Page 44 of Rekindle My Heart

“Did you grow up boating?” Smart, Randall. Start with small talk.

“No, my father worked construction and was busy in the summers.”

“Did you ever work with him?” She couldn’t picture this polished man with his smooth hands wielding a hammer.

“No, I was sick a lot as a kid. That’s how I got into computers. I would play games and eventually got into programming.” He cut his gaze to her. “I’m surprised you didn’t know all this. Most people I meet have read my bio.”

“Oh, uh. Sorry.” A chill washed over her. Crap, she should have done some research on him. She did look up his company and social media pages, but it would seem she didn’t do a thorough job.

“No, don’t be. I find it refreshing. Most people know so much about me from interviews I’ve done that I feel like I’m at a disadvantage.” He dropped his shades and winked.

Yeah, right. This man was never at a disadvantage. He may look like a computer geek and have the mind of one, but she could see the shrewd businessman behind those eyes.

“Well, with me, it’s an even playing field. I have to admit, you had me at cruise on the river.” She flashed what she hoped was a flirty grin, then got distracted by the sight of an eagle searching for his lunch.

“You like boating?”

“Yes, when I was young, my dad had a small fishing boat. He’d take me and my sister fishing.” She smirked.

“What’s that look for? Didn’t you like to fish?” His gaze darted between her and the river.

“I loved it. My sister, not so much.”

“When was the last time you were fishing?”

“My senior year. Dad sold the boat.” He needed the money to pay for Sarah’s funeral. Not that she’d tell him that.

A minute passed and she realized he hadn’t said anything. She glanced toward him, and he was studying her. Crap, she’d blown the mood.

“I don’t have any gear on the boat, but I could get some and we can go next time.”

He was already planning a next time? Maybe she wasn’t as bad at this flirting thing as she thought. Or, he was taking pity on this awkward woman he happened to invite on the water. “I’d like that.”

They cruised in silence for a while. enjoying the breeze and the views before they resumed casual chit chat. There were only a few boats on the river. As they reached the lock and dam, she noticed him looking back repeatedly.

Her senses flared. “What’s up?”

“It’s probably nothing, but I think we picked up a paparazzi.”

“Do they follow you often?” She’d almost forgotten he was wealthy as they talked about video games and the outreach program.

“Some, but this small fishing boat has been on our stern for the last hour.”

Her breath caught. No, it couldn’t be.

“Maybe they are just out for a cruise like we are.”

“Could be, but he’s pacing us. I don’t like it.”

Erica looked over the side and almost fell in. The man in the fourteen-foot Lund had on a floppy fishing hat and sunglasses, but by the way her arm hairs rose, she knew it could only be one person. She pulled out her phone and opened the app.

“Pain in my ass,” she muttered. Ryan. The bastard had been following them. He didn’t think she could handle one tech guru. She’d show him.

“Did you say something?” He cut the engines and pulled out a cooler.

“I’m sure it’s nothing. The guy is probably jealous of your beautiful boat.” She removed her shirt, adjusted her swimsuit top, and grabbed her sunscreen. “It’s such a gorgeous day, I think we should soak it up before the cold winds of fall move in.”

She spread lotion on her arms, then flipped her braid to the front and held out the bottle to him. “Would you mind doing my back?”