---

I’ll admit it. I froze for a second. After all, the job I so desperately needed was on the line. My belly was full of amazing food from the caterers. I’d met some people. Living next to a yacht wasn’t going to be nearly as bad as I imagined, unless I somehow blew this job. Then I’d have to move on again, and I had no idea where the fuck I’d go.

“I’m going to need some identification,” I grumbled, even as I refused to step aside.

“Are you kidding me right now?” The woman positively shrieked.

Behind me, I heard a clatter and the door opened. Bodhi peeked around me. “I’d recognize that banshee anywhere. Good afternoon, Isla. We were expecting you hours ago, which means you must be right on time.”

“I’d have been in there sooner, but this buffoon stopped me.” She huffed, her hands on her hips.

Bodhi clapped me on my shoulder. “This man was doing his job. Be nice.” Then he turned to me. “She’s not all bad. We shared a womb. I have to have rubbed off on her a little, right?”

I nodded numbly.

“Is Max in there?” Isla asked.

“Yeah. Go on in. I’ll be there in a minute.” Bodhi motioned for her to walk past him, then he came out and let the door shut before talking.

I braced.

“Okay, we’re going to work on more wedding stuff because every damn Rogers endeavor is a family affair. I’m going to take a break and drive you back to the marina, but I plan to be in time for the cake tasting because I’m all about some cake.” Bodhi laughed and motioned for me to follow him to the car.

I was rather introspective on the drive. After all, I wasn’t convinced I was out of the woods yet. There could be some serious trouble once Isla whined to Max. And she definitely struck me as the kind of chick who’d whine to her big brother.

“You’re worried,” Bodhi guessed.

I shrugged. “What happens, happens. I did my job.”

“You did. And I’m guessing my sister didn’t introduce herself before trying to storm past you like she was some damn duchess or something.” Bodhi laughed. “You gotta understand my little sister. My father has held her back from everything she cares about. She loves the business. She understands the business. She might be the female version of my father.” He gave an exaggerated full body shudder.

“Right.” I had no idea what to say yet. I also had no idea why I had to understand some spoiled little rich girl who was absolutely accustomed to getting her own way.

“Instead of encouraging my sister and offering her a place at the table, my father stuck her on a pedestal and sat me in the spot that should’ve been hers.” Bodhi sighed.

“So, you were more the pedestal type?” I was trying to joke, but I feared my humor was currently falling flat.

“Ha. Yeah. No, I was the peace-loving hippie type. I wanted nothing more than to travel, chase the waves, and chillax.” He groaned. “Of course, Daddy dearest threw a wrench into that. Luckily, Max is bailing me out. The bar is a compromise.”

“And where’s the compromise for Isla?” I wondered.

“I don’t know. I’ll leave that to Max. He’s great at figuring out stuff.” Bodhi smiled.

“Don’t sell yourself short, man. You’re pretty good too. After all, you convinced Max to hire me.” I nodded his direction. The car stopped in front of the fence around the marina. I opened the door and stood. It felt nice after being crammed into Bodhi’s car.

“Keep cool, Hawk. I got your back, bro.” He waved at me as I closed the door.

For a moment, I stood watching him drive away. This all felt unfinished. I needed some kind of closure. The sun was beating down. I also needed a swim and maybe a nap. I walked the dock until I reached my slip, then I boarded the boat, unlocked the hatch and climbed down the steep ladder to my berth below. There was a bit of sun coming down through the opaque windows above. The humidity was stifling, so I hit the AC and flopped down on the mattress.

I’m not sure how long I slept, but the sun was still out and I decided to check topside for any sign of Max. The need to apologize for my behavior was strong. When I reached the deck, I heard nothing from the yacht. Peering out into the parking lot, I discovered a familiar Mustang. I swallowed hard. Maybe begging forgiveness should begin at the source. Slowly, I made my way from my sailboat to the yacht. I walked up the gangway and glanced over the side. Isla was on a lounge chair, face down. Obviously, she planned to sunbathe for a while. She had a drink and her earbuds in. So, while it was customary to ask for permission to come aboard, it wasn’t going to do me a bit of good. I’d have to get closer.

I began to wander over to her. Everything happened really fast. She seemed to have felt the vibrations of my footsteps or something. Isla saw me and jumped up. In that instant, I realized her bikini top wasn’t hooked, since it was still lying on the chair while she was sitting straight up.

Her hair had been in a bun on the top of her head, but she undid it and long brown hair cascaded over her shoulders. My jaw dropped open at the sight of her smooth bare skin, impossibly flat stomach, and all too perfect yet completely natural breasts.

“I’m sorry,” I blathered. “I just wanted to apologize for earlier.”

“So now you’re going to have to apologize for your apology?” Isla giggled. “Oh, and by the way…you’re still staring.”

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled as I whipped around so she could cover herself, only to find Max and Bodhi standing there. My shoulders drooped, my stomach sank, and I shook my head feeling completely defeated.

“Wrap up in a towel, Isla,” Max growled. “No one wants to see you naked around here.”

Bodhi elbowed him and grinned. “I don’t know. I think Hawk might.”