Chapter 2
GEORGE
I stood in my usual spot in the cockpit—or the wheelhouse, as you prefer—examining the radar screen in front of me.
The weather in Australia had been calm for the past week, but we were on the cusp of spring, and I was preparing myself for rough waters and stormy conditions.
Not unusual and nothing I hadn’t dealt with before.
My fifteen-year career in the British navy, as well as over a decade working aboard private yachts, had taken me all over the world.
I’d survived monsoons in the Pacific, hurricanes in the Atlantic, and the threat of pirates in one harrowing voyage on the Indian Ocean.
None of those incidents, however, compared to dealing with Rafe Carter, the whirlwind force that had taken over Now, Voyager .
Rafe, brother to my boss. International fashion model, photographer, and general pain in my arse.
This voyage had trouble on the horizon. I knew that as well as I knew every inch of this ship.
I was used to managing a large crew, but guests were an entirely different matter.
They made my introvert tendencies kick into high gear.
I preferred the company of a good book, a hot cuppa, and the familiar sounds of the ocean waves.
Normally, Rowan was on board and kept his guests occupied.
No such luck for this charter. It was inevitable that I would run into Rafe, and my blood pressure spiked just thinking about having to deal with him every single day.
At six feet, standing just short of eye to eye with me, he was long and lithe, with shoulder-length honey brown hair and eyes that were bluer than any body of water I’d ever seen.
Plump lips always curved into a wicked grin.
Beautiful was too bland a word to describe him. He was a sea nymph brought to life.
And he knew it. Of course he did, he was in fashion ads everywhere. He wasn’t shy about flaunting his body, his opinions, or his flirty manner with just about everyone.
And for some reason, the model and his flippant manner chafed me like the worst kind of sunburn, leaving me uncomfortably irritated.
Ever since last Christmas and our infamous row, I’d done my best to avoid him whenever he was aboard.
But I would have no means of doing so for the next two months.
Rafe would be everywhere, his eyes pinning me with an intensity that made me want to run and hide.
And this time he had an entourage with him.
Models who were used to partying at all hours.
God knows what they’d get up to, hence my warning to him earlier.
Drunken antics were one thing, but drugs were a hard no.
I’d never put my crew or my employer at risk.
I’d heard stories about Rafe from my staff, but I’d done my own research to get a better sense of who I’d be dealing with. The man was open about all aspects of his life, and he always had an arm around some stunning bloke. Not that it was any of my business or place to judge.
I just didn’t understand. But that was all on me.
“George, do you have a moment?” A familiar voice interrupted my anxious musings.
I turned to face Noah, our chief engineer, who was standing in the doorway. “Yes, Noah. Come in.”
Noah was in his early thirties, from Bristol, and had done a stint in the navy like me. He was always calm in a crisis. I relied on his technical expertise and his ability to play the part of the congenial boss that I wasn’t.
He sat down in the bench seat across from the controls and fiddled with his phone. His left leg bounced up and down in a nervous gesture I knew all too well.
“Is everything all right?” I asked, concerned about my usually unflappable engineer.
“I’d like permission to head onshore for a few hours tonight. One of my mates from the navy’s stationed here in Sydney and wants to meet up.”
“Go ahead. Not an issue while we’re docked.”
“Great, thanks.” Noah nodded but he didn’t move from his seat.
“Is there anything else you need to discuss?” I asked gently.
I sat on the bench beside Noah and picked up my tea. I took a small sip and waited.
Noah ran a hand over his face and cupped the back of his neck.
“So, the crew here know that I’m bisexual, but I only recently came out to my parents.
Now I feel it’s time to tell my mates—well, my navy mates.
Starting tonight.” He paused. “You’ve been upfront with staff about your sexuality and running an inclusive crew, and I just wondered if you had any advice? ”
I was touched that Noah felt comfortable confiding in me.
“Well, I started with two friends that I trusted above anyone else. I picked a public place so that I could get up and leave if needed, depending on their reaction. They were shocked that I hadn’t said anything sooner but pleased I had confided in them.
Turns out I wasn’t the only one hiding my sexuality during our years of service.
It was a huge weight lifted off me. And when I attended a navy reunion five years back, I ended up telling all my old shipmates.
Everyone kept asking if I was dating and my relationship status, so I took advantage of the moment and told them I was gay.
A few were clearly uncomfortable by my admission and didn’t speak to me after that night, but the majority were supportive. ”
Noah nodded. “Joaquin’s my best mate. I know it’s time to tell him, but I’ve never been so fucking nervous. Not even during emergency sub training.”
“It’s scary, no doubt. Just know that the crew here are supportive. And if things don’t go as planned and you need time off in the coming days, let me know.”
“Thanks, boss. I appreciate it.” Noah took a deep breath and slid out of the seat. “Well, I’m going to get going. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Good luck, Noah.”
“Thanks again for the chat, George.”
