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Isla had nowhere to run. We were on a sailboat, out on the water, far from land. She was stuck with me until I was good and ready to go back. I wasn’t sure how long that would be. Honestly, there was something special about sailing at night. Sure, it made coming back into the marina a little more challenging, but that was okay. The Marines had taught me to run in when everyone else ran out. The other branches thought we were some crazy-ass motherfuckers, but they always looked relieved when they knew we had their backs. Eventually, I’d make sure Max and Bodhi felt the same way.

“I want to go back,” Isla pouted after fifteen minutes. She’d slunk below deck again, and even with the front hatch open, it could be oppressively hot while we were sailing. There was no AC while we were on the water, only when we were plugged in on the dock.

“Well, I don’t,” I replied.

She stomped her foot and my brow rose. “Take me back now.”

I laughed. I couldn’t help myself. “Listen, little girl. I don’t bend to anyone’s whims. I didn’t invite you. You snuck onboard. You could’ve gotten off any time at the marina. Now, you’re on my schedule.” I glared at her. “And I plan to look at the stars. I intend to sail into the sunset.”

“I’m hungry,” she whined.

“Yeah? Two options. And I rather hope you’ll choose the second one.” I sighed, feeling like a wimp for even suggesting it.

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Let’s hear them.”

“Option number one, you go to the galley and check out the non-perishables in the cupboard. I have jerky, I have some fruit, and I have a ton of chips. Go crazy.” I watched her for a reaction.

She shrugged. “And option two? You know, the one you want me to take, so sell it good, you big dumb jerk.” Isla glared at me, but I saw right through her.

I laughed. “Well, if it isn’t the stowaway calling the captain the big dumb jerk. At least I had a plan.”

“Option two,” she snapped.

“Option two is where I stop at a marina, you call your brothers, and one of them picks you up.” I smiled and I hardly ever smiled.

Isla stared at me and wrapped her arms more tightly around her body. “So, option two is pretty much you dumping me in the middle of nowhere, but doesn’t actually involve any food.”

“You got it, princess.” I smirked.

She cleared her throat. “Then I propose option number three.”

“There is no option number three,” I reminded her, already tensing at the thought of what she might come up with.

Leaning in, she grinned. Her eyes absolutely sparkled when she was mischievous. I rather liked the look, which irritated me because…she was fucking frustrating. “Option three is the one where you stop at a marina with a restaurant or at a waterfront restaurant and we have dinner together before we finish our night sail and return to the marina.” Her chin jutted out and I knew she thought she had a winning idea.

“Just one problem, Isla,” I grumbled. “I don’t have money to take us out to dinner. I’m not like the guys you’re used to dating. Oh, and just to be clear, this isn’t a date.”

“It’s not?” she asked innocently.

“It’s most definitely not. Dates are where the guy asks the girl to spend time together. And then he has money to pay for it. I have zero dollars at the moment and I’m pretty sure we’ve already established that I didn’t invite you on this little adventure.” My eyes narrowed, prepared to counter her next argument.

“Well, since I invited myself, I’ll pay.” She shrugged. “Option three it is.”

I laughed. “I doubt you have a credit card hidden in that teeny tiny bikini.”

“I don’t need one.” She lifted her phone for my inspection. “Apple Pay. Good practically everywhere these days.”

I groaned. “I think I hate you.”

“Just so we’re clear, I’m not exactly your biggest fan at the moment either,” she huffed.

“Cool, but no one is going to let you in a restaurant wearing that,” I reminded her.

“I’ll grab one of your button-down shirts and pretend it’s a dress. Problem solved.” Isla rolled her eyes at me. “So, find a place to stop and I’ll go get ready.”

“I really do hate you,” I grumbled, even though if I were being honest, I’d have to admit I actually kinda admired her right now. How many challenges had I thrown at her? She had an answer for everything. I had grown to appreciate that kind of quick thinking while I was in the Corps.

“I hate you more!” She yelled from below deck.

In her absence, I was able to get back in my Zen zone. I inhaled the salty air even as I felt it all over my skin. Sailing was a completely different experience. By the time she came topside again, I was practically back to my calm, quiet self.

“Look at you,” she noted, “all happy and relaxed again.”

I glanced at her from my position behind the wheel. “And look at you…wearing my shirt.” I shook my head. “And there goes my Zen all over again.” I sighed.

Isla looked around as she sank onto the bench seat. “You really do love this, don’t you?”

“I do.” I stared past her to watch the sun setting on the horizon.

“It’s so quiet,” she commented. “That would drive me nuts.”

“The quiet is one of the best parts. Sailing is slower. Sometimes you need to tune out all the noise, so you can hear yourself think. Sometimes you need to slow down so you can get ahead.”

Her head tilted as she studied me. “Who said that?”

My brow furrowed. “Me?”

“Oh, I thought it was some philosopher or something.” She glanced out over the water. I watched as she inhaled deeply a few times. Her legs looked amazing, thin, tan, fit, and seeing her wearing my shirt actually stirred things in me I’d thought were long gone.

“I hope you know I was just mad earlier,” Isla mumbled by way of apology. “I don’t really hate you.” Her cheeks turned pink. “I actually kinda like you.” She nibbled on her lower lip like she was ashamed of her admission.

I looked away before responding. My face was absolutely on fire and it wasn’t from wind burn. “I understand. I kinda like you too.”