Then He Showed Up

by Chris Campillo

  “Where the hell have you two been?” Sue asked.

  “Jack thought we should let things cool off before we came back in.” Kate’s voice sounded cool on the surface, but he knew she was rattled.

  Dean looked satisfied with the answer, but Sue kept glancing between Kate and Jack. She wouldn’t be as easy to pacify. Jack spent the rest of the night avoiding Sue’s scrutiny, keeping Dean entertained, and watching Kate for signs of cracking.

  When their partying, or more accurately Dean’s partying, at long last ended, they all shared a cab home. Kate was grateful for the safety in numbers. It wasn’t until they dropped off Dean that the situation turned awkward.

  Sue studied them the entire ride to her place, barely participating in the group’s forced conversation. When Sue got out of the cab, she turned and said, “I’ll see you all at the marina at eleven.” She started to her front door, but then came back and tapped on Kate’s window. After Kate rolled it down, Sue leaned in. “You two aren’t fooling anyone.” With that, she turned and sashayed up to her house.

  Kate’s face warmed and she prayed the flush could not be seen in the dark of the cab. It was just like Sue to drop a bomb and then walk away, evading any collateral damage. Kate was left to clean up the mess. She used her favorite tool—avoidance.

  She talked about yard care, Maggie’s plan to get a dog, and her car’s gas mileage. Jack didn’t appear to have any interest in those subjects. He just looked at her, his eyes full of concern. Kate didn’t need that. She needed to keep things light until she could get home.

  They made it to her place, right before she ran out of material, although some might argue that “favorite Subway sandwich” didn’t qualify.

  “Good night,” she said, ready to run to the safety of her house. Jack started to open his door, but Kate stopped him. “Please. Please, you don’t need to walk me to the door. I’m fine.” She got out of the car and turned to say good night.

  Jack leaned out her door, looking directly into her eyes. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” His tone made it clear it wasn’t a friendly farewell but a temporary pardon.

  However he intended his good-bye, it didn’t matter. She wasn’t going. She had no intention of facing him again. That would be tricky, considering their working relationship, but she’d have to worry about that later. At the moment, she would’ve promised him Madeline’s kidney if it meant she could get away.

  “Sure. Good night.”

  Her plan to blow him off was squelched as soon as she got in and checked her voicemail. Dean, his words slightly slurred, thanked her for a great birthday. He said he was ready for a party on the boat tomorrow and reminded her to bring some Patrón Silver. Good Lord, what is your liver made of?

  Sue was next. She had the audacity to give a quick “sorry” if she’d left them on an awkward note. She went on to say how much she was looking forward to getting on the boat and if Kate even thought about cancelling, she and Dean would haul her ass there.

  Kate slid to the kitchen floor. Tears splashed her hands before she realized she was crying. “What the hell?” She wiped her eyes dry. Her therapist popped to mind. During their sessions, if Kate cried, Amy would ask, “What are you feeling? Give me a word.”

  Tempted. Aroused. Out of control. Scared. So freakin’ scared. There were way too many feelings when it came to Jack Graham.

  Chapter 14

  Saturday morning, Kate looked out her window to find trees leaning with the wind, the sun out in all its glory. A perfect day to be on the boat. Kate should’ve been excited, but instead, she was anxious, something that was becoming the norm when she spent time with Jack. Today, she’d have to face him. Face him after the kiss. Okay, the second kiss, but the second kiss would be much more difficult to ignore. Hell, they’d crossed the line from kissing to petting. And it. Had been. Divine.

  Unfortunately, it was wrong. Sure, he’d started it, but she hadn’t backed away. When it came to Jack, she had no self-control. And it wasn’t just her weakness that was ridiculous. She basically worked for the man, on one of her biggest projects in years. Talk about stupid. She regularly lectured the kids about choices and their consequences, but last night, when those warm lips had brushed hers, she hadn’t given a damn about consequences.

  After a shower, she wiped the steam from the mirror and looked into her tired eyes. “You are an adult, Kate. You made a mistake. People do. Now you’re going to face it. You’re building character.”

