Page 59 of Stepping Into Tomorrow

He hesitated as if deep in thought before he answered, “Mostly.”

A burst of laughter left Nash’s chest. The kid was brutally honest, and that was one thing he liked most about him. In a world full of fake individuals, having someone as steady and true as Eli was refreshing.

He straightened, meeting Bella’s gaze. Nash sucked in a quick breath at the emotion that lit those whiskey eyes. She blinked and looked away, quickly ending the connection.

Mark approached them a few minutes later. Nash inspected the hull and the propeller, pointing out to Eli what he was doing so the boy would learn how to do it on his own next time. All in all, it was a good investment. After that, they returned the boat to the water and Nash, Eli, and Mark took it for an ocean test while Bella stayed behind.

After returning to the dock, Mark asked, “So, what do you think?”

“She’s in pretty good condition. Few bits of wear and tear, and that radio will need to be replaced. Would you take fifteen?”

Mark scratched his head looking at the boat. “No. I could probably go down to eighteen. But that’s it.”

“She can write you a check for sixteen today,” Nash countered.

Mark shook his head. “No can do.”

Nash nodded and held out his hand to shake. “Thanks for your time.”

Mark reluctantly shook his and then Nash placed his hand on Bella’s lower back, guiding her towards the parking lot. He didn’t want to risk her falling in the water from the swaying dock. It was concern that had him reaching for her, not the blistering need to touch her that battered his insides.

Eli followed behind, his fingers twisting nervously. Nash remembered what it was like to be a kid who really wanted something. It must be taking a lot for Eli to hold back.

Before they could get to the SUV, Mark’s voice halted them. “Sixteen and we have a deal.”

The corners of Nash’s mouth turned up before he flattened his mouth. Eli turned to him, eyes meeting his for the briefest moments as a smile lit up his face and he clapped.

Nash turned towards Bella. “Well?”

She looked at her son, biting her lip before she nodded. “Okay.”

“Yes! Thank you, Mom!” Eli’s whole body shook as he waved his hands and moved his body in a circle.

Nash guided them through the paperwork, and before too long, Eli was holding the keys to his very first boat.

Mark held out his hand to shake Bella’s. “Pleasure doing business with you.”

Nash nudged Eli forward. “Shake his hand, bud. You made your first investment towards your future business.”

Eli did as he said and Mark gave him a friendly smile.

“Good luck, captain.” Mark waved goodbye, leaving the three of them alone in the parking lot.

“Do you want me to help Eli get it back to the marina?” Nash offered.

Bella’s lips curled in a soft smile, gratitude shining in her brown orbs. “Would you mind?”

“Not at all.” He didn’t want a repeat of her last time at sea, even if her parents’ marina was only five miles or so.

“Can I steer?” Eli asked.

Nash patted his shoulder. “Of course. You’re the captain.”

“And I get to name the boat, right?”

“We can look into that. First things first: let’s get it to Abuelo’s,” Bella answered him. “I’ll see you guys back there. Be safe. And don’t forget to put your life jacket on.”

“Always.”

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