Rough Waters

By JL Paul

The whole situation was crazy.
Impossible.
He was her childhood friend’s older brother.
But she couldn’t help herself, even though she swore the next time he knocked on her door she’d turn him away.
That never happened. Somehow, they always wound up in bed.
And they didn’t even like each other!
Sunny had come back to her beloved Alaska to start anew. She’d never intended to get mixed up with her friend Noah’s older brother. But Eli Sloane was sexy and every time he was near her, her body sizzled.
Instead of the quiet life she’d wanted in Eagle Harbor, she’s suddenly mixed up in the mystery surrounding her father’s former crab boat and tangled up in a hot, secret affair with Eli.
Crazy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JL Paul
• Release date: Aug 16, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465701893

JL Paul

I've been writing for years mostly as a hobby. I read constantly, although I'm pretty particular about what I read. I do not have a website for my work yet (yeah, I know, what is wrong with me, right?) but once I do, I'll post the link here.

Book preview

Rough Waters

JL Paul

Copyright © 2010 JL Paul

Re-edited, reprinted, released 2014

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved worldwide.

No part of this ebook may be copied or sold or distributed or posted to any website without prior written permission by the author -- if you have this file (or a printout) and didn't pay for it, you are depriving the author and publisher of their rightful royalties.

All characters in this book are entirely imaginary and any resemblance to persons living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental.

This story is pure fiction - just a product of my mind. I am no expert on crab fishing or crab boat engines. I do not know if mechanic logs actually exist. I have taken liberty with these things for the purpose of the story and have not consulted any experts. Any errors are absolutely mine.

Prologue

Elisabeth Sunny Lerner swept the drab drapes to the sides, gasping at the beautiful view of the harbor. Beyond the harbor, the Bering Sea stretched across the horizon, twinkling in the late September sun. The apartment was small, functional, and reasonably priced, but the view was well worth it. She fought the urge to stare out the window – her luggage was demanding her attention. She ripped her eyes from the view with the consolatory thought that she would wake up every morning to that scene outside her window.

She sighed, smile slipping across her face. It was absolutely liberating to be home again.

She turned her back on the view and placed her hands on her hips as she surveyed the studio apartment. There wasn’t much to it, really – a combination living room/kitchenette with a door leading to what she presumed was a bathroom. Two three-tiered screens blocked off a corner near the window and when she peeked around them, she found a narrow bed with a nightstand and a lamp. The décor was just as bland as the drapes in dull browns and yellows.

It didn’t particularly bother her as she wasn’t much for frills. At least it was furnished with the basics and she could always spruce it up with whatever she wanted – pictures, art, cheap vases from a secondhand store. Whatever. It didn’t matter because it was hers and hers alone.

Freedom was just as liberating as being home again.

She dragged her bags to the low, long dresser that doubled as a stand for the television and started unpacking. Whatever she didn’t want to shove in a drawer would hang in the closet along with her coat.

Once that task was finished, she headed into the small bathroom – this room at least decorated in bright blues – to freshen up for her appointment.

After she changed, she put on her coat and tramped down the stairs to the sidewalk. Her cute little studio apartment was located on top of a garage that was connected to a handsome house belonging to her beloved godfather, Jim Candal. Jim also owned and operated a very popular tavern in town, the Ice Breaker.

She walked the six blocks toward the Ice Breaker which was located near the harbor. The sturdy little tavern was the favorite watering hole of numerous fishermen and crab boat crews. Her godfather had made a small fortune on the place even though you’d never be able to tell by looking at it.

The Ice Breaker was a neat brick building with large windows and plenty of neon signs nestled comfortably on a corner. The inside was clean and orderly with a long bar stretched across one wall and six booths on the other. Ten round tables took up the space in between and on the back wall were three doors; the kitchen entrance and the restrooms. Two dart boards and a juke box had been squeezed between the kitchen door and the men’s room.

Sunny pushed open the front door, blinking several times to adjust to the low lighting. Several gentlemen seated at the bar turned to glance curiously at her but one man released a shout of joy.

My, my, my! Look, fellas – it’s my Sunny girl, finally come home!

A grin spread across Sunny’s face as she met Jim Candal halfway with a tight hug.

Heya, Jim! she greeted warmly. Thanks for having me.

Oh, Sunny girl, I’ve missed you so much, Jim said. He kissed the top of her blonde head and then pushed her back to stare at her. You look so much like your mama but I can see your daddy’s fire in your eyes.

Sunny smiled, ecstatic to be in this world again. She’d always adored Jim as he’d spoiled her constantly as a child, often bringing her candy and little gifts.

