“Eyes forward,” Jason snapped, in that dominant commanding tone of his.
“Yes, sir,” I muttered under my breath as I immediately looked forward.
Nico moved in front of us and led the way up to the boat—ship? Yacht? Yacht. Nico spoke to the guy standing at the entrance and he grinned brightly when they lowered a gang plank for us to walk across. I really didn’t know my fucking lingo. All I knew was it was a big ass fucking boat and we were apparently going on it.
Nico went first and grinned at me once he was aboard. “Come on, Little Dreamer.”
“Oh jeeze,” I murmured and slowly walked across the very sturdy ramp they made from the main dock on to the boat that made the crossing very easy for someone in heels.
“Hello, Miss Henderson. My name is John Taverish. I’ll be your Captain this weekend.” The gentleman introduces himself.
“This weekend?” I looked at Nico with wide eyes.
“Mr. Seratelli sends his regards,” Captain Taverish replied.
I gasped and Nico nodded. “He would like you and Luke to come to family dinner soon,” Nico said.
“Cool boat!” Luke shouted as he stepped aboard.
I startled, forgetting they were behind us. I quickly moved out of the way so the rest of my guys could climb aboard.
“Surprise,” Nico said, grabbing my hand and pulling me further in, where we were greeted by a full staff.
I stayed in awe all while we toured the Yacht—as the staff told me. They did a safety run down with life jackets and life raft locations. They showed us where the fire extinguishers were and how to call for help on the radio if anything were to happen to the crew.
Then one of the young men offered to take our photos on the boat and I about cried. “Whose idea was family photos? Because I love you forever,” I declared.
My guys laughed, and the photographer snapped our photo. Then he started directing us into position and we had another photoshoot on the boat before we were under way.
“Drinks and appetizers will be served on the top deck while we prepare to set sail. Once we’re underway, lunch will be served,” a chef in a white coat said.
“Thank you,” I smiled.
The photographer led us up to the top deck, snapped a couple photos and then brought us drinks. There were only a couple staff members on hand, so I assumed they were all trained in everything.
We sipped on our drinks while eating the most delicious mozzarella sticks and mac and cheese balls I’ve ever had. We settled onto the couches on the top deck and I kept staring around. “Isn’t this cool, mom?” Luke asked.
“Yeah, babe. This is awesome.”
“Oh!” Luke shouted as we pulled away from the dock. “Dad! Look!” Luke rushed over to the railing and Marcos followed him.
Nico and Jason slid in closer to me. “How you doing, Darlin’?”
“I’m great! This is amazing. How’d you manage this?” I asked.
“I asked. It was no big deal. We’ve worked things out with Leo. He wants to meet you and Luke soon, though.” Nico wrapped his arm around me.
“Should I be worried?” I shifted against him.
“Nah. Leo and I worked things out.” Nico squeezed my knee. “He’s cool with Marcos again too. Life’s good. Enjoy this weekend. We’ll go home tomorrow evening.”
“And what are we doing all weekend on this Yacht…with Luke present?” I questioned, coyly. I raised an eyebrow at him.
He grinned wickedly. “We’ll make time. I promise. Tomorrow they’re gonna show him how to work the boat. This afternoon we’re going fishing on Lake White Buffalo.”
“We’re heading up the river?”
“Sure are, Darlin’. Lunch on the river while we navigate downtown Mourningside, then we’ll hit the lake and get you some salmon. Luke had such a great time last time we went, but the whole time he kept saying how much you would love this.”
