Page 42 of Escape to the Sun

He nodded. “That’s right.”

She nodded slowly, and a smile crept over her face. “Okay. Let’s do it.”

Before he could offer her a hand into the boat, she jumped in and went straight for the bow rope.

“Whoa.” He was right behind her, stilling her hand. “One thing at a time, sweetheart. Never untie the boat before you get the engine started. And this particular engine can be a bit finicky.”

“Right.” She squeezed past him and stood in front of the old two-stroke engine. Ash watched as she pulled the starter cord. Once. Twice. Three times.

Nothing happened.

Heather straightened up, hands on her hips, and stared at the engine before she turned to him with a question on her face.

“Try the choke—make sure it’s on idle.”

“Right.”

He waited while she made the adjustment and pulled the starter cord again. Once. Twice. Three times.

Nothing.

Ash fought back his chuckle. “I thought you said you’ve done this before.”

He couldn’t help it; when he saw the fire in her eyes when she turned around the second time, Ash couldn’t hold back his laughter any more. He quickly swallowed it back though when he saw she might hit him. “Okay, okay. I’m not being fair. This boat is a little tricky. Can I show you the trick?”

Heather nodded and stepped aside. “By all means.”

It wasn’t a lie; the engine was tricky, but it wasn’t impossible. “Look here. Sometimes the fuel hose gets a little loose. You just need to make sure it’s snug and secure. Be careful when you’re driving, too, because sometimes the line can be jostled and if you’re not connected, then you know what that means.”

Heather tilted her head. “I do.”

“It sounds simple, but make sure you check it. Every time.”

She nodded. “That’s it?”

“That should be it.” He moved to the side and let her try again.

Ash watched while she checked the fuel line, making sure it was tight, adjusted the choke and pulled.

Once.

Twice.

The old engine fired up with a sputter and a roar. Heather turned, a huge smile on her face. She jumped up and kissed him on the cheek. “I did it.”

“You did.” He untied the bow line and sat back while Heather navigated the boat away from the dock and out into the water. He reclined in the sun and let her have her fun until finally the boat slowed and she navigated it back to the dock.

“That was awesome.”

“You did great.” Ash tied the bow line and helped her out. “See? It’s not all bad. You’ve got this.”

She held his face between her hands and kissed him long and slow. “Thank you.”

“It’s all you, babe. All you.”

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