He pulled into a parking spot and then led me to his sixty-five-foot coastal cruiser.
“Welcome to my home, Laurel.” He smiled as he held out his hand and helped me aboard.
While he went to his bedroom to change, I looked around and admired the beauty of his place. The dark cherry wood trim was stunning. The kitchen was pretty big with cherry wood cabinets and black granite countertops with a hint of gold swirled throughout. The living area consisted of a beige sectional, rectangular coffee table, two matching chairs, and a seventy-inch TV that hung perfectly on the wall above the fireplace. It was comfortable and inviting, and I could totally see myself living here.
“So, what do you think?” Craig asked as he entered the living area.
“I think it’s great. I’ve never known anyone who lived on a boat full-time.”
“Would you like to see the rest of it?”
“I’d love to.” I smiled as he led the way. “I bet the women you bring here love it.”
“I don’t really bring women here.”
“Guys?” I bit down on my bottom lip.
“Excuse me?” His eye narrowed at me. “Do you think I’m gay, Laurel?”
“No.” I quickly turned away as I looked in the bathroom.
“Yes, you do. Is that what you’re trying to get out of me?”
“No, Craig. Not at all. I apologize,” I spoke as I glanced at him.
Our eyes locked onto each other’s for a moment. His stare was haunting and sexy. He was sexy. Before I knew it, he approached me and placed both of his hands on each side of my face while his mouth smashed into mine. His lips soft, yet his kiss rough. I kissed him back. I had to. He was too good not to.
He broke our kiss and placed his forehead against mine. “I’m not gay.”
“Okay,” I gulped.
Well, so much for that. Now I was really curious as to why he wasn’t taken. Especially with the way he kissed. Shit.
“We better get going. I have to get to the restaurant,” he spoke. “I’ll drive you to your hotel so you can change clothes.”
We climbed into his car and he drove me back to the hotel and waited for me while I changed. I could still feel his lips against mine.
“Don’t put on anything nice. You’re going to get it dirty.”
“What?” I poked my head around the corner of the bathroom door.
“You’re going to be helping me prepare food.” He smiled.
I let out a laugh. “I don’t cook. Trust me, you don’t want me helping.”
“Then I’ll teach you. And how can you not cook? What do you do for meals?”
“I eat out a lot. We had a chef growing up, so I never bothered to learn.”
“Ah. That explains it.”
After changing into a pair of khaki capris and a different tank top, I walked over to where he was standing.
“Is this okay?” I asked as I did a full turn.
“It’s perfect.”
We climbed into his car and drove across to the restaurant. As soon as we reached the kitchen, Craig handed me an apron and introduced me to his staff.
“Everyone, this is Laurel Holloway. She’s going to be shadowing us for a while for an article she’s doing on the restaurant. Laurel, this is Jack, Melanie, Chris, Big Tom, and Selena.”
“Nice to meet you all.” I waved.
“You can start by mixing up this dough,” he spoke as he set a bowl down in front of me. “Go wash your hands first.”
“Huh? I thought you were kidding when you said I’d be helping you.”
“How can you write a good article if you don’t become a team player?” His brow arched.
“Umm. Sure. Okay.” I walked over to the sink and washed my hands. “So, what do you want me to do again?” I asked.
“Put your hands in the bowl, mix the dough, and form it into a ball.”
Placing my hands in the large stainless-steel bowl, I began to work all the ingredients together the best I could.
“This doesn’t seem to be working.”
Craig let out a light laugh. “Here,” he spoke as he came up from behind me, placed his hands on mine, and we worked the dough together.
A feeling overtook me. I liked his hands on mine and his body so close to me. There was something about what we were doing that felt erotic. Who knew mixing dough could be like that.
“It’s all in the rhythm,” he spoke as our hands manipulated the dough. “Got it?”
“I think so.” I looked back at him and smiled.
