The Heir_Billionaire Royal Page 3

  She stepped down next to him, their bodies pressed together in the narrow space.

  “Uh, sorry, a little squishy.” But she loved his nearness.

  His arm encircled her. “There, is that better?”

  The charged centimeter between them, a power all its own. Breaths coming with more difficulty, she could only nod.

  He watched her carefully, so aware, attentive. It was intoxicating. “Careful now.”

  When she was eye level, she paused, their faces close, the pull to be even closer growing the longer she stood there. “Thank you for the offer. I’m starving.”

  His eyes lit. “I’m glad you can come. Julian always cooks way more than two people could ever eat.”

  She tried to school her surprise, but it must have shown. “Julian?”

  He winked. “Come. I’ll show you.”

  She waited until he closed the hatch and descended the rest of the steps. He led her down a narrow hall, the same smell she noticed, the intoxicating aroma of dinner growing stronger as they went. “It smells delicious.” She was full of curiosity and a little disappointment if she were being completely honest. Julian. Who was Julian?

  The hallway opened into a large room. The kitchen on one half, sharing the space with a large and comfortable-looking living room. A corner sectional took up the back half of the room, strewn with pillows and cozy blankets, and across from it a flat screen, speakers at all four corners of the room.

  “This is lovely.”

  “Thank you. Jo Finley, I would like you to meet my assistant, chef, valet of sorts and personal friend, Julian Adukai.”

  An inappropriate amount of relief filled Jo as she learned Julian’s place on the boat. “Hey there, Julian, pleased to meet you. Any man who can create those kinds of smells from something as ordinary as a marina barbecue grill is a friend in my book.”

  He laughed. “It is a dish from our home.” His accent was different. A slight Middle Eastern cadence, but more of the British pronunciation of English. Where Nick was light, he was dark, his skin pale, but his eyes and hair, pitch as night. And handsome. As broad and chiseled and appealing as Nick. She wished for her high school days. This would certainly be call for a selfie with the two of them and an addition to her story on Instagram. As it was, she’d just have to remember it, because no one would believe her if she told them.

  They added her plate to the table. It was set with white silver-trim china and wine glasses, fresh flowers in the center.

  Nick’s grin widened. “My mother has the flowers delivered. She doesn’t think a table is set unless it has flowers.”

  Jo nodded. “Ah. I agree. They are lovely.”

  Julian served them both and then sat to join them. So he was a servant of sorts as well.

  Partway through dinner and a bottle of wine, Nick said, “So, Jo, tell us what people do here for fun.”

  Julian raised an eyebrow. “Nick needs fun but not too much, if you know what I mean.”

  That seemed like a curious thing to say. Was Julian also a chaperone? The frown Nick gave him seemed to indicate a tendency for Julian to overstep in such a way.

  “You’re lucky, cause we are steps away. The bar here at the marina is a hot spot for most singles who are home. It’s not open tonight because of the storm, but it’s called the Tiki Rumble and it sits on the opposite dock.”

  Nick’s eyes sparked in interest.

  “It is also the marina restaurant I was talking about, where we met. Basically everything starts and stops around here at the Tiki Rumble.”

  “Ho, ho! Says the owner of the place.”

  Her eyebrow rose in challenge. “Wait and see for yourself. There is a live band and dancing every Friday and karaoke on Saturdays. Since we are almost at the start of summer it will be pretty full every weekend from now until September when people go back to school.”

  Nick took a sip. “Do you go there on weekends?”

  She paused. She did, but not like a regular. She didn’t want to tell him about Kevin. And even her guilt could not force her to say the words. “I do. Unless there’s something going on out of town. Or unless I want a break.”

  She felt responsible to warn him. “Sound carries over the water so if you are hoping for an early night to bed on a weekend, you’d best sleep elsewhere.”

  Nick waved his hand. “I can sleep through anything, and I don’t imagine I’ll be going to bed early too many nights.”

