Max stepped to the railing and waved. Cmon over. We can start the party any time now. Hed hardly seen her all day. Hed been taking around his new account exec, introducing her to clients hed assigned her to, so he was looking forward to a few relaxing hours away from phones.
Not that he could touch Jane or kiss her or do any of the things hed been constantly thinking about. But just having her near would be better than no Jane at all.
I cant come, she said.
What?
I couldnt get a babysitter.
Sara came to the railing. You have to come. Why dont you bring Kaylee with you?
Jane shook her head. Thats not a good idea. This is a grown-up party.
Now Allie joined the conversation. Cmon, Jane. You know Kaylees welcome. If youre worried about her safety, shell have several worrywarts watching over her. I even have a safety line we can attach to her life jacket-
No, its not that. I appreciate the offer, but I think we better just stay home tonight.
Max knew why she didnt want to bring Kaylee, so he didnt try to cajole her into coming, though he would feel her absence every moment.
Getting together with her was going to be something of a problem, he realized. Babysitters were expensive and unreliable, and he knew Jane wanted to spend her evenings with her daughter.
Maybe later, after the party and after Kaylee went to bed, he and Jane could go up on deckand what? Would he forever be limited to clandestine meetings in the dark, stolen kisses, an occasional lunchtime tryst? That wasnt what he wanted.
He wanted to shout from the rooftops that Jane was his, which was ridiculous.
Now Carol joined in the conversation. Jane, Im coming over there to get you. You better be changed into your sailing clothes when I get there, too.
Ten minutes later, Carol had succeeded in dragging Jane and Kaylee to the Dragonfly. Jane looked incredibly sexy in her little white shorts and flowered T-shirt, her hair pulled back in a ponytail, though Max didnt think she had intentionally dressed to seduce him.
Kaylee made the rounds, hugging every adult who showed her any interest. Max attempted to stay in the background, which wasnt easy on a small boat, and when she inevitably saw him she ran toward him with arms outstretched.
Max!
What could he do? He wasnt going to snub the child. Hey, Flipper. He gave Kaylee a brief hug, which was hard to do given her bulky life jacket. So he ruffled her blond curls, too.
Max expected Kaylee to move on, but she grabbed on to his hand. I want to sit at the front.
Jane had joined them, looking troubled. Kaylee, I bet Allie would let you sit up on the bridge with her.
No, I want to sit in the front. Max, you come with me.
Max has things to do, sweetie, Jane said. This is his party, and he has to take care of his guests.
Kaylee pulled on Maxs hand. Come on, Max.
Max shrugged helplessly, and Jane looked resigned. Fine.
The rest of the guests arrived, and Max greeted them all and invited them to eat and drink and make themselves at home. But as the Dragonfly got underway, he took Kaylee to the bow as she wanted. He enjoyed watching the little girl stand with the wind in her face, so filled with passion for life and that live-in-the-moment joy that only kids seemed to have.
Jane was watching, too, making sure Max had a firm grip on her little girls life jacket. But she didnt seem worried. Kaylee knew her way around boats and wasnt about to do anything risky.
Im glad you came, he said to Jane. Id have missed you.
Jane offered a small smile. I confess, when I thought I was staying home tonight, I felt really left out.
Sorry about He tilted his head toward Kaylee. I know this is exactly what you dont want to happen.
Jane sighed. I cant control how she feels about you.
Or how I feel about her, for that matter. At her worried look he added, Itll be okay, Jane.
She nodded without much enthusiasm. Im sure youre right.
Can I see you later?
She shook her head. No babysitter, remember? She laughed. Theres a reason you dont date single moms.
You know thats not the reason. After Kaylee goes to bed. We could sit out on the deck and just talk.
She looked surprised. Youd be happy with that?
I like talking to you. Id be happy. He leaned over to whisper in her ear. Of course, the whole time Id be thinking about making love to you. But sex is only a part of it. Im not that shallow, despite appearances.
Jane blushed to the roots of her hair. I never thought you were shallow.
Carol appeared with two pink, icy drinks. Here you go, strawberry daiquiris. For the lovebirds, she added in an exaggerated whisper. Then she giggled and disappeared again.
Did you tell her? Max asked. It wasnt an accusation, but hed known since yesterday that Carol somehow knew. Its okay if you did. Id rather her know the situation than speculate.
She knew without me telling her anything. Apparently it shows on our faces.
Oh. Max supposed he shouldnt be surprised. He always felt a little out-of-control in Janes presence.
We may not be able to keep it private, you know. Lots of people have officesecrets, but everybody knows. At least, thats what Scott once told me.