Did you just get in? he asked as he ushered her to a seat at the bar. He motioned for a woman to bring them two soft drinks.

Yes, she said. I’ve taken my things to the apartment. Thanks for that, too.

He covered her hand with his. You know that you could stay in the house with me and Gayle if you’d rather.

She shook her head, smiling her thanks at the girl who delivered the drinks. No, the apartment is perfect. I like having my own place.

Jim nodded. Gayle said as much, too. She said that you’d probably prefer to have some privacy. We were just lucky that the apartment wasn’t rented.

I know, she said. Are you sure that you have a position for me here?

Yes, he said with a grin. Yes. With the new processing plant opening up in town, lots of folks are getting work there. One of my bartenders left two weeks ago to take a position in the plant. He worked the night shift, though, and that’s what I’ll need you to do.

That’s fine, she said. I’m not too picky at this time.

They discussed wages and hours while patrons streamed in and out of the tavern. Jim introduced her to everyone who came in, explaining that she was his new hire. Several people remembered her from when she was a child living in Eagle Harbor, Alaska with her family. She enjoyed seeing people from her past, but as the day drew to evening, she quickly caught on to some rather cold greetings. She couldn’t understand why some of the people she’d known as a child would treat her with such frostiness. She didn’t ask Jim, though, as she hadn’t wanted to look like an oversensitive idiot if she was the only to have noticed.

After dining on a pub burger and fries, she walked with Jim back to the house. She thanked him again before bidding him a good night. She jogged up the steps to her new home, wanting only to soak in the tiny tub before bed. As she relaxed in the scented bubbles, she wondered again about the strange reception she’d seemed to have received at the tavern. Certainly no one blamed her for the accident all those years ago – she’d just been a child.

She sank further into the bubbles and closed her eyes, trying to force her mind to empty. She eventually drained the tub and climbed into bed.

But the thought wouldn’t leave her head.

***

Yes! Noah Sloane exclaimed as he jumped off the boat, landing neatly on the dock. He gave his older brother a playful shove. Let’s go to the Ice Breaker, man. We can grab a couple beers before we head home.

Elias Sloane snorted as a smirk toyed with his lips. Sure, you say a couple of beers now but you know you’ll end up sitting down there all night, playing darts and flirting with Mef.

I will not, Noah said. I have a girlfriend, remember?

Aren’t you going to see her tonight? Eli asked.

No, Noah said. I’ll see her tomorrow.

Eli nodded as he yawned and zipped up his jacket. His right shoulder ached but he figured a hot shower would chase away the pain. A couple beers would probably help. It seemed as though he’d been cod fishing for years instead of weeks.

What do you say? Noah prodded.

Sure, why not, Eli said as he pulled a crumpled pack of cigarettes from his pocket and lit one. Might as well.

Noah grinned as he stopped before the brick building to open the door. Cigarette smoke hung in the air above the full tables. Music poured from the speakers as two waitresses shuffled through the crowd, delivering drinks and taking orders.

I see Teddy and Big Ed, Noah said, pointing to a table near the back.

The brothers moved through the bar effortlessly, reaching their destination with ease. They took a seat at a table covered with pitchers of beer and empty glasses.

It’s about time you boys got here, Big Ed said as he poured them each a glass. Your dad kept you long enough.

Tell me about it, Noah grumbled.

Oh, quit whining and suck it up, Eli said. Dad’s right – you need to learn about responsibility.

You sure sound old for someone who is only twenty-three, Noah said.

And you cry a lot for someone who’s twenty-one, Eli said with a grin. He snubbed his cigarette out so he could rub the top of his brother’s head. Chill out and enjoy yourself while you can. The real work starts next week.

Teddy pointed at the bar, cigarette clenched between his fingers. Who’s the new chick working with Mef?

Both brothers twisted in their chairs, craning their necks for a look at the new girl. Eli finally spotted her - a petite girl wearing an Ice Breaker t-shirt, standing near the bar, tray in hand. Her blonde ponytail fell down her back and as his eyes followed it, he couldn’t help but notice how well her worn jeans fit her.

No clue, Eli said as he turned his gaze away from the girl. He picked up his glass. We haven’t been around much lately, remember?

Teddy shrugged as he watched the girl maneuver through the tables, dropping off drinks. When she lifted her head to blow at the hair hanging in her face, Teddy gleefully waved her to their table.

Do you boys need a refill? the girl asked as she eyed the half-full pitchers in front of them.

Not yet, Teddy said as he flashed a boyish smile. Just wondering who you are, darling. We’ve never seen you around before.

She rolled her eyes as she clutched her empty tray with both hands, dangling it in front of her legs. I’ve just come back to town. I’m Sunny.

