I gaped at him. “There’s no way that’s true. What about the coast guard?”
“It’s a big coast. They can’t be everywhere.”
I opened my mouth to reply, but suddenly I heard my name called out.
I looked over and spotted two guys in their mid- to late twenties. One was smiling at me and the other was busy casting his line out over the edge.
“Friends?” Tommy asked me.
“Never met them before in my life.”
The one guy waved me over, and I reluctantly pushed off the railing and walked over to him.
“Hi,” I said. “Do I know you?”
“No, you don’t know me.”
“How do you know my name then?”
“Well, this is a little awkward, but your father invited us out on this trip. He said you’d be here. I assumed that was you based on his description.”
I nodded and smiled at him. That made sense. These were probably two more of his young business associates, and he probably thought I’d like to meet them. Maybe have their babies.
“Well, I’m Claire, but you know that already.”
“Claire, I’m Joshua.” He held out his hand and we shook. I noticed a small red tattoo on his wrist in the shape of a broken heart with a dagger in the top. It was tiny, barely noticeable, and it disappeared under the sleeve of his dress shirt as soon as he pulled his hand away.
“So what brings you out here?” I asked him.
“We’re investing in your father’s new club.” Joshua looked at his friend. “My rude business partner here is Alfonse.”
Alfonse glanced at me. “Call me Al.”
“Okay, Al. Nice to meet you.”
He nodded once and went back to fishing.
“Sorry, he’s not very friendly,” Joshua said, wearing a winning smile.
I was taken aback at how straight his teeth were. He was handsome in a conventional way, like every guy Dad brought around. And like every guy, I wasn’t really interested in him at all, but I knew I had to play nice, otherwise I’d get a stern lecture.
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.”