Going Under (Wildfire Lake 2)

“The closest I’ve been to you since that night in Croatia.” His voice turns into a deep purr, one that has charmed the panties off any woman he ever wanted anywhere in the world—including me. Though that was a lifetime ago. “Santa Barbara.”

His accent is less Boricua than it used to be, now carrying various flavors from all the countries where he’s spent time. “What in the hell are you doing somewhere as beige as Santa Barbara?”

“No shit.”

I lean against the side of the shop. “Can’t wait to hear this story.”

“I was contracted to captain this ship from Santa Barbara to Hawaii. A tenth wedding anniversary trip as a gift for this woman’s husband.”

“Esh.” I wince. “Please don’t tell me you—”

“Mami,”

he says with faux hurt. “You automatically think the worst of me.”

“Okay, okay.” I roll my eyes. “Go on.”

“We were just about to leave, ship is loaded, crew’s on board, and she discovers he’s having an affair. And, before you ask—no, not with me.”

That makes me laugh.

“I’m wondering what I should do with the next few months, so I call around to see who’s where and who’s doing what. Whose name pops up in conversation? Yours.”

Despite being scattered all over the world, the boating community is smaller than one might think. Those with the most experience keep the closest contact with each other, via acquaintances, networking, gigs, social media. Jaime and I are in that upper echelon—him for his sailing ability, me for my mechanical ability.

“I say, no way,” he goes on. “Rivers would never choose land over sea. As much as I love the idea of seeing you again, it would be physically painful for me to know you’ve defected.”

“Still so melodramatic.”

“Is it true?”

“Not exactly.” I give him the highlights of my situation and mention I’m looking to buy a catamaran so he can spread the word.

“So you’ll return to the sea,” he says. “I don’t think I could have handled any other answer. Where are you headed on your first freedom ride?”

“Not clear yet, but I have time to figure it out. I won’t be cut loose from here until summer. What about you?”

“I’ve picked up some piecework here. These people have money to burn.”

“Says the kid with the billion-dollar trust fund.”

“And the women are pretty damned hot too. You know how I love being pampered.”

“Playing gigolo for a while?”

“There are worse situations. When are you looking to pick up the cat? There are a few nice ones in this marina that never get used. It’s a crime.”

I play with money in my head. Most of my liquid cash is invested in the marina, but I have a nice retirement fund I can borrow against and some savings. “For the right deal, I’d be ready anytime.”

“Tell you what,” he says. “I’ll work my magic if you agree to come see me this weekend. You can check out the merchandise, we can reconnect, and you can keep me in mind to join you on your maiden voyage. By July, I’ll pay you to take me away from all this beige.”

I’m laughing when Ben pulls up to the marina. I say goodbye to Jaime and meet Ben near Violet’s workspace. My smile fades by the time we’re face-to-face. His eyes are dull, his expression exhausted.

Violet barely spares him a glance. “Hi, Daddy. I’m working. I’m not done yet.”

I want to wrap him in my arms, but we’re still keeping things between us on the down-low. The girls are already dealing with a lot of changes.

“Rough day?”