He slowly removed his hands from mine and told me to keep the motion going. As my hands were buried in dough, I watched him as he ordered his staff around. Not in a bossy type of way, but in a fun and friendly way. I could tell they were like a family.
“I think you’re done,” Craig spoke as he examined the bowl of dough.
“Thank God. My hands were cramping up.”
“You did good, Laurel,” he spoke as he took the dough out of the bowl and set it on some large plastic-looking thing.
“Thank you. These hands can work magic on just about anything.” I smirked with an arch in my brow.
“I’m sure they can.” He winked.
While I was standing off to the side watching how Craig ran his kitchen, I couldn’t stop thinking about his “I’m not gay” kiss. The warmth of his lips made my body tremble in delight.
“Are you writing all this down?” Craig glanced over at me. “Because I don’t see you taking notes.”
“I don’t need to write things down,” I lied. “It’s all up here.” I tapped the side of my forehead.
He gave me smile as he walked out of the kitchen. I quickly ran over to the large man they called Big Tom.
“Hey.” I smiled. “Do you know why Craig is still single?” I batted my eyelashes at him.
“I really couldn’t tell you. But, if I had to guess, it would be because he spends every waking moment of his life in here.”
“Really?” I frowned.
“Yeah. That houseboat he lives on, it isn’t home. This is his home.”
“Interesting. Thanks.” I patted his back.
Craig walked back into the kitchen and narrowed his eye at me.
“And what would the two of you be talking about?” he asked.
“He was showing me how he chops these vegetables so fast. Amazing.”
“Was he now? Listen, Laurel, I was thinking about taking tonight off. Why don’t you swing by my place around seven and I’ll cook us up some dinner?”
“Well, well, Mr. Pines. You’re inviting me to your home for dinner? I thought you don’t do that sort of thing.”
“I usually don’t, but since you came to town for me, I figured it would be a nice gesture since you aren’t getting any personal information out of me.” He smiled. “I would hate to think that your trip was wasted.”
“And how is it you can take the night off? I thought you worked 24/7.”
“I occasionally take a night off. But only if I have a reason to.”
“So, you’re saying that I’m your reason.” I smirked.
“Yes. I guess I am. Don’t read too much into it, though.”
“I won’t. I’m going to head back to the hotel. I’ll see you at seven o’clock,” I spoke as I turned around and walked away.
Craig Pines was definitely a charmer. Hot, sexy, and a charmer all mixed in one delicious package. Now my curiosity was more piqued than ever. Why was this successful, sexy, charming man still single at the age of thirty-four?
Chapter Five
The moment I entered my hotel room, my phone rang with a facetime call from Eric.
“Eric, I was just going to call you.”
“How’s it going with Craig Pines?” he asked as he leaned back in his oversized brown leather chair.
“He’s a tough cookie. I’m going to need a couple of extra days. He’s not willing to do a personal interview, so I suggested a day/week in the life. I just got back from being behind the scenes in
his kitchen at the restaurant.”
I noticed he was bobbing his head back and forth, trying to make out the details of my hotel room.
“What hotel are you staying at?” he asked.
“Why do you want to know?” I narrowed my eye at him.
“That looks like the Four Seasons. I thought I told you not to go overboard.”
“His restaurant is right across the street. Think of the money I’m saving on cab fare, Eric. If you want these interviews, we can’t look cheap. I have to play the part. After all, these are millionaires I’m dealing with.”
“Well, for what that hotel is costing me and now you’re saying you need a couple more days, you better get that damn interview.” He pointed at me.
“Don’t worry. He invited me over to his houseboat for dinner tonight.”
“Good girl. Keep me posted.”
“I will.” I walked into the bathroom. “I have to go, Eric. This luxurious bathtub is calling my name.” I grinned as I turned the camera around and then ended the call.
