Bait Me Read online

  Devin growled, “Quit if you want. Dock’s right there.”

  “What?”

  “I’m the captain. If you don’t like it, too fucking bad.” Devin turned and headed to the wheelhouse.

  Salvatore leaned toward Gus. “We needed a greenhorn to prep bait.” It was the one part of his job he abhorred.

  “You just don’t wanna do it anymore.” Gus chuckled as he stepped forward. “Nice to finally meet you, Roselyn.”

  She shook his hand and nodded. “I’m bad with names, but I’ll do my best over the next few days.” She tipped her chin at the man beside him. “Salvatore?”

  With a forced smile, he offered his hand. “You can call me Sal.”

  She admired his full beard. “The guys in high school must have been jealous you could grow all that.” She pointed at his face.

  He stroked his beard with his glove. “It takes a few days to come in fully.”

  “Still, not many kids can grow one.”

  His deep brown eyes widened. “Kid? I’m no kid.”

  “I’d peg you for maybe nineteen.”

  “You’re off by nine years.”

  Her eyebrows rose. “Really? You’re twenty-eight and you still throw tantrums?” She winked and turned away from him.

  Two other crew members approached, and she waved. “Nice to meet you guys. I’ll try not to be as hard on you as I am my own crew.” She glanced at each of them. “Who usually cooks? I’m starving.”

  Sal’s eyes lit up at the mention of food. “Um… Felix, the engineer, but he’s in his bunk.”

  “Then we can make it a team building exercise.”

  Devin suddenly called out, “Time to go!”

  She watched the guys scramble to untie the boat from the dock. Normally she assisted in the task, but she wanted to see how they worked together. Although most were organized, Salvatore needed direction. That meant he might be a bit green. She mentally prepared for the possibility. When he came toward her with a coil of line, she cocked an eyebrow.

  “Hey, boss lady! Catch!”

  She stepped back with one foot and leaned forward some to brace herself. Without much effort, she caught the bundle and stuck out her tongue. “Testing me, huh? Hope you can think quick.”

  “Oh shit!” Sal panicked when the coil flew his way. His hands went through the center, but the force knocked him on his ass. Laughter ensued around him. “Fuck you guys!”

  Annoyed, Roselyn kicked his boot. “Last time you fuck with me, bitch! I’m the boss here and don’t you forget it.”

  Heat rose up Sal’s neck when she grabbed his hand and helped him up. He cleared his throat and swallowed his pride. “Sorry, it’s not easy taking orders from a woman.”

  “And why is that?” She stared at him, waiting for an response. The silence allowed her to notice he towered eight inches over her. I’m not gonna let him use that height on me! “No answer?”

  Sal shrank back some. Then he caught Gus’ shocked expression. Tell me I didn’t screw myself over. “Well… I’ve never worked for one. Maybe I’m… Guess I assumed you’d be a man… Since you’re not, I figured you have something to prove.”

  “I’ve been doing this all my life. I just do my job.”

  “OK.” He nodded as he collected the line. “I’m very sorry. It won’t happen again.”

  “It better not.” When the boat was underway, she scanned the deck. “Are we all set out here?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Gus replied.

  Roselyn fought her disgust for the title. “Let’s get inside.” She shed her outerwear, found her way to the galley and checked the refrigerator for meat. “How about cheeseburger casserole?”

  “Awesome.” Gus stood next to the refrigerator. “What do you need?”

  “A frying pan with a lid, cutting boards, knives and a can opener.” She laid all the ingredients in the sink to keep them from sliding off the counter. “I need someone to chop.” She scrutinized the men in the room. “Sal, you take the onions and… you… take the peppers.”

  The crewman in question nodded. “Sure thing, ma’am. They call me Junior by the way.”

  “OK, thanks, Junior.”

  Sal sat at the table and accepted his task with a scowl. This bitch thinks she can come here and take over? Fuck that.

  “Watch that expression, Sal.” Roselyn gave him the glare she learned from her father. “I’m not someone you wanna fuck with.” She pushed up her sleeves and tossed ground beef into the frying pan. “The sooner the better, guys.” She tapped the cans of tomato sauce. “Gus, can you open these?” Her gaze shifted to the table. “Sal, unless you like to bite into giant chunks of onion, I’d make those smaller.”

