Have We Met Before

Anna's POV

Ridley said, "I need to start watching more baseball," as Jason walked toward us.

"Keep your mouth shut. You're salivating, Michael chuckled.

I couldn't hold it against her. He was really stunning, even with his slightly off-center nose, which I later found out was caused by a flyball.

She said to me in a low voice, "Even you have to admit, he's hot."

I nodded after seeing that others were also examining him. Jason seemed to catch the attention of practically everyone in the room as he headed toward us. She had wide shoulders, dark brown hair that was curly, and bright blue eyes.

Michael arose. Observe what the cat brought in. What's the situation, Mr. Stryker?

"Very well, Mr. Blake," he teasingly replied. They clasped hands and grinned at one another like old friends. I apologize for being late. Do you have an order yet?

"Just our drinks," Michael retorted. "I'm delighted you were able to attend. By the way, here is Anna, our great friend, and my sister Ridley.

He shook Ridley's hand and remarked, "Ah... my two gourmet chefs." His eyes sparkled. "Ridley, I know we just had a quick phone conversation. Finally getting to meet you in person is fantastic.

"You too, sir. We've heard a lot about you," she retorted, her voice becoming more pronounced.

I restrained a grin. Despite being surrounded by attractive guys, she had always felt anxious. Not only that, but this person had exquisite fashion sense and was opulently wealthy. He was wearing a gray wool suit right now, and it was no exception. His tie clip was plainly designer, and it had to be more costly than the pricey two-karat ring I'd flung back in John's direction.

He said, "Oh, hell," looking amusedly at Michael. And they're still ready to provide for me?

Michael smiled, "These two don't frighten easily.

"I'm relieved. He turned to face me and extended his hand, saying, "I can't really cook, and I doubt we'll be able to order in while we're in the middle of the ocean. I'm Jason. Hello.

I answered, "I'm Anna," and shook his hand.

"It was nice to meet you. Have we met before? he said as he fixed his gaze on my face. "You seem to know me well."

"No. "I don't think so," I said.

"Are you certain? I seldom lose track of a face. He inquired, "Do you reside here in Miami?

"Yes. I responded, "Born and reared here.

He answered, settling down opposite Ridley, "Interesting." I caught a whiff of his perfume, a pleasant light woodsy aroma. "Perhaps I'll get it. I'm sure I've seen you before.

After a little pause, the waiter came back with our drinks. Jason placed an order for a drink and many nibbles.

"Sorry. He loosened his tie and said, "I hope you don't mind."Since I haven't eaten since this morning, I am deteriorating rapidly.

"No problem," Michael responded with a smile. "You're purchasing, right? To the city.

Jason grins. Of course, I'm going to purchase it.

I'm simply blowing you off. Stryker, you are my guest this evening. I'll consider it a personal affront if you even consider paying for this cuisine, remarked Michael.

He chuckled. "Fine. I don't want to offend you. In relation to money, Ridley, my assistant ought to have put your money into the account you provided me with over the phone. Please have the vendors charge me directly for the food or retain your receipts so we can work it out as well.

"Oh. Gosh, thank you," Ridley said. I wasn't expecting you to pay us off that fast.

He said, winking, "I wanted to make sure everything went well and you were locked in. "No turning back now."

"We wouldn't dream of it," she said.

"Famous last words," Michael chuckled.

"No. What the heck were we thinking by boarding this nutcase's ship, is definitely one of them. stated Jason with a smile.

Okay, you two are starting to frighten me, Ridley remarked.

"Alright, little sister. You're going to have a fantastic time. When you see his boat, wait. Last summer, he invited me out. It is stunning. Additionally entertaining, particularly when the captain kicks it down.

"Thank you," Jason replied. "I'm happy you had a good time."

Oh, hell yes. It was a lot of fun, he said.

"Good. You'll need to come back, Jason remarked. "Perhaps sometime next month?"

He smiled and responded, "I'm there. Just let me know when, and I'll make room in my schedule.

Jason replied, "I'll check my calendar and call you tomorrow."

I saw Michael nod. It "sounds good."

After taking a sip of her beverage, Ridley questioned Jason about whether or not he was the yacht's captain by choice.

