Saving Ariel: a Protective Hero, Second Chance Romantic Suspense by Ellie Masters

Author:Ellie Masters [Masters, Ellie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JEM Publishing
Published: 2021-06-21T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Aiden

I decide Duncan outdid himself with dinner. I expect something mediocre, barely palatable. Instead, the man creates a five-star, mouth-watering feast.

Duncan whipped up an amazing treat of shrimp alfredo, Caesar salad, baked potatoes, breadsticks, and even cheesecake for dessert. It isn’t a fancy meal, but far more satisfying than I anticipated.

Andrew and Ariel sit with us, silently clearing their plates. The food is so good, no one is talking.

“I think you’re in the wrong job,” I say to my friend. “We need to change your position to galley cook.”

Duncan snorts. “Like hell. There’s no way I’m cooking for a hundred needy mouths. No one is ever satisfied, and everyone wants it done their way. I don't take requests either. You eat what I make, and that's that.”

“Well, I’m stuffed.” Ariel clears her plate and takes it to the sink in the galley to wash. “I agree with Aiden, that was easily the best meal I’ve had in ages. You may have missed your calling as a chef. It’s a shame the Gulf has stolen you away.”

“Chef’s don’t make half what I make out here, and who says I'm not a culinary wonder during my time on shore?"

"Are you?" I say with a playful wink.

"No,” he says, “maybe I just like the view?”

"Is that why you're here?"

"It's a nice view."

I laugh. We truly have one of the best views on the planet, but I know it’s the money that brings Duncan back year after year.

There aren't many jobs where you can make good money working two out of every four weeks. Granted, those two weeks are back-breaking work, but it makes the time off worth it.

“True,” I grab my plate and clear Duncan’s. “You sit. He who cooks does not clean.”

“Well, ain’t you being a sweetheart and all,” Duncan says. “Looks like someone has you on your good behavior.”

I give Duncan the eye and a sharp shake of my head to silence him. Duncan rolls his eyes. He doesn’t miss a thing.

“You seriously don’t want to go there,” I say in a whisper. “Not unless what you’re going to say is thank you for helping out with the dishes.”

Ariel's flight nurse gives a snort. “Well, I don't work for you, so you can’t tell me to shut up.” Andrew waves his fork toward Ariel. “It’s clear as day what’s happening between you two.”

"Lower your voice, asshole." I glance at Ariel, not sure if she hears, hoping the sound of running water drowns out Andrew’s words. Leaning close, I place the dishes back down on the table. “Look, I don’t want us to have a problem, but you keep your nose out of it and your opinions to yourself. She doesn't need any shit from you.”

“Ain’t no problem.” Andrew doesn’t flinch and leans in, closing the gap. This isn’t a man who backs down from a challenge. He does lower his voice, however. “I'm putting my nose in it if only to tell you this."

"And what would that be?"

"If you fuck with her, if this is just a game to you, know that I will find you and fuck you up.

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