance for residents, there was a street level entry to the ground-floor bar. He went inside and searched for Christian. The bar was large and open, with two fireplaces burning at either end. It was already dark outside, and the lights were on, though they had been dimmed to create a soft, relaxing mood.

Christian was sitting at a table in a bay window that overlooked the river, but the twinkling view appeared to be lost on him. A map of the town was spread out in front of him while he scribbled rapidly across the pages of a notebook. There was also an empty coffee cup at his side.

“This looks interesting,” Harry said.

When Christian looked up, took off his glasses and smiled at him, something inside Harry flipped.What was that?He couldn’t deny he’d been looking forward to seeing him again but hadn’t expected such a physical reaction when he did.

Christian looked hot. There was no ignoring the fact. He wore a white shirt, open at the neck. His greying stubble had been trimmed since he’d seen him last night, and his hair was neatly combed with a side part. Those light-grey eyes were magnetic.

Shit, I really do have the hots for him.

“I thought I should get to know my subject,” Christian said. “If I’m to base a story here, I need to know the town inside out. And it seems like there is a lot to learn.” He closed the notebook and folded the map. “Let me get you a drink. What would you like? Beer? Wine?”

“Just a coffee will be fine. A cappuccino or latte…anything milky.”

Their eyes connected as Christian stood and held long enough for their intention to be clear. “I’ll be right back.”

Christian wore a pair of navy chinos that were snug on the arse. Harry couldn’t stop himself from admiring the view as he went to the bar.

Harry sat and tried to calm down. Though his attraction to Christian had developed the day before, he hadn’t expected to be quite so into him today. Part of him thought his interest might have fizzled out overnight and he’d discover that he didn’t fancy Christian quite so much when they met again, but the opposite was true. The draw was even stronger. Christian was a hottie, no denying that, especially for his age. Harry reproached himself. Why was he so hung up on Christian’s age? He couldn’t bethatold. When he’d run into Antoni earlier, he’d remembered there had actually been an eight-year gap between them. It couldn’t be much bigger with Christian.Can it?

Christian returned, still smiling. “They will bring them over in a minute.”

“Thanks. So, is that what you’ve been doing today?” He gestured to the map and book. “Researching Nyemouth?”

“Yeah,” he said, sitting down. “Pretty much wandering around and getting a feel for the place. I lost track of time. It’s a fascinating area.”

“I guess it is. You don’t really notice things like that when you live somewhere your whole life. I probably take it for granted.”

“I can’t imagine taking anything for granted here. Though, I must say, I’m glad I found you. I can’t think of anyone better to help me understand the town than a man who grew up here.”

A flush rose over Harry’s face.Oh God, no. Don’t start blushing.

“Well, that is why you chartered the boat,” he said as a distraction. “We’re good to go out again whenever you’re ready. I’ve got another booking on Friday, but tomorrow and Thursday are free, if they suit you.”

“How does the weather look for tomorrow?”

“Not bad. Light winds, no rain, one- to two-metre swells. Nothing to worry about, especially compared to yesterday.”

“Okay. Let’s go tomorrow.”

“I’ll call Tom later and let him know. We can maybe head south and show you the coast in that direction.”

“Sounds perfect. How is Tom, anyway? Okay, after yesterday, I hope.”

“He seemed fine. He helped me with the boat for most of the morning, then left to pick up his son from school. His wife, Susan, got the offer of overtime. It’s something she wouldn’t have been able to take if we’d been at sea today, so I supposed it worked out for them.”

The bartender arrived with their drinks on a tray. Christian swept his book and map onto the empty seat beside him.

“Who is having the decaf?” she asked.

Christian raised his hand and she set one cup in front of him, gave the other to Harry, and laid out the sugar bowls and cream.Pretty fancy, Harry thought. The service had improved since the last time he’d been here, and he wondered if there was a new manager in charge.

“Does Tom work with you full-time?” Christian asked.

“No. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough work to employ anyone full-time. I wish I could. Things are pretty good from May through to September, weather permitting. My dad helps out a day or two a week over the summer, too, but come this time of year, my work drops right off. I’ve got just enough jobs booked to keep the boat running through to November, then that’s it until spring.”

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