Chapter 25
RAFE
I stood in front of the long mirror in our bedroom and fixed the collar on my shirt. Getting myself ready for tonight.
With the initial awkwardness of our first dinner behind us, George and I finally enjoyed time with my brother and his husband. Tonight, Rowan was throwing a party on board to celebrate the acquisition of a new hotel property in Australia. Turns out, he did have business here.
I’d taken a few days hiatus from my photography while we were in Sydney, and the models on board got to play tourist and enjoy time off.
Everyone on board was attending the party tonight, so I was looking forward to a good time. It would be an interesting mix: fashion models, real estate professionals, and a few actors thrown in for good measure.
Dylan’s friend, Hollywood director Jared Elwood, was filming in New Zealand for the next two months and had traveled over to Sydney this morning to meet with Rowan.
Besides my brother’s real estate empire, he’d taken to backing some of Jared’s independent films. I was looking forward to meeting the elusive director again.
We’d chatted briefly at a film premiere over a year ago, and he was a fascinating bloke with interesting stories.
Speaking of showbiz, it was now showtime…
I studied my slim fit blue linen suit and white shirt in the mirror and decided it would do. I left my hair down and ran styling crème through it. A spritz of cologne and I was ready.
George was still in the bathroom. I knew his aversion to social events, and figured he was stalling until the last possible moment.
Finally, he walked out in his black joggers, and I met his smile with one of my own. We were both walking around the ship with permanent grins.
Then I noticed he’d trimmed his beard again, so close it was more like day-old scruff. It showed off his chiseled jawline and full lips. I wasn’t sure I wanted everyone else to see how dreamy he was. I wanted to keep my grumpy (not so grumpy anymore) captain to myself.
“You’re stunning.” George walked up behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders. “But are you sure we have to attend this party? Can’t we just stay in bed tonight?”
“You’re the captain, you can’t escape socializing. Besides, you owe me a dance.”
“No one said anything about dancing,” he grumbled.
“One dance,” I urged as he slid his hands down around my waist, pulling me in to his chest.
“All right. Now help me pick something to wear.”
“The gray suit. It makes your green eyes pop.”
“That sounds terribly painful,” he teased and kissed my cheek.
“Stop stalling, and get your sexy arse in that suit,” I ordered.
He gave me one last squeeze and let go, wandering over to the closet.
“God, I hate this sort of thing. What kind of small talk can I make with real estate sellers? I spend more time on water than I do on land.”
“Talk about ships. Most of these people have yachts of their own.”
“Ah yes, the superrich. Sometimes I forget that your brother is a billionaire,” George commented as he stepped into his trousers and zipped them up.
“Jared will be here tonight, have you met him?” I asked as I walked over to the closet and searched for a white shirt.
“No, but his security lead, Alex Sheffield contacted me. They’ll be here shortly to check out the ship and ensure all the guests sign NDAs.”
“You and Alex should get along. He’s very quiet and intense. And like you, he served in the military,” I replied as I handed him his shirt.
“I look forward to meeting them.” He finished getting dressed and slipped on his jacket. “Now, how do I look?”
I gave him a thorough once over and slipped my arms around his waist.
“Too handsome. I’m not sure I want to share you with others. I’ve gotten used to having you all to myself.”
I leaned up and kissed him.
“It’s only for a few hours.” He patted my arse. “No more teasing for a bit. I can’t walk around with an erection in front of a hundred guests.”
“I won’t make any promises,” I replied and reached down to give his cock a gentle squeeze.
“Christ.”
“Praying won’t help.”
George chuckled, and the sound made me so happy.
“Let’s go before we get into trouble.”
We wandered out of the cabin and down to the bridge deck to see how preparations were going. Rowan had hired additional catering staff for tonight, and Jana was instructing them about where to set up.
“Anything we can help with?” I offered but Jana shook her head.
“It’s all under control. Alex Sheffield and Jared Elwood are already here. They’re in the main lounge with Rowan and Andrew.”
“Thanks, Jana,” George replied as we made our way inside.
I spotted Jared immediately, sitting on the sofa opposite my brother.
Like me, Jared bucked gender convention and wore his hair in a long style.
This time, his dark locks were done in a simple French braid down his back.
He had on black wide-leg trousers and a matching slim-fit blouse.
Alex was to his right, sitting stoically, silent as always in a dark suit.
I’d only met Alex once, but I could tell, even then, how committed he was to his job.
The way he guarded Jared, I doubt anyone could ever get close enough to breathe the same air, let alone harm him.
