Chapter 12
ROWAN
I ’d wandered into the heated sauna in search of relief for my tense muscles and relaxation for my troubled mind. Turns out I’d gotten too much of one and none of the other.
I replayed the last conversation I had with Dylan and shook my head at my stupidity.
“Call me if you need anything. Anything,” I said as I hugged my best friend tightly.
“I promise. Can you do me a favor?” Dylan replied with a smirk.
“What?”
“Fire Andrew.”
“What the hell, Dylan?” I yelled, but Dylan just laughed in return.
“As corny as it sounds, you fucking light up whenever he’s near you. I was concerned - and a bit amused – at your reaction to him when I first arrived. But I also know sometimes life isn’t worth living without taking a few risks. So, fire him and then do what you do best.”
“And what’s that?”
“Close the deal.”
I’d closed the deal, but Andrew was still in my employ. I’d fucked up.
The sauna was an inferno, but temperature had nothing to do with it.
It had started with a fiery catalyst, the naked temptation that was Andrew, and resulted in the most intense orgasm of my life.
I needed another taste of him. More. Unfortunately, I never got what I longed for, what I rarely wanted from other men – a kiss.
Andrew’s kiss. And it was my own fault. I’d been so overwhelmed by my emotions afterward that I couldn’t even look the beautiful man in the eyes.
For someone who’d grown an empire on his ability to communicate, I was total shite when it came to my lovers.
Not that Andrew and I were lovers—I’d put that to an end when I refused to make eye contact.
He'd slammed the door shut on his way out, and the vibration echoed in my chest. And now there was a whole different kind of tension and complication between us that I would be forced to confront.
I should be ashamed of my reckless behaviour, having sex with an employee.
But I wasn’t. Terrified yes, but regretful, no.
I’d never be able to sit in this sauna again without seeing his stunning form and his beautiful face when he came.
And that right there was a huge bloody warning that rattled my brain.
If I broke one rule for Andrew, what would be next?
Instead of listening to Dylan’s advice, I’d let my dick win the first round, but the victory was bittersweet and tainted with Andrew’s anger.
I sat in the sauna for a while after he left to let my whirling thoughts settle.
Much as I lauded Dylan’s romantic notions, the chances of Andrew and I having something more than casual sex was not realistic.
Andrew wasn’t ready for a relationship. And there was a minefield to navigate if he stayed on.
How would I keep my desire under control now that I no longer had Dylan as a buffer?
God knows I had a hard enough time tamping down the eye-fucking when we were around other people.
To top it all off, my family was about to descend on the yacht.
Christ, talk about bad bloody timing . Or maybe it would be a valuable distraction and provide me with the distance I needed to think about my next move.
I was not averse to risk, but this situation with Andrew was completely out of my depth.
And there was no bloody way I was sailing into it without a lifeboat.
ANDREW
The next day…
Now, Voyager was heading in to Port de Plaisance, Sint Marteen to dock, onboard provisions, and finally, welcome Rowan’s family.
I stood on the main deck, enjoying the sunshine and watching the captain and crew skillfully navigate the narrow channel as we neared the Dutch side of the island.
The marina had plenty of mega yachts and sailboats, each one with a large flag fluttering in the breeze.
That was one of the things I enjoyed most about yachting life this past year, all the different people and places I got to see and experience.
Despite my wanderlust, I still had a desire, a longing, for home.
A few months ago, my plan was to work until March, take care of my bills, head back to Atlanta, and save for a down payment for a house of my own.
But lately, I questioned what home meant to me, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to settle down in Georgia.
It wasn’t just the bad memories of Anton.
I was different person after a year of travel.
I had grown, and I didn’t know where I fit in anymore.
But if not Atlanta, then where? I didn’t have an answer just yet.
I was sailing without a means of navigation. I could drift for now but not forever.
Speaking of forever… I was pretty sure the image of Rowan sitting in that sauna covered in my cum would be burned in my memory for all time.
I hadn’t slept more than a handful of hours last night, my fitful sleep interrupted by the memories of the hottest – and possibly biggest - mistake I’d ever made.
Given the aftermath, it was clear that Rowan had regrets, so it was time for me to pull up my big boy pants and get on with my job.
