Read Online Dalton, Tymber - Contractual Obligation (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Tymber Dalton - Free Book Online Page B

‘Red sky at night, sailors’ delight.’” He pointed down, toward the canal, where his twenty-four-foot Carolina Skiff hung from davits under a covered dock. “I had George come over this afternoon and crank the boat, make sure everything was okay. He said we’re ready for tomorrow. Just need gas, ice, and bait.”
    “And sunscreen.” She smiled. And patience.
    “So, what do you think of your new guy?”
    “He’s nice. I think he’ll work out well.”
    “He’s young.”
    “I prefer someone young. I’m hoping he’ll want to stay with the company for his entire career so I don’t have to replace him.”
    “Nice-looking young man.”
    Aaand there it is. She gave him credit, it took him several hours, a long drive, and dinner together before he broached the subject. “He’s my employee, Daddy. Don’t even go there with the matchmaking.”
    He held up a hand in surrender. “Of course. My apologies.” He took a sip of his drink. “Besides, knowing how stubborn you are, if I like him you’d refuse to date him just to spite me.”
    “Would you like me to pay him to sleep with me?”
    “Whoa!” As she’d hoped, that kicked him back into reality. He might want her to settle down, but she knew in the back of his mind he hoped she’d do it immaculately, like the Virgin Mary. “Okay, I surrender. You win.” He shook his head. “You play hardball, honey.”
    She smiled. “I learned from the best.”

    * * * *

    The next morning, Harper arose at daybreak. She had the coffee brewing and was in the process of making them omelets when her dad emerged from his bedroom.
    “Morning, sweetheart.” He kissed her on the cheek on his way to the coffee maker.
    “Morning, Daddy. Did you sleep well?”
    “Of course.” He grinned. “Dreamed about tarpon all night long.”
    “We’re really not going to fish the pass, are we?”
    He gave her a you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me look. “What do you think?”
    “Well, you mentioned tarpon yesterday.” Fishing Boca Grande pass this time of year was like trying to score a fifty-dollar laptop at a Black Friday sale. Crowded, obnoxious, and probably unsuccessful due to the large number of boats.
    “George told me about some reports around Useppa Island, where the fishing’s hot. Don’t worry, sweetheart. I know what I’m doing.”
    She couldn’t argue with that. He definitely knew what he was doing. They had scrapbooks full of pictures of successful fishing trips.
    While she ate breakfast and made them sandwiches to take with them, she thought about Doug. Actually, she wouldn’t be averse to something developing between them. Then again, that wouldn’t be very professional of her. It definitely would keep her father off her case, though.
    Her father behaved himself until later in the afternoon, while they were sitting on the boat and eating their lunch after a morning of hot fishing in the harbor.
    “Gorden and Olivia are driving down tonight. They’ll spend the night and go out with us tomorrow. Maybe I should have him extend an invitation to Doug.” He cast her a sideways glance.
    “Okay, Daddy, seriously, will you please stop?”
    He grinned. “I love yanking your chain like that. But no, seriously, I wouldn’t mind seeing you indulge in a little after-hours association with him. Gorden seems to like him.”
    “Daddy!”
    “Hey, I’m just saying.” He laughed. She didn’t protest too hard, because her father might find it suspicious later if she appeared to retract these protestations about seeing Doug on a social level instead of a strictly professional one.
    “You’ve said more than enough.”
    “Can’t blame a man for trying. Hey, I’ve been pretty good about not harassing you about it today.”
    When Gorden and Olivia arrived later that evening, Harper managed to get Gorden alone for a few brief moments. “Did Daddy pump you for info on Doug?”
    “Yes, and don’t worry, I stuck to the story. I can’t help it if your father is determined