Page 143 of Knockin' Boats
“Rick’s trying to manipulate me, and he’s doing shitty things to you to achieve it.” My chest tightened. “If he hurts your business, if your business—” I couldn’t say it. Couldn’t speak the worst. But the thought was there, playing through my mind on repeat.If your business fails. “It’ll be my fault.”
“No way.” Ash’s eyes narrowed. “This isnotyour fault. No matter what happens. Rick is a shithead, and he’s wanted to punish me for going out on my own. This is just the excuse he needed. And he wouldn’t even be pulling shit like this if I hadn’t told him we were dating. If I hadn’t called him. It’s my fucking fault?—”
I kissed him until he relaxed against me.
His lips quirked as we parted. “Still kissing me silent, huh?”
“Only when you need it.”
He smiled a little. “Thank you.”
“I don’t want this to ruin what we have. We started this day really happy.”
He swallowed hard. “We did. I’m really glad to have you in my corner. Whatever happens with him, I don’t want that to change.”
“It won’t,” I said firmly. “So go out there today and charm the hell out of every customer. And tonight, I’ll give you my version of a deluxe care package.”
He raised his eyebrows. “You’re gonna fuck me?”
“No. I’m gonna cuddle the shit out of you.”
He laughed, eyes lighting up for the first time since he’d arrived at the office. “I’m looking forward to it.”
When I returned to the office, Hudson was just getting off the phone. “Who was that?”
“Heath. He just called to tell me he needs to miss a tour later this week to go to an AA meeting.”
“I’m glad he’s getting help. I was going to tell you about all that, but the boating accident seemed more pressing.”
Hudson nodded. “He told me you were firm but fair. He really appreciated that you didn’t fire him, and so do I. It was the right call. He’s been with us a long time.”
“He’s got to stay sober and run his tours safely,” I said. “I made it clear that we wouldn’t accept anything else. I hope that’s okay.”
“Of course it is,” Hudson said. “Seems like you’re already handling this business like an owner.”
I ignored that comment. I couldn’t consider Hudson’s offer right now. Maybe not ever.
The situation with Ash was so precarious. Bad enough one of us had a business that could go belly-up at any moment. But both of us? That was a recipe for disaster.
I changed the subject. “We should probably go over the schedule.”
Hudson seemed a little disappointed but nodded. “Sure. Everything you set up looks good, although I’m going to take your tours today. You’ve earned some time off.”
“I’m fine. I had a couple slow days in the middle of the week.”
He shook his head. “You’re not an owner yet. You had a hell of a night with that accident, and that’s after holding down the fort all week. Go relax. Recover. We’ve got a lot more bookings next week. I need you at your best.”
Hudson didn’t look like he’d take no for an answer, so I went home and crashed for a couple hours. Around midday, Shua came knocking at my door with puppy dog eyes.
It was a little late for wakesurfing—the heat would be brutal—but I caved and agreed to giving Shua a short session.
Before we left, I called Ash to see how the day was going.
“Hey, Sawyer,” Ash answered. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah. Hudson gave me the day off. I’m going to take Shua out for a while.”
“Aw, good. That kid loves hanging out with you.”
