Page 17 of Forbidden Forward

Peggy hoists herself off the boat, and she side-eyes me with raised eyebrows, pressing her lips together as if she’s about to burst into laughter.

Fuck me! I’m not just an idiot. I’m an epic idiot.

I sound a little defensive as I explain, “She offered to help today since none of your parents could make it.” Moving on, I run through the usual safety instructions.

“What if someone falls in?” asks Robbie when we’re done.

“Great question,” I praise, even though he’s asked this question before. They all have. Robbie relies on a wheelchair to get around, so I get it. Eight-year-old Ruby’s in the same boat—no pun intended—which is probably why her wide eyes are currently riveted on me. I point at Devon, balanced on his forearm crutches, and raise an eyebrow in question.

“You yell,” he hollers at the top of his nine-year-old lungs, as if demonstrating the correct volume.

“Wow.” My pinkie goes in my ear, and I shake it for effect. “Good job getting my attention, bud. And that’s exactly the right way to react. You do whatever it takes to get Jackie’s or my attention.” I give Jackie a pointed look. “And do not, under any circumstances, jump in after anyone. I like heroes as much as the next guy, but only in capes on the screen.”

Her eyes and mouth turn round, and she jabs her forefinger against her breastbone, mouthing, “Me?”

“That goes for all of us, including you,” I clarify. Why she strikes me as the type to do just that, I can’t say.

I push off from the counter where I’ve been leaning. “First Mate, would you make sure the kids have sunscreen and water before we head out?”

Jackie doesn’t hesitate. She checks in with each munchkin like she’s done this a thousand times before, and I’m mildly surprised—and impressed. She doesn’t talk down to them but maneuvers herself so she’s on their level and addresses them like the little adults they are. I like that. No baby talk or weirdness I’ve seen from other grown-ups, including some of the parents that belong to these children.

The kids respond to her warmth with excited smiles. Even shy Ruby giggles, and that little girl barely ever cracks a smile. Meanwhile, Devon looks at Jackie with stars in his eyes, and honestly, I can’t blame him.

I tap Darla to help me cast off, and soon we’re motoring out of the marina. My assistant helmsman for this leg of the voyage is Liam, who holds one side of the wheel steady with his stunted hand. My own hands rest on the wheel, but I don’t apply too much pressure so he can get the feel of the boat. He’s only ten, but he’s a take-charge kind of kid, and I love watching his confidence grow.

When we’re safely out of the marina, I relieve Liam of his duties and watch the ripples on the water—for the third time—to check the direction of the wind.

“Captain Colby’s gonna do it!” Robbie hollers to the others. His butt’s bouncing up and down on a step where I’ve placed him.

“Here we go.” I point Gail Force into the wind and hoist the mainsail, my chest blooming with excitement as the sail snaps and fills. Shrieks of delight rise around me. Then I cut the engine and motion to Jackie. “Grab that line and pull.”

She doesn’t hesitate to jump in. “What are we doing?”

“Unfurling the jib.” I don’t need her help—I just want to see what she’s got, find out if she’s intimidated. But she’s grinning as she pulls, even if her movements are a little unsure. She’s a beginner, but I think she’s enjoying this.

The Gail gently heels and comes alive beneath my feet. I trim her sails, and the hum of the engine is replaced by the sound of her bow knifing through the water. God, it’s a beautiful sound!

“We’re tipping!” Ruby screams.

“We’re sailing,” I correct. My grin pulls my cheeks tight.

Jackie stations herself beside Ruby and rubs soft circles on her back. She leans down to the girl’s ear and says something I can’t hear, but soon Ruby’s eyes lift to the sails. They fill with wonder, and her entire face lights up. I raise a questioning brow, but Jackie shrugs and moves to check on the other children.

Peace settles deep inside me, and I find myself wishing this adventure would never end.

Chapter 10

Sailing 101

Jackie

Who knew gliding over the water in a big sailboat could be both terrifying and exhilarating? Something about the power of the wind that’s pushing us has me in awe. So does the man standing at the wheel, legs spread a few feet apart, hair ruffling with the wind as he grips the wheel and keeps us on a steady course. He’s all quiet confidence, and while I understand how quickly things could go wrong out here, I’m oddly not concerned. Not with Colby Chase in command.

Did I mention he’s also really, really hot as a boat captain? In fact, this guy is getting hotter by the minute, and my traitorous body is throwing a parade. Confetti rains down inside my stomach, and the tickling sensation refuses to go away. I remind myself he’s an asshole agitator, that annoying sandpaper guy who rubs everyone the wrong way with his dirty moves and runaway mouth. By doing so, I’m hoping he becomes less attractive. It doesn’t work.

Damn it.

Worse, watching how good he is with these children is catnip I can’t resist. When one of the kids who uses a wheelchair wants to shift places, Colby asks where they want to be and positions them with practiced ease. With a smile and a joke, he practically makes an adventure out of it, and my heart has no choice but to melt. Right now the little guy with the uneven arms—Liam—stands between Colby and the wheel, aping his captain’s stance. It’s adorable.