Chapter 9 – Everly

What happened yesterday, between James and me, changed my whole world view. Now I’m watching my cage being unloaded from the deck of The Signet, ready to go back aboard The Beachcomber, and I don’t know what to do. The sight of him, beard glistening with the gentle drizzle still falling from the sky, makes me all fluttery inside, and the thought of what’s underneath those shorts makes me worry for the brand-new panties I’m wearing.

He thinks I didn’t notice his erection pressing against my buttocks while he held me yesterday. Well, he’s wrong. Jeepers, did I notice it.

My phone call with the head of my department did not go as I’d hoped. Apparently, unless I can persuade another boat owner to take me out for free, I’m either aboard The Beachcomber, or I’m going back to Texas with nothing to show for my time here.

“Look, Ever—” I turn a glare on Lance Pollack, and he visibly backs away. “Dr. Mantel. I’m sorry for losing my cool yesterday. You know how it is out here on the sea, the language can get a little...colorful sometimes. But I didn’t mean any harm by it.”

“You called me a bitch,” I say flatly. He might be cozying up to me right now, but I can tell it’s just a show. If I have to go out on the boat with him, I will, but only for the sake of the sharks. “I take it we won’t have any more unexpected delays?”

“Someone—” he glances over at James, directing the land crew to be careful with my equipment “—sabotaged my boat. I have a feeling I know exactly who.”

“Oh, don’t be ridiculous. What would he get out of it?”

Lance glares at me like it’s my fault his boat needed the engineer. “Nothing, except seeing me suffer. But that’s enough for him. The Morelocks are fucking scum.”

I take a deep breath, trying to settle my rage, but it’s burning up. When he clears his throat, balls up the phlegm, and spits it at The Signet, that’s more than I can take. I see red, and there’s no stopping me.

“Listen here, you weasel.” I take a step toward him and point my finger. “That man took me out on the water for free yesterday when your toy boat wasn’t up to the job. He knew exactly where the hammerheads would be, and he took me right there. And then he saved my life. Yes, that’s right, saved my life. So don’t you start trying to tell me that he’s the lowlife around here, because he’s ten times the man you’ll ever be!”

Lance’s eyes are wide and I see tears welling in the corners, but then his mouth creases in a sneer. “Getting a little hot and wet for the dirty fisherman are we, Doctor?”

Where it comes from, I have no idea, but the force with which I slap the side of his face sends him reeling onto the wooden decking of the pier.

In the silence that follows, all I hear is the sound of gulls overhead, the gentle lapping of water against the side of the boats. Then I hear a soft cheer and turn to see the land crew looking my way, grins on their faces, clapping their hands. Seems nobody is much of a fan of Lance Pollack.

I turn my gaze on James, but his expression is inscrutable. He sees me looking over and averts his eyes.

“Come on, you lot, this equipment isn’t going to unload itself. I need to be out on the water half an hour ago.”

No, I will not let this opportunity pass me by.

Ignoring Lance as he tries to maintain some dignity getting to his feet, I stroll right by and up to the side of The Signet. “No, stop. All of you, stop,” I say in my most commanding voice, which is not very commanding. But I guess since it’s my equipment, they do as I say anyway. “Captain...” I search for the name Lance used. “Morelock? Yes, Morelock, Captain Morelock.”

I see the smirk hit his face just before he covers it with a hand. “I’m not a captain. Just call me James.”

“Fine. James. Please. I don’t want to go out in Lance Pollack’s boat again. I can’t stand that man.” I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks. “Will you take me out to the breeding ground again...?”

The land crew snorts with laughter, and I bite my lip. Fuck. I mean darn. My choice of words needs work, especially when I’m around seamen.

“The hammerheads’ breeding ground, I mean. Please? I can’t pay you. I can only appeal to your generosity.”

This is stupid. The man has a living to make. He’s made it quite clear that what happened yesterday isn’t going to happen again.

I wait, hopefully, while he stares at me. Then he looks over behind me, where I know Lance must be smirking at my discomfort. Well, let him. I have nothing left to say to that man.

“Okay,” James says finally, then turns to the land crew. “Load it all back on, boys.”

I breathe a deep sigh of relief as I see the looks of resignation on the faces of the men. It’s heavy work, and I wish I could pay them. I wish I could pay James, too, but what I really want to give him has no monetary value at all.