Going Overboard Read Online Free PDF

a back double bunk and Chance had chosen a foldout bed in the living room. Andi would sleep in the middle of the boat on the top bunk of a single set of bunks.
    Nicole dusted her hands together. “That’s it for the housekeeping chores. Anchors aweigh.”
    “You bet,” Bowie said, grabbing the thick operations manual from the shelf beside the captain’s chair.
    Chance took the book out of his brother’s hands before he’d even opened it. Frowning, he started flipping pages as Bowie peered over his shoulder.
    Andi watched the interaction with some impatience, although she had to admit that air of command could be attractive. Chance had rolled up the sleeves of his dress shirt and his arms had a nice flex to the muscle as heturned the pages. A man as disciplined as Chance probably worked out on a regular basis. But how long had it been since he’d thrown a Frisbee or cannonballed into a swimming pool? Probably years.
    “So which one of you is taking us out?” she asked.
    “He is,” they said in unison, pointing to each other.
    “Oh, this is good,” Andi said, folding her arms.
    Bowie gestured toward Chance. “Just deferring to your age and experience, buddy.”
    Chance sent him a long look before walking into the pilothouse and slowly taking his seat at the controls. “Right.” He flexed his shoulders and studied the panel.
    “You’re both quite sure you can handle this?” Andi asked.
    They responded with a flurry of assurances that left her feeling not the least bit reassured.
    Chance ran his fingers over the buttons and stood up again. “I’m going aft to take a look at the motors and figure out the best trajectory when we back out.”
    “Good idea. I’ll go with you.” As Bowie followed Chance, he said over his shoulder “ Aft means the rear of the ship.”
    “Thank you, Captain Ahab,” Andi called after him. She turned to Nicole, who was sitting on one of the bench seats. “What do you think, sis? Do they know what they’re doing?”
    “I’m not sure about Bowie, but I’m under the impression Chance always knows what he’s doing.”
    “He is pretty damn sure of himself. Does it bother you the way he discounts Bowie’s contributions?”
    “Drives me nuts. But from what I understand, their father treated Bowie the same way. I’m hoping that maybe on this trip…well, we’ll see.”
    “That’s assuming we ever get out on the lake.”
    “Oh, we will,” Nicole said. “You and I both know people who’ve taken houseboat trips with no boating experience at all. These guys at least have some idea of the process, and I’m sure we can manage it. Plus, I really need this break, Andi. I didn’t realize bearing the first Jefferson heir was going to be such a big deal.”
    “Is Mrs. Chauncey M. giving you a hard time?”
    Nicole gave her a weary smile. “You know those language tapes you’re supposed to play while the baby’s still in the womb, so the kid is born already programmed to be bilingual?”
    “She bought you some of those?”
    “No, she hired a French teacher to come over three times a week and talk to my belly.”
    “No!” Andi started to giggle. “What does Bowie think of this?”
    “He doesn’t know. It’s supposed to be a surprise for him.”
    “And when is this surprise going to be unveiled? When little whozit sails onto the delivery table shouting bonjour? ”
    Nicole grinned. “I have no idea.”
    “What does this French person say to your belly?”
    “How should I know? I don’t speak French.”
    “Me, neither, but I gotta try this.” Still chuckling, she walked over and got down on her knees in front of Nicole. “Parlez-vous frangais?” she murmured, patting Nicole’s belly. “Hey, she kicked back! That must mean she understood me!”
    “Oh, I’m sure.”
    Andi searched her memory for French phrases. “Darling, je vous aime beaucoup. Let’s see—what else? Oh, that little cartoon skunk.” She leaned closer to Nicole’s belly. “Pepe le