Chapter 9
ROWAN
T oday was one of the best days I’d experienced in years.
I wasn’t the billionaire, the dealmaker, I was just Ro - a man enjoying a day at the beach with his friends.
Only one was my best friend, and the other…
well, I wanted more than friendship from Andrew.
I desired him in every dirty, delicious way I could imagine.
And I didn’t know what turned me on more, Andrew’s body or his brains.
He was kind, funny, sharp. And sexy. So fucking sexy and yet he didn’t seem to be aware.
But I noticed and so did other men on the beach.
When we’d first arrived, Andrew pulled off his shorts and tank top to reveal a tiny black speedo that clearly outlined the heft of his cock and balls. I’d almost swallowed my tongue and feared I would have a massive coronary right there on the beach. At least you’d die happy .
Ordering Andrew to lie down so I could apply sunscreen to his supple back was genius of the highest order and stupidity of the same. Then Dylan came crashing into the cabana and reality along with him.
I had warned Leo not to mouth off about my presence at the beach club, but I knew the game.
The club had limited privacy. And Leo was probably looking for an opportunity to sell me out.
It wouldn’t be difficult. I glanced at my mobile and perused the usual gossip sites.
Sure enough, I noticed a picture of me, Andrew, and Dylan on the beach, paddleboarding.
You couldn’t make out Andrew’s face since his head was turned in the other direction, but it was a near thing and a stark reminder of my uncle’s threat.
Was I ready to fuck up my business, my health, for the chance of fleeting sex with Andrew?
I was trying to reduce my stress, not compound it.
I had to think of the repercussions if someone found out I was lusting after my assistant.
That meant no more friendly day trips or flirty glances.
Pushing all thoughts of the beach day to the back of my mind, I focused my attention instead on the man sitting in front of me.
I’d finally managed to snag Owen’s attention at dinner, and he remained seated at the table while the captain headed to the wheelhouse and the other guests wandered back to their own quarters.
The Katlans were too inebriated to talk business, so their presence this weekend had been a total waste of time.
Thank God they were departing in the morning.
Turning my focus back to Owen, I was determined to resolve this issue with him one way or another.
“You’re leaving tomorrow, but we haven’t had any further discussions about your properties.
For us to move forward, I think we need to take a moment and look back.
I spoke with my father earlier today. He informed me that a decade ago, before I took over, he had discussed the possibility of selling his company shares with two outside contacts, one of them being you. ”
Owen’s hand tightened on his glass of whiskey, and he pursed his lips.
“That is true.”
“Is that what this is about? You were annoyed that my father changed his mind and so you’re, what? Making me run around in circles after you? Is this payback? I’m not sure I understand. If it was just a discussion and no promises were made, why hold a grudge all these years?”
Owen nodded and took a big sip of whiskey.
“There were no promises made, but I wanted a foothold in the European market that had huge potential. And then your father turned around a month later and said you were stepping into his role. I’d worked my ass off all my life, since I was a kid.
Built my business from nothing. You hadn’t created anything, you just stepped into your father’s shoes.
What did you care? Then the real estate market crashed a year later, and my US portfolio took a hit that I didn’t think I would ever recover from.
I kept thinking if only I’d had those UK properties.
” He paused. “But, like always, I clawed my way back. Now I’m forty-nine, and I have more money than sense.
I know you’re offering a good deal, but I’m a stubborn man.
I guess a bitter one too since I enjoyed you chasing after me and being able to throw every offer back in your face. ”
“I appreciate your candour, Owen. Finally. But it’s time to move on. I’ve worked bloody hard over the past decade, and I promise you, my offer is more than generous. Are you willing to close the deal?”
I waited anxiously as Owen looked over at the horizon.
“I’ll agree to make a final decision within a month.”
“Perfect. You discuss it with your legal team and get back to me.”
Owen downed the rest of his whiskey in one go, slammed down his glass, and got up.
“That sounds fair, but I make no promises. If I get a better offer in the meantime—” He started to walk toward the interior but paused at the door. “By the way, what led you to ask your father about what happened?”
I smiled. “Andrew. He was convinced that your issue with me had something to do with our connected past.”
