“You’re bigger than Hannah,” Damion chimed in. The pair of them turned towards him. “Don’t worry.” He held up his hands, then pretended to zip his lips together and toss the imaginary key over his shoulder before crossing his heart.
“How old are you?” Elle chuckled as she walked over and hugged him. “Thanks,” she said softly.
“Elle really wanted to surprise everyone at the gender reveal this weekend.”
“Boy, are they going to be surprised,” he added. “What did you need me to get down for you?” he asked, looking around the room. “Or lift?”
Elle sighed. “Nothing, I… overheard Jules telling Zoey that she was going on your little trip next weekend.”
He held in a groan. “We’re friends. I’ve taken loads of friends…” The look she gave him had him shutting his mouth.
“On that note…” Liam made a move towards the door, but Elle took his arm and stopped him.
“Say something to him,” Elle said, motioning between them.
“Like what? It’s about damn time he made a move?” Liam joked, earning a pinch on his arm from Elle.
“He can’t break her heart. We won’t let him,” Elle added.
“What makes you think I’ll break her heart?” Damion asked.
This time both of them turned and looked at him, causing him to roll his eyes.
“I won’t. If anything…” He thought about it and a sinking feeling had his heartbeat skipping. “She’s the one that will be doing the breaking. That is, if anything happens. I fully intend for the weekend to be nothing more than two friends going on a nice peaceful trip. Jules’s Tutu happened to mention to me last week during our lunch how stressed Jules has been lately.”
“Not about work, I hope?” Elle asked, taking a step towards him.
“No, apparently… it’s a family thing.” Her grandmother had confided in him about her father’s health and how his latest doctor’s visits had brought up the possibility of the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
“Right.” Elle seemed to relax. “Okay,” she said, then her eyes narrowed. “Friends?”
He nodded. “I promise.” He held up his fingers.
“You were never a Boy Scout,” Elle said, walking over and taking his hand in hers. “I trust you.” She leaned up and placed a kiss on his check. “I’ve known you too long not too. Just… enjoy. Everyone knows the two of you have been dancing around each other for a long time now. I’m not opposed to…whatever, just… don’t hurt her and don’t get hurt. I’d hate to see it.”
He nodded and then decided to change the subject. “Twins.” He looked down at her belly. “Going to name one after me?”
Liam laughed. “Hell no.”
He smiled. “It was worth a shot.” He shrugged.
Since his time was short after the interruption, he headed down to the docks directly after leaving Elle’s office.
There were four couples already lined up on the dock waiting for him.
“Evening,” he said as he walked over to theWind Chaser. After stepping onboard, he held out his hand to help the first guest step on board. “Who is ready for some fun?”
The couples cheered and happily stepped on board.
They waited for the rest of the group as the guests settled on board and he prepared to head out to the Gulf. Since he kept an eagle eye on the weather, he knew that it would be a perfect night for the sunset tour.
He’d already restocked the champagne, wine, and beer, along with plenty of complementary souvenir refillable water bottles with the camp’s logo.
Normally, one of the other staff members worked with him for each sunset tour. Tonight, Zoey rushed to the sailboat just before the last couple arrived.
“Sorry I’m late,” she said, helping the last couple on board. “Paige fell asleep in my arms, and I lost track of time.” She smiled.
“I’d say it was perfect timing.” He shrugged. “But you can ask my boss if you want?”