Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 128211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 641(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 427(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 641(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 427(@300wpm)
I paused just outside the galley to gather myself, smiling a little at the symphony of sounds coming from within. I could hear the rhythmic chop of a knife against the cutting board, the soft scrape of metal on wood, the faint hiss of something simmering on the stove.
And then, I saw him.
Finn moved through the galley like a gold-medal-winning figure skater — fluid, effortless, completely at home. His hair was damp, unruly from a quick shower and half-hidden beneath the hat he wore backward. He’d already worked his sleeves up to his elbows, exposing forearms I knew too well. I hated that my pulse jumped at the sight of him, that after all this time, all this hurt, my body still reacted like a violin only he could play.
For a moment, I just watched. It was impossible not to — the way he chopped herbs with quick, sure strokes, the way his brow creased in concentration, the way his lips moved silently as he mentally ran through the day’s prep. It was so painfully familiar, like a song I’d forgotten existed but knew all the words to once I heard it play again.
Then, as if sensing me, Finn glanced up — a quick flick of his eyes toward the doorway before he returned to his work.
But a beat later, he froze.
He looked back at me, this time really seeing me, and the shift in his expression sent a bolt of heat through my chest.
I swallowed hard, lifting the plate in a small, uncertain offering, my smile shy and unsure. “I’m surprised you remembered this.”
Finn’s gaze flicked to the pancakes, then back to me.
“Not much I forgot, Firefly.”
My breath caught, heart stuttering in my chest at the quiet honesty in those words. There was no teasing, no armor, just a truth so simple it knocked me off balance.
I shifted my weight to one foot, my grip on the plate tightening. This was dangerous territory — memories like this one were booby-trapped. One wrong step, and the explosion would take us both out.
But instead of poking at it, instead of demanding more or asking him why the hell he’d made these for me after everything that happened, I just nodded.
Apology accepted.
“See you at the preference sheet meeting later?” I asked, my voice lighter than I felt.
This time, Finn’s smile fully broke free, and my stomach flipped at the sight of it. “Let’s just hope these guests don’t want anything high vibrational.”
I snorted, shaking my head as I turned to leave. “Careful, Cheffy. Keep talking like that and you might make me like you again.”
“Wouldn’t want that now, would we?” he tossed back, but his voice was softer than his words.
I escaped before I could get caught up in whatever was hanging between us. That smile, that easy banter… it was confirmation that I’d been right in my assumption about the breakfast being a peace offering. And I’d accepted it.
I had no idea what would happen next.
But I’d never tasted pancakes so sweet.
I ambled into the crew mess later that morning to find Captain Gary housing a handful of Galatine candies.
I cocked a brow. “Breakfast of champions?”
He blinked at me mid-chew, the corners of his mouth stretched with guilt and sugar. “They’re milk-based. Practically health food.”
“Uh-huh. And I suppose the bottle of limoncello in the fridge is just fermented citrus juice?”
“I’m boosting my calcium intake,” he argued, popping another tablet in his mouth like he was doing his bones a favor. “You should be thanking me. I’m trying to avoid breaking a hip on this charter.”
“You’re more likely to choke on one of these than fall on deck,” I said, plucking the candy bag from his hand and holding it just out of reach.
He narrowed his eyes at me, but I could tell he was fighting a smile. “Give those back, Chief Bossy Pants, and no one gets hurt.”
“I outrank you when it comes to snack management.”
“God help me,” he muttered, folding his arms as he leaned back in his seat. “You were less insufferable when you were a second stew.”
“I had less power then. Now I wield it like a saber.”
That earned a laugh, and he shook his head, his expression softening as he watched me take the seat across from him. I set the candy bag on the table but didn’t slide it back.
Then, just as I was about to make another snarky remark, Captain leaned forward, his eyes sincere.
“All jokes aside, I see what you’re doing on this boat, Em.” He arched a brow, making sure I was listening before he continued. “You’ve got a strong team, happy guests, a clean ship, and even with cameras in your face and a contractual agreement to go out every night between charters, you’ve handled yourself like a pro. I’m proud of you.”