Page 27 of Perfume Girl

“It was nice,” I blurted out. “I mean, fine.”

“Fantastic yacht,” said Damien. “What kind?”

“One of a kind,” replied Astor. “I had it commissioned because I couldn’t find one that suited all my needs.”

“It’s really big.” I could feel my cheeks burning.

Astor suppressed a smile. “I’m flattered.”

“Is that like a garage on the side?” asked Damien, sounding impressed.

Astor followed his gaze. “I keep my speedboat in there.”

“Two boats for the price of one.” I cringed at my joke.

“Hardly, babe,” said Damien.

Astor didn’t seem to notice my embarrassment. “We forgot the champagne so we’re stopping off to nab some.”

“What an amazing coincidence,” I muttered.

Astor turned to look up at his yacht. “Perfect weather for an outing.”

“Partly cloudy,” said Embry. She couldn’t help herself. “Ten percent precipitation and winds up to nine miles per hour.”

“Humidity forty-nine percent.” Astor seemed to hold her gaze.

Damien swapped a wary glance with me.

Don’t look at me, buddy—I know! This is Beauregard’s thing. All he has to do is stand there and women fall at his feet.

They could take their precipitation and shove it up their—

“Thank you for this, Raquel,” said Damien, pointing to our boat, which looked ridiculous compared to Astor’s. “You always were reasonable,” he added.

“Well, it’s been lovely.” I gave myself kudos for feigned politeness and raised my hand to let them know I was outta here. “Have fun.”

“Really, you’re leaving?” gushed Embry.

My teeth clamped down on my lip in frustration.

“We double-booked with her,” she explained to Astor, tucking a golden lock behind her ear.

Astor was lording over the marina with a sultry stance that reminded me of a young sea captain or a sun-kissed god. I couldn’t stop looking at him, and then I realized he was staring at my T-shirt with a puzzled frown.

SECOND HUSBAND VACANCY

No FUCKWITS need applythis time

“It was a gift,” I told him.

He grinned. It was that same cute smile that had convinced me walking into his stables alone with him was a good idea.

“Raquel has very kindly given us the boat because it’s our day.” Embry followed that up with a grateful smile my way.

Somewhere in the divorce papers it had been mentioned thatMy Fair Ladywould be going to Damien. Maybe today had been my last chance to enjoy her.

I pulled my sunglasses down over my eyes.