Noah’s brows crunched together momentarily as his head snapped and his entire face lit up. He pointed at her excitedly. No way! Sunny! Is that really you?

Sunny’s green eyes touched Noah as a slow smile spread across her face. I thought you looked familiar. Noah, how are you?

Great, Noah said, standing to pull her into a hug. He pointed over his shoulder. You remember my brother, Eli.

Eli watched as Sunny’s relaxed shoulders suddenly tensed. He didn’t have to drudge up her name - he remembered with vivid clarity exactly who she was.

I remember, she said in a tight, firm voice. Um, if you boys don’t need anything right now, I need to get back to work.

Sure, Noah said as confusion clouded his eyes.

Eli watched her scurry away, anger churning his guts. I never thought she’d come back to Eagle Harbor.

Who is she? Teddy asked.

Sunny Lerner, Eli said as he downed his beer and poured another one. Her father, Jason Lerner, was the captain of the Mystique.

Oh, Teddy said as understanding flooded his face. Gotcha.

Big Ed nursed his beer, his eyes following Sunny as she hurried from table to table. I wonder why she came back. I know her mother couldn’t wait to get out of here. Jason wasn’t in the ground a month yet when she was packing up her kids and flying them out of here.

No idea, Eli said as he ignored the girl. Don’t care, either.

But that was far from the truth. He’d find out what brought the girl back and if she was up to something. The tragic demise of the Mystique and everyone on board hit the little town hard all those years ago. No one around wanted any reminders of that dark, bleak time and the men who were lost – the families that were ripped apart.

Eli looked toward the bar in time to catch a hard glance from Sunny. He held her gaze as he vowed to figure out what she was up to and to stop her doing anything that would bring pain to the little town – especially to his mother.

Chapter One

Sunny reached across a table, wiping down every corner and fighting the temptation to rest her head for just a few minutes. She’d been working nonstop since she started her new job, anxious to learn the ropes. Margaret Elaine Foster, or Mef as her friends called her, had been only too happy to train her. She had a fairly easy-going personality that had been stretched to its limits due to the lack of help.

You make my life so much easier, Mef said with a yawn. Amanda hates cleaning tables.

Sunny rolled her eyes. As much as she liked Mef, she disliked Amanda just as much. Mef was in her mid twenties, not much taller than Sunny, with frizzy red hair that she kept fastened behind her head in a ponytail. She wasn’t overweight, per se, but she did carry a few extra pounds. And everyone loved her.

Amanda, on the other hand, was a bit younger than Mef, not to mention taller, leggier, and prettier. She attended day classes at the community college in the neighboring town of Unity Ridge and tended bar at night. She did her best to keep her nails and clothing immaculate – even if that meant balking at the dirty work.

Mef had complained several times to Jim about Amanda’s lackadaisical attitude and poor work ethic but Jim kept the other girl on staff, much to Mef’s dismay.

She refuses to wash a single dish, Mef continued. Unless she absolutely has to.

Sunny frowned as she straightened. She rested a hip against the table, rag dangling from her fingers. So, why doesn’t Jim do anything about it? I’d think he’d can her in favor of someone who wants to work.

Mef snorted. Fat chance of that happening.

Sunny considered that for a moment, making a mental note to ask Jim about it. Maybe there was a reason – maybe he’d hired Amanda as a favor to someone. Maybe she had financial issues and Jim felt sorry for her. Whatever the reason, it probably wasn’t Sunny’s business – and she probably shouldn’t bug Jim about it.

Shrugging, Sunny wiped down the chairs, sending silent messages to the clock to hurry toward eleven – the appointed weekday closing hour.

I am so tired, Mef yawned. I just want to go home and curl up on the couch with a chick flick and a bowl of popcorn.

Do you know what you need? Sunny asked, quirking a brow.

No, and I don’t think I want to know, Mef frowned. I’m beginning to understand how your mind works and it frightens me.

A dastardly grin sprawled across Sunny’s face. Now, come on. I’m not that bad.

Ha, Mef said. For the past three days you’ve given me plenty of suggestions as to what to do about Amanda and I don’t think a single one of them was legal.

Sunny fought a smile. You didn’t object to any of them.

Jabbing a finger in Sunny’s direction, Mef narrowed her eyes. But I didn’t agree to do any of them, either.

Sunny lifted her brows and painted an innocent smile on her lips. Come on, Mef – you know that I would never suggest you do anything bad, don’t you?

Well, if you’re so angelic, then tell me what I need, Mef relented.

You need a bubble bath, Sunny simply said.

Um hm, Mef said with doubt lurking in her voice. And what else?

