Bob folded the money and slid it into the pocket of his apron. “Be sure to tell Heather about hiring Greyson. She deserves the truth.”
“I will.” Drake got up and headed for the door. He turned back to Greyson. “You’ll be watching her house tonight?”
“Aye. I’ve got to get back to the office to collect my night scope, but I’ll be there within an hour.”
“Good.” Drake stepped out into the dimly lit streets of the historic district and cracked his neck. The rum barely touched the anxiety brewing in his gut. He’d feel better once he got to Heather’s. Just the thought of seeing her smile lifted the dread weighing down his shoulders.
…
It was just after eight o’clock when Heather’s doorbell chimed. A small part of her heart had already been making excuses for his absence, that damaged part that whispered she was different, too different to deserve to be loved and wanted.
She opened the door and gasped as Drake crossed the threshold and wrapped her in his arms. He kicked the door closed behind him, holding her tight. For a moment, she just breathed him deep into her lungs. His earthy scent with a hint of oak and rum combined with the feel of his chiseled body pressed tight to hers. Her legs wobbled like wet spaghetti noodles.
He kissed the top of her head and whispered, “I missed you.”
She peered up at him, wishing his blue eyes weren’t so bloodshot. “I missed you, too.” Reaching up to cup his cheek, she added, “You didn’t sleep today, either, did you?”
“No.” He shook his head. “I told you they come for me when I sleep.”
“They attack when you’re awake, too.” She took his hand. “Come sit down.”
He pulled back a step, locking the door, before settling in beside her on the couch.
She picked up her laptop and smiled. “You’re just in time to be my coach for Skull & Crossbones.”
“I thought you were kidding about the game.”
Truth be told, she’d been counting down the minutes until he arrived, envisioning dragging him directly up to her bedroom. She’d played through the scenario enough to convince herself she could enjoy him physically without endangering her heart. Live in the moment without any worry about the future.
After their hot kiss that burned the bacon, she’d had a tough time focusing on anything else, but now that he was here, and she knew they both wanted each other, insecurity wound itself around her like a giant squid, squeezing out her self-confidence and dragging her into the depths of self-doubt, reminding her of every oddity that made her “different.”
This morning she’d been certain of Drake’s desire for her, but now it all seemed…awkward. She wanted to smack herself.
Instead, she opted for distraction. She angled her laptop so he could see the screen, and he lifted his arm so she could get in closer to him. The weight and warmth of his arm draped around her shoulders was like a bellows to the spark that ignited the second he walked through the door.
She settled in to him, burrowing close to his side and almost purring like a cat, before she realized what she was doing.
She’d never truly “belonged” anywhere. Ever. And maybe it was because she’d loved him in a past life, but being close to Drake felt like she was right where she belonged.
It also meant her bravado about enjoying him in bed without allowing him into her heart was a pipe dream. She’d never been this comfortable with anyone.
Enough thinking in circles.
She showed him her ship and crew along with a brief rundown of the solo quest she was working on. Talking about her game was a million times safer than examining her feelings.
“You chose a brig for your ship.” He raised a brow. “Seems small compared to the Sea Dog.”
“Spanish galleons aren’t a choice in this game. You can have a brigantine or a frigate. The brigs don’t have as many cannons, but they’re much faster than the frigates.”
He nodded slowly, his thumb tracing along her shoulder. “Show me how it works.”
His simple touch sent tremors of desire through her that made it tough to concentrate. She cleared her throat and quickly demonstrated all the different angles and maneuvers.
Drake chuckled, shaking his head. “If only real ships could turn so quickly.” He smirked. “And I don’t remember any rockets back in my day, either.”
Heather grinned. “I never said this was historically accurate, just super fun.”
White sails appeared on the horizon. She pointed them out. “Here we go.”
He eyed the Spanish ship. “You aim to take that ship with this crew?”
“Aye.” She answered, adding a playful, “Arrr!”
The sound of Drake’s laughter made her melt into him. She’d never heard him laugh so hard. There was a playful spark in his gaze. “A true pirate says ‘fuck.’ The other is for buccaneer movies and theme parks.”
Heather rolled her eyes and chuckled as she focused on the game again. Checking her sails and current speed, she clicked the command for the gunners to start loading the cannons. She’d tried this solo challenge twice so far and lost both times. The Spanish ship had larger sails, which equaled more speed, plus their crew outnumbered hers by almost double. Unless she could blow some big holes in the ship. She didn’t see another way to win.
Drake leaned in close, his lips against her ear, and whispered, “Want some advice from a seasoned pirate?”
She looked up at him, finding his lips too close to resist. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she tipped her chin, kissing him long and slow. His thumb slid along her jawline as heat blossomed low in her belly. Damn. This pirate knew how to kiss.
She broke the kiss and met his eyes. “I’d love some…advice.”
Desire smoldered in his gaze, but he turned toward the screen and pointed to an island in
