Page 47 of Off-Limits Bosses
Cameras were set up around the yacht’s swim platform, where a glass counter had been created above the water line to serve as a table. The VIPs were gathered around this counter curiously, waiting for Nolan to make his appearance.
“Ladies and gentlemen!” He announced loudly as assistants carried equipment over to the table. “Welcome to today’s deep-dive into sustainable gourmet!”
All the attention was on him, and he drank it in willingly. His performance made it seem like he was auditioning for his own cooking series, and I had to admit that I was impressed. I knew his plan was to serve fresh invasive sea urchins and prawns, and to flash-fry kelp with the help of some kind of glass pot. That way, the guests could watch the process.
It was fascinating, but it was also a moment that I could use to escape below deck to the bathroom. I snuck away from the scene and went downstairs, taking a deep breath and allowing my shoulders to relax as I walked.
In the bathroom, I kicked my heels off while I sat back on the toilet and closed my eyes. It wasn’t a long break, but I needed it.
After about three minutes, I finished up and washed my hands thoroughly. I thought about how crazy it was that I could just use the bathroom on a yacht like it was nothing. It was something I needed to tell Sierra about; she was the only one who could understand the insanity of the experience.
I walked back down the carpeted hallway, getting my head back in the game, when I noticed Bryant in front of me, leaning against the wall.
“There you are,” he said with a smirk, straightening up and approaching me. “I was wondering what you were up to. Not a fan of urchins, hmm?”
“Just needed a little break,” I answered, glancing over his shoulder at the stairs.
Bryant laughed. “Don’t worry, they’re all mesmerized by Nolan’s talents. Pretty sure that video’s going viral.”
I smiled and took a step forward, knowing that Bryant hadn’t come looking for me just to chat. “I see. Well, Mr. Thatcher, what is it that I can do for you?”
“Just Bryant,” he answered, wrapping one arm around my lower back. He pulled me close and our lips collided in a passionate kiss. I didn’t hesitate to reciprocate, even knowing that Landon could come down here at any moment. I gripped at his shirt and pushed my body tightly against him, falling into the addiction easily.
I could taste the ocean on his lips, and feel the heat of his skin through our clothes. Immediately, I was craving more than this kiss, but I knew that wouldn’t be possible. It was already risky enough.
Bryant was the first to pull away, and I was left breathless when I took a step back and brushed my hair and clothes back into place.
“Well,” I said. “That was nice.”
With a laugh, Bryant crossed his arms, and I noticed that he had a curious expression on his face. “I agree with you there, but I have something that I want to ask you.”
I felt my heart drop to my feet. From his tone, I wasn’t going to like his question. But I kept my expression light and open, and simply nodded. “Sure. How may I help you, Mr.—Bryant?”
“What’s going on between you, Landon, and Nolan?” he asked with one eyebrow raised, and the question hit me like a ton of bricks. “And don’t tell me it’s nothing, I’ll know you’re lying. I’ve seen the way they look at you, the way they talk to you. Tell me the truth.”
My mind went blank as I listened to him speak, and I was left speechless. I had no idea what to say to him. He wouldn’t believe me if I offered him a half-baked lie or tried to convince him that there really was nothing between me and the others. But I couldn’t exactly tell him the full truth, either. I wasn’t sure how he’d react, and whether he’d go out there to confront them.
If that happened, I’d lose them all.
“I—”
“Adriana.” Landon had appeared at the top of the stairs, and my heart began to race. I wondered if he’d heard what Bryant had said, or if Bryant was planning to talk to him right then and there.
But, to my surprise, Landon seemed none the wiser. “Our guests need your attention. Please return to the upper deck.”
“Of course,” I said with a nod, grateful that everything wasn’t going to explode yet. “Excuse me, Mr. Thatcher.”
Bryant watched me suspiciously as I walked past, but he didn’t say anything. I was glad that I could breathe, that I was safe for now. Still, the interaction reminded me that I was walking a tightrope that I could fall from at any moment.
I checked my tablet for what was next on the agenda. They were still deeply entertained by Nolan’s curated late-lunch experience, and we were about halfway to our actual destination.Reggie waved me over as soon as he saw me, and I walked to where he sat.
“Listen,” he said in a low whisper. “I have a little of a seasickness issue brewing here, but this food is too good to ignore. Anything down in the medical kit that can help?”
“I’m sure I can find something,” I answered with a smile, before looking around the table. Nobody else was even paying attention to me, so I was sure they didn’t need me there.
I did need to get the staff ready for clean-up and transition to the next experience, but I could do that while rummaging around for medication. It also gave me an excuse to avoid Bryant, who was sauntering back toward the table with his eyes pinned to me. I knew that he wasn’t going to leave things there.
I wouldn’t be able to avoid answering him forever, but I could win some time to think.
