Page 98 of Without a Hitch
“I’m famished,” John’s wife, Doreen, coos, lifting her face from the book she’s reading.
“You wouldn’t tell by looking at her, but my wife is always famished.” John laughs sweetly. “Let’s get you fed, then.” He holds out his hand, and I nearly blush as they exchange a look of lovers.
“You two are very cute together.”
“Well, it hasn’t always been easy, has it, Dory?”
“Lord, no. We had a rocky start, that’s for sure. But we came through it, and now, thirty years later, I spend every day with my best friend.”
“You didn’t find it hard to work together every day?” I ask as I slip into the cabin behind Doreen.
“Oh, child. It was a nightmare some days.” Her shoulders shake with laughter. “Living together, working together? There were weeks when he was the only other person I saw. You learn your likes and dislikes pretty quickly that way, but you also learn what you can tolerate and what you’ll learn to love eventually. Life and love are pretty similar, Tilly. They’re all about choices. When we found out we couldn’t have children, we made the winery our baby. Our blood, sweat, and so many tears went into building it up to what it is today. We’re quite proud of that.”
“You should be,” I say honestly. As soon as we’re all seated, a crew member arrives to pour drinks and deliver salads. “Thank you,” I whisper as the young girl slides a glass toward me. “Oh my God. What happened to your hand?” A bandage is wrapped haphazardly around her palm and I can tell from here that it’s not going to keep her wound clean. Without thinking, I clutch her fingers gently in my palm and turn her hand over.
“Oh, it’s nothing. Really. I guess I’m still getting my sea legs. I swayed when the ship rocked and nicked myself with the knife. I’m sorry. I should have bandaged it better.”
I’m already out of my seat, dragging the girl behind me.
“Tilly.” I pause at Lochlan’s command, but he isn’t mad. When I turn, he appears concerned.
“Sorry. Sometimes I just jump into action without thinking,” I explain to the group sheepishly. “You go ahead and get started. This cut is pretty deep, and she needs an extra set of hands to wrap it properly. I’ll be back soon.”
He stares at me, slightly bewildered, and I notice Ross watching him closely. Silently, I nod. “Do you need help?” he finally asks.
“Are you good with first aid, Lochlan?”
“Ah.” He shifts uncomfortably in his chair. “No, actually. I fainted the first time Nova got a bloody nose.” When he reaches up to pull on his earlobe, I blow him a kiss.
“I’ll be right back. You guys start eating. No worries. I’ve got this. My sister made sure we all knew first aid at a very young age.”
Lochlan tilts his head at this information, and I see all the concerns that statement brings play across his face. He takes a step forward, but I hold up a hand to stop him.
“We’ll be right back.” He’s searching my face for something, and I guess he finds it because he nods and slowly lowers himself back to his seat.
Turning to the girl at my side, I ask, “What’s your name?”
“Sara. I’m so sorry…”
“No apologies. Accidents happen. Let’s just get it cleaned up. Okay?” Her worried gaze bounces between me and the rest of my party. “Don’t worry about them. They’re more than capable of serving themselves. Trust me, they’ll be fine.”
Ushering her forward, I lead her toward the rear of the vessel. “It’s just that he’s so…intense,” she finally whispers.
I gape at her. “Who? Lochlan?”
“Mr. Blaine?” She startles, and I know I’ll find him at my back if I turn. Warmth spreads throughout my body knowing he couldn’t stay away. He’s kinder than he gives himself credit for.
“Don’t worry about him,” I say conspiratorially. “His bark is worse than his bite.” I feel more than hear him chuckle behind me. “He’s a big teddy bear. His scowling angry persona is simply a defense mechanism.” We reach the sink, and I turn her palm over so I can remove the dirty bandage. Sara’s gaze is still darting back and forth, so I know Lochlan is nearby.
“If that’s true,” Sara whispers, “I don’t know how you handle his bite. His glare alone has scared off every other crew member. I drew the short stick.”
I hear him scoff and can’t hold back a giggle as I turn toward him. “That’s what you get for eavesdropping, lover.”
“I’ll take it,” he growls. “It’s better if they don’t get too close. Are you all set?” I don’t have time to question what he means because I hear John and Dory calling out.
“Is everyone all right back there?”
“Tilly?”
