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“Are you suggesting we go this entire time without sex?”
“We’ll just go to the other person’s house.”
He nods. “Fine.”
“Really?”
“What?”
“I thought you’d be more difficult.” I cross my legs and his gaze dips, tracking the movement.
“It’s your house.” He shrugs. “I’ll pay rent, obviously.”
I walk over to grab the spare key from the counter where I left it. “Here’s your key. And we only owe my parents rent. It’s minimal, and they’re so thankful for you sticking up for me that they probably won’t even charge you.”
“I’ll make sure they take my money.”
I sit back down and lean back in the chair while he pulls out his keys and puts the house key on the chain. “So, what are you gonna do now? For money?”
He shrugs but sets his gaze on me. Something about the way he’s looking at me… uneasiness coats my insides. I’m definitely missing something.
“What?” I ask.
“My dad came to me about two weeks ago, wanting to start a new business venture. He wanted me to head the operation. I told him to hold off because I didn’t wanna do it. But now if I ever want my position at the marina back and to be considered for taking over for him when he retires, I have no choice but to do what he wants.”
“Which is?” I screw the cap back on my water then tuck my hands under my thighs, worried about what he’s going to say.
“A fishing tourist boat.”
I open my mouth to protest, but he holds up his hand.
“I’m gonna make it different than yours, cater to a different clientele. He wants more of a luxury experience for people who aren’t serious about fishing. It shouldn’t affect you.”
I stand, unable to sit any longer. “Seriously? Rowdy’s gone for sure then.”
“The way I see it, all three of us will offer something different.”
I lean against the counter, gripping the edge on either side of my body. “Cam, I’ve worked for years to grow my clientele and be a trusted fisherwoman who can handle the tours.”
“That’s why I was putting my dad off, but there’s nothing I can do, Chevelle. As of right now, I’m cut off.”
I want to be furious with him, but he’s in this position because of me. “Why did you do it?” I almost whisper.
He looks at the table. I don’t have to explain what I’m talking about. “I told you. You’re like a sister to me.”
He doesn’t look at me when he says it. I’m pretty sure we both know he’s lying. At least, a big part of me is hopeful he is.
“Well, I never said thank you, so thank you.” I walk out of the kitchen.
“No more rules?” he calls.
I’m at the bottom of the stairs when I stop to say, “I guess we’ll figure it out as it comes. I have to go dry my hair, then I need to go check on my boat and prepare for tomorrow. Take whichever bedroom you want.”
I head upstairs with the ominous feeling that living with Cam is either going to be a dream or a complete nightmare.
* * *
Later that day, I’m at the marina, cleaning my boat, when a brand-new expensive fishing boat is towed into the harbor. It takes one of the prime slips that only yachts are allowed to go in. It’s definitely for more expensive charters—I can’t imagine what it cost. The Bakers will probably have servers on the boat. My stomach sinks as I realize there’s no way Rowdy or I can compete.
