Fifty Shades Darker (book 5) novel Chapter 153

“Fishing?” He really doesn’t look the type.

“Yeah—some great catches in these coastal waters. The steelheads can grow way big.”

“True. My brother Elliot and I landed a thirty-four-pound steelhead once.”

“Thirty-four pounds?” José says, and he seems genuinely impressed. “Not bad. Ana’s father, though, he holds the record. A forty-three-pounder.”

“You’re kidding! He never said.” But Ray wouldn’t brag. That’s not his thing, just like his daughter.

“Happy birthday, by the way.”

“Thanks. So, where do you like to fish?”

“All around the Pacific Northwest. Dad’s favorite is the Skagit.”

“Really, that’s my dad’s favorite, too.” I’m surprised yet again.

“He prefers the Canadian side. Ray on the other hand prefers the American.”

“Lead to some arguments?”

“Sure, after a beer or two.” José grins and I settle in beside him at the kitchen counter. Maybe this guy’s not such a dick.

“So your dad likes the Skagit. What about you?” I ask.

“I prefer coastal waters.”

“You do?”

“Sea fishing is harder. More exciting. More of a challenge. I love the sea.”

“I remember the seascapes in your exhibition. They were good. By the way, thanks for dropping those portraits off.”

He’s embarrassed by the compliment. “No problem. Where do you like to fish?”

We discuss at length the merits of fishing in rivers, in lakes, and at sea. He’s passionate about it, too.

Ana makes breakfast and watches us—happy, I think, that we’re getting along.

She pops a steaming omelet and a coffee on the counter for each of us, and sits down beside me to eat her granola. Our conversation segues from fishing to baseball, and I hope we’re not boring her. We talk about the upcoming Mariners game—he’s a fan—and I realize that José and I have much in common.

Including loving the same woman.

The woman who has agreed to be my wife.

I’m dying to tell him, but I behave.

Once I finish my breakfast, I change quickly into jeans and a T-shirt. When I come back into the kitchen, José is clearing his plate.

“Ana, that was delicious.”

“Thank you.” She colors in response to José’s praise.

“I have to go. I have to drive out to Bandera and meet the old man.”

“Bandera?” I ask.

“Yes, we’re fishing for trout in the Mount Baker National Forest. One of the lakes near there.”

“Which one?”

“Lower Tuscohatchie.”

“I don’t think I know that one. Good luck.”

“Thanks.”

“Say hi to Ray for me,” Ana adds.

“Will do.”

Arm in arm, Ana and I accompany José into the foyer.

“Thanks for letting me crash here.” He shakes my hand.

“Anytime,” I respond. And I’m surprised that I actually mean it. He seems harmless enough, like a puppy. He hugs Ana, and to my surprise, I don’t want to rip his arms off.