Chapter 11
GEORGE
I didn’t know whether to give my crew a raise or a reprimand.
When I asked Jana to invite Rafe to dine with me, I meant it as an apology for our last row. Which was entirely my fault. I wanted to attempt to finally have an adult conversation, minus the shouting.
But all of this—the setting, the table, the music—it all felt like a first date.
And that was the last thing this could ever be.
I knew from experience how terrible I was at those.
And besides, this was Rafe. The man was more than beautiful, he was witty and charming.
He could have his pick of men. Never in a million years would he choose to dine with me.
He’d probably accepted my offer the way a typical Brit would. To be polite. And in deference to his brother, my boss.
No matter. I would ignore the lull of the soft music and the warm candles and focus on what needed to be done: firstly, to apologize; and secondly, to learn more about the man who caught my attention from the very first.
More importantly, to find a bridge of understanding between us.
“I want to apologize for the scene on deck today. I was completely out of line. But saying ‘I’m sorry’ isn’t enough at this point. That’s why I invited you tonight. I think it’s time that we got to know each other properly and do away with the tension between us.”
“Did Rowan put you up to this?” Rafe asked, his blue eyes sparkling with curiosity.
“No, of course not,” I replied, then flushed when I remembered Rowan’s request to ‘keep an eye’ on Rafe. What Rafe didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him.
Truthfully, I wasn’t here for Rowan but for myself.
“We’ve have had a lot of cock ups…”
Rafe chuckled at my choice of words, and I rolled my eyes. “You know what I mean. I thought a leisurely dinner, with no distractions, might prove useful in putting those issues to rest.”
“Pour me a drink, tell me your darkest secret, and we’ll be best mates in no time,” Rafe quipped with a smile.
I couldn’t help but smile back. He was far too charming for his own good.
I looked around and noticed the bar cart next to the table.
Jana had set out a bottle of chilled prosecco, a bowl of strawberry and mango slices, and two champagne flutes.
Bloody hell, if that didn’t say romantic, I didn’t know what would.
It seemed that my crew had taken this dinner idea a bit too far.
Ignoring my musings, I reached for the bottle, popped the cork without injuring anyone, and poured Rafe and myself a glass. Given that we were docked, I allowed myself one drink.
Rafe raised his glass and clinked it with mine. “To new beginnings.”
“To new beginnings,” I repeated and took a long sip.
The prosecco was delicious, not overly sweet. I remembered my manners and offered him the plate of fruit. He readily took a strawberry and my eyes caught on his full lips as he sucked and then bit on the sweet fruit.
“Keep wining and dining me like this, George, and we’ll be friends for life.”
“Hardly…I mean, hardly the wining and dining. Not the friendship part.”
Good Lord, I sounded like an awkward twit.
“Most nights on board it’s a simple meal and a hot cuppa. When I’m working, I don’t have time to sit down for a lengthy dinner. And my tastes are rather ordinary,” I explained.
“I’m the same.” Rafe paused and took another sip.
“A butty, maybe a hot curry. A cubano. Miami’s given me an appreciation for all kinds of food, but my favorite are the street trucks.
I like to try different things, and I can stuff my face and not care if I make a total mess.
Or worry about how many calories I’ve ingested.
It’s quite the change from my previous life.
When I was a model, I’d have agents and fashion directors watching me like a hawk all the time, monitoring every calorie.
One time, I was on set and requested a glass of water with a splash of orange juice and you should’ve heard the outcry. ”
“It sounds stifling. Being watched like that all the time.”
“It was. I don’t miss that part at all. Now I’m free to eat whatever I want. Still, whether I’m at home or on the road, I rely on takeaway. Anything to avoid cooking. I could burn water,” he chuckled.
“I’m the same. When I’m landlocked, I keep the local restaurants in business.”
“Speaking of food, I’m famished. Any idea what Lisette has cooked up for us?” Rafe asked.
“No idea. But I’m assuming…”
My comment was interrupted by Jana appearing at the top of the stairs, carrying two covered plates.
“Good evening, gentlemen,” Jana smiled at both of us and set the plates down. “Your first course tonight is lobster bisque with truffled croutons and chive oil.”
She removed the domes, and the aromatic smells of garlic and tomatoes perfumed the air.
“This looks lovely. My compliments to the chef,” Rafe replied and dug in.