Does there have to be something else? Sunny asked.

With you – of course there does, Mef said.

A toothy smile broke out on Sunny’s face. Okay so maybe a couple of things to go with that bubble bath. She strolled to the next table to begin wiping it down, waiting for Mef to take the bait. It worked.

What things? Mef asked not without a perk of interest.

Sunny lifted a shoulder, turning her back on Mef to hide a smile. Oh, maybe some candles. A bottle of wine. A hot, sexy man…

Now you’re reaching, Mef said.

Spinning on her heel to face Mef, Sunny rested against the table. What woman doesn’t need a great roll in the hay once in awhile – especially to relieve stress?

Groaning, Mef lobbed a wadded up dishcloth at Sunny, missing her completely. Laughing, Sunny bent to pick up the rag as the door opened, allowing cool air to sweep through the room.

You ain’t closing already, are you Mef? asked a familiar voice.

Straightening, Sunny beamed as Noah took a seat at the bar, his brother beside him.

Hey, Noah, Sunny said as she carried the dishcloths behind the bar. Mef tipped two glasses under the taps before sliding them in front of the brothers. Sunny stood before them, happy to see her former childhood friend. What are you two doing out so late?

We were working on the boat with Dad, Noah said.

Eli didn’t speak, just lifted his glass to his lips. Sunny avoided looking at him, preferring to keep her eyes on Noah. Obviously, Eli had some sort of grudge against her, but what, she didn’t know.

Mef slumped against the bar, fighting a yawn.

Get out of here, Sunny told her. Just about everything is done. I can close up by myself.

Are you sure? Mef asked.

Yep. Go, Sunny ordered.

Glaring at the brothers, Mef pointed a finger in their direction as she backed out from behind the bar and headed toward the kitchen. You have one hour and then you need to get out of here. Don’t make this poor girl stay open past eleven.

No problem, Noah laughed as he tugged his cell phone out of his pocket.

Don’t worry about it, Eli said in a gruff tone. We have no intentions of staying late.

Eli’s voice was deeper than she remembered – of course he’d emerged from the puberty stage in her absence. He’d matured, too, and rather well. His dark hair was even darker and his smoky gray eyes smokier. He wasn’t as tall as his little brother, but she could tell he had a nice build under the long-sleeved t-shirt he wore. Working on his father’s crab boat kept him in wonderful shape.

She’d had a secret crush on him that last year before her mother had moved them even though his favorite pastime back then had been to tease her mercilessly. He’d sing stupid songs about her and Noah kissing in trees, making her angry enough to hit him.

Maybe that was it, she thought as she glanced at Eli out of the corner of her eye. Maybe he was still mad that she’d punched him once when she was eleven. But he’d asked for it and it wasn’t like any of his friends had been around to see it – just Noah.

She wanted to slap him upside his head now and shout at him to grow up, but she had a feeling that his grudge went much deeper. She just couldn’t figure out what that could possibly be.

After finishing a text, Noah slid his phone on the bar. He folded his hands next to his phone and smiled. So, what have you been up to lately?

Nothing, Sunny replied, amused at his simple yet comical question. Just working and settling in, that’s pretty much all.

Noah rolled his eyes as a smile lurked in the corners of his mouth. I mean, before you came back.

Before she could answer, Mef strolled back into the room; coat zipped to her chin, purse over her shoulder. I’m out of here, Sunny. Thanks again.

No problem, Sunny said. I’ll see you tomorrow.

Make sure to kick these guys out at eleven sharp no matter what they say, Mef called over her shoulder.

We won’t keep you all night, Noah said. Don’t worry.

I’m not, Sunny assured him.

So, why are you here? Eli asked in a low voice.

She turned her head toward him but his eyes were focused on his glass. I wanted to come home.

He slowly lifted his eyes, tilting his head. His expression was dark, his brows furrowed. To do what?

What do you mean? Noah asked as he slipped off the stool.

I mean what did she come here to do, Eli said. He finished his beer and slid his glass toward Sunny. He quirked a brow at her. So – why are you here?

She tucked his glass under the tapper, cocking it slightly, and poured another beer. She kept her eyes on her work as she answered. I don’t have any sort of hidden agenda so stop with the tough guy act.

Beer slopped over the side of the glass, oozing over her fingers. Yanking the glass away, she shot it back to Eli before grabbing a towel and drying her hand.

I’m not trying to be a tough guy, Eli said, his tone still low and dangerous. I’m asking a valid question. I want to know what purpose you have of returning here.

She leaned over the bar, shoving her face close to his. I have no purpose. I came back here because this is my home. I hated it in Indiana. I missed Eagle Harbor. That’s the end of the story.