“A smart young man. And fine-looking too. I’m quite charmed by him.”
I held back my immediate reaction to lash out but just barely. No way was Owen getting anywhere near Andrew. The visceral, possessive instinct shocked me. It felt entirely too natural.
“It’s a shame he’s already taken,” Owen continued.
“Excuse me?” My hand tightened on my glass.
“He’s charming, but he’s interested in someone already. Too bad.”
How had I not noticed that Andrew was interested in one of the crew?
“I guess you’re not the sharpest barb on the wire when it comes to this sort of thing. The answer’s staring at you plain in the face.” Owen closed the door behind him and left me alone on the deck, watching the sun set.
Oh my God. Were Andrew and I that transparent about our attraction to each other? If Owen could read us so easily…
Desiring Andrew and resisting him was one thing.
Knowing that I was wanted in return changed everything.
Or, given our circumstances, nothing at all.
After all, Andrew had been horribly burned by his last workplace romance, and I had to avoid any hint of scandal until Owen signed that deal.
If word got out that I was involved with an employee, nothing good would come of it. For either of us.
ANDREW
Two weeks later…
I stood on the bridge deck watching the sun rise and enjoying the quiet lull of the waves. It was just before Christmas, and we’d anchored off the coast of Saint Martin to pick up provisions.
Rowan had talked Owen into returning for another weekend in January to seal the deal. My boss was confident that this time Owen would follow through. And things on board with the crew had settled into a familiar routine.
At Rowan’s request, Dylan stayed aboard for a full two weeks.
I joined him and Rowan for dinner every other night.
Rowan had a scheduled conference call with his US team at 5 PM, I’d take notes, then Dylan would join us for a bite, and we’d chat about everything and anything.
It usually ended with Dylan and I teasing Rowan about his billionaire lifestyle and Rowan lambasting us with snarky comebacks.
But Rowan’s demeanor had changed a lot after our beach day – mine too - and we were guarded, keeping things professional.
That photo of us on the beach was a wakeup call for sure.
You couldn’t tell it was me in the picture, but Dylan and Rowan had received a lot of social media chatter about it.
The one good thing was that Rowan’s media team hadn’t noticed any other pictures circulating, so that was good news.
I was curious to ask Rowan how he was doing since he looked stressed out again.
I saw him rubbing his chest a few times and wondered if his asthma was acting up.
Dinnertime conversation was light with no more heated stares or lingering glances.
Whatever crazy feelings Rowan conjured up in me, I cut them off and let them float away.
The overwhelming desire I’d discovered on that beach seemed like a million years ago.
I guessed that day was an anomaly even though my mind would wander back and replay it over and over.
My phone pinged with a new message, and I reluctantly turned away from my perch on the deck.
Hunter: Video chat?
Andrew: Just let me head to my bunk. Call you in 5.
Once I was safely settled in my room, I dialed Hunter. A familiar smiling face with hazel eyes and curly red hair popped up on screen.
“Long time no speak, Drew. I guess I don’t need to ask how things are in the beautiful Caribbean, since your tan says it all. Not to mention the awesome pictures you sent me.”
I smiled. “Yeah, so far so good. It’s been a great month. The weather is perfect, most of my colleagues are nice, and my boss is keeping me busy, but he’s cool.”
“He’s not riding your ass too hard?”
I coughed as my face grew warm.
“No ass riding.” Unfortunately.
“How long are you staying on the yacht?”
“Until March. Right now, I’m filling in for Rowan’s PA, but I’ll resume being the chief stew come the end of January.”
“Is he another rich asshole with weird demands?”
Rolling my eyes, I shook my head.
“No, but this conversation falls under attorney-client privilege,” I chuckled.
“He’s a pretty normal guy. Granted, he has more money than I’ll ever see in my lifetime, but outside of that, he’s nice.
I went with him and his friend Dylan to St. Thomas awhile back, and we hung out on the beach.
It was great. He works hard, and I respect him. It’s a good gig.”
“You hung out with him and his friend? Wait. Dylan, you mean Dylan Aylmer, the actor? There was a picture of him and Carter in the news. Holy shit, man! My friend Drew, friending celebrities! Sounds like you’re having fun.”