After starting the water and pouring two capfuls of rose-scented bubble bath into the tub, I twisted up my hair, stripped out of my clothes, and climbed in. One of the best ways to try and get some information on Craig Pines was to ask his boat neighbors. They had to know something about him. After my bath, I climbed on the bed with my laptop and looked to see if there were any boats for sale at the marina. I needed to be sneaky. To my surprise, there was. Picking up my phone, I dialed the number that was listed.
“Hello,” a firm voice answered.
“Hello, I’m inquiring about the boat you have for sale.”
“Ah yes. What would you like to know?”
“I would love to come see it in person. I’m sure the pictures you have online don’t do it justice.”
“No, they don’t. When would you like to come?”
“Now if possible. I’m only in town for one more day.”
“I see. Umm. Sure, now will be fine. Let me give you the address.”
“Great. I’ll see you soon.”
After ending the call, I took an Uber to the marina and found that the boat that was for sale was docked three spots down from Craig’s. As I was approaching the boat, an older gentleman was standing on the deck staring at me.
“Are you the one who called about seeing the boat?” he asked.
“I am.” I smiled as I stepped onto the deck. “Laurel Holloway.”
“Where’s your husband?” he asked.
“I don’t have a husband.” I laughed.
“So, you’re the one who wants to buy a boat?”
“Yes. Is there something wrong with that?” I asked in confusion.
“Well, no. I’m just curious as to how you can afford something like this. The price was listed.”
I stood there, biting down on my lower lip, trying to control my tongue, which wanted to lash out at this male chauvinist pig.
“I’m sorry, but did you not catch my name?” I cocked my head. “I’m Laurel Holloway of Holloway Capital in Boston.”
“Oh gee. I’m sorry, Miss Holloway. I didn’t realize. Let’s have a look around, shall we?” His tone changed.
I only had to use my family’s name and status when I needed to, no matter how much it killed me to do it.
“This is lovely. Why are you selling?” I asked.
“I’m moving to New York for business.”
“Nice. New York is a lovely place.” I looked around. “One concern I do have is the surrounding people in the area. I like quiet. So, if there are any neighbors of yours that are loud or like to party excessively, I need to know.”
“Trust me, Miss Holloway, it’s very quiet here. Not a lot of people live on their boats full-time. There’s really only one person, at least on this side of the marina, who does and that would be Mr. Pines. Are you looking to live on a boat full-time?”
“I am. I want adventure and I think boat living is one.” I smiled. “So, tell me about Mr. Pines. Is he noisy?”
“Nah.” He grinned. “Mr. Pines is an excellent guy. Single too. In fact, I think the two of you would get along real well.”
“Single, you say?” My brow raised.
“Yeah. He keeps to himself. An occasional hi or wave here and there. That’s about it. He’s hardly ever home. He owns a restaurant.”
“Fascinating. I’m sure with him being a restaurant owner and being single, he must have a slew of women coming and going.”
“Not really. He’s mostly a loner, to be honest. Like I said, he likes to keep to himself.”
“I see. Well, that’s a plus.” I smiled. “Thank you for the tour. I’ll be in touch if I feel this is the right boat for me.”
“It was my pleasure.” He nodded.
I walked around the marina for a bit trying to see if anyone else was out that I could talk to. No such luck, so I took an Uber back to the hotel to change and get ready for my dinner date with Mr. Pines. As I was touching up my hair with a few curls, my phone rang, and it was my mother calling.
“Hello,” I answered against my better judgment.
“Laurel, darling. I haven’t heard from you in a while.”
“Sorry, Mom. I’ve been really busy. In fact, I’m in California right now working on a story.”
“That’s nice, dear. I was calling to tell you that Bella is the lead dancer in Swan Lake next weekend and we’re all going. You need to be there to support your sister, Laurel.”
Silence overtook me for a moment. I knew she was calling for a reason. God forbid she ever called just to see how I was doing.
“New York City, right?”
“Yes, that’s right,” she answered.
“It just so happens I have to be there for another story, so I’ll be able to come and see Bella dance.”