  Sal stared at the table and gripped the knife tighter. Devin said he’d let me try the damn hook again. What the fuck? In defiance, he looked up. Whoa! His eyes focused on her colorful sleeves, then swept over the blue hair that fell in front of her face at times. Damn.

  “Dude, start chopping.” Gus bumped Sal’s arm. “We’re all hungry.”

  Sal shrugged. “Bet she’s a lesbian.”

  “Why would that matter?” Gus didn’t get it.

  “You see her tats and her attitude.”

  “That doesn’t mean she likes chicks. It means she’s badass. You never dated a woman like that?”

  Sal chewed on his cheek. “Not really. They’re not my type. Why’d Devin hire her? We need a guy who can carry his weight. Not a dainty chick.”

  “You know she’s Rick Jensen’s daughter, right?” Gus cocked an eyebrow.

  “Uh, no.”

  “Better watch your step. You fuck with her and you gotta deal with him and her brothers.”

  Junior leaned over and whispered, “I’m more scared of her than them.”

  Sal swallowed hard. He’d met the captain of the Highlander a few times. The man oozed confidence and fury. “At least we’re only stuck with her for a week or so.” He jumped when she cleared her throat. Fuck!

  Roselyn approached the table with the frying pan. “You guys about done?” She checked their progress and sighed. “Like this.” She snatched Sal’s knife and demonstrated the way to cut onions. “If they’re this small, they blend in with everything else. Make sense?”

  “Yeah.” Sal held out a hand for his knife. “No one ever taught me how to cook.”

  “If you’re willing to learn, I can teach.”

  Felix stomped into the room. “Who’s messing with my kitchen?” His gaze fell on Roselyn. “Tell me that’s not Rick’s little girl all grown up!” He shoved one of the guys out of the way and embraced her. “I’m so glad your dad agreed to let you join us. I remember when you were knee high trying to drive his boat. That man loves you to death.”

  “Good to see you too.” She smiled when he hugged her again. “It’s been a few years. I’m just teaching these boys how to make cheeseburger casserole.”

  “You putting biscuits on it?” Felix licked his lips.

  She winked. “Of course. We need our carbs.”

  Sal tried to cut the onion evenly as his stomach growled. “I’m ready to eat.”

  Roselyn leaned over the table. “Soon enough. You take direction well. That’s perfect.”

  His head lifted, and their eyes met. Is it me or is she hot? Uh-uh. Not messing with a chick like that. The tattoo of purple ribbon on her right hand made him squint. The words “Break the Silence” piqued his curiosity. Stay away from her, man! He swallowed hard and returned to his task.

  “OK, guys. Toss all that in the pan.” Roselyn stirred the onions and peppers into the beef. “See how easy cooking can be?”

  Felix followed her to the stove as she added ingredients. “Can I do anything to help?”

  “Nope, you sit.” She patted his arm. “It’s your turn to rest.”

  “As long as nothing breaks down, I’m golden.” Felix sat at the edge of the bench nearby.

  Roselyn stirred the mixture until it seemed done, then set the frying pan, shredded cheese
and a baking dish on the table. “This is simple, guys: meat, cheese, meat, cheese. The biscuits go on top.” The men at the table did as told. “Looks great!”

  When she turned away, Sal watched her until Gus poked him. “What?”

  “You got a crush,” Gus whispered. “Tread lightly, man.”

  “Don’t worry. She’s not my type.” Sal peeked at her through his lashes. “I like long hair.”

  Gus huffed. “Yeah, keep telling yourself that.”

  “Whatever, I’m gonna hit the head.”

  With his hood up, Sal left the room and strode down the hall. As he used the facilities, he stared at the wall. Roselyn affected him in a confusing way. She’s not interested, so there’s nothing to worry about. As he zipped up, the door opened.

  “I’m so sorry!” Roselyn’s eyes flicked down and became disappointed she’d missed his pants open. “The door wasn’t locked.”

  “We never had a need before.” He sensed her stare and lifted his gaze. Mesmerized by her green eyes, he froze. Why am I attracted to her?

  She felt the same pull. What is it about him? She stepped closer, and he tensed. Do I like intimidating him? His breath tickled her ear, and she shivered. OK, not that!

