Touch

Emily

The four of us are walking along the starboard side of this close-to-two-hundred-foot-long yacht, and I know they are definitely enjoying the view.

They are not awestruck by the luxurious vessel, which means this is something they’re used to, but the scenery is definitely something they don’t see every day.

Fighting the urge to text Nic and tell her about what happened less than half an hour ago, I focus on the one Mr. Harding I’m actually here for.

“That area right there,” I tell Ryan as I point at the tiny houses that stand exactly where the hills meet the sea, “is the most populated.

“It used to be where all the fishermen and their families lived. Now that the town practically lives off tourism, most houses have been sold to other people.”

“It’s very picturesque. There are no two houses of the same color—that’s funny. Is it a safe area to live in?” Ethan, who’s standing on my right, asks.

“There isn’t much crime if that’s what you mean. The houses in this area are inexpensive compared to other houses by the sea.

“The reason for this is that even though you live across from the beach, going in the water for a swim is not always safe.”

“Don’t they have lifeguards there?”

“We do. And you can freely go to the beach. I actually go there for a morning walk every time I get the chance. You just need to be extra careful. The currents are strong and tricky.

“Caution is essential, especially when the tide is low. Walking barefoot is not advised, seeing as there are a few hidden rocks and an enormous number of seashells in the sand.”

“I guess that’s why tourists haven’t taken over that area.”

“Do any of those houses belong to Mr. Torres?” Ryan asks.

I am somewhat thankful because it sounds like we’re finally getting to the point of this tour, and my personal matters with the asshole walking to my left in front of me can be set aside.

“He used to have one. It was his first house in this town. I’m happy to say that it’s mine now. Mr. Torres does invest in some businesses there, but most of his estate is further south, where we’re heading.”

As we’re sailing along the coast, I show them the file with the details about the estate. They exchange looks and seem to have a lot to say, but my presence prevents them from talking.

I want to know what kind of project they’ll be working on with Mr. Torres, but it’s not my place to ask.

I leave them on the upper deck and head down to the lower deck, thinking it would be a good idea to get them some coffee.

I hear some of the crew members chatting, and when I turn towards the bar, I see Dave, one of the bartenders at Alex’s club.

“Hey, Dave! Working on a Sunday? Are you filling in for your brother again?”

“Yep. That kid would have already lost his job by now if it weren’t for me,” he says, sounding like the big brother that he is, covering for his favorite sibling. “So what can I get you?”

“I’m just here to give them some privacy upstairs, give them some time to talk, and then I’ll take some of that wonderful coffee you have there.”

“Are those the guys you were with last Friday?” he asks, sounding a bit shy. We only actually have some sort of conversation when his brother skips work, and he covers his ass.

I look at him, knowing full well I’m red-faced. He’s grinning, and then he winks.

All I can do is roll my eyes and pretend not to be embarrassed because I’m pretty sure he saw me taking Liam to the office that night.

“I thought so.” He chuckles.

Ugh. Shut up, Dave.

“I was not with them. I was with Nic and Alex. Now give me that coffee. I’ll take the tray upstairs myself.”

When I get to the upper deck, they’re sitting on the sofas around the coffee table, and that’s where I place the tray.

“If there’s anything else you’d like, let me know,” I offer as I grab one of the hot cups and turn around to let them have their privacy.

“Why don’t you sit with us?” Ryan invites me, and I nod but can’t miss the look in Liam’s eyes. He could kill Ryan with that look, and I’m not sure if keeping them company is a good idea.

Ryan seems to be a bit interested in Nic as he’s asked quite a few questions about her. He makes it sound like it’s about me, but I get the feeling that he’s into knowing more about her.

“Holy shit!” Ethan suddenly screams and jumps up from the sofa, knocking me to the side in the process. “Is that a dolphin?”

I scream in pain and shock, feeling something that I can only describe as a searing whip to the chest. I look down at my shirt and realize I had spilled the boiling hot coffee I was holding on me.

My skin is scorching, fuck the dolphin!

Before I can even think to react, I’m being pulled up from the sofa, and my T-shirt is flying through the air.

Law of Attraction, my ass. I’m writing a complaint letter to the fucking Universe.