Page 25 of Deep Waters
Rae frowned. “We should probably warn him anyway. Jia would have turned over most of the boat business paperwork to him. They’ve worked out a deal for him to continue operations. If the thief is looking into Whale of a Good Time, they might think to try Brandon’s place next.”
“Good point.”
“I’ll swing by his slip sometime this week on my way to work. Give him a heads-up. But for now, I’m exhausted. I’m going to turn in.”
Any thought of teasing her about an early bedtime faded as I took in the details I’d missed earlier. The shadows beneath her eyes. The fragility in her expression. Rae needed rest.
“I’ll double-check the locks down here. Good night.”
Taking her into my arms, kissing her again, was all I wanted to do. I clenched my hands into fists to avoid reaching for her. Anything between us was new. And I wasn’t the kind of guy to make demands. But offers?
“Let me know if you need anything.”
No seven words in the English language had ever been meant more sincerely. Been weighted with more nuance.
Rae smiled, the gentle tilt of her lips easing some of the fatigue in her features. “I will.”
But would she? Thinking we could shoulder the world’s burdens without help was something we had in common. But she didn’t have to carry things alone anymore. I was here. But how to make her believe it?
Chapter 11 – Rae
Ididn’t last long in bed. I tried to fall asleep. Failed. Finally, I gave in, getting up to prowl downstairs, double-checking the locks. The new security system should have given me some peace of mind. But I had to admit it wasn’t just the break-in keeping me up.
It was Zach.
Things were changing fast between us, leaving me spinning. Part of me wanted to devour him. Binge on all the flavors and sensations I’d been denying myself for so long. But messing up what we had, our friendship? It would gut me. I couldn’t throw that away without certainty our friendship would survive if our romantic relationship didn’t.
After Jia returned, we’d still see each other all the time as neighbors. I couldn’t bear it if we crashed and burned, and he started inviting women home next door. My relationship with Simon was poor preparation for the real deal. Did I even know how to be a girlfriend? It wasn’t like Zach was the poster-child for commitment either. What if one or both of us didn’t have the staying power to make it work?
I flitted around downstairs, refolding blankets in the living room. Tidying up the kids’ toys and electronics. Wiping down already-clean countertops. Anything to keep moving. Stay busy.
“Everything okay down here?”
My heart stuttered, my breath seizing. Zach kept his deep voice soft, but it still boomed in comparison to the late-night quiet.
“I didn’t mean to startle you.” He traversed the last few steps between us, facing me across the kitchen island. “Can’t sleep?”
I bit my lip. Debating how much to tell him. “What if we try, and this doesn’t work?”
“We go back to being friends.” He didn’t pretend to misunderstand me.
“What if we can’t do that?” I asked.
I half-expected him to say “we shift to enemies” and brush my question off with a flash of his dimples. Instead, he frowned, holding my gaze.
“I don’t think there’s anything you could do that would make me not want to be in your life, even if it’s just as your friend.” He sighed, scrubbing a hand through his hair. Dark strands stood on end in a rooster tail, making him look like he’d slept with wet hair. My fingers itched to smooth it back in place. “But if it’s too awkward or painful for either of us, then we’ll work it out. I have to believe there’s a solution. Contrary to rumor, I know I’m not perfect.” He flashed the charming grin I’d become so used to. “I was pretty slutty for a hot minute in my twenties.”
“Don’t talk about yourself that way.”
He lifted a shoulder. “I’m not ashamed, but I do want you to know I was always careful about my health. Got regularly tested. It’s been long enough now, I think I can confidently say that I don’t bring any extra risk to our relationship.”
I blinked. Wait. What? Was he saying what I thought?
He dipped his chin, and I caught the hint of a suppressed smile.
“Aw, don’t look at me like that, Captain. You’re going to hurt my feelings if you didn’t notice.Nauti by Naturehas been anythingbutliving up to its name for a long time. I’ve been one lonely night from rechristening it toNauti no More.”
My mouth opened. Snapped shut.