  “Hey, so… I need to take a leak.” She touched his arm, then the boat lurched. “Shit!”

  Without a thought, he hugged her while they fell into the room. His ass hit the sink, and he winced. “You all right?”

  “Yep. Thanks for breaking my fall.” She gripped his shirt as she tried to right herself. “This is bit awkward.”

  “Could be worse.” His hands slid to her waist as he helped her to her feet. When his fingers caught skin, his cock twitched. Traitor!

  “Watch the hands.” She pushed off him and shuffled against the wall. “Can you go? I still need to use that toilet.”

  He nodded and grabbed the doorway. “Sorry. You’re not hurt?”

  “I don’t break easy. Don’t you worry.”

  When she closed the door, she sighed. How the hell does that annoying man turn me on? She made a point to never fraternize on boats, only on shore. Don’t care how long this trip takes, I’m not giving in.

  Sal berated himself as he walked back to the mess area. Way to be smooth, man! He glanced at Felix near the stove, then at Gus. “What’d I miss?”

  “Only everything trying to fly off the table.” Felix leaned on a wall. “Hope the casserole is still in the pan.”

  Gus smirked when Sal took a seat. “She has your balls twisted in a bunch. What happened?”

  “Nothing.” Sal hoped she didn’t accuse him of coping a feel. “Just hungry.”

  Felix checked the timer as footsteps approached. “You have perfect timing.” The buzzer went off, and he pulled the pan out of the oven. “It’s a bit lopsided, but not as bad as I expected.”

  Roselyn accepted a bowl of food and sat in an empty spot. “Enjoy, guys.” She watched the ravenous men snatch dishes as well. “See what a team can do.”

  “Holy shit! This is good.” Gus gobbled several forkfuls. “You can make this any time.”

  “You mean we can.” Roselyn winked.

  Felix chuckled. “You know what this means, boys?”

  “No,” Sal replied with his mouth full. “What?”

  “You can cook too.” Felix lifted his fork. “Now that you know how to make this. We got plenty of beef, cheese and onions onboard.”

  As soon as Roselyn finished her meal, she jumped up and filled another dish.

  Upstairs, Devin groaned with hunger. “What’s that smell?”

  “Your dinner.” Roselyn stepped into the wheelhouse with a large bowl of food. “We made it together.”

  “Really?” Devin accepted it with a grin. “Damn, this looks good. So the boys are handling the fact that you’re a woman?”

  She chuckled. “Like they have a choice.”

  “I knew you’d have no trouble with them.” Devin shoveled a forkful of casserole into his mouth. “Holy shit! Even better than it smells.” He glanced up when he realized she hadn’t left. “Something up?”

  “I’m curious where you set your pots.”

  He nodded at the plotter. “I stuck to the southern grounds. Last year we had engine failure up north, and it was a nightmare.”

  “OK, good. So, we’ll be there in a few hours?”

  “About six or seven. Speaking of which, can you send Gus up here? I’d like to get in a nap. He knows this boat inside and out.”

  Roselyn nodded. “Sure thing. We’ll take care of things while you sleep.” She headed downstairs to find Gus and Felix alone. “Gus, Captain wants to take a nap. You’re on wheel watch. I’m hitting the sack. Wake me if you need anything.”

  A few feet down the hall, she opened the door to her assigned bunk. Her eyes widened at the sight of Sal’s bare ass. Without turning, he yanked his shirt off and donned a clean one. She couldn’t tear her gaze away from his sexy cheeks. Does he do squats all day long?

  Sal heard a creak and waved a hand. “One sec.” He stepped into a pair of shorts and spun around. “You taking-” He stared at Roselyn. “Uh… had no idea you’d be in here. Gus said he’d take Nick’s bunk.”

  “Didn’t mean to catch you off guard.” But so glad I did. Her gaze drifted to his crotch, hoping for a peek at his package. When she found no outline, she scanned his visible tattoos over his olive skin. Very nice. “Devin assigned me Nick’s bunk. Hope you don’t mind me sleeping with you.”

  His breath caught. “Um… it’s… fine.” He imagined her joining him in his bunk, and his cock began to swell. That’s not happening.

  She dropped her pants, revealing a pair of bike shorts. “I’m a quiet sleeper, so nothing to worry about.”

