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CHAPTER TWELVE
MIKELINABOOKEDCHARTERS for her clients all the time, but aside from the first trip Captain Lila took her on to show her what she could offer her clients, this was the first time since her father was arrested that Mikelina had been on a fishing boat for more than a quick trip.
Tanner used to take her out on a boat called Mermaid’s Kiss. Mikelina deliberately didn’t use that boat for her clients because she couldn’t take the memories. Maybe out here in the fresh ocean air and deep blue skies, she could make new ones.
It would be easy instead to think of Bastien with his shirt off and sunglasses on, perched on the side of the boat waiting for a fish to bite as the boat slowly trolled along. There were six poles in the water baited with squid. They were out for some sailfish, but anything could be biting today.
But she didn’t think she could enjoy herself until she addressed what happened last night. Looking around the deck to make sure Captain Lila wasn’t nearby, Mikelina stepped in close to Bastien. Her stomach fluttered when he snaked an arm around her and drew her in close. God, she loved the feel of his skin against hers.
“I wanted to ease your mind about something,” she said in a lowered voice. “I’m on the pill and I’ve got a clean bill of health.”
Bastien blinked. “That’s good. I don’t have any diseases either. Um. What brought this on?”
“We didn’t use protection last night.”
He gaped at her. “You’re right. I hadn’t even noticed.” Rubbing his hand over his face, he groaned. “Of course, if anything comes of it, please let me know what you need.”
“Nothing will come of it,” she said. “Like I said, I’m on the pill.”
“You have my number. Use it if you need to?”
She blinked her eyelashes at him. “New York to Florida is quite the booty call.”
“But worth it.” He slung his other arm around her waist and brought her in for a quick kiss.
“I think so, too.” She grinned. “Do you want me to rub more suntan lotion on your back?”
“After last night, we’d be belowdecks before you know it.”
“What would Captain Lila say?” Mikelina asked.
“I wouldn’t care. I get paid whether you fish or fuck,” Captain Lila said as she walked by, carrying a cooler.
Bastien barked out a laugh. Mikelina was used to her crusty ways and just shook her head.
“I got water, lemonade, iced tea and beer,” Captain Lila said. “Help yourself. We’re going to drop anchor for about twenty minutes, but if nothing’s biting, I’ll take you to another spot.”
Mikelina baited her hook and took the chair next to Bastien. She’d probably fall asleep, but that was all right. She was never any good at reeling the fish in. With any luck, they wouldn’t get fish at the same time and Bastien could bring it aboard. She hoped they caught something so they could have fresh fish for lunch. Captain Lila cleaned the catches and cooked the fish to order right on the boat with her portable grill. Mikelina wanted hers dipped in egg and panko and fried up. Of course if they didn’t catch anything, it would be cold-cut sandwiches.
She remembered one time she tried to use bologna as bait because she figured the fish would like that better instead of a crunchy old crab. Her father had let her and told her not to be disappointed if she lost her bait. Well, she lost her bait all right, but they hit a school of mahi-mahi and it went for her hook anyway. Tanner had been so excited, he almost dropped the pole and together they’d reeled it in.
It was a good thing her sunglasses were on. Turning away, Mikelina wiped the tears away before Bastien could see them.
She didn’t want to think about Tanner. She also didn’t want to hate her father either, but until he admitted what he’d done instead of staunchly proclaiming his innocence, she wouldn’t speak with him. It was like her whole childhood was a lie.
Selena had asked her once if she was sure that he was guilty. Tanner Presley could be very convincing when he wanted to be.
Mikelina had originally thought it was all one big mistake. But after the FBI seized all their computers, they found the evidence needed to convict. She wished it hadn’t been true, but wishes were for children. Adult wishes never came true.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Bastien asked.
Snorting, Mikelina shook her head. He couldn’t pay her enough to reveal those thoughts. “I was wondering where your groom and groomsmen are. Do you think they’re in trouble?”
“If they were in a Miami jail cell, I’m pretty sure someone would have called me.”
“The last time you saw them they were at Flow?”
“Yes.”
