“It’s really not a big deal, guys. It’s one night. We’ll have plenty of fun times this season when this charter is over.” The problem was, I knew if it were any guest other than Hayden Wolf, I could be convinced to go ashore.
“I’ll drink your share if it makes you feel any better,” Eric said.
“Taking one for the team.” I winked at him and a slight blush crept over his baby face.
“Always. I’m all about the sacrifice,” he mumbled.
“You’re going to miss the fireworks,” Skylar said.
“Fireworks?” I asked before taking a bite of my sandwich.
“Yeah, some festival or other. Maybe you’ll catch them from the boat,” Neill added.
It was dumb, but I really did like a good fireworks display. Especially from the water. “I hope so. That would be cool.”
“That’s if you’re not running around after the Wolfman,” Eric said.
“The Wolfman?” We didn’t call the guests nicknames because there was too big a chance for them to overhear. Not until the charter was over anyway. And Hayden had been nothing but courteous to all the crew as far as I was aware.
Eric just shrugged.
“Like you said, he’ll go down to his office and I won’t see him all evening. I doubt I’ll be running anywhere.”
“Then why don’t you come ashore with us?”
I tilted my head, encouraging Eric to drop it. My mind was set. There was no point having this discussion.
“I think they’ll have them over the water, so you’re bound to see them,” Skylar said.
For a second I thought about taking some photos to send to my dad and Michael, but then I remembered we didn’t have our phones. My dad loved to see beautiful pictures from different parts of the world. I think it reassured him that I was having fun. “I think so too. So, you see, I’ll hardly be missing out at all. But it’s very sweet of you guys to be concerned.”
“Concerned about what?” August asked, appearing in the doorway.
I groaned. I wasn’t about to go through it all for the ninetieth time. “You look pretty,” I told her, trying to throw her off the scent. “Come on,” I said, standing. “I’ll see you guys off.”
“You’re not coming?” August asked and voices began to murmur. I ushered everyone out of the kitchen and down to the tender.
“Seriously, it’s a full day of work tomorrow, so not too much alcohol. I’m not picking up your slack.” I eyed August in particular.
We trailed down the stairs and everyone piled onto the tender. I untied the bowline and threw the rope to Eric then waved them off. It was good to see everyone in such high spirits.
Giving them the night off was a nice thing for Hayden to have done. I glanced up to the main deck, still smiling at all their excitement, and locked eyes with Hayden. He looked far from happy, his face was like thunder and fury burned in his eyes. Was it his work that had caused that or was he mad I hadn’t gone with them? My stomach churned and my skin prickled with heat. I hated the thought that he might be angry with me.
Sixteen
Hayden
I wasn’t used to my instructions being ignored. I’d had money and power for long enough that people rarely said no to me. I’d been clear when I’d spoken to Moss that the crew should have the night off. I accepted he’d have to stay on board, but I’d told him I wouldn’t need anything from anyone. I threw my pen across my desk. My concentration was shot. I didn’t know if it was the lack of sleep, or the overnight working, or just the irritation of being ignored by Avery, but tonight, I couldn’t focus. It was Saturday night and I’d just dismissed the lawyers. At least they’d have the afternoon and evening with their families.
I knew I was working too hard. And I knew I was working my team too hard. I just wanted this deal done as soon as possible.
I leaned back in my chair and glanced out the window—just blackness with slivers of silver when the water caught the lights of the boat. It was almost nine and I was hungry. And I could do with a whiskey. If I couldn’t work, then perhaps a drink would send me to sleep.
As I entered the formal dining room, Avery appeared from the galley, her professional smile fixed to her face. “Can I get you anything?”
I narrowed my eyes. “Why didn’t you go with them?”
She blinked several times, as if riffling through possible answers. “I just didn’t—”
“Did the captain say you had to stay?”
She placed her hand up to her throat. “No. Not at all. I just wasn’t feeling too well . . .”
I stepped toward her. “Then you should rest.”
She exhaled and her shoulders dropped. “That’s not true.”