  Jo smiled, appreciating a man who valued fun. Kevin had spent the last two years of her life trying to squelch the partying side of her personality. His responsible schedule had aided immensely in her success at Vanderbilt, but the constant stress and workload left her needing some kind of outlet. A large, ignored part of her personality that loved people and fun began a tentative, hopeful rise inside. She knew Sierra would be glad to see it.

  After they had finished eating, she stood. “I better get back. I’m spending the night on my boat. And I want to secure it. You’d best do the same.”

  Nick stood and walked with her.

  She called over her shoulder. “Thank you, Julian. It was delicious.”

  “My pleasure.” He started cleaning up their dishes.

  Nick placed a hand at the small of her back, guiding her a different way. Shivers ran up her spine and she had to stop herself from leaning in to him.

  “What a beautiful boat.” Jo stopped to admire the woodworking all along the hallway.

  “I am pleased with it. Just a lease, but quite comfortable.” He brought her towards the helm to a circular staircase. Once they were both back up at the top, he rested his hand across the small space to their front and stepped closer. “Will you be watching RomCom still this evening?”

  She nodded, his closeness making it difficult to think. She swallowed. “My offer stands. If you get scared…”

  “Or what if I don’t? I enjoy a good romantic comedy as much as the next girl.” His eyebrow rose.

  And Jo burst out laughing. “My girlfriend Sierra is coming. Bring Julian and you are both welcome. But I promise only chick flicks. If you can handle it.”

  He leaned in and whispered in her ear. “I can handle it.”

  She closed her eyes, appreciating his nearness. When he stepped back, she said, “See you at nine then.”

  He stared into her eyes for a moment, and she let him. She didn’t know where this was going, knew it needed to stall in the tantalizing and exhilarating what-if phase, but she let the moment linger. His eyes searched her face, studied her lips just long enough for her breath to catch and then he leaned in and kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you then.”

  4

  “Your highness.” Julian eyed him while drying the last plate.

  “Don’t call me that.”

  “I thought your title might help you put a few things into perspective.”

  “I’m fine, Julian. She’s a quality girl.”

  “Your agreement of no entanglements is irregardless of the suitability of the lady. You promised no relationships, no entanglements. Period. Quality or no.” He brushed a bit of lint off of his jacket. “I agree about her being quality though. I quite like her.”

  “She’s not into me like the other girls. It would take some doing for her to become entangled, so to speak.”

  “For the first time I think you underestimate yourself.”

  He rolled his eyes. “I would know, Julian. She doesn’t respond as the other girls always do. We are more…friends.”

  “And your coming dalliance in her boat, watching romance movies?”

  “Must you listen in on all my conversations?”

  “Sound carried, Prince Nico.”

  “It’s Nick. Call me Nick.” He raised an eyebrow, knowing just how to entice him. “You

  are also invited. Her best friend will be there.” He waited, saw the interest in Julian’s face, watched the struggle, counted to three.

  “Well, all right. If it is to be a double date, so to speak.”

/>   “It isn’t even a date. We are merely waiting out the storm with friends.”

  “I do love a good chick flick, they call them, correct?”

  “Yes, Julian, that is what they call them.”

  He placed the last dried bowl into the cupboard. “Then I’d best change. I’d wager I’m a bit overdressed.”

  “No tie.” Nick shook his head, watching Julian descend further below to their sleeping quarters. He had been much relieved to learn Julian was the one chosen to accompany him. It could have been any number of other annoying staff members, but he and Julian had been friends since childhood. And, he thought with a grin, the man could be talked into anything.

  Pulling on his most comfortable sweatshirt, putting on fresh bright white socks, mussing up his hair with a bit of gel, and grabbing a bottle of wine, he knocked on Julian’s door. “Time to go.”

  When he opened the door, cologne filled the narrow space. “Gah! Man. Must we asphyxiate her?”

  “Is it that strong?”

  “I’m sure it will settle. Come on, let’s go.”

  They climbed the stairs. Once out on the deck, they closed and locked the door behind them. “Is everything tied down?”

