Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 99607 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99607 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
“I was wondering,” I said, tucking the tray under my arm. “Chef Neill would really appreciate some guidance on your food preferences. Is there anything in particular you’d like to see on the menu?”
“I was serious yesterday when I said I don’t mind.”
Neill was climbing the walls with this guy’s lack of concern about mealtimes, and I hated to see him so stressed. I glanced out over the water. The haze of the sun sitting on the horizon blurred the coastline as though some kind of force field existed between the water and the land. “It’s going to be a scorching hot day. What about I get you fruit, yogurt and toast for your breakfast? A chicken, goat cheese and pomegranate salad for lunch and then what about sirloin steak in a watercress sauce for dinner?” I was pretty much suggesting my favorite foods.
A beat of silence passed as I waited for a response. He might think I was being too pushy and get irritated. Some men—I found it was the less confident ones—would react badly to a stewardess trying to steer them in one direction or another.
“I think that sounds like you just read my mind and described my favorite foods.”
I wanted to tell him they were mine but that was probably too familiar. “Reading minds is part of the package,” I replied, trying not to show how delighted I was at his reaction.
The corner of his mouth curled up and I wondered if he’d be a good kisser. “Good to know. I might have a use for that kinda skill.” He paused, almost as if he was going to say something, but then pulled his laptop back onto his knee as I mentally high-fived myself at getting this guy to engage a little, to loosen up. He stopped typing. “And actually, if you can throw in some carbs somewhere, that would work.”
“No problem.” I was about to walk away but I wanted more for Neill than just today’s menu. And it was my job to ensure Hayden Wolf had what he wanted.
“I guess in your business you like working with people who want to give their best. People who give one hundred percent, and are great at what they do?”
Hayden looked up from his laptop, frowning.
“Well, the crew want to do the same for you, and our mind-reading ability only goes so far. We want to give you our absolute best. Neill is a fantastic chef. This boat has amazing facilities—Jet Skis, a pool area that we can set up in the ocean that safeguards against jellyfish. We even have an inflatable banana.” I paused. “Although that might not be your thing.” It was difficult to imagine Hayden Wolf doing anything just for fun, but I was sure he’d go to his grave without sitting astride an inflatable banana. “We’re here to give one hundred percent. And we like what we do. I know you are incredibly busy, but if you could give some thought to your preferences sheet, maybe it will provide you with a little light relief between phone calls.” I set down a blank form I’d printed off in the wheelhouse earlier. “This is an unusual charter for us—just one guest, eight weeks.” I shrugged. “We would be really grateful for a bit of direction.”
He didn’t say anything but continued to look at me with his dark blue eyes after I finished speaking. “I’ll take a look,” he replied eventually.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to go on. I just—”
“I’ll take a look.” He was done talking.
“Thank you.” I headed back to the main salon. It wasn’t a promise, but maybe he’d come up with something and at least I had today’s menu for Neill.
“Avery.”
I turned back to face him.
He didn’t look up from his laptop. “I’d like to deal with you as much as possible, exclusively, in fact.”
I didn’t let my smile drop as heat stirred in my belly. He wanted more time with me? Or did he not like Skylar and August?
“It might make things easier. I don’t want to have to fend off small talk from other crew.”
I nodded. Of course that was it. It wasn’t personal. Just that I was more senior and better able to swallow the thousand questions I wanted to ask him. How had he made his money so young? What had he done to create enemies? What was his family like? Did he have a wife? I could hold back—I’d make sure I did—but I wasn’t so sure about August, so his request made sense. I hoped it at least meant he thought I was good at my job.
“No problem,” I replied. “I need to clean your room, if that’s okay?”
Hayden exhaled, then swung his legs over the lounger and stood. “I’d like to be there if that’s all right.”