Freshwater Kisses (The Kisses 3)

od for a while, but then everything kind of fell apart. Dad's business partner stole some funds, and then the creditors came knocking." I shrugged. "We moved a lot. He was actually thinking of reapplying for his old job at DS Oil and Gas when the accident happened."

"I heard about that. I was really sorry that happened; I liked your parents," he said softly with a gentle squeeze for my hands.

"I don't really like talking about it. Thank you, though." I took a deep breath and continued, "Anyway, I moved into Grace's apartment after that. She got married and had Avery a couple years after that, and sailing picked up."

"So why are you in Winchester, then?" he asked. His face was so concerned and interested in my well-being, I almost didn't want to tell him what had happened. I didn't really like talking about my past, and I was actually surprised I had said as much as I had. It was a testament to Robbie that he could get me to tell him any of it.

"The house was Avery's grandmother's. When Avery's dad Evan died, Grace and Avery moved in with Evan's mom, Betty. She died in the spring, and so I came out to help raise Avery." I took a sip of my champagne.

"And that's why you're not sailing, right?" Robbie asked. I nodded.

"That and Cora's injury. I hope I can get back next season, but it's going to be rough." I shrugged, trying to make it appear as though I didn't care. Taking this season off was almost certainly death for my career, but I hadn't seen any way out of it.

"We have to get you back out on the water," Robbie said. His eyes went serious for a moment. "Have you ever heard of the Champion of Champions Invitational in Chicago? It's a freshwater event, but it's the last race of the season."

"Have I heard of it?" I made an incredulous noise. "I've wanted to race it for years. It's super prestigious, though, and there is no way I could get in..." I stopped and stared at him. "You have an invite, don't you?"

"Get one every year," he said and sipped on his champagne like it was nothing. "I usually don't even go because I don't like to race double-handed, but for you, I would."

"You'd race with me?" I studied his face. Robbie Saunders never raced double-handed. He only ever did single-handed events. In every interview where they asked him why he raced single-handed, he said he never had a partner he could trust.

"For you, Sam. Yes."

I sat back in my chair, floored. This wasn't something that he took lightly. This wasn't something I took lightly. For him to offer to sail with me, to give me the chance at the Champion of Champions Invitational was a big deal. It was the opportunity of a lifetime to even sail in the race, but the idea of sailing with Robbie was what had me more excited.

"Let's do it." Our eyes met and Robbie smiled.

"I thought you'd say that. It's in two weeks, so I'd like to get some practice time in with you before we race," said Robbie.

I nodded. "I'll have to clear it with Grace. She's in the middle of school, and I'll have to find someone to watch Avery, but... thank you, Robbie."

He gave me a soft smile that made me want to kiss him. He must have known how much losing this season had hurt, as only another sailor could. It had broken my heart not to race and the idea that I would be racing in the race of my dreams was almost too much to bear.

"You are most welcome."

I would have stood up and kissed him right there, in front of the whole restaurant, but at that moment our food arrived. As soon as the meal was in front of me, I realized I was starving. Robbie shared a bite of his filet mignon with me in exchange for one of my mussels.

The meal was perfect. The food was delicious and the view outstanding, but the best part was Robbie's company. Robbie and I talked into the night, laughing and sharing stories as we caught up on one another's lives. It was the first time in a long time that I felt completely happy and content while not on the water.

"What about your sailing, Robbie? I saw you did well this year," I said, chewing slowly on a mussel and enjoying the flavor. He shrugged and took a sip of his champagne before answering.

"I plan on entering another World Cup next year. I came close to winning, but I sat out during the storm. If I had sailed through it, I would have placed this year. Live and learn," he answered. "What about you?"

"My sponsors say that I'll probably be able to race for them next season. I'll have to find a new racing partner, but I'm still hopeful that it will work out. If I'm lucky, this season off won't ruin my chances for next year." I paused and took another bite of food. "If things fall through though, I'll just take a position with a sailing school. I've always wanted to teach."

"You'd be a good teacher." He gave me a level look. "You'd have to make sure the students actually follow the rules, though."

I laughed. "That's why I always liked sailing with you, Robbie. You made sure I didn't do stupid stuff. And you're good at explaining things; you'd make a fantastic teacher too."

"Teaching?" he scoffed. "I don't know. I guess maybe someday, but for now, I just want to race."

I nodded. I took a sip of champagne and smiled to myself. I could see Robbie teaching someday and being amazing at it. In my opinion, he'd be an even better teacher than racer, and he was already one of the best racers I knew.

***

"Can I interest you in a second bottle of champagne?" the waitress asked, giving Robbie a toothy smile. We had just finished dessert, and I was stuffed. There was no way I could drink or eat anything else. An introspective smile crossed his face and he shook his head.

"No, thank you. One is more than enough tonight."