Page 25 of Trust and Obey

His smile became sly. “I think I have to thank my relaxation consultant for that.”

I leered. “Happy to help.”

We fell silent then, and his gaze went out to see, his expression going pensive. “Things will get better for me after the divorce is finalized,” he said, and I suspected the words were more for himself than for me. “I have to keep reminding myself that this is the last big hurdle before we are free of each other.”

“Was it really that bad?”

He shrugged and took a long swig of beer. “Yes and no. I think, deep down, I knew that we weren’t right for each other. My father…” Deacon trailed off and then shrugged again. “He tried to warn me, but I told myself I was in love, and I didn’t listen. Besides, all the deposits were paid.” His lips slanted into a bitter line.

“Not the most romantic reason to marry.”

“No,” he agreed. “But a powerful one when you think you’re suffering from cold feet.”

I nodded and nudged his thigh with my foot. I didn’t think I had words to help ease the pain, but I wanted to let him know that I was here for him.

He continued, “I think we could have made it, long-term. Not exactly happy but content. I was busy building up my business… And she found a way to keep busy with other men.” Another long swig of beer. “Of course, she said it was my fault for ignoring her.”

I was offended on his behalf. “That’s bullshit.”

“Oh, I know. I think the way my father died—” He broke off and took a breath that sounded unsteady. “Well, never mind that. It just all just came to a head at the same time and cemented that life was short.”

I literally had to bite my tongue to keep from asking more questions. I sensed that he wouldn’t appreciate it if I pried too deeply.

It seemed that Deacon’s talkative mood had ended. He returned to gazing out to sea. He seemed to be much recovered from our snorkeling, and I didn’t want him spiraling in a funk. So, I reached over to one of the long boxes secured on each side of the boat. I pulled out a long fishing pole. “Hey, what do you say we catch our own dinner?”

His gorgeous smile was all the answer I needed.

10

DEACON

It was both strange and amazing how rapidly life could change.

After a few stops and starts—mostly stops to make out, get distracted with one another, and totally forget about the fishing line we’d set in the water—we finally were able to snag two fish large enough to eat. Kendall had told me the species, but the knowledge went in and out of my head. I had been too busy staring at his lips and thinking about how they had felt around my dick.

Tonight, I planned to return the favor.

So yeah, I hadn’t remembered the name of the stupid fish.

Kendall brought the little sailboat in, and I helped him tie it to the pier at his direction. We made a good team.

There was another, larger boat pulling in to dock with what looked like a mixed company of several families on board. I took a subtle step away to put distance between the two of us.

If Kendall were my boyfriend, I wouldn’t care. But he wasn’t. Also, he was still in his work uniform.

As much as I wanted to kiss him, the last thing I wanted to do was put his job in jeopardy.

Kendall sent me a heated look which suggested he had more or less the same idea. Then, bending to access the boat’s chill box, he brought out our catch of the day.

“How about I drop these fish off at the kitchen and have the cooks prepare them for our dinner. Any preferences?”

I shook my head. “Whatever the chef thinks is best.”

“Then I’ll see you later tonight.” Kendall gave me another look filled with promises.

Turning, I walked down the dock with a spring in my step.

Hell, I’ll just admit it: I felt like a new man.

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