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“That’s right!” I beam at River. “He used math and observation to figure out that the planets orbit in ellipses, not in circles. He studied the skies before there were even telescopes.”
“That’s extremely cool. Kepler isn’t as good of a name as Sterling, though.”
“Yeah, well. It’s just a list of names I like.” I grab the list and head back into the kitchen. I place it on the fridge, with a magnet to keep it in place. When I return, I take off my shoes, putting them in the shoe caddy I keep under the bed. I swap them for a soft pair of alien head-shaped slippers.
River lies back on the bed, looking comfortable. I don’t know if it’s just his confidence or what, but River seems like he is able to relax anywhere. He looks at ease in almost any situation.
Not like me. I’m a fish out of water nearly everywhere I go.
River eyes me with a smug smile.
“So now that we live together… how about you take off that dress and come over here?”
Blushing, I can’t keep a smile off my face. I slip the dress off, but keep my fuzzy alien slippers on, ready to pounce on River.
Seventeen
River
Pearl scrunches up her face when I pull my truck into a spot at the Cape Simon Marina. She looks out of the sea, where expensive yachts and priceless sport boats bob gently in the water.
“You have a slip here?” she asks.
I nod, opening my truck door. The salty sea air hits me and I grin. "This is my favorite place in the world."
She gets out of the truck, clapping her hand against her oversized sun hat to keep it from blowing away. I grab a large knapsack, my tackle box, and the rolling cooler. "Got everything?" I ask.
She pats her large woven bag. "I think so. Like I said earlier, I don't really know what I need. I haven't spent that much time on boats."
"Oh, darlin’." I point her in the direction of the pier and we start to walk. "That changes today. I fucking love being on the water."
We trundle down to the boat. Pearl keeps a watchful eye on the water, as if she doesn't fully trust it. I walk to my prized possession, eager to show it off to her.
"Here she is," I say, dropping the cooler next to my luxury fishing boat. It's thirty-seven feet long, and it has an enclosed cabin with a roof that overhangs the back deck. Below the main deck is a smaller cabin with a leather couch and a lavatory.
If I could be on the sea every damn day, I would. I love my real estate business, but it's really only a distraction from boating all day.
Pearl shades her eyes, her sunglasses making her face hard to read. "Uh, cool."
I give my head a tiny shake and hustle her on board. Setting the cooler down in the large upper cabin, I unload my knapsack and tackle box. Pearl stands, gripping the side of the boat, swaying slightly.
I turn to look at her. "Are you okay?"
Pearl lifts her chin, swallowing. "I'm fine. I haven't ever been on a boat like this before."
I walk back to her and offer my arm. "Come on. Lean on me. You'll appreciate sitting in the cabin."
She clings to me, stepping uncertainly. I don't really understand what is going through her head, because the boat isn't listing or anything. We are in the marina and there isn't much wake at all. I help her into the cabin and sit her down. She flops into the leather bucket seat and clutches both sides. I give her a look as I move around to the captain's chair.
"Have you been on a boat before?" Pearl glares at me. "Of course I have. Just not this big. My cousin has a catamaran and we've been out in that a few times."
I touch her arm, trying to reassure her. "This boat is a lot safer than a catamaran. Nothing bad will happen to you. I promise. You can stop gripping the seat like that."
Pearl gulps. "I'll stay right here, thanks."
"Suit yourself. I'm going to start the engine." I screw up my face. "It's going to be loud."
Pearl sits back, looking straight ahead, and nods her head somberly. "Do what you have to."