  Screw character! She prayed they wouldn’t have to talk about it. Thanks to the limited space on the boat and the presence of Sue and Dean, she might get away with avoiding it all together.

  By the time she arrived at the marina, she was feeling better. She’d forced down dry toast and coffee despite her stomach’s objections. She surveyed the lot but didn’t see Dean’s, Sue’s, or Maggie’s car. She was relieved to be the first one, knowing she could get down to the boat and settle her nerves before she saw Jack.

  The walk down the hill relaxed her even more. She had to focus on each rocky step, so her mind was given a break from the Jack mini-series. Kate set her bag on the boat and began to step on board just as Jack emerged from the cabin. Startled, she lost her balance and started to fall. Jack grabbed her hand, and she was able to regain her footing on the dock. “You scared me to death!”

  “I’m sorry. At least this time I didn’t hurt you.” Kate looked at him curiously. “The last time I surprised you? The cherries?”

  “Oh yeah. Don’t remind me.” Kate pushed that awkward memory aside. “I didn’t know you were here. I didn’t see Maggie’s car.”

  “I took a cab. Thought I might need to be a designated driver since Dean is coming.” Jack’s sunglasses covered his eyes, but he had that smile that took over his entire face. “So are you going to get on the boat or what?”

  “Yes, but for good luck, I’ll practice proper etiquette.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Permission to come aboard?” Kate asked.

  “Permission granted.”

  Jack couldn’t believe Kate had actually showed. He’d hoped, but after her reaction over last night’s kiss, he hadn’t planned on it. Then again, he hadn’t planned on staying in Austin. Just seven days before, he was chomping at the bit to get out of here. But Kate Livingston had changed things. He was still determined to keep Gridion out of Texas, but he could handle one more week in Austin if he could spend it with her.

  He extended his hand. Even though she didn’t need the help boarding, Jack didn’t want to take any chances. Kate had a way of getting hurt when he was around. She tentatively took his hand. “So you like nautical traditions, huh?” He guided her on board.

  “They’re interesting. I like the idea that something so old is still in practice. The longer I sail with Peter, the more I learn.” Carefully moving around Jack, she lowered her bag into the cabin. “It’s the jargon and history I love the most.”

  “Give me an example.”

  Kate sat down. “Well . . . head. I’ve always heard it used as a synonym for bathroom. I figured it referred to the commode itself, but Peter told me it got the name because long ago the bathroom was at the front, or head, of the ship. So the stench was blown away from the ship, at least when there was wind.”

  The subject obviously interested Kate, and it seemed to calm her. Her shoulders relaxed and the worry line between her brows softened. Jack wanted her comfortable, so he kept the conversation going. “What other terms do you know?”

  Kate paused for a moment. “There’s ‘dead man.’ I love that one. It’s what they called an empty booze bottle because the spirit was gone. Isn’t that clever?”

  Jack nodded. There you are, Kate.

  “And did you know ‘Captain’s Daughter’ was another name for a cat-o’-nine-tails? I don’t know much about this one. My guess—if you messed with the captain’s daughter you’d be flogged. Or do you think sailors had a bad opinion of women in general? Like ‘the old ball and chain.
’”

  “I can’t imagine a group of men who were at sea for months on end would have a bad opinion of women.” Jack smiled mischievously. “But maybe it’s one of those things like ‘Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone,’ best left up to one’s own interpretation.”

  “Funny.” Kate smiled sheepishly—her first smile since he’d kissed her. Jack let out a deep breath. He’d do everything in his power to break down the wall she’d erected last night. Today would be the perfect opportunity. The four of them out on the boat, having fun. She’d feel safe with Sue and Dean. He’d get her back.

  Last night, he’d had just a glimpse of the sexual woman Kate hid. He wanted to explore what would be explosive between them. But he wanted Kate back even more. Comfortable, laughing, her walls destroyed. If that meant friends only, he’d take it.

  At the sound of a xylophone, Kate grabbed for her bag and withdrew her phone. “Hey, Sue. Where are you guys?” The answer was obviously not good. Jack noticed the immediate change in Kate’s posture. She stood up, and lines furrowed her brow.

