Chapter 4
GEORGE
I was nervous in any small talk scenario, but Rafe had me completely flustered, and for a forty-nine-year-old man, it was mortifying.
Why do I put my foot in my mouth around this man?
Despite my verbal fumble, I’d noticed that Rafe looked tired, and was subdued compared to his usual self. Maybe Rowan was right to be concerned.
I made an excuse and left Niall at the table, his glare burning a hole in my back, and headed inside to find Rafe to apologize. And to see if I could find out what, other than my behavior, was upsetting him.
Unfortunately, I was interrupted halfway to my destination.
“George,” Charlie called out my name as he stood at the far end of the lounge. “The deck crew are waiting for you in the wheelhouse.”
I looked at him, puzzled, racking my brain as to why.
“You wanted to review the docking scenario?”
“Right,” I replied as I walked towards him. “Thanks, Charlie.”
“Everything okay? You seem distracted lately,” he asked me as we walked up the stairs.
“I’m fine. I guess I’m still getting my bearings Down Under.”
“I know what you mean. I keep waking up at all hours of the night.”
My sleep was fine. My conscience, however, was a different matter.
We reached the wheelhouse, and the other three members of the deck crew were seated along the bench.
“Sorry for the delay. Let’s get to it.” I paused and took my mobile out of my pocket.
“We leave port in ten minutes, arrival at the Rivergate Marina at 10:00. We’ve been designated dock number three, but the harbormaster confirmed that the buoys provide the ship with only a 2-meter leeway, which is very tight. ”
I passed my mobile around so everyone could have a look at the designated slip in the marina.
“Charlie, you need to communicate the meter distance every thirty seconds as I move into the marina and the docking position.”
Charlie nodded and addressed the crew. “Lani, you’re on starboard; Steve, on port; Keltie, you’re in charge of lines. Let’s head outside now to ensure the fenders are ready.”
“Don’t forget to test your radios. Any questions?” I asked.
Everyone shook their heads.
“Great, let’s have a smooth journey and a safe docking. Thanks, everyone.”
The crew filed out, and I got busy checking the radar for any last-minute preparations.
Then I headed down to the engine room to see if Noah was okay.
He’d sent a quick text early this morning, but a thumbs-up emoji was vague in my opinion.
I wound my way downstairs, passing the elegant main level, the staff quarters, and finally, the underbelly of the ship: the stifling engine room.
Noah was checking readings on the equipment and tapping away on his tablet.
“How’s things?” I asked.
Noah looked up, and his easy grin put my concerns to rest.
“All’s good, George. Turns out, Joaquin and I had a great conversation.”
“Glad to hear it. I just wanted to be sure you were okay.”
“Can’t read someone by their emoji?”
A small laugh escaped me. “Not at all. See you later.”
As I made my way upstairs, my phone pinged. An updated weather statement from the Australian coast guard. I read through the details and headed back to my office to get our journey underway.
My apology to Rafe would have to wait.
Back in my domain, I checked the radar one last time, and ventured out to the port side. I tapped the comms button and began issuing instructions to the crew. Using the external controls, I steered us smoothly out of the Sydney harbor. When we were finally out at sea, I tapped my radio again.
“Nice work, everyone. Let’s do the same shortly. Fifteen minutes until we reach our destination.”
Sydney was used to large scale ships entering and exiting her waters, but our next port of call would be trickier. My nerves were high. I trusted my staff but being responsible for the safe journey of a twenty-five-million-dollar yacht and everyone aboard was no small task.
I let go of my worries for the moment and embraced the sun warming my face and the cool, salty air that was always home to me.
I was finally looking forward to this trip.
Australia’s Gold Coast had one town more beautiful than the next.
Weeks of exploring stunning beaches, rugged offshore islands, and ocean wildlife wasn’t exactly a hardship.
Despite the tight confines of the marina, we docked with ease a short while later.
Once all the lines were secured, the crew got busy loading provisions for the week ahead.
I stepped out of my office for a break and a bit of fresh air but stopped short at the sight of the models lounging on the sun deck.
They were all completely naked.
RAFE
I joined Niall and the models on the sun deck as Now, Voyager sped up the coast.
Out on the open water, the briny wind washed over me and swept away the lingering tension from this morning.
I decided to give George another opportunity to prove he wasn’t a total arsehole. I had my doubts though. Our interactions always ended up being something out of a script from East Enders.
I sat beside Niall in the hot tub while the others lay side by side on loungers as they chatted. No bathing suits in sight. Nudity was second nature for models, and I was no exception. It didn’t faze me the least.