I watched the captain expertly steer us into the respective dock, and the deck crew dropped fenders and finally secured the lines. Looking up, I took in the bustling harbor and the gentle rolling green hills of the island until my phone rang.
“Mr. Slater, this is the harbor master. Provisions for dock number 24 are on the way. ETA ten minutes.”
“Thank you.”
Standing on the bridge deck aft, I yelled down to Charlie.
“When you’re done tying up, can you and the engineer please give me a hand with the provisions? ETA ten minutes.”
“You got it.”
I went back inside to grab my tablet, pulling up my checklist. I wanted to verify the provisions as we brought them on board to ensure nothing was missed before we left port. Rowan’s – Mr. Carter’s – family was due to arrive in three hours, and everything had to be perfect.
At 11 o’clock, a young man pulled a large pallet down the dock, the dozens of boxes piled high and threatening to topple over.
The volume of food, beverages, and party swag was standard for one week, but given the lack of staff it took an extra fifteen minutes for us to load the provisions.
Even the captain pitched in, toting large bags of vegetables and crates of meat and seafood up the plank.
I told him to leave it, but George waved me off and smiled. “It’s fine, Andrew, I don’t mind. I need to keep my forty-seven-year-old body fit.”
“You’re in better shape than most people my age. I don’t think you need to worry,” I replied with a grin.
“That’s because I use the gym every day, and I try to limit my participation in Rowan’s ten-course gourmet dinners.”
After provisions were loaded, I carefully reviewed the preference sheets again and set up the bar in anticipation of guests’ arrival. One of the remaining deck crew helped me complete the laundry and arrange the bedrooms. I also checked in with Lisette and Cassie about dinner.
“Tonight, we’ll be serving crab croquettes, cucumber-spinach gazpacho, grilled snapper with a Scotch bonnet pepper sauce, fingerling potatoes, and a passionfruit souffle for dessert.
Mr. Carter senior likes to eat early, at 6.
If you have any questions about their preference sheets, just ask Rowan. ”
I flinched at the mention of Rowan’s name but did my best to keep a blank face. Inside, I was a mess of frustration, desire, and regret.
“Is there anything about them that’s not listed on their sheet? Any odd quirks or habits I should be aware of?”
Cassie laughed loudly, but Lisette glared at her.
“I feel you should be warned,” Cassie replied as she stopped chopping onions.
“Jamie, Mr. Carter, is a fine man but he’ll talk your ear off, so don’t feel bad about telling him you need to get back to work.
Ruby, his wife, isn’t one for much conversation with the staff and is very particular about her food.
She loves excursions to the islands and will probably have you hauling back twenty bags of shopping.
Rafe is a lot of fun, outgoing, and he likes to flirt.
He’s also a night owl, so don’t be surprised if he calls on you for a drink and a snack at three in the morning. ”
Cassie paused, then continued chopping. “Rebecca is the quietest, and she usually works while she’s here.
She may ask you to be a test subject for one of her apps – it’s up to you if you want to say yes.
And finally, Rowan’s aunt Cara. She’s a romance writer, and she likes to ask people questions about their sex life for research purposes. I’m not joking.”
“Cassie…” Lisette warned.
“He needs to know Lis,” Cassie said as she turned back to me. “Feel free to tell Cara no comment.”
I ran a hand through my hair. “I guess Mr. Carter wasn’t joking when he said his family was a motley crew.”
“Definitely. But they’re very nice people, so don’t worry. It’ll be a fun charter.” Cassie smiled and resumed her work.
“I appreciate the heads-up.” I glanced at my phone. “ETA fifteen minutes. I’m going to get changed. See you on deck.”
Thankfully I had yet to encounter Rowan today.
He’d texted of course, about work, and said he’d arranged with Lisette to have his meals delivered to his room, by her.
Apparently, he was busy working on a new project and didn’t want to be disturbed.
Right. If I needed confirmation that yesterday’s sauna session was a mistake, this proved it.
I should’ve listened to Hunter’s advice.
The one good thing was that I was on call as the chief stew for the next five days, 24/7, so there’d be no time for ruminating about my stupid behaviour. I’d chalk it down to sleep and sex deprivation and add in heatstroke for good measure.
