Page 21 of Drawn to You (Chasing Olivia 1)

“No, of course not. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Oh, good.” I let out the breath I’m holding.

“I’m heading down to the docks. Do you want to come? I’m taking the boat out.” He smiles that dazzling smile that makes me dizzy.

“Boat?” I question.

“Didn’t I tell you? I have a boat. It’s normally on the North Shore, but I had it brought around for the rest of the week,” he says with pride. Boys and their toys.

“Um, sure. Just let me go and tell Brenda where I’ll be. Otherwise, she’ll worry.”

“Okay, I’ll see you in a few.” He beams.

I go past the house down the walk that leads to the beach. Climbing down the steps, I see her umbrella a little to my right. I walk over to her knowing she won’t be able to hear me, and tap her on the shoulder. She pulls out her ear buds. “What’s up?” she asks.

“I ran into Chase on the walk. He wants me to go with him for a boat ride.”

“Boat ride?”

“Yes. Apparently, he has a boat. I just found out myself.”

“Of course he does,” she mutters sardonically.

“I won’t be gone too long, I don’t think.” I wonder where we are going.

“Have fun and I’ll see you later.” She waves and puts her ear buds back in.

I head up to the house to grab a bag, and change into my favorite bathing suit. It’s the Victoria Secret unforgettable Demi Top in wicked rose with the matching hipster bottom. After putting my denim shorts back on with my white tank top over the bikini, I throw a towel, my sunscreen, my iPod and a sundress in case I get wet, into the duffle bag. Then, I grab my Coach sunglasses and run out the door.

Chase is waiting by the general store when I appear from down the walk. “Ready?” he asks all excited.

“Yup, let’s go,” I say equally as excited. “Where is your boat?”

“On the other side. Come.” He grabs my hand, and I follow him down the dock. We make a left at the end and continue walking. He stops in front of the biggest boat in the marina. Holy fuck! To say the boat is large is an understatement. It’s a beast.

“How big is she?” I ask in astonishment.

“She’s a forty-five footer,” he says with a boyish smile

on his lips. I just stare at this behemoth of a boat.

“What kind of boat is it?” I’m still gaping.

“She’s a Sealine S450. Can’t buy these boats in the US, had her brought over from England. Isn’t she a beauty?”

“This is not a boat, it’s a mansion with fins,” I say, gawking at it. The boat is beautiful I must admit. He jumps on and reaches over to help me aboard. The platform is very close to the dock making it easy to get on. I notice the name of the boat painted above the loading platform: Carpe Diem. Hmm, seize the day.

I step onto the platform and whoa! It’s even bigger on the inside than it looks from standing on the dock. It has a huge seating area toward the back of the boat. We walk in between two L shape benches.

“Watch this.” He reaches behind one of the bench couches and hits a button. “Electronic rear cockpit seating system that slides together to seat dining for eight or convert into rear or forward facing sunbathing area.” Jeez, he sounds like a boat salesman. The couches move together to form a huge u-shaped couch. “It makes it easier to walk around the side of the boat this way,” he says. “This boat features a full length, soft top convertible roof system, and large opening side windows which let in the light and the fresh air.” He points up. I just stand there staring in awe at the largesse of it all. “Take a seat while I help Paul cast off.”

I didn’t notice there was someone else on the boat. He was toward the bow and untying ropes when we came on. I turn and sit toward the back of the boat, waiting for them to finish whatever it is they’re doing.

Chase comes back around and yells out to Paul, “Ready on your side?”

“Yeah, I’m good.” Paul comes around from the front and heads toward the helm. He starts the engine, and we slowly move forward. Chase appears from the side and sits down next to me. I give him a puzzled look. “Paul is the captain,” he states. Oh. “Paul, this is Olivia.”

Paul shakes my hand. “Pleasure, ma’am.”

---