  “Storm ready, your… Nick.”

  “Don’t slip in front of the ladies.”

  Julian’s eyebrow rose and Nick had to laugh.

  The sky was dark, the air thick, hair on the back of Nick’s neck prickled. Any moment the skies would open and rain would drench them all.

  They hurried up the dock area, past the office on the left, glad to see the lights out. Nick suspected Jo worked long hours. They knocked on the door of Jo’s boat. “Jo. It’s Nick and Julian. We come bearing wine.”

  A woman Nick had not seen before opened up the hatch. Her eyes widened before she schooled her expression and said, “Hi! I’m Sierra. Jo is down below. Come on in.”

  She held the door so it wouldn’t slam shut and they entered. “Make sure it locks behind you. We’re in for quite a night, I gather.”

  Nick felt for the latch and turned it, hearing the bolt slide.

  Sierra led the way. She was a beauty herself and he wondered what Julian thought.

  As soon as they entered an open living area of the boat, she turned and held out her hand. “I’m Sierra.”

  Julian took it and placed a kiss on her knuckles. “And I’m Julian.”

  Her face turned a charming shade of pink, and she smiled.

  Nick bit his cheek as he watched Sierra not knowing what to do with Julian’s old-school manners. He loved to unsettle his date, in a good way.

  Sierra looked past Julian and Nick held out his hand. “And I’m Nick.”

  Her eyes wandered over the breadth of his chest, and he smirked. Sierra held no reservations in her reaction to him, unlike Jo.

  They had a living area similar to Nick’s with a three-piece couch in the corner and lots of pillows and blankets about. Perfect. Just the sort of evening he needed tonight. Relaxing. Beautiful women. Zero expectations.

  Jo entered, and he forgot everything else. Her long hair fell around her almost to her waist. She had changed into a teal sweatshirt and black yoga pants and she was even more stunning than earlier. She carried a bowl full of popcorn and the remote. “We have to get started. Sierra and I have a marathon planned.”

  Soon they were settled on the couch, Nick and Julian each with a girl in the curve of his arm, and Nick relaxed into the couch behind him prepared to enjoy himself.

  “You smell nice,” he said into her hair. “Mmm.”

  “Thank you.” She wiggled so that she fit more snugly against him. Then she pushed play on her remote.

  The music began, and he stopped a groan, but Julian did not.

  Sierra giggled. “Jo said she warned you.”

  “But this.” Julian waved his hand out in front of them. “This is six hours long.”

  “You don’t have to stay for it all.”

  Nick grinned. “Oh yes, he does. Once he starts, he cannot stop. He must see the finale, Darcy and Elizabeth together, or he is a bear to live with.”

  Sierra turned to face him. “Really? Cause that’s exactly like me. I don’t even begin the first movie if I can’t watch all of them in a row.”

  “We are perfectly matched movie attenders.”

  Jo chuckled beside him. “Do you like Pride and Prejudice?” Her wide eyes stared up at him.

  “I do. My mother made certain I was raised on its virtues. I am not even permitted to gag when Darcy makes his exit out of the pond.”

  “Good.” She leaned forward to see Sierra. “They won’t ruin it then.”

  Twenty minutes into the first episode, his eyes closing, the first rumble of thunder shook their light fixtures. Jo stiffened beside him and then relaxed. “Here it comes,” she said under her breath.

  That sounded more ominous to him than a typical thunderstorm should elicit. “Is there something to be concerned with?”

  “I worry for the marina. Last storm, a portion of the dock broke loose, the boats with it.”

  “Really?”

  Sierra piped in. “Yes, but she’s reinforced the wood and it has been fixed since then. We will be fine, Jo.”

  Jo nodded, but she seemed tense.

  Then the wind picked up and the boat started to rock. And the swells grew. They continued to watch the movie, but Nick could tell Jo’s attention had drifted. Every new gust of wind, every groan of the boat rubbing against the buoys made her tense.

  “Would you like to go check things?” Nick whispered.

