Nothing Breaks Like a Heart (A riveting psychological thriller!) by Barbara Freethy

Author:Barbara Freethy [Freethy, Barbara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fog City Publishing

Chapter Thirteen

The yacht was nothing short of breathtaking. Sleek and gleaming, its hull shimmered in the midday sun, and the faint scent of saltwater mixed with the tang of freshly polished teakwood. At nearly a hundred and fifty feet long, it was a floating palace, complete with multiple decks, a sprawling sun lounge, and gleaming chrome railings. Staff in crisp white uniforms moved with quiet precision, offering champagne flutes and chilled towels to guests who had already arrived.

Andrew and I were the last to board. As we stepped onto the main deck, we were greeted by a hum of chatter and clinking glasses. I scanned the faces quickly, taking in Victor, Paula, Bennett, Colin, and Harper, who were gathered near the bow, along with a handful of others. Allison stood close to Bennett, laughing lightly at something he said, her posture loose, her confidence tangible. I couldn’t help noticing how seamlessly she fit in, as if she’d been part of this circle for years.

Andrew offered Allison a polite nod when she greeted him, but it was perfunctory at best. There was an uneasiness between them. It was subtle enough I doubted anyone else noticed, but I felt it like a thorn beneath my skin.

"Lauren," Victor said warmly as he approached, his smile wide and welcoming. "Good to see you up and about. Andrew told us you weren’t feeling well last night. How are you?"

"I’m doing better. Thanks for asking."

"I can’t believe Sally threw you. She’s one of our gentlest horses."

"She was spooked by something," I replied.

"That was unfortunate," Victor said. "I’m glad you weren’t seriously hurt."

He seemed genuinely upset by the idea of me being injured, which touched me. I knew I was being included in these activities because of the marketing campaign, but his words did make me feel like he saw me as an individual, not just a business associate.

"I'll be fine," I said. "How far out will we be going today?"

"We'll cruise for about an hour and then turn around and come back. It's a little choppy today, but hopefully not too many bumps."

"I'm excited to be out on the water," I said as the yacht moved out of the harbor. "Thank you for inviting us."

"Of course. Why don't you come and meet my friends?" he suggested, leading us over to a spacious sitting area on the top deck, offering an uninterrupted view of the sparkling ocean.

The seating arrangement was elegant but casual, with curved sofas upholstered in soft cream fabric and low glass-topped tables. A silver-haired man in his sixties lounged comfortably with an air of affluence, a tanned arm draped over the back of the couch. Beside him sat a woman at least twenty years his junior, dark-eyed and striking in a turquoise sundress that showed off her toned arms.

"This is David Grimes," Victor said, clapping the man on the shoulder. "And his lovely girlfriend, Kirstie."

"It’s nice to meet you both," I said, sitting down beside Andrew on a small loveseat adjacent to their couch.

Victor and Paula took the armchairs across from us, completing the cozy but carefully staged tableau.

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