Page 14 of Catching the Captain

“Occasionally I do. I hope this doesn’t sound horrible to you, but I like to eat without people staring at me or coming over to take a pic or get an autograph.”

“I don’t think that’s unreasonable.”

“It’s not that I’m not grateful for the fans or I don’t appreciate everything I have—”

“Kaiden,” she cuts me off. “You don’t have to justify your reasons. Everyone deserves to eat in peace, no matter what their job is.”

I send a quick appreciative smile her way. She doesn’t know the battle I fight with myself over the guilt I feel for not wanting to be recognized when I’m dining out. If you want a picture with me, come up to me at the grocery store. Ask me for an autograph at the mall, but just leave me alone while I’m eating. It’s bad enough when the waitstaff come over and ask how everything is when you have a mouthful of food. Having people unexpectedly lean into my personal space while I’m trying to enjoy my meal sucks.

I back my truck into an open parking space on the side of the road along the Battery, which is a famous defensive seawall and promenade that stretches along the lower shores of the Charleston peninsula. Getting out my side, I pocket my keys and move around to help Rori down.

“I love this part of Charleston.” Closing her eyes, she breathes in the scent of the sea. Her lips curve into a closed-mouth smile before she looks at me once more. “Sorry about that. I kind of lost myself there for a sec.”

“Don’t apologize. I love this area too. Which is why I was thinking it would be a great view to take in while we eat.” Opening the back door of the extended cab, I grab the bag of food. “Can you please take this?”

Rori hooks her fingers under the handles. “No problem.”

Grabbing the cooler and a comforter from the back seat, I shut the door with my hip and move around to the rear of the truck. Opening the tailgate, I set the cooler inside. I climb up to spread the thick comforter out in the bed. I take the bag of food from Rori and set it down, then help her up next to me. It’s more difficult for her to navigate with a skirt on, and I try to be a gentleman. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t stare at her legs the entire time. They already seem to be a weakness of mine.

“Go ahead and get comfortable,” I say. “What would you like to drink? I brought water, iced tea, hard lemonade, and beer.”

“I’ll take the lemonade, please.”

“Are you over twenty-one?”

“I’m twenty-two, sir,” she fires back, no doubt teasing me about my own age, but I don’t dislike it.

Removing the cap, I hand her the bottle and grab myself a beer. Sitting down next to her, I remove the containers of food from the paper bag and set them in front of us on the blanket. I give her some napkins, a paper plate, and plasticware before taking my own.

“You go first, and don’t be shy. I ordered plenty.”

“Jeez, Kaiden. I don’t know where to start. Everything looks amazing.”

“If you want my opinion, start with the chicken tenders and potato skins. They’re the best I’ve ever had.”

“Okay, sounds good.” She dishes some onto her plate while I sip on my beer, watching. It’s adorable how selective she is. She studies each item before choosing one.

Once she’s done, I add some to my plate and immediately begin devouring it.

She laughs and I find her studying me.

“What?” I ask.

“How long has it been since you’ve eaten?”

I laugh. “I’m sorry for forgetting my manners, but their food is so amazing, it’s easy to do.”

“Don’t apologize. Life is too short to not enjoy the simple things. And you’re right, their food is amazing.” She pops a bite of chicken into her mouth and chews. “Mmm,” she hums.

I scoop some Shepherd’s pie onto my plate, then butter a fresh-baked roll. I’ve got a delicious meal to eat and the company of a gorgeous woman. Add to that, the amazing view of the water and the vivid pinks and oranges painting the sky in bold streaks. What more could I want or need?

I notice Rori’s eating pace is slowing down while I’m still going strong.

“Hey, just a heads-up, I got dessert too—freshly-baked cookies and brownies.”

She groans, wrapping her arm across her stomach. “By the time we’re done eating, you’re going to have to roll me out of the truck’s bed.”

I laugh. “You can nap back here on the way home and no one will know.”

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