Whereas Jared had a relaxed demeanor, very Californian, Alex had a ‘don’t fuck with me’ vibe that matched his ripped body, buzz cut, and copious tattoos. I’d hate to see what would happen if Jared was ever in danger and Alex’s anger was unleashed.
“Rafe, it’s so good to see you again,” Jared got up and came over to hug me, Alex at his side.
“Great to see you too, Jared. This is Captain George Bernard. George, Jared Elwood and his security lead, Alex Sheffield.”
“A pleasure and welcome aboard Now, Voyager ,” George greeted them each with a handshake, then focused on Alex. “I’m happy to provide a tour of our ship and answer any questions. Will there be additional security staff or just you?”
“I’ve got four guys heading over. In the meantime, a quick tour would be great, thanks, captain.”
“Please call me George,” he replied and turned to me. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll show Alex around and be back shortly.”
Squeezing my hand, he let go and motioned for Alex to follow him.
I sat down on the sofa beside Jared and watched until George and Alex walked out of the room.
“Rowan tells me that you and the captain are a couple. Congratulations,” Jared smiled at me.
“Thanks. It’s still very new, but he’s amazing. This trip changed everything. I think I’m still in shock myself since I can’t stop staring at him.”
“He’s fucking hot,” Jared commented. “Former military?”
“He is, but hands off my man,” I warned teasingly.
“Oh God, enough,” Rowan interjected. “You and George have done nothing but behave like lovesick fools for the past two days. Tone it down.”
“Ro, honey, we’re ones to talk, so stop picking on your brother,” Andrew replied.
“Thank you, Andrew. You’re right.” I turned to my brother. “You’re annoyingly affectionate with your husband, so bugger off.”
Ro gave me his best middle finger, then got up and walked over to the bar.
“Don’t mind him. I’m going to grab another drink. Can I get you anything?” Andrew asked as he got up.
“A glass of champagne, thanks,” I replied and turned to Jared. “So, what’s new with you? How’s filming in New Zealand?”
“It’s been great. The people are friendly, and the country is just gorgeous. And how about you? How’s the first client?”
“So far, so good. It’s felt more like a holiday than work to be honest. How lucky am I, taking pictures on beautiful beaches?
I sent my client a draft portfolio, and they really liked my work so far.
In fact, they referred me to another fashion brand that focuses on athletic wear.
I’ve got a prospect call with them the day after tomorrow. ”
“Congrats,” Jared replied with a smile.
“Thanks. We’ll see what happens.” I paused. “I understand Rowan has agreed to back another film. Congrats to you as well.”
Jared nodded. “Being an independent filmmaker is a total dream come true. I got tired of the studio execs micromanaging my projects and trying to censor me, not to mention the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ mentality when it came to my sexuality.
Plus, the Hollywood system in general needs a major overhaul.
People in positions of power still get away with just about anything. ”
“What’s the new film about?”
“It’s a crime thriller. Filming starts in seven months. We’re travelling to Thailand.”
“That sounds exciting.” I paused and pondered for a moment. “Speaking of travel, do you mind if I ask you a personal question?”
“Sure.”
“All the time you spend on location for your films, isn’t it difficult on your private life?” I asked.
His golden eyes flashed with a look of sadness, and I felt guilty for overstepping. Then he blinked, and his gaze was welcoming again.
“I tend to prefer casual relationships because my priority is always my work. And I make it very clear to the men that I’m interested in that that’s all I can offer. Although…”
“Yes?” I asked as Jared tugged on the collar of his blouse.
“Lately I’ve developed feelings, but I can’t do anything about it. It’s got me fucked up in the head and ruining my concentration. Sometimes I’m late to set, and I’m distracted. And that never happens,” he whispered.
“Feelings for who?” I asked.
“I can’t say. It’s complicated.” He shook his head. “And the kicker is, it’s not just one person, but two. Only me. I can’t do anything the simple way.”
I pondered that surprising statement as George and Alex walked back in to join us.
Alex sat down on the other side of Jared and leaned into him, whispering something in his ear. I watched Jared’s face flush as he fidgeted with his hair, almost undoing the braid.
Complicated clue number one perhaps? And who could blame him? Alex was hot AF. But Jared said he had feelings for more than one person, so who was bachelor number two?
Before my curious mind could work on that, Andrew passed me a glass of bubbly, and Rowan and George joined us.
George sat down beside me and slid an arm around my shoulders.
“I missed you,” he whispered in my ear.
“You were gone for ten minutes,” I chuckled.
“Felt like eternity,” he replied as he pulled me in and kissed me.
“Here we go again,” Rowan complained.
Without breaking the kiss, I gave Rowan my best middle finger in return.