NautiCal (Forever Wilde 8)

Julo brought us tall glasses of ice water and stayed to refill Lucas and Prescott’s wineglasses with the bottle that had been resting in a nearby ice bucket.

Lucas took a sip and swallowed. “Good. I’m so glad. I’m really looking forward to seeing Peter Island later this week, especially after you told me about the Hobie Cats. Do you think you’ll be up for showing me how to sail one?”

“I can show you,” Worth said quickly. “Cal can sit on the beach and watch.”

I squeezed his hand and chuckled. “He’s talking about three days from now. I’ll be fine. We’ll be sailing in easy swimming depth. If I fall off, one of the island’s drink servers can haul me in.”

Nat and Jin joined us, followed by Mia and Jade. Once I’d answered a million versions of “Are you sure you’re okay?” Julo began serving us some appetizers.

We talked about sailing and windsurfing. Jin mentioned wanting to practice paddleboarding since the water in Deadman’s Bay was nice and smooth for it. Suddenly, Lucas changed the subject.

“Prescott heard from his boss today.”

“Coworker,” Pres corrected.

“Sorry. Coworker. She said there was an announcement today that they’re laying off eighteen percent of the paralegal staff.”

“Eighteen percent of the entire firm, darling,” he corrected again.

“Anyway,” Lucas continued, obviously fighting back frustration, “he might need to find a new job. He said JAC has a listing on their website in the legal department.”

I felt Worth’s hand tighten, and I sensed his entire body still in his seat. “Oh? I’m sorry to hear that, Prescott. As for JAC, I’m not up to speed on the open head count at that level.”

Worth took another bacon-wrapped scallop off his small plate and popped it into his mouth. I wondered if he was using the appetizer to stall for time.

Meanwhile, Nat smiled at Prescott. “I’m so sorry, Pres. I know a law firm in the city that might be hiring. I can send you the website and put you in touch with HR.”

Considering she was now co-owner of JAC with her brother, it was a strong statement about what she thought of the idea of him applying to JAC.

Worth nodded. “Good point, Nat. I could also reach out to Hank Nissing and see if their legal department needs anyone. Since they buy office space all over the world, it’s a great place for commercial real estate law experience. I’m not sure JAC would be as good a fit since it’s not involved in much real estate business.”

I couldn’t believe the gall of asking for a job the very evening his boyfriend took ownership of the company. Worth was most likely brimming with anger. I leaned over and kissed below his ear. “Steady,” I breathed.

He exhaled and turned to catch my mouth with his for a soft kiss. I felt my face heat immediately. Somehow, it was different now that I knew it wasn’t all for show. Or at least, I hoped it wasn’t all for show anymore.

Mia clapped her hands together. “Oh my gosh! I forgot to tell you guys that I got asked to sing the national anthem at a football game next month. Well, it’s really my friend Neil, but they want it to be a duet, so he picked me. Awesome, right?”

Everyone tittered over her news and congratulated her as Julo cleared the appetizer dishes and began to serve a plated dinner of jerk chicken served with beans and rice. It was close enough to a comfort meal that I wondered if he’d made it special after I’d gotten hurt. His other meals had been noticeably fancier than this simple, but delicious, fare.

At some point Jade had disappeared downstairs, and when she came back up to take her seat, she said we’d left music on in our bedroom.

“‘Who Let The Dogs Out’—really, Worth? That must be Cal’s influence,” she teased.

“Shit, that’s my grandfather.” I glanced at Worth. “Can I… I mean, I don’t want to be rude but… I never called them yesterday, and they’re probably worried.”

The look on his face was easy and indulgent as if he was no longer holding back quite so much around me. I didn’t know if it was another part of the pretend relationship persona or if it was real, but I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. “Go ahead. Take your time.”

I made my way downstairs and noticed two missed calls. As soon as I got Grandpa on the phone, I let out a big breath in a whoosh of relief.

“Hey,” I said. “I’m sorry. Things are nuts down here.”

“You sound good for being dead,” Grandpa said. “And I appreciate that the afterlife has cell coverage because I always wondered.”

Doc’s voice came over the speaker. “Cut that out and give me the phone.”

“I will not,” Grandpa said. “Back off, Dr. Wilde. I will speak to the ghost of grandsons past.”