Sandy - Vested Interest

I glanced around the room, its familiarity comforting and safe. “Not yet,” I admitted. “One day, maybe.”

“Did you and Max buy this together?”

“No, actually, he bought it after his divorce. I didn’t meet him for almost ten years afterward. He told me we could move, but I liked the character of the house and he was settled here, and I saw no point in doing so. He’d never shared it with his wife, so there were no memories to compete with. He gave me free rein, and I decorated it to suit us. It was rather, ah, masculine when I moved in. And he’d never touched the kids’ rooms, so they were a little dated.”

“Did you ever meet his first wife?”

I nodded. “We got on quite well. She was a little shocked at the age difference, as most people were, but she was cordial. We were all adults.” She winked. “Some of them more adult-y than I was.”

Jordan laughed.

“Our plan had always been to give this place to Colin. When I’m ready to move, I’ll do that.”

“That’s very generous.”

I shrugged. “He’s the light of my life. I adore him, and he works very hard. He refused to let us pay off his student loans, so a mortgage-free home will help. I only hope one day he finds the right person to share it with.”

“I’m going to use some of the money from the sale and set up college funds for my grandkids. Neither Gina or Warren will take any of my money otherwise, no matter how many times I have offered. This way, I can help in a roundabout manner.” He took a sip of wine. “Not sure Warren will ever have a child, but I’ll set aside the same amount in case.”

“When will you tell your kids?”

“Right away. I want them to come and pick out anything they want from the house. I plan on donating a lot to charity and buying new furniture. Aside from some select items and personal things, I want a fresh start.”

“You’ve really thought this through.”

“I suppose I have.”

“Congratulations.” I raised my glass. “To new beginnings.”

Jordan lifted his glass. “If I can be so bold—to shared new beginnings.”

I touched my glass to his and tried not to blush.

This time, I failed.SandyJordan extended his hand, his expression one of indulgence. “Come aboard.”

“It’s a little, ah, choppier than the other night.”

He chuckled. “Only because of the breeze. Perfect for a day on the boat.”

I glanced at the sky. “You sure it won’t storm?”

“Nope. These clouds will move away, and the sun will be out within the hour.” He waggled his fingers. “Come on, Sandy. I got you.”

I let him pull me onboard, still nervous but not wanting to tell him why. Storms made me stressed enough on dry land. Never mind being pitched about in a boat. I wasn’t sure I could handle that.

He handed me the picnic basket I had packed earlier. “You store this below, and I’ll get us going. The light is brighter toward Niagara.”

“Okay.”

I went down the few steps and figured out the layout of the small galley kitchen, storing away our lunch. I felt the boat moving and grabbed the thermal carafe of coffee I had brought with me. Jordan was behind the wheel, guiding the boat from the marina. He held out his arm, and I slipped in front of him, his chest pressed to my back.

“I thought you had sails.”

“I do. I use the engine to get to open water or when there’s no wind. I’ll unfurl the sail in a while.”

“It’s pretty out here.”

“It is. I love being on the water.” He dropped his mouth to my ear. “I love being out here with you, my darling.”

My heart clenched at his endearment. I lifted my head, meeting his gaze. He lowered his, kissing me, his lips moving with mine.

Jordan Hayes could kiss. If it were an art form, he would be a master. Every time our mouths met, I never wanted it to end.

He lifted his head and smiled, drawing his fingers down my cheek. “That will have to hold me until we clear the marina. I don’t want to run into another boat.”

“Oh.”

He kept one hand on the wheel, wrapping his other arm around my waist. “But you stay right where you are. I like you here.”

I snuggled closer, feeling the way his arm tightened. I had to admit, I liked it right there as well.The sun burst from behind the cloud, its rays skittering across the waves, reflecting on the boat. I lifted my face to its warmth, enjoying the feel of it and the breeze that blew around us. The sail snapped and filled, stretched tight as the boat raced through the water, smooth and steady. Jordan leaned back, looking satisfied. “We’ll be there in about an hour. I thought we’d tie up at the marina, rent a couple of bikes, hit those wineries we got the names of. Both of them are only about a ten-minute ride from the marina. We can go look anywhere else you want to, then we can head back to the boat, find a cove, and throw down the anchor. Have lunch and enjoy the sun before we head back.”