One Bossy Offer (94)

“You don’t have to.”

“Yes, I do. I’m not letting any stupid man and his secrets hurt you, Jenn. But I don’t think you have anything to worry about. If she’s an ex of some sort, he probably thinks telling you would upset you.”

I hope that’s all it is.

I want to believe her so bad.

I don’t want my stomach turning over, but my instincts don’t care about hope or excuses.

They keep screaming there’s more.





Later, we’re all laughing at the table, picking over the remains of dinner on Miles’ yacht while he refills our wineglasses.

Piper looks at Miles as he sits down.

“Truth or dare time.” She takes a big sip of wine.

His eyes flick to me and back to Pippa. “Are we in middle school?”

“Yep,” she answers quickly. “No grown-ups fear truth or dare. They pick truth and answer.”

“Okay, I’ll indulge you.” Miles’ jaw clenches with a smile. “Let’s do truth.”

“How many girlfriends have you had?” she asks without skipping a beat.

He glances at me and looks across the table to Brock Winthrope, who shrugs, slugging down half his wine.

“A few. Like any man my age,” Miles says thoughtfully.

“What’s a few? Three? Ten? Thirty?” Piper presses.

“Definitely on the lower end,” he answers. “I think it’s my turn now.”

Piper shakes her head. “Not so fast! You didn’t answer the whole question. You have to name a number or it’s a partial truth at best. No points for that.”

Miles doesn’t respond.

“You know the consequence for lying on a truth means accepting a dare, right?” Pippa quirks an eyebrow.

“Piper,” Brock cuts in, his eyes glowing warmly with warning.

She looks at her husband and rolls her eyes.

“Oh, fine.” She turns to Miles, holding her fork up. “Look, I’ll just say it. I like you, but if you hurt my friend, I’ll neuter you.”

Miles stares back blankly. “Is there a reason we’re behaving like pirates?”

Holy hell.

The downside with having a friend who pulls no punches is that I have a friend who pulls no punches.

I’m so mortified the blood drains from my face. But I knew this was coming.

I’ve known Piper Renee-now-Winthrope long enough to know how defensive she is, especially after her own heart-stompy misadventure with the man next to her.

She smiles sweetly and cuts another piece off her steak. “Sorry. I’m just giving you the Winthrope welcome. We look out for our friends and nobody more than Jenn.”

“Sweetheart, maybe you should tone it down,” Brock whispers, running his hand over hers.

“Oh, Brock, it’s a simple statement. I don’t understand what everyone’s getting so worked up over.”

I do.

Miles sends me a curious look and I smile apologetically.

After dinner, Pippa and Brock move to the far end of the deck. She’s wearing his coat. His arms are wrapped around her waist, inseparable as ever.

I move to the railing across the deck so they can have their privacy.

They’re so cute together, and they’re still basically newlyweds. It’s a relief to see a couple where the passion never fades.

The night is beautiful and bright with late summer stars.

Even the air feels crisp and cool without being frigid. The water shines blue against the boat in the sparkling moonlight.

I’m a little punch-drunk that this is actually my life.

Outside work, I never pictured myself chilling on yachts, but now I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Miles approaches, his heavy footsteps filling the stillness. “How do you do it, kitten? You’re more beautiful tonight than you were the first time I saw you on this boat.”

I smile at him. “Thank you.”

“Your friend is hardcore. I like anyone who’s willing to speak their mind, though.”

I laugh awkwardly. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know she was going to get all overprotective. I didn’t ask her to.”

He reaches for my hands and twines his fingers through mine.

“No. I’m glad you have someone willing to throw down for you. That’s hardly a bad thing.” He pulls me into his arms. “Fortunately for Mrs. Winthrope, I have no intention of ever hurting you. I hope you know that.”

“I do.” I nod slowly like his embrace leaves no room for doubt.

“Come to the master suite with me? I want to show you something.”

I turn slowly, side-eyeing him. “Isn’t it rude to run away from our guests?”

“Tease. They won’t even notice we’re gone.”

“How can you be sure?”

Miles gently flattens his palms on my head and turns it so I can see the other side of the boat. Brock stands against the railing, tangled in his wife. Their faces are connected and Pippa’s eyelids flutter, lost in a starry night of kisses that’s theirs, and no one else’s.

I sigh happily. “I mean... I guess they won’t miss us.”

Miles laces his fingers through mine and leads the way to the main quarters.

“I know you didn’t tell her to, but is there a reason Piper asked about who I dated before you?” he asks.