I’m in my office, looking at Portia who’s perusing the folder of material our marketing manager pulled together for her. I guess I’m not so much looking at her as analyzing objectively. This time, I’m not wondering about her lack of attraction to me, but why I’m not attracted to her. She really is a knockout, a classic beauty with glamour and elegance, intriguing eyes, tall and in great physical shape.

So why don’t I feel anything, when I’ve always been hot for a wide variety of gorgeous women?

Doesn’t take me long to figure out.

She’s not a blonde-haired, blue-eyed, spunky little spitfire.

She’s not Delaney.

Kind of a major realization.

Portia looks up to catch me staring. Her face colors, like she’s both puzzled and embarrassed. Smooth, Cavanaugh. Real smooth.

“Uh, just to recap,” I say quickly, shifting into professional mode. “we feel that our yacht broker is an integral part of our success. We’re currently working with Morrow Yacht Sales, and they’re all over the place for us—in addition to using print media and social media, they’re also into grassroots campaigns, like galas, charities, displaying models in their showrooms and boat shows. Morrow exhibits at several places in Florida...Fort Lauderdale draws hundreds of thousands. They show in Boston, LA, Seattle, and right here in Maine, and last year even exhibited in Dubai and Moscow.”

She nods, impressed. “Brilliant. From these charts, you can clearly see the difference in sales from pre-broker to present. Perhaps Bellamy’s ailing sales could be revived this way.”

“It’s very possible. One of the most successful strategies that Morrow uses has been direct email.”

“Ah. We don’t do enough with email mahketing, and I’ve troyed to tell Daddy that. I’ll definitely be sharing this information with him.”

“Has he visited the States? Might be more convincing if he were to see the results for himself.”

She sighs, twirling her pen between her fingers. “I’ve suggested that, and he seems pleased as punch I’m over here and always wants updates. But whenever I’ve asked if he’d like to come visit, he acts positively narked and brushes me off. Strange, because that’s not really his temperament. He’s quite a lovely man.”

“You have a good relationship?”

“Absolutely. We’ve always been close. I do worry about Daddy, being alone like he is after he and my mum split up.”

“I can relate to the split-up thing.”

“In this case, it was best. I don’t know as they ever truly loved one another.”

“Same with my parents.”

Almost on cue, Gloria and her beige pantsuit walk into my office, her mauve lips stretching in a big smile when she sees Portia with me. “How’s everything going in here?”

Portia smiles back. “Hunky-dory. Your son is a smashing instructor.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I’ve just met with our design team on our newest model, the Dulcinea. Seventy-three meter motor yacht, accommodations for twelve, six staterooms along with a full beam master suite with panoramic views. It’s going to be absolutely stunning. I believe I have a new favorite.”

I wink at Portia. “Every new boat is her favorite.”

“Ignore my son, Portia. I also wanted to invite the two of you to an event at the winery in Blue Hill. It’s in two weeks—Bistro Night featuring husband and wife performers who sing backup for Alicia Keys.”

“Sounds good. I’ll ask Delaney if she can go.”

Not unexpectedly, I get the Gloria glare. Portia seems to be aware of the iceberg forming between us and quickly moves in to attempt to thaw it.

“Thank you, Gloria. I’ll check my calendah and let you know.”

“Excellent.” She shoots me a glance. “It might be more appropriate if just the two of you attend. Kensington Winery caters to a certain class of people.”

Before I can respond, she’s blowing Portia a kiss and breezing out of my office as though she hasn’t just insulted the fuck out of her son’s girlfriend.

“Your mother doesn’t give up easily, now, does she?” Portia is smiling at me ruefully.

“You’ve noticed.”

She laughs. “It’s kind of hard not to when she’s constantly talking to me about how incredible you are.”

“Funny, she never seems to say that sort of thing directly to me. Listen, I apologize if she’s pressuring you in any way. I hope it isn’t too awkward.”

“Oh, I can certainly handle it, Damon. It’s rather amusing, actually. Especially when you’re oll-ready very much taken.”

The tone of her voice, the weight of her words reach deep into me. I’m caught off guard. Mainly because I’ve never been “very much taken” with anyone.

“You’re quite crazy about Delaney, ahn’t you?”

“She’s my girlfriend...I’d better be, right?” I give a laugh, but it’s fake. The irony, because now I’m trying to cover up how much I do care about her.

Portia’s eyes are warm. “Cheers for helping me learn today.”

As she gathers up her materials to leave my office, I find myself silently telling her the same thing.