The next weekend, Naya is over to help me prepare for the big day...
"Lee Know and I can really be seen together at Marisol's regatta?"
"Yes...and no. As far as the public is concerned, this is the first time you've seen each other since you were let go as the Lee nanny. Any lovey-dovey stuff will still have to be kept under wraps."
"Got it. So, what does our new meet-cute look like?"
"About that...Minho and I think it would be better if you didn't know the plan beforehand. Keep your reaction authentic."
"Seriously? Okay...I trust you and Lee Know. If that's what you two think is best..."
"It is. But if you're looking to feel a bit more in control of the situation..."
Naya brings out a cute, casual outfit perfect for a day out on the water.
"This is exactly what you need to fit in and stand out at the regatta."
"Let me try it on..."
I pull on a pair of shorts with an off the shoulder white blouse that flows in the wind.
"I'll be the talk of the regatta in this outfit."
"As you should be. Never forget, (Y/N), you belong wherever Minho is. My job is just to help other people see that."
Naya checks her watch, then starts to gather her stuff.
"You'd better get going. I'd wish you luck...but I don't think you'll need it. You're ready."
"Thanks, Naya."
Later, I arrive at the yacht club where the regatta is being hosted.
"(Y/N), over here!"
I spot Marisol waving me over toward the entrance of the club.
"You look fabulous. Lana's gonna be pissed when she sees you."
"That is my goal when I get dressed in the morning."
"Meet my son, Javi. Javi, this is my new friend, (Y/N)."
She gestures to a young boy who is 'sailing' a paper boat through the air.
"The Islander-36 is gonna take the cup!"
The boy barely looks at me, but sends me a wave over his shoulder.
"It's nice to meet you, Javi. I've heard a lot about you. I hope we can be friends someday...maybe after I get my own paper boat to race you."
"You're on!"
"We'd better head to our seats. The first race is about to begin."
Marisol leads me down the path toward the main pier and box seats. I can't help but scan the crowd for Lee Know...
"...Favorite yacht model, personally. I'm favoring Second Knot to win. She has a dedicated team."
"Hm? Oh, is that so..."
My phone hums in my pocket, and I pull it out.
Lee Know:
-Wow, you look amazing. I have to fight all my instincts to stay away from you.
Me:
-You're here already? I don't see you.
Lee Know:
-That's all part of the plan.
Me:
-You're evil.
Lee Know:
-You don't know the half of it. I've got lots of EVIL plans for you later
Me:
-Not. Fair.
Lee Know:
-What's not fair is you looking that gorgeous when I can't touch you. Pure torture.
Me:
-Then I guess we're even.
Lee Know:
-It's almost time. Meet me at the pier
"You okay over there? You seem...distracted." Marisol asks.
"Sorry, I just... Do you mind if I look around on my own for a bit? I want to get a closer view."
"Go for it. We'll be at the box seats when you're ready."
I make my way down the pier, glancing this way and that...
Where could he be...There!
I think I spot that oh-so-familiar face over my shoulder, but when I turn to get a better look, I bump into someone!
"Whoa!"
My arms pinwheel as I lose my balance... I try to throw my weight back toward the pier to avoid plummeting into the water below.
Not today!
But I overcorrect, stumbling into a pair of strong arms.
"Lee Know! You saved me."
Lee Know holds me close. He doesn't seem to notice the crowd gathering around us.
"Wow...you look even more gorgeous up close."
Lee Know helps me get steady on my feet, then raises his voice so the onlookers can hear.
"Are you okay? Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine, thanks to you."
"Did you see that? That man's a hero!" an onlooker points out.
"Can you tell us what happened? Don't don't forget to smile for the camera!" paparazzi ask.
Right, we're supposed to pretend we haven't seen each other in a long time.
Lee Know and I put a more respectable distance between us, and I force myself to smile.
"Long time no see, Min-ho... You always seem to be rescuing me. How long has it been since I last saw you? Yet here you are, saving me from a watery doom."
"What can I say? I can't resist a damsel in distress."
The two of us share a knowing look as the crowd murmurs...
"I thought the nanny was the reason the Lee-Russo wedding was canceled..." a paparazzi whispers.
"But that can't be true if they haven't seen each other in a while." an onlooker suggests.
"Let me walk you to your seat. You should probably sit down after that near-fall."
"Thank you."
The sound of flashbulbs from the photographers follows Lee Know and I as we make our way up to the box seats on the water's edge.
"Looks like the gang's all here."
Jordan is watching the twins, Javi, and the little girl I assume is Steffi, while Marisol and Will watch the current race. They all look up as we approach.
"(Y/N)! We didn't know you'd be here!" Mason smiles.
"Jordan, look who it is!" Mickey says pointing to me.
"I can see."
"(Y/N), are you alright? We saw you almost fall in."
"It's a good thing Min-ho was around to catch you." Will claps a hand on Lee Know's shoulder.
"Yes...I definitely lucked out. Nothing like running into an old friend at the exact right moment."
