Page 46 of Help Wanted

Her stupid insecurities took that moment to chime in. Why would he want a woman whose idea of seduction was opening an extra button?

She flipped the newspaper to the pet section and began scanning for cats.

* * *

Zane’s pulse picked up when Kenley arrived five minutes early the next morning. Good looking, a brilliant mind, and punctuality all wrapped up into one amazing package. An amazing package who’d gone on a date that made her giggle.

Zane was still irritated with that information. She’d kissed him. Quite intensely, even. Of course, she was on board with his whole let’s-forget-it-happened thing. He should have known.

“Good morning,” he greeted her, trying to keep his voice pleasant. After all, it wasn’t her fault she had a boyfriend.

“Morning,” she said, sounding less than enthusiastic. She had circles under her eyes. Maybe she and the boyfriend broke up. He hated the thrill he felt over something that could cause her pain. But maybe he could help her with that pain. Make her forget what’s-his-name.

She stood there on the dock looking at his boat.

“This is yours?” she asked.

He couldn’t help the pride in his smile when he said, “Yes.”

“You have a yacht.” She let out a breath and shook her head. “Unbelievable.” Since she said that last word more to herself, he let it go.

He loaded her small bag and helped her aboard as she thanked him. Ten minutes later, the trip so far consisted of him driving while she sat in the back of the boat looking out at the ocean in silence.

“Are you okay?” he finally asked, not able to deal with it anymore.

She shrugged. Obviously she didn’t want to talk about it. The warm May day boasted perfect blue skies overhead. But with the cool breeze coming off the ocean, Kenley pulled on a sweatshirt and let out a sigh.

He told her what he was looking for in a boat. He briefed her on their plans. She pulled out her phone and typed in some notes. She seemed to be in a better mood by the time they arrived. He led her to the first boat he wanted to look at.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered. He glanced over at her, taking in her golden hair whipping in the wind. He couldn’t agree more. Except she was talking about the Trumpy yacht in front of them.

They got right to business. He gave her the lead to ask her list of questions. Even when the salesman attempted to ignore her, Zane directed the conversation back to Kenley so she had full control.

She did a wonderful job. She asked informed questions and seemed confident with her knowledge of the model. It was obvious she’d done her homework.

He’d left her alone while he went to pick up lunch, knowing she was capable of handling the salesman on her own.

When she had all her answers she shook the man’s hand. “Thank you for your time. We’ll be in touch,” she said as she turned to Zane, indicating she was ready to go.

Once again he helped her into his boat, holding out the bag of sandwiches when she was safely aboard. He started up the boat and drove them out into the water far enough to give them privacy. So far there’d been no magic. They would only have a little more time for it to kick in before he moved around the point and moored at the marina.

“What did you think of that one?” he asked as he dropped the anchor and grabbed two bottles of water from the cooler.

“It was beautiful. As far as restoration, it wouldn’t need much. The master bedroom was modernized and has an alarming number of mirrors, but other than that it’s been left in original condition.”

He’d seen the way her cheeks turned a glorious shade of pink when she’d seen the mirrors on the ceiling of the stateroom. What he wouldn’t have given to take it out for a test ride and watch her respond from numerous angles.

Damn, he needed to buy bigger jeans.

His tension only built as he watched her lick the barbeque-chip residue from her fingertips. God, that tongue and those lips.

“I don’t think it’s worth the price,” she said.

“Excuse me?” Oh. The boat. “Right. He’s asking too much. We’d have to negotiate.”

“Are you any good at it?” Her lips quirked up on the side.

“Asking for what I want?” He could only stare at her. “No. I suck at it.”