Page 86 of A Chance for Us
“We’ve both been burned.”
“Yes, we have,” Oliver says, his hands tightening around the wheel a bit.
Oliver may always act like life is fun and grand, but I know what it’s like to wear a smile when you’re dying inside.
The first girl he loved broke his heart.
Devney destroyed it.
He’s safeguarded himself against that kind of pain, and I can’t blame him for it.
I reach out, placing my hand on his forearm. “I’m sorry that things didn’t work out the way you hoped.”
“Meaning?”
I let my hand drop. “You went through with marrying me when you deserved to have that experience with the woman you loved and wanted to spend your life with. And I’m sorry that any woman has ever hurt you.”
“I’m not broken over it. Devney made the right choice.”
“Doesn’t mean it wasn’t shitty for you.”
He shrugs. “It was, but I’m fine. I have a good life, and she and I never would’ve been truly happy. Besides, I was meant to be on the market and up for sampling. Which you’re welcome for.” His voice is playful as he wiggles his brows.
I can’t help but laugh a little. “You’re right. I’m very glad I got to enjoy the goods.”
“There’s much more of that for tonight.”
I roll my eyes. In the last five days, I’ve had more sex than I have most months. It’s been fantastic, but I am not sure how much more my body can take. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to find out.
When he pulls to a stop, it only takes me a second to realize that we’re at the docks.
“You’re going to dump my body in the ocean?” I ask.
“Hell no, I’ve watched enough murder mysteries to know how to get rid of the body much more efficiently.”
“Good to know.”
Oliver helps me out of the car, looping my hand on his arm. “Come on, our dinner awaits.”
We walk down the pier and toward a yacht—or, at least, I would call it a yacht.
“Are we going on that?”
“We are.”
He helps me across the gangway and onto the boat, where there is already a gentleman waiting for us. “Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Parkerson.”
I turn to Oliver, who smiles. “Well, it’s kind of true.”
“Yes, I guess it is.”
“Did I say the names wrong?” the staff member asks.
“No, Michael, you didn’t. This is my wife, Maren, and we’re ready to head out if you are.”
Michael nods. “Of course. I recommend you both go down to the living quarters until we get out a little deeper. The beginning part of the ride can be a little choppy this time of year. I’ll be down shortly after to get your orders and have the chef start to prepare the meals.”
“Thank you,” Oliver says smoothly. He takes my arm, and we head to the door Michael indicated. “Watch your step.”
