Page 74 of Deep Waters
The soft light in his eyes melted my heart. He said it with such innocent hope. Almost little-boy glee. I nodded.
“Wait, I didn’t get the update. Are you a two-boat couple? Who’s the captain, and who’s the first mate?” Lucy asked, glancing between us.
“We’re actually talking about getting a place in town at the end of the busy season,” I said. “We’ll get both boats appraised and then figure out which one we keep.”
“Makes sense.” Lucy tilted her chin toward the door. “I’m ready to head home too. I’ll walk with you.”
“Just think, Lucifer. If you married me, I’d walk you home all the time. You wouldn’t need to ruin your good mood watching these love birds canoodle. You’d have me.”
Slowly, Lucy dipped her chin, arching her brows and pursing her mouth. “Yeah, but you’re missing the major downside:I’d have you.”
“Hey,” Clay jutted his lower lip, “I’m not that bad.”
Lucy smiled wryly, her expression sardonic. “Yes, becausethat’sa glowing recommendation.”
“If you want references, I can make some calls,” Clay offered.
Lucy rolled her eyes. “I don’t want to hear that you’re a certified freak from past booty calls.”
“I said references, not satisfied customers. I was going to give you my mother’s number.”
“Because mothers never lie about their sons.”
“Lucifer, who are you calling a liar? My mother is a saint.”
“She must be, putting up with you.”
“Exactly. She’ll vouch for me. I’ll textyou her number.”
“I am not calling your mother, Robertson.”
“We’re leaving,” I broke in before their petty squabble devolved into an outright argument. They were fun to watch, but it was clear Lucy was nowhere near giving in.
“Putting on my shoes,” Lucy said.
I hugged Violet, the last bit of tension dying out when she hugged me back fiercely. “I’m so glad you’re both okay. It must have been scary.”
“It was. But I knew Zach would come for me. And in the meantime, I had a garage full of weapons to defend myself.”
Violet shuddered. “I still can’t believe Jordan was involved in something that got him killed.”
“At least Jia won’t have to worry about Brandon burglarizing the house again.”
“Was she glad to see the kids?”
“Over the moon. Zach will never admit it, but I think even he cried a bit. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”
“He’s a softie. Especially when it comes to you.”
The gentle warning in her tone made me catch her eye.
“I love him.”
“And we all love you. Welcome to the family, Rae.”
Vi’s words were soft. Sincere. My eyes burned, washing away any lingering fears about being accepted into the Fenwick clan. I blinked rapidly.
“I couldn’t ask for a better one.”