"I still think you should take it easy for a bit, just in case. That fall could've been bad."
I settle into a seat as a cheer goes up from the crowd. Two boats from the Digital N fleet race approach the finish line neck and neck...
"Who do we want to win?" I ask the kids.
"I like the boat with the red hull." Steffi blurts.
"Me too!" Mason agrees.
"I'm rooting for the silver boat!"
Mickey jumps up and down in excitement as the silver boat finishes just ahead of the red.
"Victoryyyy!"
"Watch your step!"
Jordan catches Mickey just before he jumps on my foot.
"Whoops! Sorry, (Y/N)."
"No harm, no foul." I smile.
"Still, let's find a safer spot to cheer from, okay?"
Jordan's hand grazes mine as he ushers all the kids away from the group, but before I can react...
"Liliana! Over here!" Mason shouts.
I turn to see Mason's crush...and find myself locking eyes with Lana instead.
"(Y/N), you look..."
Her eyes scan my outfit from head to toe...then she clears her throat.
"...Respectable."
"Lana...you're Liliana's mom?"
"Of course. Didn't you know?"
I take a deep breath, reminding myself of all the press surrounding my group. Fortunately, the kids haven't seemed to pick up on the tension.
"It's nice to see you, Mason."
"Yeah! You too!"
"Oh, brother..." Mickey says smacking his palm to his head.
"Lili, look! I found a worm!" Steffi saying holding the worm.
"Wait, show me! I wanna see!" Javi shouts eager to see.
"Let's take a closer look over here! Come on, kids."
I smile as Jordan tries to corral the kids. I turn my attention back to the water as another race begins.
"Which contest is this?" I ask.
"The Water Wag. Some consider the race outdated, since many of the boats are actual antiques...but I think there's something majestic about them." Lee Know answers.
I follow his gaze out onto the water where the smaller dinghies catch the wind in their sails.
"Yeah, I see what you mean..."
Lee Know smiles softly and runs his fingers over the top of my hand, gently tracing a little pattern there.
"Lee Know...I miss this. I know we've still got a long ways to go in Naya's plan, but actually being able to sit next to each other in public..."
"It feels like we can finally start to see the light at the end of the tunnel."
Lee Know's fingertips skate along the side of my arm, coaxing little goosebumps to rise in their wake.
"Just think...soon we won't have to sneak around at all." he whispers.
"I. Can't. Wait. When I get my hands on you..."
I trail off, leaving the promise of what's to come.
"I don't think I can wait either. Maybe we should continue this somewhere a little more...private. The yacht club is empty right now. Everyone's out here watching the race."
"Lee Know leans in close, his breath whispering against my ear and making me shiver."
"If this is our last time sneaking around for a while, we'd better make it count."
"Give me a private tour? "
"It'd be my pleasure."
We slip away, unnoticed. A few minutes later, Lee Know joins me.
"Everyone's focused on the next race. We've got the whole place to ourselves..."
He pushes the door open, holding it for me.
"Welcome to the Eastern Shore Yacht Club."
The clubhouse is quiet and serene, with just the occasional murmur of the distant crowd.
"You know, you fit right in, in that outfit."
"What, this old thing?"
I walk around the room, looking at all the trophies and boating decor. I realize Lee Know hasn't followed me. I turn to find him casually leaning against the door, still on the other side of the room.
"What're you doing way over there? Do you need permission to come aboard?" I give him a seductive smile.
"Are you the captain now?"
"Captain (Y/N) does have a nice ring to it..."
"Then let me show my appreciation for my captain."
Lee Know pushes himself off the wall and crosses the room in a few strides. His lips capture mine in an instant, and I deepen the kiss. He slides his hands around my waist, holding me close as he backs me up all the way to the window.
"It's been too long..."
"It was a week ago." I giggle.
"Exactly."
I lean into his body, indulging in every passion and desire... Then, just as suddenly, I step back, leaving him reaching for me.
"(Y/N)?"
"Just enjoy the show."
I trail my hand along my outfit, teasing the fabric up to show peeks of my body as Lee Know watches, rapt.
"So beautiful..."
Finally, I take pity on him and take everything off. I feel oddly empowered as I stand before him, knowing how much he wants me.
"Your turn."
In no time at all, Lee Know's clothes have joined mine on the floor, and our bare bodies are pressed against each others.
"Better?"
"Much."
he cups the back of my neck as he kisses me deeply, his tongue sweeping inside my mouth and claiming me as his.
"Lee Know..."
His lips leave mine to trail along my jaw, down my neck, over my breasts. I let my head fall back to grant him full access...and because I can't quite hold myself up as he lavishes me with kisses.
"Yesss..."
His hands slip down to grasp my wrists, then he guides both of my arms over my head.
"These stay here."
I nod...but as soon as Lee Know leans in to kiss my neck, I move my hands to his shoulders, stroking his back.
"(Y/N)..."
"I can't help it. You're irresistible."
