Page 11 of Ship Happens

“We’ll see.” His smile is pure confidence. “You want that turtle data, don’t you?”

As we’re finally untied, I flex my wrist and study him. “You’re enjoying this.”

“Immensely.”

“This is pure manipulation.”

“I prefer to call it ‘creative problem-solving.’” He accepts two bottles of water from a crew member, handing one to me. “You threw champagne in my face, Harper. Consider us even.”

“We’re not even close to even.” I unscrew the water bottle. “And don’t call me Harper.”

“What should I call you, then? Sweetheart? Darling? Love muffin?”

I choke on my water. “Do that and I’ll throw something much worse than champagne at you.”

He laughs, the sound genuine and warm. “There she is. I was worried you were starting to like me after our victorious performance.”

“In your dreams, Cole.”

His eyes meet mine, teasing and altogether too knowing. “We’ll talk after yoga, Dr. Bennett.”

As he walks away, nodding to admirers and posing for selfies, I stand frozen, water bottle half-raised to my lips.

What have I gotten myself into?

More importantly, how am I going to survive two hours of Tantric Yoga with a man I want to throttle but just spent an hour pressed against in various compromising positions?

I need a battle plan. And a very cold shower.

Because one thing is becoming dangerously clear. Ethan Cole might be obnoxious, arrogant, and manipulative, but he’s also charming, quick-witted, and disturbingly attractive when he laughs.

And that makes him far more dangerous than I anticipated.

Chapter Four

ETHAN

TANTRIC WHAT NOW?

Ishould probably feel guilty about forcing Harper into couples’ activities. The yoga especially might be pushing it. But after watching her stomp away from the obstacle course, still flushed from exertion and irritation, guilt is not what I’m feeling.

I’m in my suite, showered and changed into board shorts and a t-shirt, when my phone rings. Alex is, right on schedule.

“Please tell me that video of you two falling on top of each other is strategic and not an actual workplace harassment lawsuit waiting to happen,” she says by way of greeting.

“Good afternoon to you too.” I stretch out on the sofa, still pleasantly tired from the obstacle course. “And yes, it’s strategic. Dr. Bennett and I have an understanding.”

“An understanding where she looks like she wants to push you overboard?”

“That’s just her natural expression around me.” I grin, remembering Harper’s furious whispers during the Trust Fall. “The important thing is we won the competition. Social media is eating it up.”

“I’ve noticed.” Keys click in the background as Alexis presumably checks the latest metrics. “Your approval rating among environmentally conscious demographics is up twelve points since yesterday.”

“See? The champagne incident was the best thing that could have happened.”

“Great thesis. Terrible methodology.” She sighs. “Just tell me you’re not torturing this woman.”

I hesitate a beat too long.

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