If I had my way, she’d never pay for anything again. I’d take care of her, provide her with everything she needs. But she’s still hung up on not being a people-user like her mother, so I hold back and let her carefully count out the change for her portion.
Afterward, we walk on the boardwalk and take some pictures next to the fort and the Bridge of Lions. The weather is perfect—high seventies and sunny, with a light breeze—and I suggest we rent a boat from a nearby marina, the way I see some tourists doing.
“Oh, um… you can rent it for yourself if you want. I’m afraid of getting seasick,” Emma says, averting her gaze. “I’ll wait for you here. I don’t mind.”
Seasick? On the Intracoastal? I’m about to point out how calm the water is when it dawns on me that something other than fear of an unsettled stomach may be at work here.
“How about we rent a jet ski instead?” I ask, testing out my theory. “You won’t get seasick on that.”
Emma looks even more uncomfortable. “No, thanks. I’m good here. But you should go ahead; I hear it’s a lot of fun. And I can wait for you. It’s not a problem, really.”
Okay, then. She’s either afraid of the water—unlikely, given our swimming adventures yesterday—or it’s the money thing again. She probably thinks that if we’re participating in an activity together, we have to split the cost of that, same as with the pizza—and both the boat and the jet ski rental are on the pricey side.
It’s ridiculous, but I’m about to let it slide, just as I did with the pizza—it’s not like I’ve never been on a boat or ridden a jet ski before—except it occurs to me that this is going to be an ongoing issue. I’ve been dirt poor, and now that I’m not, I like to enjoy all the things and experiences my money can buy: like flying private, staying in luxury hotels, and renting boats on a whim. And I want Emma at my side while I’m doing that.
“Are you sure you don’t mind waiting here?” I ask. “Because it’s a really nice day, and I’d love to be on the water for a bit.”
Emma blinks. I guess she didn’t expect me to be enough of an asshole to take her up on her offer. She recovers swiftly, though, and nods. “Yes, of course, go right ahead. I’ll hang out here, enjoy the view.” And to illustrate how she intends to do that, she plops down on a bench facing the water.
“Okay, then.”
Leaving her there, I stride over to the marina and rent the nicest boat they have. There’s no way in hell I’m getting on it without Emma, but I need her to believe that I am—that this boat is for me only. It’s a gamble, but I don’t see any other way.
I have to disabuse Emma of this misguided notion that we need to split everything fifty-fifty, and I’m starting on that project today.
She’s still sitting on the bench when I come out of the marina, boat key dangling in my hand.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come?” I ask, approaching her. I keep my tone casual, as if I don’t care either way. “I don’t think you’ll get seasick, and it won’t be nearly as fun without you.”
She hesitates, her gaze jumping from me to the blue water sparkling in the sun. “Well—”
“Come on. Just try it for me, please. If you feel the slightest bit nauseated, I’ll bring you back here right away.”
She nibbles on her lower lip, the very picture of uncertainty, and I go in for the kill. “Please. I really need the company. You’d be doing me a huge favor.”
And as I hoped, she caves.
Heaving a sigh, she gets up, and we walk together to the boat.
15
Emma
I feel bad that I’m getting a free ride, but not bad enough to let it spoil my enjoyment of the experience. Everything about it—from the way the sun glimmers on the surface of the water to the salty breeze on my face and the dangerously handsome man standing at the helm of our motorboat—is my idea of paradise. I lied before—I don’t get seasick—and I’m secretly overjoyed that Marcus roped me into this by renting the boat for himself.
Adjusting my hat, I sneak a glance at him. Clad in a white polo shirt and khaki shorts, with sleek designer shades covering his intense blue eyes, he’s the very picture of cool, casual elegance—and so gorgeous it makes my insides flutter. His olive-toned skin is glowing in the sun, his thick brown hair waving in the breeze as he skillfully steers the boat around a buoy. Catching my gaze, he smiles widely, and my chest expands with a burst of happiness at the warmth radiating from his hard features.