NautiCal (Forever Wilde 8)

“Worth says you make some kind of dumpling I need to try. And I’d kill for some coffee if you’ll point me to the machine.”

Julo nodded at a carafe already set up on a nearby tray with mugs and fixings. “Help yourself there. I’m making apple fritters today. Will get you some dumplings tomorrow. You want egg casserole too? Kinda spicy.”

“God, that would be great. Thanks.” I began pouring myself some coffee. “I’m from Texas. Our definition of spicy isn’t the same as others’.”

“Man after my heart, then,” he said, turning to make me a plate.

I sat down at the counter opposite where he was working. “Where are you from, Julo?”

“St. Elizabeth Parish. Jamaica. Mostly Black River, but I was born inland closer to Lacovia. You been to Jamaica?”

“Only Kingston. I had to pick up a catamaran and sail it back to Tortola for a job.”

He placed an overloaded plate in front of me before crossing his arms over his broad chest. “Freya said you were a guest of Mr. Worth. You work on boats?”

I nodded and took a bite of the fritter. “This is amazing. Yeah. I captain charter boats for Buoy Dan’s. You know it? They have boats in St. Mitz, Tortola, and Grand Cayman.”

He nodded. “My buddy Robbie works for them too, on the docks in Tortola. Repairs and stuff like that.”

I vaguely remembered a young man who’d replaced a few broken halyard cleats on a boat I’d brought in. “Short guy, lots of muscles, and calls everyone ‘cuz’?”

Julo’s laughter was deep and vibrant, filling the space between us just as Natalia appeared at the top of the stairs. “Yah, that’s the one.”

“Good morning,” I said to Nat before taking another deep slug of the coffee. “You’re going to need to change into something with an elastic waist before breakfast,” I warned.

She reached for a mug on the coffee tray. “I learned my lesson early on the last time I was here. Wait till you taste his—”

“What the fuck?”

I spun around on the stool to see Prescott appear at the top of the stairs. He stared at me like he was seeing a ghost. His mouth opened and closed a few times while his brain tried to catch up to the fact I was still on board this ship. Finally, he narrowed his eyes at me in warning and opened his mouth to say something.

Before he had a chance to get out a single word, Worth came up behind him with caution flashing in his eyes toward me. “Good morning, everyone.”

“Hey, baby,” I blurted before I could even think to stop myself. I had no idea why I said it, but maybe I couldn’t stand the idea of Prescott Resnick standing there thinking he was better than I was. In that moment, I didn’t want to be the cheap piece of ass he’d picked up and dropped like I was nothing. I wanted to get back at him for treating me like trash. And maybe my subconscious knew that acting like there was something between me and the wealthy owner of this boat would drive Prescott up the wall.

Everyone in the room froze as blood began roaring in my ears. I’d just fucked up royally. Worth was going to demand my removal, and I’d be stuck in Turshall Cay without my passport, my credit cards, or any way of returning to St. Mitz. And even if I could find my way back, I’d be jobless and finally have to face returning to Texas.

Slowly, as if he had all the time in the world and no care at all, Worth walked up to me and cupped my face in his hands. I wanted to whisper an apology, but I was too shocked at his expression. He looked at me like I was the rarest treasure in the world, and my stomach fell into the deepest depths when I realized he was leaning in to kiss me.

I sucked in a breath as soon as his lips touched mine and then continued to explore them at his leisure. When he finally pulled back and locked eyes with me, I felt light-headed from lack of oxygen.

“Good morning, beautiful. I’d ask how you slept, but I’m afraid I didn’t let you sleep much at all, now, did I?” He turned to Julo and asked what was on the menu this morning as if he hadn’t just shocked every single person in the room, including myself.

What the fuck had I just done?

Prescott spluttered, clearly struggling to find some words to ask what I was doing there and who I was but finding it difficult considering any attempt to claim knowing me would be met with questions.

He was saved by the appearance of another man. The new arrival was a younger, bespectacled version of Worth and also bore a striking resemblance to Nat, so I assumed this was Lucas. I couldn’t help but feel immense guilt after having slept with his fiancé, even if it was unknowingly.