Page 44 of Falling Overboard

“I don’t think getting drunk in yachtie bars is what the captain had in mind,” Lucky responded, and again I was struck with the urge to help her. “It’s required. Thomas, back me up here.”

The bosun was watching the bartender and ignoring Lucky. He took a deep swallow of his beer and slammed it down on the table. “She doesn’t know it yet, but that woman’s about to get Union Jacked!”

What did that mean? Thomas went over to the bartender, and when she saw him, her whole face lit up.

I again suppressed my jealousy. I nudged Lucky’s shoulder and pointed at her club soda. “Why aren’t you drinking?”

“I’m allergic.”

That was unexpected. “Really?”

“Uh-huh. When I drink I sometimes break out in handcuffs.”

I immediately started laughing and Georgia seemed determined to ruin it. “It’s because Lucky isn’t any fun.”

Ha. I knew that wasn’t true.

Lucky sat up primly in her chair. “Just because I’m choosing not to drink doesn’t automatically mean I’m not any fun. That is a separate choice that I have also made.”

I laughed again. “I think you’re a lot of fun.”

“You must not get out much.”

“Too much, unfortunately.” I had done a lot of stupid things after Harper died. Lots of regrets.

Someone across the bar was checking Lucky out, and I put my arm along the back of her chair. I wanted to send a clear signal.

While I understood that I had no claim over her, I was pretty sure that if anyone here tried to hit on her, I would knock them out.

I didn’t know what it was this woman had done to me that made me go all caveman. I hoped I would get to figure it out. It didn’t seem to matter how many times I reminded myself about the captain’s rule.

I’d never had an issue talking to women or asking them out. Rejection wasn’t really in my wheelhouse, as I didn’t have much experience with it.

But I was actually a little afraid she’d say no if I asked her on a real date, just the two of us.

I had no idea how to make this happen.

Chapter Sixteen

Lucky

I couldn’t read Hunter’s expression. He seemed more serious than usual. He had put his arm on the back of my chair and it was almost like he was touching me.

Georgia stood suddenly and grabbed me by the arm. “We’re going to the loo.”

Before I could protest she was pulling me behind her, forcing me to follow.

“What are you doing?” I asked when we got to the bathroom and she practically pushed me inside. The room was tiny with a couple of stalls, which were both occupied.

“Tell me what is going on with the hottie yachtie. Who saw who naked?” she asked.

“What?” I asked, alarmed.

“There is this level of awkwardness with you two and I’m assuming that one of you walked in on the other while changing.”

I could feel my cheeks flushing, a fact that didn’t escape Georgia’s notice.

She crowed, “I knew it! Who was it?”