After changing into my uniform, I scrambled up to the lounge and was pouring glasses of champagne at the bar when my earpiece buzzed.
“Andrew, please report to the main deck aft immediately.”
“Copy, Captain.” I put my sunglasses on and deftly balanced the tray in both hands, making my way through the lounge and out onto the bridge deck aft and down one flight of stairs.
It was a small welcoming committee today, George, Lisette, Cassie, and Charlie standing in line, ready to welcome the Carter family. No sign of Rowan. Yet.
I was more than curious to meet Rowan’s family now that I had background information about them.
Observing the interplay would likely be very interesting.
Not that I cared about watching Rowan anymore.
Been there, burned by that. My focus was solely on providing the best possible service to meet their unique needs.
I had the usual first day nerves, but I was also confident in my ability to make this a memorable week.
Ready for anything, I took a deep breath and put on my game face.
Until I saw Rowan walk down the stairs and my heart lurched.
Why, why did the man have to be so fucking beautiful?
In a casual outfit of white jeans and a matching short-sleeve button-down shirt, he looked like the successful businessman on holiday.
But all I could see was Rowan’s naked body, dusted with sweat and dark blond hair.
My mind replayed our dirty banter and the sight and smell of our mutual release.
Fuck, look away from your sinful boss. Now is not the time for a boner.
Focusing my attention on the group of five well-dressed people walking along the dock toward the boat, I ignored the laser-like stare of my boss.
Bad enough I could smell his edible cologne as he stood nearby.
My hand started to shake, and the tray rattled, so I firmly held it with both hands. You can do this.
Rowan moved to the edge of the deck and waved to his family.
“Permission to come aboard?” Jamie yelled out as he let his wife Ruby, his daughter Rebecca, and his sister Cara board first. I was right when I speculated that the rest of the Carter family would be gorgeous.
Rowan hugged each family member in turn and then introduced them to the crew.
Jamie was an older version of Rowan, with short grey hair and dark blue eyes, his wife Ruby a petite blonde, her age indecipherable thanks to someone’s medical expertise with filler.
Next aboard was Rafe, the model, who didn’t disappoint with high cheekbones and long dark brown hair, his blue eyes full of mischief.
I knew trouble when I saw it. Rebecca was petite and blonde like her mom but didn’t make much eye contact compared to her siblings.
And lastly, but certainly not least, was Cara, Jamie’s sister and Rowan’s aunt.
Dressed in a bright red outfit, her brown hair in big curls, she winked at me and gave me a sultry smile. Oh God.
“Ah, Andrew,” Jamie bellowed out in his big Irish brogue as I handed him a glass of champagne. “You’re the young man giving my son a much-needed hand.”
Rowan coughed and choked on his drink, spewing his champagne all over Rafe’s blue linen shirt. Everyone backed away in horror, except for the captain, who quickly grabbed a towel and handed it to Rafe.
“Thank you, George,” Rafe said softly to the captain, who turned a bright shade of red and quickly made his leave. Rafe shook his head as he wiped down his shirt. “Bloody hell, Ro, champagne is meant to be drunk, not recycled.”
“Poor Rowan. He’s been so busy working lately he probably forgot how to swallow,” I murmured to Rafe as Rowan continued to cough. Stealing a glance, I saw the warning glare in Rowan’s gaze and raised an eyebrow in return.
“You’re a feisty one,” Rafe whispered and winked at me, and Rowan’s face turned a very dark shade of purple.
“You have no idea,” I replied with a smirk as I walked over to the bar to pour more champagne.
“Time to pull anchor,” Jamie commented.
“In about ten minutes, sir,” Charlie replied.
“Quicker if we can, lad,” Jamie replied as he stared out over the port side. Charlie and I walked over and followed his line of vision. I noticed two people on a nearby dock with cameras aimed our way. Charlie looked at me and nodded, then silently headed up the stairs to the wheelhouse.
Being on board a ship for weeks at a time, sometimes I forgot that the outside world existed. Jamie’s alert was a shot of reality. Most of my anger at Rowan’s behavior in the sauna washed away. At least one of us was still thinking clearly.