Free Hotshot by Ahren Sanders Page A

emails while I waited and smiled to myself when I heard her tell her mom she was having a ‘ fabulous time’ . Unfortunately, by the time she finished the conversation, we had to hurry to the marina to get to the boat and meet the rest of our party.
    I met with the Captain and mate while she looked around the boat. I was mid-sentence when she started squealing. I whipped around to see Darren had her in a bear hug. She was so small in his massive frame, I immediately worried he was crushing her. But when he put her down, she flashed me a bright smile, her dimple on display.
    It was easy to get my point across without words when I walked up and wrapped an arm around her waist, staking my claim. Joe chuckled, and Darren gave me a chin lift in understanding. Bizzy leaned into me, putting one hand on my chest, and gave me a look of surprise. Then her eyes started to shine. I could have stared into the blue-grey hue for hours, loving the fact she was so happy.
    The only person who doesn’t seem to have gotten the message is fucking Perry. He arrived during the Captain’s welcome and gave a polite wave to everyone. Now, he sits on the side of the boat eyeing Bizzy as she thumbs through a magazine. My chest tightens when he removes his sunglasses and hangs them on the collar of his shirt. He leans over and says something to her, causing her to look up and give him a polite smile.
    The boat picks up speed and the wind whips louder, drowning out any chance of hearing them. She turns the magazine around, showing him the front. He points to something and makes some comment, causing her to shake her head. Her ponytail flies to her face, and he reaches over to push it back.
    It takes less than one second for me to get to her side, lifting her out of the chair and sitting us back down, her across my lap. She doesn’t have time to react before there’s a loud roar of laughter around us. Joe, Darren, and Perry all high-five, and Perry takes out his phone, his fingers flying across the screen.
    “Did I miss something?” Bizzy leans in to whisper in my ear.
    “I think we both did.”
    “You should have seen your face!” Darren points at me, still shaking. “Damn! Wish I had that shit on video.”
    “I didn’t even get to use my good stuff. That may have been a record.” Perry chuckles and puts his glasses back on.
    “Anyone care to explain?” I ask, even though I have a good idea what’s coming.
    “I had to believe it to see it. The infamous Crenshaw Bennett. Untouchable, cold as ice, and hard as steel. No one’s going to believe this.” Perry gives a low whistle.
    “Gail?” I look for confirmation.
    “Yes,” all three say in unison.
    “What am I missing?” Bizzy huffs and narrows her eyes at me.
    “Let me explain.” Darren raises his hands in the air like he’s in a classroom. “So Gail called me this morning to confirm the trip. When I questioned the change in plans, she said she had no details, but suspected, and I quote, ‘ Mr. Bennett’s taking some personal time with a close friend. ’ She also told me that personal friend would be accompanying us today. It wasn’t so much what she said but how she said it. I’ve got three sisters. I can spot the sound of romance. And Gail, she was all romance.”
    “Fucking Gail.”
    “That woman scares the shit out of me.” Perry gives an exaggerated body shiver. “She flat out told me to be on my best behavior or she’d kick my ass. She explained that Mr. Bennett would have a lady friend joining us, and if I pulled an attitude like I did yesterday, she’d personally make me regret it.”
    A low cackle escapes from Bizzy, and she slaps her hand over her mouth, trying to hide her amusement. Finally, she gives up and laughs out loud. “Gail is the sweetest woman I’ve ever met. To hear she threatened to ‘kick your ass’ is hysterical!”
    Perry, Joe, and Darren all exchange a look and turn to me. I know what they’re thinking; it’s not only my reputation