  “Well, that’s just great. You knew what you were doing last night, but you sure didn’t worry about the consequences, did you? You’re adults!” Sue must have been attempting an explanation that wasn’t satisfactory because Kate was shaking her head and clenching her jaw. After a bit, Kate interrupted, “Whatever, Sue. Thanks for ruining the day.” She pulled the iPhone from her ear and pushed “end call” with the force of someone slamming down a phone receiver.

  “I take it they’re not coming.”

  Kate looked at him, shaking her head. “She says they’re both too hung over. Can you believe that?”

  “They did keep drinking long after you and I stopped.” Kate looked up at him. He wondered if she was thinking of the kiss and how it had brought their partying to an end.

  “So much for today.” Kate looked down into the cabin and must have noticed the coolers and bags of food. “I’m sorry, Jack. You went to a lot of trouble to make this happen. I’ll help you carry this stuff up.” She headed down into the cabin.

  “Why?”

  “It’s the least I can do. I’ve done this enough to know that hauling stuff up is a lot more of a hassle than bringing it down.”

  “That’s not what I meant.”

  Kate stopped and looked back at him.

  “Why do we have to call off the trip just because Dean and Sue can’t make it?” Jack tried to sound casual, but he was tense, waiting to see how she would react. Perhaps two days ago, she would’ve been fine with the suggestion. After messing things up last night, he wasn’t sure. Okay, he was sure, but he didn’t want to be.

  Kate grabbed her bag. “I don’t think . . .” She studied her feet, and then finally faced him. “We probably shouldn’t.”

  Jack couldn’t see her eyes behind her shades, but he knew Kate well enough to know she was processing in overdrive. If nothing else, he had to stop that.

  “I think we need to address the elephant in the room . . . what happened last night.”

  Kate inhaled sharply. “Jack, there’s not a lot to talk about.” She worked her finger around the handle of her bag, no longer looking at him. “We were partying. We had a lot to drink. We kissed. We shouldn’t have, but we did. You’re sorry it happened. I’m sor—”

  “No.” Jack lifted her chin so she’d have to face him. “I’m not sorry it happened. I wasn’t drunk. I knew what I was doing . . . what I wanted.”

  The worry line between her brows was digging deep.

  “But I am sorry for upsetting you.”

  She turned away. “You didn’t upset—”

  “Don’t deny it, Kate.” He held her shoulders, waiting for her to face him. “After that kiss last night, you couldn’t even look at me. Despite what I wanted, I should’ve never kissed you. And I’m not saying that because we work together. As far as I’m concerned, after five o’clock Thursday, business was done. But I can’t stand the fact that I’ve made you uncomfortable around me. Can we just go back to how things were, before I messed up?”

  She nodded, looking relieved. “That sounds good.”

  “Great.” Jack extended his hand, and they shook. Damn, could she not feel the heat when they touched? “So, what do you say? You up for sailing?”

  Kate hesitated.

  “Come on. I brought Bob Marley and a fantastic Sauvignon Blanc. How can you turn down that combo?”

  A smile broke free, her beauty bright again. “Do you have ‘Jamming’?”

  Jack grabbed his chest. “You hurt me. Of course I have ‘Jamming.’”

  Kate shrugged. “How can I resist that?”

  A strong, southwesterly wind kept them at top speed while Bob Marley and The Wailers drifted around them. Jack was impressed to see that the resulting heel of the ship didn’t frighten Kate. When there was a sudden gust and the heel increased sharply, she would shriek but then laugh uncontrollably. It was like watching a kid on a roller coaster. Beautiful.

  She sat in the cockpit with him, looking between the sails and the water. “I think my favorite thing about sailing is the quiet speed. Look how fast we’re cutting through the water, but there’s no obnoxious engine blaring.” She turned to him. “It’s like we’re moving with God’s homemade power.” She smiled, her face full of joy.

  He couldn’t speak. Once again, the woman had caught him off guard, this time with her innocence.

  “Want to take the wheel?” He watched her chest rise sharply.