Niall, however, seemed distracted by it. He stared with wide eyes and an open mouth, like he’d never seen a nude man before. I elbowed him underneath the water.
“You’re acting like you’ve discovered porn for the first time,” I teased. “Have you never seen a naked man before, darling? Do you feel faint?”
I tried to keep the laughter from my voice, but I didn’t succeed. Niall turned his head towards me and gave me a haughty glare. It only made me chuckle harder.
“I’m not staring.” He sighed. “Okay, I am. Sorry, I don’t know why the nakedness is getting to me. God knows I’ve been backstage at enough fashion events and seen everything there is to see.”
Willem raised his head and waved in our direction, then motioned for us to come join them. I noticed Niall’s sharp inhale and the flush that spread over his face and neck.
“Ah, now I know why you’re so distracted,” I teased as I glanced over at Willem.
His thick black hair was greying at the temples, drawing attention to his hazel eyes and the wide smile that was nearly blinding. I’d warmed to his laid-back personality, and he proved to be not only uber-polite but smart and funny. I could see why Niall was crushing.
“Why don’t you go over and talk to him?” I asked Niall.
Niall scoffed and shook his head, so I elbowed him again. I was met with another glare.
“Hit me with that harpoon you call an elbow one more time, Rafe, and I will make sure that George is seated beside you at every meal,” Niall hissed.
“You wouldn’t,” I responded but Niall’s raised eyebrow told me not to push my luck. “Stop stalling. He wants you to go over there.”
Niall snorted and ran a wet hand through his curls. “He waved at both of us, and since you’re the pretty one, my guess is he’s into you.”
“Nope.” I shook my head. “And there’s nothing on my end either. And you’re a pretty bloke yourself, so go on then.”
“Not now. Maybe when this trip is over.”
“Then he’ll be flying back to the Netherlands, and you’ll be back in Miami.”
“Exactly. It’s pointless,” He sighed and let his head drop back on the edge of the tub.
“Are you looking for more than a hook up?” I asked.
Niall blushed again and looked at me, then finally nodded. “I’m tired of one and done. I want to find a partner, a real relationship.”
“I think that’s wonderful, Niall. But you’ll never find anyone if you don’t try. So go over there and talk to him. Maybe he wants to get to know you as well and not just as a prelude to fucking.”
“Maybe.” Niall paused. “God, he’s so gorgeous and charming and I keep fumbling around him.
I swear, if I wasn’t sitting down in this tub when he took off his towel, I would’ve fainted dead away.
How am I supposed to walk over there and have an intelligent conversation with his dick swinging around? ”
“Just remember to look at his head.”
“That piece of advice doesn’t help at all,” he chuckled.
“Not that head, you dirty dog. His face. His eyes.”
“Right. Okay. I’ll do that,” Niall sat up, taking a deep breath, readying himself to get out of the tub.
“Wait, he’s coming over,” I whispered.
“What? Oh fuck,” Niall squeaked.
“Hey, guys,” Willem said as he strolled up to the side of the tub. “Mind if I join you?”
He glanced at me quickly then turned his attention to Niall.
“Not at all,” I replied since Niall sat there in shocked silence, his mouth hanging open. “I have to head down to grab my mobile, but Niall can keep you company.”
Willem’s smile was blinding. “Perfect. I’ve been trying to get his attention for days now.”
He stepped into the tub, and I watched Niall’s eyes widen. Time to take my leave and let them sort the rest out.
Funny how I was interested in matchmaking everyone but myself…
I heard a door slam and I looked up to find George standing at the wheelhouse, or rather, on the deck just outside of it.
I stared longer than I should have, admiring him in his dress whites with his arms crossed, the shirtsleeves strained around his toned biceps.
A spark of unexpected heat jolted my body, but I ruthlessly ignored it.
I probably had too much sun, that’s all.
Shaking my head at my ridiculous reaction, I glanced up again, but his white baseball hat shaded his eyes. Given his rigid body stance and the tight purse of his lips, he was not happy.
What have I done this time?
Grabbing a white towel on the ledge behind the tub, I stood up.
Then I remembered—too late—that I too had forgone swimwear.
Fucking hell .
Even from this distance, I saw George’s head rear up. I quickly fastened the towel around my waist and made my way down the stairs.
I glanced over my shoulder, but George was gone. Good.
I wasn’t in the mood for his disapproving stare. Or the inevitable argument that would follow.