Chapter 5 #2
“Hmm. Now, that’s a way to keep you here,” she mused, causing everyone to laugh.
Zane cleared the dishes from the table, and Gran told him she would handle the cleanup.
“Then I’m going to walk down to the cove and meet Kylie and her dad.”
“You want to take my truck?” Gramps asked.
“Nope. It’s not that far. Besides, I’ll enjoy getting a little exercise. I’ve got to get back to running if I’m going to compete in the Fourth of July race this year.”
“You’ll have some stiff competition,” Gramps warned.
“Don’t worry. I know exactly when to kick things into high gear. I always have.”
Not wanting to run with a full belly, Zane walked the mile to the harbor. He knew he was early, so he took his time. It was nice to pass familiar places from his youth and yet see new ones which had sprung up in the Bay.
As he walked, though, he mentally prepared himself for seeing Kylie again.
He was undeniably attracted to her, but mixing business with pleasure was the last thing he wanted to do.
She had also blown hot and cold with him last night.
He believed she felt the spark between them but had tamped it down, not wanting it to influence the upcoming talks between them.
Usually, Zane went into a negotiation knowing every aspect of it.
This time, however, he had decided before they ever began discussing the situation that he was going to give into everything Kylie wanted.
She lived in the Bay and knew the area. Her recommendations would be invaluable.
He also was armed with research Emily had completed for him, so he would do his best to cut a strong deal, both for Wagner Enterprises and the people of Driftwood Bay, especially the Mayfield family, which had been an integral part of the community for decades.
Not that he would tell Kylie this, of course. Zane would enjoy verbally sparring with her—and would make her work for every single point.
He reached the water and looked out, seeing numerous boats already missing from their slips.
Those who fished for a living would already be out on the water.
Others renting sailboats or small fishing boats also might have ventured out or at least be arriving soon to head out on the water.
Because of that, it was easy to spot Rodfather as he walked down the pier.
He caught sight of Kylie, dressed similarly to last night in cutoffs and sneakers.
She wore a tank top this morning, though, with a sports bra beneath it.
Her long blond hair was in a ponytail, pulled through the hole in the back of the cap she wore.
Her movements were efficient, and he couldn’t help but admire her figure.
As he approached, he decided to make her aware of his presence.
“Good morning!” he called loudly. “Permission to come aboard?”
She looked up, holding a large coil of rope in her hands, and actually smiled at him, causing his heart to skip a beat. He warned himself to remain friendly—but not too friendly.
“Morning,” she greeted. “Permission granted.”
He did so, admiring the sleek Rodfather as much as Kylie’s legs. The boat was in terrific shape, even though he could tell it was an older vessel.
“You’re early,” she noted, approval in her voice, with a hint of a smile playing about her lips.
“Early is on time,” he replied.
“You’re right about that,” a deep voice said.
Zane turned and caught sight of Dave Mayfield. He went to the older man, who looked to be in his late fifties, and had curly gray hair and a deep, permanent tan.
Offering his hand, he said, “Good morning, sir. Zane Wagner.”
“Dave Mayfield. Kylie told me you were joining us today. Said you don’t have any deep sea experience.”
“I’ve never even been on a cruise out at sea,” he said, laughing. “I did do my fair share of fishing with my grandfather when I visited summers, though.”
“Neville Wagner is the salt of the earth. This town revolves around the Driftwood Diner, Zane. And your grandparents have always made everyone feel at home.”
“I appreciate hearing that, Mr. Mayfield.”
“Dave,” the other man insisted. “Want to see the boat?”
“That’s why I came before the charter left.”
Dave took him around, pointing out various aspects of the vessel.
Zane had spent time on boats this size when he had left the Bay and returned to his father’s care.
Dad had a summer place in Martha’s Vineyard, and many of his friends owned boats.
Zane had attended parties on those vessels, but they usually stayed close to shore, and fishing hadn’t been a part of the fun.
Dave ended the tour by bringing him topside again. “I’m going to leave you in Kylie’s hands. I see the Whites coming.”
Kylie looked him over. “You have sunglasses—but no cap. You’re going to need one once we leave shore. The sun reflects off the water, and it can be brutal. You’ll need the protection.”
She turned and left, and Zane followed her.
She went below deck to a rack mounted on a wall, where several jackets and hats hung.
Plucking one off, she turned and bumped into him.
Instinctively, he reached out, clasping her elbows to steady her, causing their bodies to be flush against one another in the cramped space.
Their gazes met, and Zane had never wanted to kiss a woman more than he did Kylie in this moment.
Breaking his hold on her, Kylie placed the ball cap on his head. “There you go,” she said, biting her bottom lip as she waited for him to move aside.
He could not kiss this woman. He would not ever kiss this woman.
“Thanks,” he said, tucking the bill a little lower and turning, heading back up the steps.
By the time they were atop again, the Whites had boarded. He went and introduced himself, simply saying, “I’m Zane, and this is my first time to try deep sea fishing.”
The couple smiled at him, and the man said, “I’m Ben. This is Lisa. I can assure you that you’re in great hands, Zane. We’ve been coming on Mayfield charters for decades now. You’ll be taken care of.”
The pair greeted Kylie, and Lisa said, “Kylie, why don’t you focus on Zane today? You know Ben and I know what we’re doing.”
“I don’t want to ignore you,” Kylie said.
“You won’t be,” Lisa assured her. “Your daddy will be with us. We always look forward to chewing the fat with him.”
“Let me go over the safety features for Zane,” Dave said. “And to refresh you two, as well.”
Dave showed him where the life jackets were kept and told Zane he didn’t need to wear one while he was fishing.
“If a problem arises, however, you keep in mind that I’m the captain of this boat. My orders are to be obeyed instantly. If I call out to put on your life vest, then you hop to it, mister. That understood?”
“Yes, sir,” he said, thinking Dave and his dad were definitely cut from the same cloth. Then again, both men had been raised in the Bay. He would have to ask Dave if he knew Alexander Wagner.
Their captain then shared what species were biting and told Zane that while deep sea fishing was a year-round activity on the Texas coast, the summer months, combined with September, saw the most fish caught by anglers.
“I’ll let Kylie clue you in on the rest of everything,” Dave said.
They set out from the cove, and Kylie distributed several fishing rods to the Whites, apparently knowing their favorites. She had Zane come with her and showed him what was available.
“What would you suggest I start with?” he asked, curious.
She launched into a detailed explanation, which let him know she knew more about fishing than he ever would.
“Choose a couple for me, and let’s go up on deck. I want to enjoy this summer day.”
With you …