  She nodded. “Would you do that with me?” The relief in her voice was obvious.

  “Certainly.”

  She jumped up. “I’ll grab some raincoats.”

  Hoods on, both of them covered in overly large raincoats, they opened the door on the opposite end of the boat. It blasted open and the wind and rain gusted in. They stepped out.

  Jo shouted, “Be careful. It will be slippery.”

  The wind barreled against them and the rain came down sideways. But the thunder rolled in distant rumbles. They gripped the railing, feet sliding along the narrow deck to the aft of the boat so that she could see all the docks and the boats from there.

  Jo stood up against the rail, and he came to stand behind her, his arms at either side to hold her in place and to keep them both warm.

  She squinted into the night. “It looks OK. It’s holding!”

  “It is. Do you need to check on anyone?”

  She shook her head. “Everyone else has left.”

  “Then it’s OK. The construction is sound.”

  “Thank you. I feel much better. Let’s go below.” Her face showed such an obvious relief he wondered what was at stake for her and this marina.

  They walked back along the slippery deck, when a loud crack and a great lurching of the boat sent them both off their feet to the deck, sliding forward with the tip of the boat. Jo screamed and reached for the railing above her head. Nick grabbed hold and wrapped an arm around Jo, holding them in place. The boat rose up the next swell, and they fell backwards, dangling from Nick’s arm on the rail.

  “What has happened?”

  Jo shouted back, “The boat broke off from the dock. I fear some of the decking may have broken.”

  “Are we adrift?” The boat jerked against the obvious pull of a rope and he knew the answer.

  “Not yet. There’s another rope.”

  But Nick suspected it wouldn’t last. Too much pressure on one rope, or section of decking. “I’ll get Julian.”

  “What?”

  “Let’s put you below and I’ll get Julian. We have to secure the boat.”

  Nick pounded on the door. “Julian. Grab a coat and come out here.” He turned to Jo. “Do you have tools and extra wood and supplies somewhere?”

  “In the office.”

  “Good. Let’s go.”

  “But Nick, how?”

  He stopped. The boat had drifted out away from
the dock, attached by one rope that was extended to its full length. There would be no exiting to the dock unless they swam, and in this storm, that was impossible.

  “Are all the buoys attached to the sides of the boat?” They would at least prevent the boat from being scratched and ripped up if it hit the dock.

  “Yes!” she shouted.

  Another swell tipped them and almost dumped them into the water.

  “Then I say we return below.”

  They moved to the door, and it slammed open as before. As soon as they got inside, the quiet echoed louder with the sudden absence of noise. “Jo, I think we just have to ride it out.”

  She nodded. A worried line wrinkled the sides of her mouth, but she seemed much more relaxed. “At least I don’t get motion sick.”

  “Nor I. This one’d do me in for sure otherwise.”

  They gripped the handrail as the boat dipped and rolled and turned with every wave and burst of wind.

  They stripped their raincoats in the bathroom, shaking their hair free of moisture droplets, took off their shoes, and then hurried to the couch.

  Sierra and Julian were snuggled closer and fully engrossed in Pride and Prejudice. Nick laughed. “Really, man. We almost get dumped into the sea and you are all concerned about your show.”

  He waved at Nick to be quiet and Sierra giggled.

  He shrugged, then pulled Jo down with him on the couch, grabbing a blanket to cover them both.

  Her hands felt like ice and he hugged her to him. “Let’s warm up.”

  They lay together on the couch, and she put her head on his shoulder, rocking with the swaying, tilting motion of the boat until they both fell asleep.

  5

  She woke in bliss, cradled in Nick’s arms. The boat was calm, a gentle rising and falling letting her know they still floated freely and that the storm had passed. Sun shone through the window above them. His breathing steady at her back, Jo considered what she had allowed to happen. A man, two men she hardly knew had spent the night with her and Sierra. She snorted and then stilled, hoping she didn’t awaken anyone. Only she and Sierra could spend the whole night with a couple of hot guys and not even kiss them. Such was their lot.