  I’m more worried about wet dreams, baby. He cleared his throat. “Cool, g’night.” To hide his arousal, he jumped up to his bunk and slid beneath the blanket. An ache in his groin made him scowl. Damn it! He pulled his waistband out and glanced at his partial erection. Just cause she’s a chick doesn’t mean you should get so excited. Time to sleep and forget about her!

  ☆¸.•*¨*★☆ * ☆★*¨*•.¸☆

  “First pot coming up!”

  Roselyn’s gaze shifted from the wheelhouse to the water on the starboard side. She spotted the buoys, tossed the grappling hook past them and reeled the rope in some. With a smirk, she threw the line into block. She rarely missed.

  “I can do that,” Sal muttered. He ignored the fact that he’d failed many times.

  Gus shook his head. “Will you stop complaining.”

  Roselyn paid them no mind and readied the crane hook. When she had the pot connected, she hurried back to the controls and lifted the pot. She winced when it slammed into the side of the boat. The piece of machinery might be similar to the Highlander, but the sensitivity wasn’t. I’ll get used to it. Cheers around her gave the impression they hadn’t had full pots that season.

  “I’m gonna guess three hundred.”

  Gus looked at her sideways. “Sounds about right. The last string was less than a hundred a pot. This is so much better.”

  When the crab fell onto the sorting table, Sal pointed to a group. “We have females.”

  “All of them?” Roselyn hurried over and inspected the load. “Not too many. This happens sometimes. We just throw ’em back. But be careful not to break the legs or backs. Otherwise we’ll have less crab next year.”

  Sal rolled his eyes. “I know how to sort.”

  “From what I’ve seen, you have a lot to learn. If you’d stop being an ass, I’d teach you the tricks my father and brothers did. They’re legends.”

  “Yeah, they are.” Sal took a deep breath to let go of the odd emotions she brought on.

  Roselyn counted the good crab as they slid into the hold. After that, she held up her fingers to give the count. “Three, Two, Zero!”

  “Awesome.” Gus’ fist rose in the air.

  Devin shouted over the intercom, “Set ’em back!”

>   Sal hurried across the deck to grab more bait. Since he’d only been crab fishing for four years, everyone outranked him. Although he hated the job, he did it well. He hopped into the pot and hooked on the bait.

  “Damn, you’re fast.” Roselyn hustled to the hydraulics and waited for the guys to finish up. “Get clear, guys!” Once the lines and buoys were over the rail, she nodded at Sal. “You wanna try the next one?”

  Sal scrutinized her. “Are you serious?”

  “Yes.” She handed him the hook. “If you miss, you buy me a drink when we get to town.”

  “That’s not happening.”

  “Fine, you owe me fifty then.”

  He took a deep breath to calm his nerves. “You’re on.” When he saw the bags, he tossed the hook. It arced high, but fell short. He reeled it back in and tried again. “Fuck!” He yanked the line back in with a growl.

  Roselyn grabbed the hook from him and threw it just before they passed the buoys. “Anything you can do I can do bleeding.” She smirked when the hook caught the line.

  Devin called out over the PA system, “And that’s why she’s throwing the hook! You’re lucky I didn’t have to go back for that one!”

  Pissed off, Sal paced. “Why the fuck does she keep making me look bad?”

  “She’s not trying to.” Gus slapped him on the back. “Four years is nothing compared to a lifetime of crabbing. Bet she’s been on boats since she’s like five. All of the Jensen clan would show us up.”

  “Probably.” Sal didn’t want her to. “Maybe Nick’ll teach me how to throw it next season.”

  Gus shook his head. “Ros’ll help you if you let her.”

  “We got riders!” one of the other crewmen shouted.

  “Woo hoo!” Gus’ fist shot into the air. “Damn, that has to be in the four hundreds! We hit the motherload!”

  Roselyn glanced at Gus. “Four fifty?

  “Four seventy-five.”

  She snickered. “Twenty bucks says it doesn’t go over four sixty.”

  “You’re on.”

  Sal scanned the pot and didn’t understand how they knew how much it held. “What’s the biggest pot you’ve seen?”

  Gus shrugged. “I seen six hundred once.”

  Roselyn removed riders from the sides and top of the pot. “My dad told me, years ago they had a string of like seven hundred in every pot. That’s crazy.”