“Hey, save those kisses for me.” Jack jogged towards her, and took the dog from her arms, lowering him to the ground where he circled them both yapping madly.

He hugged her, and then held her out. “I’d kiss you, but you know – your mouth – dog germs.”

She punched him in the stomach, and he relented, kissing her long and deep.

“That’s more like it.” She tilted her head. “But Ozzy is the better kisser.”

Jack bent to pick up her bag. “How was the drive?”

“Easy.” She looked around. “I can see why you love it here – so peaceful.”

Jack shushed his dog. “It would be if not for some people’s maniac pets.” He started down the wharf, and motioned towards his boat. “So, what do you think?”

She nodded appreciatively. “Looks beautiful. The Heceta, huh? Yeah, good choice.”

He came to the wharf edge, and put a leg onto his boat. Jack held out a hand. She took it stepping up and onto the gunwale and then jumping in. Jack leapt in behind her, followed by Ozzy.

“Want to freshen up? The cabin downstairs has everything you need. Come up on deck when you’re ready.”

“Sure.” She took her bag. “But after driving for an hour, priority one is a washroom.” Cate went down the stairs, taking in the fresh varnish, and wood scents. The Heceta bobbed on a few slight swells, and below deck there was the pleasant sound of lapping water against the hull.

Cate stood with her hands on her hips. The cabin was immaculate – there was a double bed, with fresh linen, and flowers everywhere. Sunlight streamed in through old-style portholes, and there was an ensuite washroom. She grabbed her makeup case, and pushed in. Upstairs she could hear Jack lurching around, and the skitter of Ozzy’s claws on the polished wood.

She changed into shorts, deck shoes, and a t-shirt, and emerged into the afternoon sun to the sound of cicadas somewhere off in the trees behind the cabins, as well as a few gulls squabbling on the railing of the wharf.

“Drink?” Jack asked, pointing to a fully stocked bar.

“Just water for now; I’m still a bit parched after the drive down.” She sat in one of the seats on the rear upper deck; the breeze from the water felt great against her skin.

“No wonder you never come into the city.” She took the offered glass.

Jack continued to stand and looked out over the water. “No need to now; most of my work is on the water, and this baby, has WiFi connectivity for phone, fax, and Internet. I’m free of your mortal city constraints.”

She gave him a crooked smile. “Why do I get the feeling you’re running away from something?”