Page 66 of The Surrogate Nanny
I tore my eyes away from Simone’s silhouette and focused on the broker…or…at least I tried. The woman was killing me, and I couldn’t help but wonder if her outfit choice was calculated. She wore a white crocheted halter crop top with a matching skirt that stopped mid-thigh and paired her ensemble with white and blue strappy heels.
How nautical of her. Fuck me. I’m a mess. Her skirt inches up just a little every time she walks past, thanks to her generous thighs and ass.
“What are your first impressions of the lovelyJade Mermaid?”
“It’s impressive, Mr. Banks,” I replied, wrapping my arm around Simone, settling my hand on her hip. “It’s bigger than I imagined.”
“I can assure you it’s 112 feet of pure luxury. How about you, Mrs. Powell? I’m eager to hear your thoughts.”
Simone shook her head as she searched for the words. I squeezed her hip encouragingly.
“I-I-this is a lot,” she rushed out.
“I can assure you, Mrs. Powell, that theJade Mermaidis priced to sale.”
“What’s wrong with it?”
“There is nothing wrong with it. Unfortunately, the owner fell on some difficult times and is looking to unload as soon as possible. There are no mechanical issues. The owner provided us with a certificate of inspection proving no major or minor mechanical issues. Our marine technicians completed an inspection and passed theJade Mermaidwith flying colors. How about we go onboard, and I’ll give you a full tour?”
“S-sure.”
She’s going to freak out in three…two…one….
“Anthony, are you sure about this?” Simone hissed as I led her and Nori up the gangway.
“Relax, Simone.”
“Relax? The boat is $4.7 million.”
“And from my research, it’s worth every penny. You’re sticker shocked; I get that, but everything will be fine. If, for some odd and devastating reason, I have to unload the boat, I’d already make my money back and then some because it’s currently priced below value.” Simone opened her mouth to protest until I interrupted. “Plus, I plan on renting the yacht out and charging an arm and a leg for it. I’ll recoup my money in no time.”
“It sounds like you already have your mind made up,” she accused.
“I promise you, Simone. It’s the third most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid eyes on.”
She rolled her eyes. “Let me guess. Nori is first, and I’m second.”
I grinned and bit my bottom lip. “That’s mighty presumptuous of you, Simone. I was going to say Nori and then the Grand Canyon.” She smacked her lips loudly and followed Mr. Banks. “Have you ever seen the Grand Canyon?”
“Leave me alone, Anthony.”
“I’m just joking.”
“Mhm. Just so you know, I’mnotsharing a door with you if the yacht sinks.”
“I love you, too,” I said, kissing her on the corner of her mouth. I confessed in a playful tone, but I meant every syllable. I was deeply in love with Simone Justine Livingston.
We locked eyes, and I leaned in to claim her lips when we were interrupted by Mr. Banks.
“TheJade Mermaidwas built in 1999 by Westport but was refitted in 2014. Westport is continually one of the most sought-after models on the market. Their craftsmanship is superb, and all the fits and finishes are of the highest quality.”
“What is the hull comprised of?”
“It is a combination of composite and fiberglass.”
“And what is it powered by?”
“Twin MTU diesel engines, each producing 1800hp. TheJade Mermaidcan reach top speeds of 24 knots and cruising speeds of 18 knots.”