“Thank you, Jana,” I replied and did the same.
“Enjoy. I’ll be back with your second course in a bit,” Jana commented and headed back downstairs, leaving us alone again.
The soup was velvety smooth. A standout dish, with lovely chunks of juicy lobster and the earthy crunch of toasted bread.
“I’ve never eaten better than when I’m on board here. I’m so spoiled,” Rafe sighed. “And I don’t know what Rowan is paying Chef, but she’s worth every penny.”
“I agree. Your brother has excellent hiring instincts.”
“He does indeed,” Rafe replied and winked at me.
“I didn’t mean me. Oh God, now I sound like an egotistical twat,” I quipped, and Rafe choked on his soup.
He quickly took a sip of water to clear his throat, then shook his head.
“No, you don’t, but take the compliment anyway. Everyone I’ve met on this ship is skilled at their job. And not only that, they’re great people, and very kind. And I know how highly Rowan thinks of you.” Rafe cocked his head. “And despite our tension, I’m glad that you invited me tonight.”
“I wasn’t sure you’d accept. But thank you for being here,” I whispered, a lump forming in my throat.
I took another mouthful of soup, gathering my thoughts.
“Tell me more about Rafe Carter. The man, not the world-famous model.”
Rafe placed his spoon to the side and leaned forward. A lock of his long hair slid over his shoulder. It looked silky and I wondered if it felt as soft as it looked. His hair was so thick and lush. I wondered what it would feel like to bury my hands in it.
That dive must’ve affected my brain…
“Not much to tell, really. I grew up in London—well, you know. You’ve met most of my family.
I was the unexpected baby. The wild one, endlessly hyperenergetic.
My parents loved me but didn’t know what to make of me half the time.
I wasn’t book smart like Ro or Rebecca, so I sometimes felt out of place.
Not that my family ever intentionally made me feel that way, especially not mum, but still, I was different.
Like I was playing constant catch up to my big brother and sister.
And with my attention span, I had an awful time at school. ”
Rafe paused and reached for his glass, taking a small sip.
“And then puberty hit, and my body changed and suddenly I had all this attention because of my looks. It didn’t matter if I wasn’t as smart as my siblings, I had my own talent.
My mom encouraged me to get a portfolio done and I got my first modeling job in Paris at age seventeen.
At first, I enjoyed the adulation. It was quite the ego boost to have my own spotlight.
But my parents insisted I finish secondary school.
And as soon as I graduated and turned eighteen, I was off.
I came out, signed several modeling contracts, and began to travel the world.
When I wasn’t on shoots, I attended fashion shows, premieres, and glamorous parties. ”
“Sounds exciting,” I commented.
What the hell was he doing here with me?
“It was, for a long time.” Rafe smiled. “But as I got older and entered my thirties, things changed. I changed. I wanted more artistic freedom, and conversely, more control over my own life. Especially my health and my body. It’s also when I was diagnosed with ADHD.
With changes to my lifestyle and medication, I started to realize that I had other options besides modeling.
I really liked the idea of having my own business. ”
I’d never considered that Rafe had any kind of health issue, but hearing him talk so openly made me want to do the same.
“It’s not easy to change course, but sometimes it’s necessary if we want to continue to grow,” I replied.
“Exactly. Still, I learned a lot from the modeling business. I created lasting connections and made good money. As to the rest, I went back to school and here we are. Now I’ve got a new business and my investment plan sorted.
God that sounds terribly suburban. Anyway, better that than snorting or spending all my earnings like some blokes I worked with.
So, I can’t complain. I can afford to travel and live where I want. ”
“You’ve made an amazing life for yourself. And I’ve noticed you in conversations. You’re just as intelligent as your brother and sister. I don’t know why you assumed otherwise.”
“Well, I barely got through school when I was younger. And I’m not the billionaire CEO of a multinational corporation like Rowan or a tech genius like Rebecca.”
“I’m not either. Most people aren’t.” I shook my head. “Like you, at eighteen my entire life changed. I signed up for the navy and I’ve been on ships ever since. I wasn’t the smartest or strongest sailor, but I worked my way through the ranks, became an engineer, and served my country.”
“Your life is all about service to others.” Rafe’s eyes met mine, then shuttered. “I just strut around taking snaps.”