I dont care, Jane. And he realized he didnt. If people want to criticize me forwell, you know, they can just go right ahead.
But what if it hurts your business?
How could it?
Mommy! Kaylee broke in. Look, dolphins!
Sure enough, a pod of dolphins swam beside the boat so close he could almost reach out and touch them. They looked like they were playing tag, jumping in and out of the water, sometimes becoming completely airborne.
Wow! Max was almost as excited as Kaylee. Hed never seen them so close before. I think theyre putting on a show for us, Kaylee.
She nodded, her eyes bright, and Max felt a lump in his throat that was becoming familiar. How could Scott have just walked away from such an amazing little person? Even as he thought this, he knew it was too late to stop the bond forming between himself and Kaylee.
Not unless he kept away from Jane altogether, and how was he going to do that? Hed been with her one time, but now she felt as essential as life itself.
JANE WAS GLAD shed come to the party. A spectacular sunset had led into a dark, moonless night, perfect for stargazing, and Kaylees delight at spotting Saturns rings as she looked through Coopers big telescope had been such a pleasure to watch.
Observing her little girl interact with Max had warmed Janes heart, too. Although shed been abandoned by her real father, Kaylee seemed happier than she had in months, and Max was one of the reasons.
Was it fair to keep them apart? Or would she be punishing both of them because of some nebulous fear about what might happen in the future?
She took a sip of her bottled water and gazed up at the starry sky. It was a night for lovers.
Kaylees gone to sleep, Allie said, claiming a deck chair next to Jane. I read her a story, but she conked out after only a couple of pages. I put her in the V-berth.
Thanks, Allie.
No charge. I never realized how much I like kids until I started babysitting for Kaylee. Its good practice for the future, too.
Janes jaw dropped. Allie, youre not expecting, too, are you?
Allie grinned. Not that I know of. She dropped her voice. But Cooper and I decided to try. I dont know how it will work, with the charter business and all, but well cross that bridge when we come to it.
Jane grasped both of her friends hands. Oh, Allie, Im so excited for you. Work should never stand in the way of having a family, if thats what you really want.
Hey, if we have a kid, at least you, me and Sara can trade off babysitting.
Its a definite plus, having friends who are so generous as you and Sara have been.
So you want to leave Kaylee here for the night?
The possibility had never occurred to Jane, and she must have looked confused, because Allie hastened to explain.
Cooper and I decided since its a late night, we would sleep on the boat like we did in the old days. We could watch Kaylee for you, too-that way you wont have to wake her up when we get back to port.
Jane was undeniably tempted. Not that she ever begrudged spending time with Kaylee, but she also occasionally needed grown-up time.
But then a thought occurred to her. Did Max put you up to this?
Max? Allie looked puzzled. Why would he Then she gasped. You and Max?
Oh, hell. Shed given it away, and so easily.
Uhwell
I knew there was something going on with you two. Allie bounced up and down like a little kid. That cinches the deal. Cooper and I will take care of Kaylee tonight, and you and Max can be alone.
Oh, hell. Shed given it away, and so easily.
Uhwell
I knew there was something going on with you two. Allie bounced up and down like a little kid. That cinches the deal. Cooper and I will take care of Kaylee tonight, and you and Max can be alone.
Thats notI mean, we havent-
Cooper is going to be so happy. Now that he and Reece have discovered the joys of matrimony, they both think Max-
Whoa, stop right there. Slow down, Allie. Ill admit, Max and I have become more than friends. But you cant tell anyone. Its touchy-hes my boss. And Kaylee-we dont want Kaylee to know.
Allie looked puzzled. Why not? The two of them are priceless together.
Thats just it. If they get too close and it doesnt work out-
Why wouldnt it work out?
Jane let out an exasperated breath. So many reasons. Neither of us want Max to become a father figure to Kaylee because we dont want her hurt. Please, Allie, trust me on this one.
Okay, sweetie. Allie gave her a hug. But leave Kaylee with us for the night. At least take a night off for yourself. You work so hard. Have you found a place to live yet?
Yes, but I cant move in until October.
You can stay in our spare bedroomfor as long as you need.
Jane was so lucky to have such good friends. Sara and Carol had both offered, too. Thanks, Allie. All right, keep Kaylee for the night.
Allie clapped her hands. Yes, I get to keep Flipper!
Be sure and lock the hatch-and take the key. Shes very good with doors and latches.
Allie held up her hand. I will, promise. Now, go find your guy and invite him over. Hes yours for the night.
They reached the harbor a few minutes later. Max was helping Sara pack up the leftovers; Carol was picking up a few remaining plastic cups and empty beer cans.