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He put his hand in hers and jumped as if he'd been zapped by a current shooting up his arm, through his chest, and down to his belly. He tightened his fingers on hers and seemed unable to let her go as if that electrical charge had fused them.
Her demeanor also shifted from confidence to something else…he couldn't quite put his finger on it. But, he swore she'd also felt the energy zing between them.
She snatched her hand back and picked up the towel on the floor. She shook it out and went into the bathroom to hang it up.
He continued to speak, "Well, yeah, I guess I was expecting someone else. I certainly wasn't expecting a gir-woman, no offense."
"None taken." Back at the bed, she sat and pulled on socks and white runners.
"I presumed someone by the name of Mickey would be a guy. I apologize," Beck said.
She nodded and stood. "I learned a long time ago not to have expectations. Because if you do, you're setting yourself up to be let down."
"How'd you get so wise so young?" Beck moved back to the doorway.
"Not that young." She cast him a sideways glance with a smirk. “Sometimes I can get away with being a teenager, which you mistook me for.
Beck huffed. She was right but he refused to admit it out loud.
Beck was one seriously handsome, intense with an almost feral way about it. And, I was intrigued.
But, Good Lord, I wanted to smack him and throw my arms around him at the same time. He was an arrogant ass, and some kinda crazy hot sexiness — for an older dude — that threatened to set me on fire. Especially since he'd seen me naked. His presence was huge, like taking up the room huge, and I did my damnedest to keep my face unreadable.
He was processing the information. The last few minutes had been entertaining and I probably shouldn't have been so obnoxious, but it'd been fun! Fletch warned me Beck was intense, and I was prepared and ready for whatever he was about to send my way.
His eyebrows pulled together, dark over arctic blue eyes, with one deeper blue than the other.
”Well shit.” Beck crossed his arms. He was big, and the energy radiating from him came in hot waves. “I didn’t know you were a girl, and just how old are you?”
I wasn't surprised, it happened a lot. I tossed my head back letting out a burst of laughter, then pinned him with a stare.
“I am far from a girl, and it’s not polite to ask a woman her age.”
He was quiet and I’d bet his brain was clicking all the info into place. "You’re licensed?”
"Why would I need to be licensed to take out a big boat like this?" I lifted my shoulders, palms out. "I'll wing it as we go through channels and out to sea. And I don't need to know all the mechanical details about Intrepid, or how to direct the crew, provision, and keep you safe on the ocean." I shook her head. "Nope. I don’t see any reason anybody would need a license for that. Do you?” I arched one eyebrow.
This time his eyes narrowed and a tiny little alarm tingled down my back. Maybe I'd taken it a bit too far and should be more cautious with my attitude, which could sometimes get out of control.
"She's not a boat, Intrepid is a yacht. I think I need to see your papers.” He held out his hand.
I shook my head; what an ass. I handed him a waterproof folder. He took out my papers, glancing from them to me.
"And, I know she's not a boat." I put my hands on my hips, getting annoyed myself now.
He scanned my qualifications and appeared satisfied. I was twenty-six, and more than qualified to handle Intrepid.
Beck sighed and gave the packet back.
"Thank you.” His phone rang and we stared at each other for a few seconds.
"Are you gonna get that? Seemed like a rather intense conversation you were having when I came aboard and then in the galley. No need to babysit me. I know Intrepid like the back of my hand.”
"OK then, well… carry on.” He seemed eager to take the call.
"Righto." I waited for a beat, then spun around. Maybe he would leave.
I heard the cabin door open and close and let out a sigh and flopped on the bed. That was a lot. I'd have to give it to Fletch for not warning Beck about me being female. I knew my size and youth worked against me at times. It was a challenge I faced and I'd learned to be on the offensive. I also knew it could cause issues with people.