  “I don’t know. I’ve never steered when we’re moving this fast. I’m not sure I should.”

  “I didn’t ask if you should. I asked if you wanted to.”

  Kate bit her lower lip, then smiled. “Yes.”

  “Come here.” Jack moved over to make room for her at the helm.

  She settled in next to him. “Jack, you’ve got to keep your hands on the wheel. If I crash Peter’s boat, I’ll be banished from the family.”

  Jack laughed. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle the sails. I don’t intend to let the boat go over. You might be banished, but he’d sue my ass into bankruptcy for emotional duress. Besides, I have total confidence in you.”

  Kate looked at him and cautiously grabbed the wheel. He immediately let go, and she yelled, “Jack!”

  “Relax, you’re fine. Just keep us heading toward that tan house up there with the tile roof.” Kate focused on the spot, her posture erect, her knuckles almost white from her grip on the wheel. “That’s it. You got it.”

  In time, she seemed to unwind, the exuberant smile returned to her face. She gave him a quick glance. “Feel free to call me skipper.” A sudden gust tipped them, and Kate screamed.

  He put one hand on the wheel, easily maintaining their course. “You’re doing great.” Despite her protests, he let go and leaned back.

  As her tenure as captain grew, so did her confidence. When the next big gust threw them, she yelped but adjusted the wheel on her own. She turned to Jack and smiled enthusiastically. “Check me out.”

  Oh, I am. Jack took advantage of her focus on the landmark and let his eyes move over her body. The term womanly came to mind. Her arms were smooth, not hard like some of the women’s at his gym. The muscles were defined, but they didn’t steal the focus from her silky skin. Her shoulders were softly rounded, perfect for a sculptor’s model. And then there were her breasts. He remembered her moans as he’d stroked them last night. There was just a touch of cleavage exposed with her suit, and yet it drew his attention more than any Band-Aid bikini ever had. The pure curve was lovely. He’d seen so many fake ones over the last twenty years, he’d begun to think all breasts jutted straight from the chest. He’d forgotten how appealing a natural slope was. Kate’s breasts reminded him that manmade abundance could never compete with God’s exquisite design. He wanted to fill his hands with them again. This time with no barriers between them.

  His shorts became uncomfortably tight. He decided to head below deck before Kate noticed.

  “Where ar
e you going?!”

  “You’re fine. Just keep the same course. I’ll be right back.” He looked back through the hatch, which was a big mistake. Now that he was below deck, his eyes were level with her lap and all that was centered there.

  “Jack Graham, if this boat goes over, it’s your fault!”

  Considering all the ideas about Kate racing through his mind, Jack figured the boat going over was the least of his concerns. He moved around the tight cabin, checking out the interior, something he normally couldn’t care less about. Right now, noticing the print on the upholstery seemed like a good plan. Maybe he should check out the interior storage bins. Hadn’t Peter told him he had a telescope on board?

  After ten minutes of a self-inflicted boat tour, Jack was ready to face Kate. He made a point of staring at the horizon as he headed up and decided it would be wise to keep some distance. “It’s two. Are you ready for some lunch?”

  “Yes, I’m starving.”

  “Okay. Let me get us out of traffic. We’ll drop sails, anchor, and eat.”

  “Ooooh, this is so good.” Kate sighed, taking another bite of Brie. “Why does everything so wonderful have to be so bad for you?”

  Jack loved watching her enjoy her food. “I thought women were supposed to have lots of calcium.”

  Kate chuckled. “Yeah. In the form of skim milk. This,” she said, pointing to the cheese on the table, “not so much. But you can see how that worries me.” They’d set up a small table in the middle of the cockpit and covered it with a feast of fruit, cheeses, and wine. She spread more of the creamy cheese on a water cracker and then bit into it. Sighing, she leaned back against the exterior wall of the cabin, extending her legs on the bench. Damn, laid-back Kate was a sight to behold.

  “You don’t need to worry about what you eat.”

  Kate blew out a deep breath and shook her head. “Have some more wine. I like how it affects your judgment.”

  “I’m serious, I think—”