In Too Deep (Wildfire Lake 1)

“What would some of those family-friendly things be?” I ask, my gaze following Levi as he leans on the bar and talks to Samantha. “I haven’t exactly had the best role models.”

“Our ships are all about family fun,” KT says. “I’d suggest a playground for sure. A pool or water play area. Even though you have the lake, families with little kids would get a lot of use out of a purified water source. And the kids love going from one play area to the next, even if they’re all basically the same.”

“Playground and pool. Totally doable.” I enjoy watching Levi while he doesn’t know he’s being watched. His posture is easy and loose. His face is bright and happy. He knows everyone, and he’s well loved.

Yeah, that’s my Levi. Only he’s not mine anymore. Not even after that kiss.

“Mini golf?” Chloe asks. “You’ve definitely got the room for it. How many acres is this property anyway?”

I pull my gaze away from Levi, but my body is buzzing on high octane now. “Nine hundred and sixty-eight.”

“Holy shit,” KT says. “That place has got to be worth a fortune.”

“It is.”

My cell pings with a message, and I glance at the display. It’s from Michael, a friend who is also an occasional date, more to satisfy our parents than because we’re romantically interested in each other. Michael and I have bonded over self-involved, demanding parents, but seeing Levi again has shocked me into realizing just how completely I’ve been settling in all my romantic relationships.

Happy Birthday! Saw your parents today. They said you’re on a girl’s getaway, but didn’t mention your birthday. I’m assuming they forgot again? Typical, right? Let’s get together when you get back. I’ll buy you a birthday drink. Can’t wait to hear about this trashy marina your mom’s bitching about.

That makes me smile, and I shoot a quick text back. Thank you. Will text you when I get back to town.

When I look up, Sam says something to Levi and his head turns, scanning the restaurant. I feel the moment he finds me. His gaze holds mine, and a little smile lifts his lips. We’re across the space, half-hidden in dim lighting, but I can almost read his thoughts. You look great. That kiss was amazing. I want you, but I shouldn’t.

“Have you thought about leasing some of this land to vineyards?” KT asks, pulling my attention back. “This is prime vineyard acreage.”

“Wow.” The idea explodes in my head. “What a fucking fantastic idea.”

When I search out Levi again, he’s still staring. Someone beside him at the bar is talking to him, much the way KT is talking to me, but we can’t seem to stop staring at each other. The intimacy of our locked gazes is off the charts. This feels more intense than sex. At least, sex with anyone other than Levi. I can see his thoughts shift, dropping into a smolder. Something hungry darkens his expression in such minute ways, I could never explain it in words.

“I know your previous plan calls for fancy new boats,” KT says, “but with this new idea in mind, you could buy five older boats for the price of one new one. And I know how to fix them, so you could get some great deals.”

Levi turns toward Samantha and trades a bag for a credit card.

I frown at KT. “You’re only here for a few days.”

“Yeah, I’ve been thinking about that.” Then she goes silent.

“Seriously,” Chloe says, “you drop a bomb like that and then go mute?”

“Okay,” she says, “this is so totally your baby and I’m absolutely okay if you tell me I’m out of my flipping mind,” she says to me, “but this place is beautiful, and the minute I saw a marina filled with boats needing love, I got that in-alignment-with-the-universe tingle inside me.”

“Of all the people I know,” I say, “I expected you to be the very last one to jump onboard with Chloe’s message.”

“Yeah, well, I’m used to surprising people. Every new mechanic who comes on board the cruise ship thinks he knows more than I do. Every guy who gets handsy uninvited is surprised when I punch him in the gut. Every woman who makes a pass at me is surprised I’m not gay.” She holds her arms out to her sides. “Just because I can handle myself and I wear a uniform means they think they can judge my sexual preference? But I digress. This just feels so right for the next chapter of my life, even if it’s just a short chapter.”

My mouth drops open. “Oh my God, you’re serious.”

“Don’t feel like you have to entertain this idea just because of our friendship,” KT goes on, “but I’d be interested in joining this venture as a mechanic or boat specialist or boat renovator or whatever you decide you need. And you wouldn’t have to pay me. I’ve got money to invest from selling my dad’s business and the house, and with no real expenses for the last ten years, I’ve been saving all my earnings. I mean, it’s not millions, but it’s decent, and I would plunge it into this place in a heartbeat.”

“Holy shit.” My insides warm and tingle and celebrate this idea. “Yes. Absolutely. I love this idea.”

“Whoa,” Chloe says. “Don’t even think of doing this without me.” KT and I turn our gaze on Chloe. “I want in, but I don’t know what I can contribute other than money. I made a decent killing on my first book.”

“You could handle all the events,” I say immediately. “Booking retreats and conferences and maybe even weddings. And you could even do your own spiritual retreats here.”

“Oh my God,” she says. “That would be amazing. I’ve been wanting to expand my business into in-person retreats. But that doesn’t feel fair to me. You’re doing all the planning and managing, and KT’s doing all the work on the boats. I can’t do much until it’s closer to being done.”

“That’s the beauty of it,” KT says. “I’ll be busy up front, fixing and renovating, but once the boats are refurbished, there’s only maintenance and a random problem to handle. You may not be doing a lot up front, but when this place gets close to opening, you’re going to be running your tail off.”