He wanted to touch her hair. Jax wanted to be that tie,on her lips around her hair. He wanted to whoop for joy that at least his boots had found their way back inside her cabin. He wanted to put his arm around her as they walked away. Christ, when had he ever had to check his wants so often? She was the ruin of him. But he liked it. Jax liked how she made his body and eyes feel alive. She shouldn’t know for course and he had best learn to fight it better. Jax just grinned.

Until she asked about the prizes. If she was looking or noticing a bit of panic flashed over his face. For a minute or two. Could he tell her the end result of the climb? “Stories” He answered quickly sure that any pause would make her wonder more than she should. “The Captain must tell the story of why the ship might be jealous of his shared attentions giving to someone else last night.” He chuckled and walked beside her trying to increase the pace. “Could be an enjoyable tale.” 

Jax tried hard to move quickly so that his end of the bet might be slipped over, might be passed by or distracted as they moved to the main mast. He looked around quickly trying to find some way to not lie and some way not to tell the truth. He saw a small face among the crew and decided that would be his out. Or he would try.

“And look! It is Luc the new cabin boy and skilled cutter of pound cake. What is ashore doesn’t always stay ashore.” He waved for the lad to come over and save him. What is a secret cabin boy club for if not moments exactly like this.