Page 3 of My Brother's Forbidden Friend

“I’m sorry, you need to ask permission to board my boat.” I put my hand on his chest. His rock-hard chest.

“I’m serious about these guys. One of these days, it’s gonna end in disaster.” He crosses his arms.

While most of the guys out here are dressed as actual fishermen—orange overalls, water boots, and other items to try to keep them dry—Cam is in khakis and a polo because his dad owns the marina and he’s training Cam to take over. One day Cam will be the man who decides what I pay to dock my boat here. Perish the thought.

“It’s my business. I cannot keep going over this with you, Cam.” I stack the beer in the cooler, then head to the fridge to start the snack boards. All of my excursions come with food and beverages if they choose, and the bachelor parties always choose them.

“I’ll go with you.” He sits down.

I laugh somewhat manically, because I’d be seeing pigs fly rather than seagulls if I ever allowed that to happen.

“That’s a hard pass.” I tug at his arm, but he’s too big for me to move.

“See how strong I am?” He arches an eyebrow.

“You fishing for compliments now?” I put the meat and cheese tray, along with the fresh sushi, back in the fridge before making sure the rest of the boat is clean and the poles are ready.

“I was proving my point.” He comes up behind me.

I ignore the way a tingle races down my spine to my ass, as if I can feel the direction of his gaze.

Static comes over the outdoor speakers of the marina. “Cameron Baker, report to your office. Now.”

We both look up at the windows in the building, and there stands his dad with both hands on his hips, staring down at us.

“What the hell does he want?” Cam mutters.

“Oh, Cam’s in trouble. What happened? Did you take too much money out of the petty cash, or did you request a raise?” the fishermen shout various things from the decks of their boats, all of them laughing.

“This isn’t over, Chevelle.”

Cam stomps off my boat and back onto the pier, trudging toward the boathouse that’s more of an actual office building. His dad’s office is on the top floor, and Cam’s is on the second floor, right smack in the middle.

“Have a great night, Cam.” I wave with a smile just as the bachelor party walks toward me, reading the directions I gave them at top volume. Most already have beers in their hands.

Cam scowls at each of them as they pass.

“Welcome to Reelaxing Fishing Tours,” I call.

“I told you I didn’t want a stripper,” the man who I presume is the groom says, needing my assistance to come on board.

“I didn’t. She’s the captain.” The face of the man who booked me blotches red. “Sorry, they’re already shit-faced, for the most part. I’m the designated sober ass for the day.”

“Man, I was hoping she was a stripper,” one of the other guys says.

I pretend to smile. Cam has a point, but I can take care of myself. I always have.

After my introductory speech and safety lecture, I start the engine and look toward the marina offices, where Cam is staring down at me. Maybe I’m so argumentative with him because it gives me his attention. I’ve always been a sucker for Cam’s attention.

2

“BOYFRIEND.”

Cam

I watch Chevelle’s boat move farther out of the marina toward the gulf. She’s knowledgeable and she knows her shit. I know she does. And I’m positive she’s smart enough to have a gun somewhere on that boat, if not for protection from her charter guests, then from wildlife should anything happen if they pull up to one of the islands. Kodiak Island is no joke.

“Cameron!” My dad’s booming voice from behind me doesn’t startle the way it once did. I don’t even turn my attention away from the window to greet him. “You keep chasing that Greene girl around.”

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