"I have in the past, but not for this trip," he said. "The entire crew will be on duty,"

"Understandable," she said. "I'm sure you'd like to unwind and have fun with the visitors."

"Exactly. Speaking of our vacation, do you have a menu yet? he questioned, casting a glance at a server delivering a platter of tantalizing steak and lobster.

I breathed out clearly. "We are addressing it. Do you know whether any of your visitors have allergies? Also, do you have any particular recommendations?

I'm not aware of any. But they're all adult guys, all of them. I'll leave it up to them to prevent anything that may not agree with them if they have allergies, he said. I suppose I'd want to see a lot of fish and cuisine that's suitable for males with large appetites.

Ridley looked at me and remarked, "Man-food." "In other words, what pairs well with beer?"

Jason grinned. "Exactly. not much of a fancy. You know, like... burgers, pizza, steak, ribs, chicken wings, and nachos.

Okay, how about brunch or breakfast?" Ridley inquired while taking a pen and a little pad of paper out of her bag.

French toast, sausage, pancakes, and eggs. Browns for hash. Fruit may be served on the side. products like that. Again, nothing too elaborate, but if you specialize in egg soufflés, crepes, or frittatas, I'm not against those. The majority of these men are used to consuming substantial meals.

"Noted. Who is the honorary guest, by the way? Ridley smiled at him and questioned.

Likewise, Jason grinned. When you board, you'll learn more. I swore to him I wouldn't share the details.

He's well-known then, she questioned.

Jason said, "Just a little," his eyes glistening.

Ridley questioned, "A baseball player?"

Michael responded, "Enough. "Stop provoking him," I said. He turned to face Jason. "Sorry. Regarding secrets, my sister can be a huge pain in the a**. She needs to be fully informed.

"He's correct. It's a bothersome habit. She blushed and whispered, "I'm sorry.

It's OK, he said. "I'd tell you if I could. But I'll give you a hint: He's been on stage and in movies.

Ridley looked at me and questioned, "Really?" How thrilling.

Just don't inquire more about the man from me. That's probably more than I ought to have acknowledged, Jason replied.

Ridley questioned, "Has he been in anything recently?"

I moaned, as did Michael.

Michael firmly recalled, "He stated 'no more inquiries' regarding the individual.

She said, "I know," as the waiter came back with Jason's drink. I'm simply really looking forward to next week.

"Good," said Jason. "So am I. It will be quite enjoyable. For everyone.

"That's what I keep telling Anna," Ridley added. She gave me a glance. "See? No need for concern.

Jason saw it and turned to face me. You have some worries, I'm sorry.

"No. Not at all, I immediately replied.

Ridley, who apparently didn't know when to stop talking, said, "She was just a little nervous about the event you're hosting." "A bachelor party," she said.

I looked at her warily.

"Ah. You don't need to worry about anything, so you can stop worrying, replied Jason. If my visitors don't behave properly around you, they will have to answer me.

I said, a bit ashamed, "I'm not concerned at all. "I just-" I froze mid-sentence. I refrained from telling him about my ex or what had transpired.

He took a drink of his beer, "I understand your concern," he replied. "It's a bachelor party, and those things can become crazy. This one will be more of a getaway with friends throughout the weekend. We're going to eat, drink, and fish. If we do raise some hell, I can guarantee you that it won't affect you gals. I'll personally see to it that way.

I unwind.

Furthermore, he said with a smirk, "The yacht is big enough that you'll be far from it if we start swinging from the chandeliers and acting foolish."

Michael raised his martini glass and said, "What's a bachelor party without a little craziness anyway?" "I propose that we toast right away."

Each of us lifted our beverage.

The question was, "What's the name of your boat?" Michael enquired.

"Home Run," was his response. That was a big surprise, right?

Ridley grinned. Because, after all, that's what life is all about. going above and above and succeeding?"

"Exactly," Jason said.

Absolutely agree. So, let's toast to "what happens on the Home Run, stays on the Home Run," Michael remarked.

Ridley muttered, "And here's to Anna hitting a home run, on the Home Run.

I stomped on her foot.