"You're such a naughty girl. What shall I do with you?"
Lee Know looks around the room, his eyes lighting up when he spots a coil of rope displayed on the wall.
"Are you going to punish me with that?"
"Is that what you want?"
"I've been a very bad girl..."
Lee Know's eyes flash as he follows my lead. He loops the rope over my wrists, tying them together. Then he uses the rope to lift my hands over my head, back to their original position, and secures them there.
"Is that okay?"
He lets his hands trail down my arms, then my body, as he leans in to nuzzle my neck. I instinctively try to return his embrace, but the ropes bind me back.
"Perfect."
Lee Know's mouth trails down my body, paying special attention to my nipples before dipping down my stomach...and lower.
"I love having you at my mercy like this."
I strain against my bonds as the rope bites into my wrist, bucking my hips against him and whimpering with desire.
"Lee Know...take me, just like this."
"Are you sure?"
"Please..."
My hips arch up, as if to prove my point, and I pull harder against the rope. Lee Know stands between my legs and slides his briefs down just far enough to reveal his member. He pushes my underwear to the side, then lines himself up with my entrance... The two of us surge forward at the same time, our hips meeting in the middle as he fills me to the hilt.
"Yes...more..."
He lets out a low curse as his hands find my hips. He slides almost all the way out...then slams forward again, making me cry out. Our movements pick up speed as we both chase the pleasure, the thrill...
"Lee Know, I'm close..."
Lee Know pulls back just far enough to catch my eye.
"Cum for me, (Y/N)."
The command is enough to trigger my breaking point, and I fall apart in his arms.
"Lee Know! "
He follows me a moment later, pulling me flush against him.
"...(Y/N)! "
After, we both had a chance to catch our breath, and he reaches up to untie me. He gently kisses my wrists where the rope had been.
"How are you feeling?"
"...Blissful."
We make our way back to our seats just in time for the final race of the day. At the kids' request, our group makes their way down to the pier for a close-up view.
"We'd better hurry if we don't want to miss a moment of the single-handed division." Marisol suggests.
"We're right behind you, dear."
But instead of following Marisol, Lana puts a hand on my arm, holding me back
"(Y/N), I wanted to catch you alone for a moment. I know you're new to the group, and that can be...disorienting."
"Oookay...?"
"But, and I say this as a friend...you need to be careful around Min-ho. Being caught alone with a man like that can cause problems for someone like you."
Oh no. Did she see us sneak off to the clubhouse?
But she keeps talking, uninterrupted, and I get the sense that she didn't see us or she would've made a bigger point of it.
"You don't know the full story of what happened with Sofia over the summer, and I don't want to see you get hurt. You wouldn't be the first woman who lost her good sense over Lee Min-ho."
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind."
"Really? I thought it'd be harder to convince you..."
"You've known Minho longer than I have. And he did leave your friend at the altar, even if it was the right thing to do."
"Exactly. I'm glad you're open to advice from your better, (Y/N)."
The two of us rejoin the rest of the group as the boats near the finish line. Lee Know catches my eye.
"Everything okay? " he asks me.
"Yeah...just Lana being an absolute nightmare. But honestly? Still a piece of cake compared to Sofia."
Lee Know nods. He slides his hand down to give mine a surreptitious squeeze before stepping away.
"La Regalia and Estate Sail are in a dead heat for first." Marisol announces.
"La Regalia always tops the podium at the end of the day. Isn't that right, Will?" Lana asks.
"I've got $7,000 that says otherwise."
"You bet on the races?" I ask.
"Sometimes." Will replies.
"But just between friends. It makes it more fun, don't you think?" Marisol chuckles.
"Do you wanna join in on the fun, (Y/N)? We can make a wager, just between the two of us."
A private bet with Lee Know is much more my style...
"I think Estate Sail will win."
"Then I'll pick La Regalia."
The air crackles with anticipation as the boats zoon toward the finish line.
"Wooo! Go Estate Sail!" Mason cheers.
"Go Regalia!" Mickey urges.
"Hey now, you're just rooting for a different boat to annoy your brother." Jordan laughs.
"That's what makes it fun!" Mickey states.
The kids cheer louder and louder as the race draws to a close. I find myself swept right up in the excitement.
"Come on, Estate Sail!"
"What Will said!" I follow.
"Faster, Regalia, faster!"
The boats surge ahead, neck-and-neck, until finally...
"In a stunning development, an unexpected contender has taken the lead! Dolce Sorpresa wins by a bow! "
"Damn."
"Looks like we were both wrong."
"Then we'll both have to pay up..."
"Did you see that, Dad? It came outta nowhere!"
"Yeah, I saw it."
"I swear that boat looks familiar..."
A female voice speaks up from behind me, and I recognize it immediately.
"Why, of course it does, darling. It's mine."
"It can't be..." Lee Know whispers.
But it is. My blood runs cold as I turn to face Lee Know's ex-fiancee for the first time since she was left at the altar...
"...Sofia? "