Eli didn’t back down. His eyes practically glowed in the dim lighting. Are you sure? Are you sure you didn’t come here to start some shit over your father’s accident?

Damn it, Eli, Noah groaned. What is your problem?

I have no problem, Eli said, straightening to glare at his brother. I have no problem as long as she doesn’t stir things up.

I’m not stirring anything up, Sunny growled as her fingers curled over the edge of the bar. Her knees bent slightly in anticipation as her temper urged her to jump over and knock Elias Sloane to the ground.

No, not yet, Eli said as he turned his glare on her. But as soon as you start talking about the Mystique, you’ll get people all riled up and hurting again.

A sarcastic smile graced her face as she barked out a laugh. Yeah, because that’s exactly the sort of thing I’d do. She shook her head in disbelief. You’re an asshole, did you know?

So you’d like me to believe, he said.

Eli, just stop, Noah pleaded.

No, it’s okay, Noah, Sunny said as she stared at Eli, refusing to back down. Let him have his say.

Damn right I’ll have my say, Eli said. He stood, too, and even though a plank of wood separated them, he still towered over her. You come back here expecting everyone to be so happy to see you but all you are is a reminder of the accident.

News flash dickhead, she hissed through her clenched teeth. I wasn’t on the boat when it went down. It wasn’t my fault.

No but it certainly was your father’s, Eli said.

A curtain of red covered her brain as she lunged over the bar, wanting only to catch hold of him so she could claw him or punch him or … something. Anything.

That’s enough! Noah shouted, startling them to their senses. Stop it!

Sunny inhaled deeply as she backed away from the bar. She released her breath and closed her eyes. Yes, you’re right, Noah.

Eli jerked his wallet out of his back pocket. He dug some bills out of it and tossed them on the bar. I’ll see you at home.

He strode out of the bar leaving Sunny to gap after him.

Noah ran his fingers through his scruffy hair. I’m sorry, Sunny. I don’t know what his problem is.

It’s all right, she said, her heart finally slowing. I should have known people would feel that way. I just never thought of it before.

That’s ridiculous, Noah said. People don’t think you’re responsible for the Mystique.

She lifted a shoulder as she dumped the remaining drops of beer from Eli’s glass into the sink. She bit her lip and looked up at Noah. I’m not so sure about that.

Seriously? Noah asked.

I don’t know, Sunny said as she slumped against the bar. I think I’m just paranoid.

How’s that? Noah asked. His phone beeped and he quickly glanced at it. He held up a finger while he typed a message with his other hand. Sorry. My girlfriend is away at school. She texts me when she’s not busy.

I understand, Sunny said.

So, are people bugging you about the Mystique? Noah asked as he set his phone on the bar.

Nah, Sunny said, rubbing down the bar with a rag. I’ve received my fair share of weird looks and I thought perhaps it had something to do with my father.

Noah pulled a face. Or maybe people don’t recognize you. Maybe they think you’re a stranger.

Could be, she said as she paused to consider his point. I hadn’t really thought a whole lot about that, either.

Slapping the bar with his free hand, he grinned. See? Just like I used to tell you back in school – I am smarter than you.

Ha! Sunny barked. You’re nowhere near smarter than me – you were always the teacher’s pet. A suck up.

He grinned. Whatever you say, Sunny. But you know that your marks probably would have been as high as mine if you would have paid a little more attention and stayed out of the principal’s office.

She rolled her eyes, her lips curling into a smirk. How boring.

Noah laughed. I’ll see you later, Sunny. I need to head home to bed.

Okay, she said as she followed him to the door. Come back soon – it’s cool hanging out with you again.

Smiling, he nodded and walked out the door. She locked it behind him, her mood a little lighter. She hadn’t realized just how much she’d missed Noah until he’d barged back into her life. Too bad he was so close to his brother because that just meant in order for Sunny to see her friend, she’d have to tolerate Eli.

That’s Eli’s problem, not mine, she said as she turned on the CLOSED sign and finished her chores.

She was a little ashamed about how she’d reacted to his taunting, vowing to control herself better in the future. Her re-emerging friendship with Noah was something she’d like to nurture. If Eli didn’t like it, well, that was his problem, too. She liked Noah – enjoyed his friendship – and she’d continue to see him, Elias Sloane be damned.

***

What’s the deal with you and Sunny? Eli asked, pouncing on Noah as soon as he entered the tiny house the brothers shared.

Geez, Eli, Noah said crossly. Shedding his coat, he flung it into the closet. Let me walk get through the door, would you?

Eli growled a warbled reply as he