Noah sauntered out of my office, and I turned back to the controls. I glanced out at the bow and the shimmering lights of the port beyond. I had the sudden urge to flee to shore myself which was strange since the ship was always my refuge.
The conversation with Noah rattled around in my brain, the topic creating an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Yes, I’d finally been honest with my mates about being gay, but there was another facet to my sexuality that I hadn’t shared.
I didn’t even know how to explain it to myself until recently.
Confusion had plagued my personal life for most of my adulthood.
My mobile pinged, my seven o’clock reminder to head to the gym.
Perfect timing. I needed to get my mind back on track and focused on work.
I wasn’t the fittest bloke around, but for my age I was still in good shape.
I headed back to my bedroom, changed into shorts and a t-shirt, and walked downstairs to the gym on the main level.
The room was empty, so I headed for the treadmill first. A good, hard run was in order.
After a half hour, I cooled down and then did my weight reps, focusing on my upper body. I was halfway through my bicep curls when a knock sounded at the door.
I turned to find Charlie, my first officer, waiting.
“Sorry to interrupt, George, but the harbormaster at Rivergate has been trying to reach you.”
I looked around and realized I’d left my mobile upstairs. Shite, I never did that. This charter had just begun, and I was already distracted.
“They called me when you wouldn’t pick up. Can you please call them back?”
“Will do, Charlie. Thanks.”
I grabbed a towel and wiped down the equipment as quickly as I could, then hustled back upstairs.
I’d left my mobile on my desk. I had three missed calls, two of which were the harbormaster.
The other one was Rowan. My stomach clenched painfully.
I wondered if Rafe had spoken to Rowan and complained about me?
Working on Now, Voyager was the most incredible job I’d ever had, and I didn’t want to jeopardize it. Things were already precarious given the Christmas row. I’d better put a damper on my heated reaction to Rafe before I took it a step too far.
Refusing to allow my anxious thoughts to spiral, I got on with my duties and called the harbormaster first.
“Hannah Kirk, Rivergate Marina.”
“It’s Captain George Bernard speaking. Sorry I missed your calls.”
“G’day, Captain, and no worries. We’ve held port number three for you, but I wanted to advise that you may have a difficult time getting in.
Given the size of Now, Voyager , you’ll only have a few meters leeway from the buoys.
Might want to review with your crew tonight to make sure things go smoothly.
Also, a word of warning. We’ve had a recent vandalism spree.
Mostly nighttime pranks I reckon, but still, be aware.
I know you’re only docking for two days, but better to be safe. ”
“Thanks for the heads up. On both counts.”
“Best of luck tomorrow.”
I tapped end and then searched the log for Rowan’s call. My belly filled with nerves as I tapped call and waited for him to answer.
“George, how are you?” Rowan asked.
“I’m well, Rowan. I apologize for missing your call.”
“Not a problem. I wanted to know how everything’s going.”
I paused and carefully thought about my words before answering.
“Truthfully, I had a run-in with Rafe earlier. I wanted to remind him about the shipboard rules. In any case, I think our…discussion cleared everything up.”
“My brother does enjoy a good party, but he’s never been one for drugs. And he’s taking his new career seriously, so he won’t do anything to jeopardize that.”
“I’m sure,” I replied. “I’ll do my best to stay out of his way from here on out.”
“Actually, that’s the main reason why I was ringing you,” Rowan paused.
“I’d ask that you keep an eye on him. Socialize at mealtimes as your schedule permits, that sort of thing.
Rafe’s been quiet, and I keep asking him if he’s all right, but he shrugs it off.
My brother tends to cover up his innermost feelings and problems with jokes, but I know that something is up. And I’m worried.”
I paced back and forth as Rowan’s words sunk in.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Rowan. Your brother and I are like a match and petrol. I was going to do my best to leave him well enough alone during this charter, since there’s very little buffer between us.”
“I wouldn’t be asking if it weren’t important.”
My pacing picked up speed. I’m sure the crew below deck could hear my every footstep.
“All right,” I replied as my heart pounded out a nervous rhythm. “But I don’t know what I’d be able to do. I am the last person Rafe would confide in.”
“You’re observant and a good listener. Your staff trusts you. And I trust that if you see or feel that something isn’t quite right, you’ll tell me.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Thank you, George, I appreciate it. Other than that, is everything good with the charter?”
“Yes, we’re headed to the Gold Coast tomorrow. The weather looks calm, but I’m preparing for inevitable spring storms.”
“I’ll leave you to it then. Safe travels.”
“Thanks, Rowan. I’ll be in touch.”
After the phone call, I grew curious about Rowan’s concerns.
I continued my research on Rafe, but then I wondered how much information I could glean from social media.
People were often not what they portrayed.
They showed certain parts of their lives and what they wanted others to see.
From what I could gather, Rafe appeared happy.
But Rowan knew his brother best, so if he felt something was off, I would trust his opinion.
Was it possible that Rafe was not only a model but a superior actor?
I would be on the lookout for the first crack in his mask.