Page 11 of Drift: Willa & Koy
“Likewise,” Koy answered.
“And how are things going in my ill-fated quarters?”
Coen returned his attention to me and I realized he was closer than I found comfortable. Beside me, Koy seemed to notice, too. His eyes dropped to my shoulder, where Coen’s sleeve brushed mine before I took a discreet step backward. There was a lack of distance about Coen that I didn’t like, but I imagined there were plenty of people at each port who found it charming.
“We’re making headway,” I said, “it’ll be good as new in two or three days.”
“Wonderful.”
“I hope it’s not too much of an inconvenience. I know you have to be on your way.”
Coen laughed. “I have exactly nowhere to be. Take your time.”
I studied him, thinking it was an odd thing to say.
“I know poor Dennon likes to keep a schedule, but he’ll manage.”
Poor Dennon. There was that condescension again. I imagined it was difficult for the helmsman to resist the urge to smack Coen on a daily basis.
Speck set down another teapot. He’d chosen one without chips or cracks in it, and I met his eyes for a silent beat in appreciation.
“Why don’t you let me buy you two a drink tonight? A thank-you for your impeccable hospitality.”
“That’s not necess—” Koy started, but I cut him off.
“That’s very kind, thank you.”
Coen shot a look at Koy, clearly amused by the exchange. “Good.” He pulled the pocket watch from his vest. “Should we say about seven?”
“Sure,” Koy managed.
The door to Coen’s inn room squeaked again and when I saw who came out, I had to bite my bottom lip to keep my mouth from falling open. It was Raef. He looked like he’d just rolled out of bed, his shirt off and draped over one shoulder. The muscles in his sculpted arms flexed under the skin as he tied his hair back in a knot at the nape of his neck.
I immediately looked to Koy, who was watching his brother saunter up the dock, headed for the main harbor.
Koy’s gaze slid back to Speck, his annoyance only barely at bay. He’d failed to mention who Coen had eventually found to take to bed with him last night.
“Well, I’d better get started,” I said, breaking the tension. “Ailee will be waiting for me.”
“I’ll walk with you,” Koy said.
Coen took a seat at the counter and we walked shoulder to shoulder toward the main dock that led around the barrier islands to the harbor. Raef was already out of sight.
“I don’t like that guy,” Koy muttered.
“Really?” I laughed. “I couldn’t tell.”
“What the hell is Raef thinking? The crews from the Narrows are one thing, but…” He shook his head. “All we need is a jealous Saltblood on our hands.”
“I hardly think Coen will be jealous of anything. I’m pretty sure he was invitingmeto bed when I met him yesterday.”
Koy stopped walking, forcing me to turn back. He leveled his gaze at me.
“What?” I was laughing again.
“What do you meanhe was inviting you to bed?”
“Not actually inviting me. But there were definitely some insinuations. You know men like that.”