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He stares at me blankly. “I don't know myself.”
I turn to leave.
“Have dinner with us,” he says.
“Thank you, but no. I have friends to call.”
His face hardens. He didn’t like me saying that. I can read him like a book. “Celine thought you were refreshing,” he says, as I open the door.
“I think she’s lovely.” I walk into the hallway, ready to ascend the stairs, longing for the peace and quiet of my room, when Brooke runs towards us.
“Daddy says we’re all going on a trip tomorrow,” she chirps, clearly thrilled by the idea.
A rock lands heavy in my chest. “We’re doing what now?” I glance at Jett, who’s watching me with an unreadable expression.
“We’re going on a big boat! Just the three of us.”
I blink. “I don’t have to come if you’re going with your Daddy.”
Brooke’s face falls. “But I want you to come.”
I force a smile, trying to hide my unease. “Of course. We’ll have so much fun.”
Chapter 21
JETT
It’s clear that Cari doesn’t want to be here.
Part of me doesn’t want her here either, for my own sanity, but I want to make it up to her for being such an ogre. Especially after messing up spectacularly yesterday, falling for Abigail’s story without consulting Cari.
The atmosphere between us seems especially tense as we step onto the yacht, a trip I’ve done countless times. The plan is simple—sail to a private beach, dock, and enjoy a lovely lunch. Brooke’s practically bouncing with excitement in her little swimsuit, though she’s thrown a frilly pink skirt over it for some reason. She wasn’t keen on wearing the life vest, but I insisted.
Then Cari walks aboard, and I realize why.
Brooke’s copied her. Cari’s covered up, with a sarong tied around her waist and a white linen shirt buttoned up to her neck. There are no signs of that hot, sexy number I saw her in the other day. I still haven’t recovered from it.
It’s probably good she’s not wearing that, though it’s hot out here. She’s dressed for anything but a day on a yacht.
“You’ll bake in that.” The words slip out before I can stop them.
Cari doesn’t even flinch. “I’m sure I’ll be fine,” she says coolly, though her expression doesn’t match her words.
“Look, Daddy, I have a skirt too!” Brooke gushes, twirling her little pink skirt with a grin.
“Nice, sweet pea.”
“Yours is prettier.” Cari flashes Brooke a warm smile, but the way she shuts me down with just a glance is ice cold.
I glance back at the horizon and get my phone out, thinking I’ll check a few emails while we’re sailing.
“Daddy! No work today, remember?” Brooke’s voice is sharp with disapproval.
I sigh, putting the phone away. “Just checking a few things, sport.”
“If you’re going to work, I could’ve brought her here without you.” Cari’s voice carries an edge that makes me bristle. It’s dismissive, like I’m just in the way. I don’t like it.
I put the phone away and join them, leaning back against the railing. Brooke’s brought along her beloved elephant, as well as some dolls and coloring books, though she’s now holding up her elephant and a couple of dolls, making them “look” at the sea.