“Fabulous. I have tickets for Saturday night at eight o’clock. I’ll text you the address.”
“Sounds good, Mom. By the way, how’s Dad?”
“Your father is your father, Laurel,” she replied with a snippy tone.
I rolled my eyes. “Alrighty then, I’ll see you in New York.”
After I ended the call, I booked an Uber to pick me up at the hotel. Grabbing my purse, I headed down to the lobby and waited outside the doors. A few moments later, a black Ford Expedition pulled up to the curb.
Chapter Six
After climbing out of the Expedition, I walked down to Craig’s boat.
“Knock, knock,” I shouted.
“In the kitchen.”
The smell that greeted me as I walked down the steps was amazing. I couldn’t put my finger on what it was, but my belly started doing a happy dance.
“It smells delicious in here.” I smiled as I found him by the stove.
“Thanks.” He beamed as he turned around and our eyes met. “Wow. You look great.”
“Thank you.” I grinned. “I brought some wine.” I held up a bottle of Pinot Grigio. “Is there anything I can help you with?”
“Nope. Everything is all set.”
He opened the oven door and removed a pan from the rack. I couldn’t help but stare at his fine ass as he bent over.
“I wanted to keep it simple because I wasn’t too sure what you liked, so I made spaghetti with a homemade vodka sauce and clams, fresh garlic bread, and a kale salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and homemade croutons tossed with a light lemon vinaigrette dressing.”
“It sounds delicious.” I smiled.
He handed me the basket with the garlic bread in it and I followed him up to the deck where he had a round table covered with a white tablecloth, two candles burning in the middle, and fine china that sat on top.
“I’m going to grab the wine. Please, have a seat.” He pulled out my chair for me.
“Such a gentleman.” I smiled. “Thank you.”
He was back in a flash with the wine and two wine glasses. After pouring our drinks, he took the seat across from me.
“Be honest with me, Craig. Why the bo
at?” I asked as I placed the linen napkin in my lap.
“Why not? It’s just me. Plus, I like it here.”
“Why? Because it’s easy to isolate yourself from the rest of the world?”
He narrowed his eye at me as he took a bite of his spaghetti.
“What makes you think I do that?”
“You don’t really have neighbors here, not many people to talk to, and you can sail off at any time. It’s easy to live on this boat and not be bothered by anyone.”
“Are you interviewing me, Miss Holloway?” He picked up his wine glass.
“No.” I raised my brow.
“I’m a very busy man. I own a popular restaurant in which I am the chef just about every night, not to mention I take care of all the business stuff. I don’t have the time to keep up with a house. And like I said, it’s just me, so living on the boat is perfect.”
“But don’t you get lonely?” I asked as I took a sip of my wine.
“No. I choose this kind of life, Laurel. This is who I am.”
“I get a feeling that this isn’t who you were.” I paused. “What happened to you, Mr. Pines?”
His gaze narrowed, and he got up from his seat and stood by the railing, staring out into the water.
“Life happened,” he replied in a monotone voice.
I got up from my seat, grabbed his drink from the table, and walked over to him, placing his glass in his hand. He glanced over at me and I could see the sadness that resided in his eyes.
“I didn’t ask you here to talk about this,” he spoke.
In that moment, when I saw a hint of tears swell up, I knew tragedy had struck him. I could feel his pain and the heartache he’d been carrying around with him. I placed my hand on his cheek as our eyes locked onto each other’s.
“You don’t have to,” I whispered.
He set his drink on the railing and brought his hand up to my forehead, brushing away a strand of my hair. His hand roamed down my cheek until it stopped, and he cupped my chin.
“You’re a beautiful woman, Laurel,” he softly spoke.
My lips formed a small smile as the raging ache down below intensified. Lowering his head, his lips softly brushed against mine. I welcomed his kiss and returned the favor. Soon our tongues met and tangled in the night air, leaving me breathless and wanting more.