Page 49 of Knockin' Boats
If I left now, I could probably go grab a bite and then return before it got too dark.
“Okay, I’ll go pick something up,” I said. “But we’re still on for tomorrow?”
I had two days off, and I wanted to grab my things before Rick made good on his threat to toss them out. But I didn’t have my own boat, so unless I trucked Master Bites all the way over there—which would take an age because that food boat movedslow—I had to rely on Mel.
Because there was no way I’d ever ask Sawyer to take me anywhere again after I’d gone and kissed him like an idiot.
“Yeah, I’ll swing by mid-afternoon,” she said.
“Thanks, Mel. When I moved over here, I didn’t think about how much I’d miss seeing you every day.”
“Aw, you love me,” Mel teased before we said goodbye.
I threw on a T-shirt to go with the basketball shorts I’d put on after my shower, then grabbed my wallet and phone. I went down the ladder on the stern and dropped into the bright orange kayak I kept tied up there.
Without my own boat, this was my best method of transportation, so thankfully it was a short trek to land.
I picked up the double-finned oar and paddled toward the RV park beach, which was the closest landing point.
When I arrived, I disturbed a couple who were locked in a movie-worthy kiss. They broke apart, turning toward me.
Which was then I recognized them.
Brooks and Skylar.
The very people I’d hoped to avoid tonight.
“Sorry,” I said awkwardly. “I was just…” I waved a hand toward the kayak I’d dragged onto the muddy shore.
“Kayaking at night?” Brooks asked with a lifted brow.
“I came over from my houseboat,” I said. “I forgot to shop, so I need to grab dinner.”
“Do you want to join us?” Skylar asked. “We’re at a cookout.”
“Oh, uh… I don’t want to crash the party. I can just walk over to the resort restaurant.”
“You must be sick of that place,” Brooks said. “I know I am.”
Skylar elbowed him. “Hey, where’s the company loyalty?”
“I’m loyal,” Brooks said. “But I live where I work, and sometimes I need a change of scenery. Even if it means eating burgers that taste like lumps of charcoal.”
Skylar snorted. “Be nice, and go see how our friend feels about inviting Ash to join us? I want to talk to him alone for a minute.”
Uh-oh. Here it came. He’d heard about today.
Brooks nodded and took off down a trail that ran deeper into the RV park.
“What did Sawyer say?” I asked tensely.
“Only that you were a little overwhelmed today.”
I scowled. “I had it under control.”
“Did you?”
“Iwouldhave,” I said.
