Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78085 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78085 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“It’s a big hook you stab into the fish.”
“Oh, okay.”
I watched as Brax reeled in a fish of his own. There was something about watching him do what he loved that made me want to jump the man. Would that feeling ever get old? If we were alone, he would be very distracted right about now.
“Fish on!” Rick called out as he also reeled in a fish.
It was then that Trish leaned over the boat and threw up. I rubbed her back softly while Wendy glanced over and shook her head. Rick didn’t even realize his fiancée was sick.
“Your girlfriend’s sick,” Wendy said to her son.
Rick looked back, though he kept reeling in his fish. “You doing okay, babe?”
I glared at him while Trish threw up again. Then I shot Wendy a look, wanting to correct her that Trish was Rick’s fiancée, but I kept my mouth shut.
It was a choppy sea, no doubt about it. Six- to eight-foot waves were hitting the boat. Even I had to take a deep breath a few times. Wendy was lucky Ms. Seaside wasn’t in her town to write up what a mean future mother-in-law she would be.
After throwing up again, Trish took me up on my offer of a jacket and found a spot out of the way to curl up. The rocking of the boat put her to sleep within minutes. Or maybe she passed out from sea sickness or fear of the boat sinking.
Making my way over to Brax, I smiled as I watched him reel in yet another fish. “That’s a big one,” I remarked, looking out into the water.
“That’s what she said,” he replied with a laugh.
I shook my head and checked to make sure the Petermans weren’t within hearing distance.
“Brax…Trish is really sick. And Rick doesn’t care at all.”
“Has she never been on a boat in the ocean before? I mean, seas are rough today. Hence the good fishing.”
I glanced over toward the family. “I think she thought she was going out on a yacht.”
He laughed.
“She only came because her fiancé and his parents like to fish,” I said. “She’s trying to impress them, but I think all she’s done is make the mom mad.”
The fish surfaced, and Brax flashed me a wide grin. “Look at that cod.”
“It’s beautiful,” I commented.
“Bobby!” Brax called out. “Will you take this for me?”
Bobby took the fish and rod. “Sure thing, boss.”
Brax turned to me and gave me a gentle smile. “I love that you’re worried about her and about her need to fit in with her future in-laws…but Harlee, you’re going to meet a plethora of people on these trips. Including women who’re going to shamelessly flirt with me, Bobby, Thomas, Duke, all of us. Just like I’ll see guys flirting with you. It’s a job. We smile, and we help them have the best fishing experience they can have—within limits. If anyone ever touches you, I expect you to punch them or tell me.” He smiled again. “But honey, Trish isn’t going to be the last girlfriend to climb onto one of our boats to impress a boyfriend. Same goes for guys, believe it or not. I’ve seen some women who can out-fish me.”
“You mean a woman is the crazy fisherman with a boyfriend who can’t fish?”
He laughed. “Fisherwoman. Yes. You’ll meet all types when we do the larger charters, but these small ones are mainly for people who really love to fish.”
Sighing, I nodded. “So what you’re saying is, it’s not my job to fix everyone’s problems.”
“Personal problems. As for fishing problems…you can only fix the ones you know how to fix.”
“And considering my current knowledge of fishing, that means getting them drinks and food.”
Drawing me closer, he kissed me—and we both nearly stumbled when the boat rocked.
“Jesus, how does Gannon do his job?” I asked as I reached for the rail. “I think I’ll go make sure no one’s thirsty.”
“Hey,” he said as he took my hand in his. “You’re worth more than getting drinks for everyone. You know that, right?”
I nodded.
“I love you, Harlee.”
My stomach did a little flip. “I love you more.”
“Impossible.”
“Fish on!” Rick called out, and we both got back to work.
It turned out that after Trish had a nap, and whatever she took finally kicked in, she actually enjoyed fishing and caught three of her own. Let me add—three bigger fish than any that Rick, Bradley, or Wendy managed to catch. I was so proud of her. After that, she and Wendy chatted up a storm.
I couldn’t help but wonder if anyone had ever met and fallen in love on one of Brax’s charters. Wouldn’t Ms. Seaside love that?
My smile faded as I thought about the task I knew I needed to do…and soon. Ms. Seaside would be coming to an end. And a new chapter would begin for me and Brax.