Page 161 of Knockin' Boats
“I’m sorry. I wish I could say something more helpful.”
“That’s okay.”
My phone beeped, and I checked it, thinking it might be Sawyer. But no. My day had to go and get even shittier.
“I just got a text from Rick.”
“What’s it say?” Mel asked.
“It says that if I’m going to upset my mom, then he’ll just have to make sure I don’t see her anymore.”
“He can’t do that!” she said indignantly. “Your mom won’t allow it. Neither will you.”
“I wish I believed that,” I said. “Listen, there’s a boat approaching. I’ve got to get back in the kitchen.”
“Ash—”
“I’ve got to go, Mel. Thanks for listening, but there’s really nothing you can do. My family mess is my problem.”
I hung up before she could try to reassure me. I didn’t want to hear false promises right now. I just wanted to focus on work and drive every shitty thought out of my mind.
CHAPTER 34
Sawyer
Ash waited for me as I eased my boat into dock, his golden hair fluttering in a light breeze.
My stomach flipped at the sight of him. Tonight was another big night for us. Another sexual adventure. Sometimes, it seemed as if I’d never run out of “firsts” with Ash.
But it wasn’t the thrill of the unknown that lured me in. It was all him.
“Hey,” he called. “Don’t bother tying up. I’m ready to go.”
He grabbed the hand I extended and vaulted onto the side of the boat and then inside. I shook my head.
“One day you’re gonna fall and crack open your skull.”
“But not today,” he said with a wild grin as he dropped into the seat beside me.
I leaned over for a kiss, because I couldn’t resist.
Ash kissed me back with an intensity that was startling. We always had great chemistry, but there was something off about this kiss.
Almost as if he were trying to disappear inside of it.
I pulled back. “Are you okay?”
He winced. “Am I that obvious?”
“Did something happen with your mom? I saw I missed a call, but you didn’t leave a message or pick up when I called back later. I just figured you were busy.”
Ash nodded. “I was busy. The boat got a pretty steady stream of customers today.”
“That’s great!” I faltered at Ash’s weak smile. “Isn’t it?”
“No, it is. I just… Things didn’t go that well with my mom.”
I reversed out of the dock and turned the boat toward Ash’s place. We’d spent last night at the camper, so I figured it was only fair. “Tell me about it?”
