Beneath This Ink (Beneath #2)(66)

“It’s the Fourth of July. I guess I was in the celebratory mood,” I replied.

A knowing look spread over his face. “And here I was hoping you were celebrating your new man.”

I froze.

He couldn’t know. I looked down at my club soda and sipped, trying to hold it together and come up with something to say.

But my father kept going, “Although Lucas Titan isn’t the one I would’ve picked. He’s an arrogant bastard. Doesn’t understand how things work around here. But if he’s your choice, I suppose he and I can have a come to Jesus talk and settle our differences.”

My head jerked back, and my glass almost slipped out of my hand. Lucas. He’s talking about Lucas. Not Con. I should have been happy that my secret hadn’t been discovered, but with the initial shock of his words had come a sense of relief—relief that I could finally stop hiding it.

But no. And now I had to dig my way out of this.

I cleared my throat and fumbled for an answer. “It’s not what you’re thinking. Lucas and I aren’t—”

My father’s expression hardened, and he steered me toward a break in the crowd and an unoccupied corner of the deck. “I said I wouldn’t have picked Titan, but I can find my way to approve of him. If it’s not what it seems, then maybe you should work a little harder to make it what it seems, Vanessa. You’re not getting any younger, and your mother would be rolling in her grave to know that you still haven’t settled down. So unless you’re going to steal Simon Duchesne off the arm of that tattooed trollop he’s here with, you better go find Lucas Titan and get to work.”

I gritted my teeth, and fought to hold back the angry words bubbling up inside me. I’d had enough tonight. Somehow I managed to regain my composure and force a smile. Monday, I thought. Monday.

“I’ll take your suggestion under advisement, sir.” I turned my back on my father and strode to the bar.

So much for not needing another drink.

I thought I heard him say my name, but I didn’t slow. Fourth G&T in hand, I crossed the deck, smiling my fake smile and laughing the fakest laugh to ever leave my lips.

I made my way to the railing on the complete opposite side of the boat from where my father stood. I still didn’t see Lucas, which was a relief.

I did, however, see Simon and his Charlie. My father might have called her a tattooed trollop, but it seemed that every man’s eyes were on her tonight. She looked stunning. And what’s more—Simon looked happy.

When I got close, Simon reached out an arm to steady me. I hadn’t realized I was wobbling on my heels. So much for pretending I was sober.

Charlie held out a hand and said, “I’m Charlie. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

I loved the swirling colors of ink running up her arms, and I thought about the tattoo on my hip. My hidden secret.

“I’ve heard so much about you, Charlie.” And I had—from Simon himself and a little from Con. “I’m so glad to finally meet you too.” I shook her hand and added, “You’ve found yourself a good man. Don’t let him get away.”

Both Simon and Charlie eyed me carefully, and I wondered if I was slurring my words. I straightened, attempting to look decidedly not drunk, but caught my heel on a gap in the planks of the decking and stumbled. My drink sloshed onto the floor, narrowly avoiding Charlie’s shoes.

Neither Simon nor Charlie missed my stumble and resulting beverage foul.

Simon asked, “What’s going on? You seem a little…”

My face burned with mortification. I was officially that girl. Might as well own it.

“Drunk? Then mission accomplished.”

Simon and Charlie maneuvered me into a corner, presumably to keep me from making an even bigger fool of myself in public. Lovely.

“What the hell is going on, Vanessa?” Simon demanded.

I lifted my glass and sucked back the last of my drink. Fuck it. I tossed it over the railing and smiled as it hit the water of the Mississippi. And then I realized I’d just littered. Crap.

I looked up to see Simon waiting for an answer. He was a good man. She really did need to hold on to him.

“Nothing you need to worry about, Simon.” Movement over his shoulder snagged my attention. Lucas Titan. Heading toward my father.

I had to get out of here. And I surely didn’t need my father to see me with Simon either. God only knew what conclusions he’d draw.

“I think I’ve had enough festivities for the evening. It’s time for me to go. Especially if you don’t want my father to think you’re still potential husband material.”

My words caught them both off guard, but I was more worried about getting off the boat.

Simon came to the rescue once again—because he was a genuinely good guy. “Let’s get you a cab then. Unless you want us to see you home.”

I didn’t need to ruin their night because I couldn’t get control over my own.

“No, a cab is fine.” I turned to Charlie and whispered, “Treat him right; he’s one of the good ones.” I thought about threatening to harm her if she hurt him, but restrained myself.

Simon took my arm, and he and Charlie led me down the ramp, across the dock, and through the crowd to a cab. Simon gave the driver my address and paid him. I waved lamely as the cab pulled away and began to inch through the traffic.