ROYAL ROCK(105)
Besides, these were his business partners. I needed to put on a good face and help Dad out by making them happy. That was my unspoken job every time he had clients around.
“That’s okay, so long as he’s having a good time.”
Al grunted and Joshua laughed. “He seems pretty content. Anyway, do you work on boats often, Claire?”
I laughed, shaking my head. “Not at all. Honestly, my dad just wanted me to get some good work experience this summer, and so here I am.”
“Ah, I’m not surprised. Your father seems like a tough one.”
“He definitely is. But he’s also a really good guy, or at least everyone says so.”
“What do you say?”
I smiled, looking out over the ocean. “He’s my dad. He’s the best.”
Joshua grabbed a beer from the cooler and offered me one. I declined and he returned it, cracking his open.
“I have to admit, I was surprised when I first saw you.”
“Surprised?”
“Yes. Over how attractive you are.”
I smiled but inwardly cringed. Was this guy for real? I was the daughter of a business associate, and he was hitting on me?
“Well, thank you.”
“No, thank you. I’m glad your father decided to introduce me to you.”
“What else do you have planned for this weekend?”
“Oh, nothing special, just looking in on some assets I have.”
“Assets?”
“Properties. Businesses.” He paused to sip his beer. “Things of that nature.”
“Sounds exciting.”
“Oh, it is very exciting. I live a very exciting life.” He stood very close to me, his breath coming heavily.
“I hope you’re having a good time while you’re in town,” I said lamely.
“I would if you agreed to spend some time with me.”
I turned white and looked around, suddenly wishing someone would give me an out, but everyone was too busy fishing to pay me any attention. Where the hell is Nate? I thought to myself.
“I don’t know,” I replied.
“Say yes. I will show you an incredible time. It would make me very, very happy, and I’m sure it would please your father as well.”
I didn’t know what to do. The idea of going out with this guy repulsed me, or maybe that was just the motion of the boat. Either way, I had absolutely zero desire in seeing him ever again.
But I couldn’t just say no. That would be rude and would make my father look bad. If this was an investor in his new business, then I had to at least make an effort to make him happy.
“What did you have in mind?” I said slowly.
“You, me, and the beach,” he said softly. “I’ll bring the wine. You just bring your pretty face. We’ll see what happens from there.”
“I don’t know,” I said.
Suddenly, I felt a presence behind me. Joshua looked up, and a strange look came over his face for half a second.
“This guy bothering you?” Nate grunted.
I turned around. “Oh, Nate. This is Joshua, one of my dad’s business associates. Joshua, this is my new stepbrother, Nate.”
Nate and Joshua shook hands, and Nate held on for half a second longer than was normal, looking Joshua right in the eye. There was a strained tension between the two men. Nate was clearly the larger of the two, taller and broader, with muscles like crazy. Joshua was smaller and wore an expensive suit, his hair gelled up and styled.
“Good to meet you,” Joshua said.
“Likewise.”
“Joshua here was just inviting me out. I’m sure you’d like to come too, Nate.”
Joshua gaped for a second before composing himself. “Uh, yes. I’m sure that’d be great.”
Nate stared at Joshua for another second, his body imposing and serious. “I’ll think about it.”
“Great,” Joshua said, “just great. I’ll let you two get back to work.” He quickly turned away, returning to Al.
“Creep,” I muttered.
Fortunately, though, I was almost positive we would never hear from Joshua again, or at least about that little trip he wanted to take me on.
“That guy bother you?” Nate asked me.
“Just another banker asshole my dad is trying to set me up with.”
“He do that a lot?”
“Yeah,” I said, “he really does.”
Nate frowned at Joshua for a second and then looked back at me. “You have any issues with guys like him, you come find me. Understand?”
“Okay,” I said softly.
“Seriously, Claire. Any issues, you find me. I’ll handle it.”
I nodded quickly, my heart skipping a beat. “Okay. I will.”
He leaned back against the railing. “So, interested in that guy?”