Page 8 of Captain's Orders
"Sure," Dani said. "I'll get ready in five and set up while Elsa and Netty have their breakfast."
Rei drained her coffee and stood. "I should clean up and do my rounds."
"And I'm going to stay here, have more coffee and taste test those non-dairy, non-gluten pancakes," Zoe quipped. "I'm feeling like something sweet." She turned to Dani. "So what's on the schedule today now that the itinerary has changed? I haven't had a chance to catch up with the captain yet."
"Swimming this morning while we're anchored," Dani said. "Then we sail to Norman's Cay. The family wants a late lunch on the beach there, so Elsa and I will go with them to set up and serve."
"All twelve of them?"
"All thirteen," Dani corrected her. She quickly made herself a bacon and scrambled egg sandwich to go and brought her plate to the sink. "Lindsay, can you have the picnic ready by two-thirty?"
"No problem." Lindsay poured a round of batter into a pan. "Assuming these pancakes don't kill me first."
"You'll figure it out." Dani plated breakfast for Jordan, filled two takeout cups with coffee, and headed for the stairs. "Oh, and tonight is Captain's dinner as planned. Netty can help you prep if you need an extra pair of hands. I know it's always a bit more work and she loves assisting you."
6
JORDAN
The sun was beginning its descent toward the horizon, painting the water in shades of amber and rose, when Jordan finally handed control of the bridge to Zoe.
"Course is set for the overnight anchorage," Jordan said, stepping back from the helm. "We should arrive by twenty-one hundred. Weather looks clear through tomorrow."
"Got it, Captain. Go enjoy your dinner."
Jordan paused, watching Zoe settle into the captain's chair. It still surprised her sometimes, the transformation she'd witnessed over the years. The uncertain first mate who'd come aboard with more ambition than experience had become someone Jordan trusted implicitly—someone she'd hand the helm to without a second thought.
Last charter had cemented it. The storm that had blown in faster than predicted, the harrowing navigation through The Creek at Shroud Cay, the way Zoe had kept her nerve when the wind hit fifty knots. Jordan had given her command to test her that night, and Zoe had delivered.
She was ready to be trusted with the yacht, with the guests, with the responsibility that Jordan had carried alone for so long, and that felt good. Like she could actually relax now and then during their charters.
"Call me if you need me," she said, then made her way down to the galley to check if dinner was on schedule.
Captain's dinner. Once per charter, she joined the guests for their evening meal. It wasn't optional—guests expected it. They wanted to meet the woman behind the uniform, ask about the yacht, hear about the worst weather she'd sailed through.
Jordan had learned to be good at it. The small talk, the anecdotes, the single glass of wine she'd make last the entire meal while everyone else worked through the bottles. And it paid off. Half their bookings were return guests.
That didn't mean she enjoyed it.
The galley door was slightly ajar and Jordan heard voices—Rei and Lindsay, by the sound of it. She reached for the door handle.
"—I'm telling you, there's no way nothing's happening between Dani and the captain." Lindsay's voice.
Jordan's hand froze.
"She said nothing happened," Rei replied.
"Of course she said that. What's she going to do, announce it over breakfast? 'Pass the butter, by the way I made out with the captain last night'?"
"Fair point."
"Dani always finds excuses to bring her coffee, Rei. And then there's the lingering looks, and now they're sharing a cabin. Do you really think they're just... sleeping?"
"I mean, Jordan's pretty closed off. I can't imagine her making a move," Rei said.
"Maybe Dani will."
"Dani?" Rei snorted. "She can barely say Jordan's name without blushing. She'd combust before she made a move."
