Man Overboard

Chapter 6

Chapter Six

Brady

Day 6

It was our last full day aboard the Infinity Voyager before we returned to reality. One day and one night to give Gillian whatever her heart desired. A thousand-dollar dinner. Wine that cost more than I made in a month. Exotic spa treatments. A shipboard shopping spree that rivaled Rodeo Drive.

In less than forty-eight hours, we’d be back at the Gartner estate in Scarsdale, the wealthiest suburb in the U.S., twenty miles north of Manhattan. I’d be back in the dirt, and Gillian would be catering to Lyle’s mother.

There was a very good chance she’d lose her job. Lyle didn’t like to be face the consequences of his actions, and he’d made it clear he was done with Gillian. She wouldn’t have trouble finding another position; she had a business degree and outstanding skills. But she might need to relocate, and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. More than that, though, I didn’t want to work for a man with the morals of a snake. Dad had worked for the Gartner family for more than thirty years, but he would understand–and approve–when I told him my decision.

A decision I’d already made.

As soon as we were back, I was giving notice. Hopefully, Gillian and I could find employment together.

The sun was just starting to rise, turning the horizon a soft peach hue. We’d slept together in the guest room I occupied because I couldn’t stomach making love in the bed she was supposed to have shared with Lyle as his wife.

Gillian was sprawled on her stomach, half covered by the silk bedsheet. Her ribs expanded and contracted with each slow breath, her dark hair loose and tousled. I was content to watch her sleep until a nearly inaudible buzz captured my attention.

My phone, on the bedside table, was vibrating.

Slipping out of bed so I didn’t wake her, I palmed my phone and grabbed one of the terrycloth robes imprinted with the ship’s logo.

In the living room, I checked the display, swearing when Lyle’s name popped up.

“What?” I ground out the single word, keeping my voice low although anger flared in my chest.

“Brady, dude! I’m glad I caught you.” Lyle’s booming voice gave no hint of guilt or remorse for abandoning his fiancée. “Listen. Things didn’t work out with Genevieve. I’m flying out from Vegas today. I’ll be there when the ship docks tomorrow. I figure a fancy bouquet and five-pound box of chocolates, along with a show of groveling, will put me back in Gillian’s good graces. Eh, I’ll make it ten pounds of chocolate just to be sure.”

“Do you really think she’s that easy?” His arrogance was astounding.

“She has been so far.” His laugh made me feel dirty. “Most women are, though. Dangle the right bait and they don’t even know they’re hooked. They keep swimming while you reel ’em in and then toss ’em back when you’re done.”

“Gillian Perry is not a fish for you to catch and release.”

“Really?” Lyle’s tone turned wily. “Been doing a little fishing yourself, my friend? I have to admit, I’m a bit surprised. I didn’t think she was your type.”

“Why? Because she’s not a size four? Because she doesn’t live on carrot sticks and diet soda? She’s exactly my type. I knew that the minute I saw her, but you had to add a notch to your bedpost. You lied to her and used her.” I was shouting now. “You even asked her to marry you! Is that the same lie you told Genevieve?”

“That seems a little self-righteous coming from a guy who’s fucking his friend’s fiancée.” Lyle actually sounded annoyed.

“She’s not your fiancée. You lost that privilege when you took off with Genevieve. And I’m not fucking Gillian; we made love.”

Lyle roared like I was a stand-up comedian who just delivered the punchline of the century. “Good luck with that, Collins.”

“I don’t want to see your face when we dock tomorrow,” I warned Lyle. “If I see you anywhere close to Gillian, I’ll?—”

A soft hand closed around my fist and took the phone.

“Lyle, we’re over.” Gillian spoke calmly, her features serene and composed. “I’ll return the engagement ring via courier when I’m back in New York. Right after I submit my two-weeks notice.”

“You can’t quit.” Lyle was loud enough for me to hear, even though the call wasn’t on speaker. “Genevieve already called my mother and said she wasn’t coming back. If she finds out both of you are quitting because of me?—”

She hit the END button and handed the phone back to me.

“Come back to bed, Brady.” She tugged on the sash holding her robe closed, causing it to fall open. Her plump breasts were tipped with rosy peaks, the curve of her belly a compliment to the swell of her hips. So much lush sweetness I could not resist.

“Are you sure?” Lyle’s accusations carried just enough arrogance to make me doubt myself.

“Yes.” She released the tie on my robe, reaching down to caress my erection. “Lyle did both of us a huge favor by skipping out on our wedding. I had to admit to myself what kind of man he really was. You were here to show me what kind of man I truly deserve. Would it sound crazy if I said I’m already halfway in love with you?”

“Only if you think I’m crazy for admitting I’m head over heels in love with you.” I pulled her close, our bodies heating with excitement. “Just remember: you may have said it first, but I felt it first.”

“If you really want to turn this into a competition, let’s see who can make the other come first.”

“Challenge accepted.” I chased her into the bedroom and plotted my strategy.