CRUISE TO ROMANCE (19 page)

The silence between them
lengthened, and Jennifer discovered that she really wanted to tell him how
angry she felt about his duplicity.  But instead, she decided to give him some
of what he’d given her.  Why let him know that he’d devastated her?  He
certainly didn’t seem like he was hurting.  Why tell him how much she was?  It
was unlikely he would care.  Let him think that it had been just a casual
affair for her.  He would never know the difference.  If she had nothing else,
at least she would have her pride.

“It isn’t a line, Jennifer.  I
care for you.”  Ryan answered.  “You are so sweet.  Don’t you know that I
wouldn’t hurt you?”

Jennifer looked at him in
amazement.  “But you already have,” she stated flatly.  Then at the look of
distress on Ryan’s face, she continued.  “But don’t let that worry you, Ryan. 
I just slept with you to win a bet.”

“I don’t believe you.”  Ryan’s
voice took on a guarded tone.

“Believe me.  On the first day of
the cruise, Sheila and I made a bet.  The first one to end up in bed with you
got the cruise, and all expenses, paid by the other.  I won.”   Jennifer
watched in fascination as his color darkened and his eyes turned black.  “You
were good too.  I certainly can’t fault you as a lover.”

“You’re lying,” he accused. 
“You’re just hurt because you saw Diane kissing me after we made love.”

“No.  That’s not true.”  Jennifer
paused, then dropped her bomb.  “Remember the morning that Mike and Sheila
found us together.  Sheila bet Mike that you would be there with me.  That’s
how he knew where to find you.  Guess what?  The payoff is that Mike will pick
up the tab for all our water sports and rentals, boats, equipment,
film—everything, on the ship’s private island on Saturday.  Unfortunately, that
could be very expensive for Mike, but great for me and Sheila.”

“I don’t believe you.”  Ryan
looked as if he’d been pole-axed.  “Mike would have told me.  Besides that, you
wouldn’t make a bet like that.  You were a virgin.”

“Even virgins want to experience
lovemaking, Ryan.  I didn’t come up with the ideas for either bet, Sheila did. 
If you don’t believe me, ask Mike.  He’s paying our way Saturday, and I fully
intend to enjoy every minute of it.”

Ryan rose from the bench and
stood before her, a magnificent handsome man.  Sorrow crossed his face, but he
held his body straight and proud.  “I’m going for breakfast.  Will you join
me?”

“No, Ryan.  No thank you.”

Jennifer watched as he stepped
out of the hot tub and grabbed a towel on a nearby chair.  He walked toward
Neptune’s Court without a backward look.  Her heart twisted painfully in her
chest.  What had she just done to him?   Did he really care about her?  Did she
really matter to him?  He hadn’t shared the words she wanted to hear.  Caring
wouldn’t be enough for her.  She wanted his love.  Unfortunately for her, it
was all or nothing.  She wouldn’t settle.  Not now, not ever.  Life was too
beautiful and love too special to accept less.  Thank goodness, she’d come to
her senses.  She’d almost given in, just to feel his strong arms around her.

Jennifer climbed out of the hot
tub and, after toweling off, slipped into her cover-up.  She needed to go
change.  She had a dinner to prepare tomorrow night, and she planned on fixing
several courses, including dessert, today.  It was really too bad that she
couldn’t back out.  Even though it wasn’t possible, she would do her best to
make it an unforgettable experience for the Captain and her friends.  She felt
flattered.  Maybe she could write about the galley experience in her cookbook. 
That it would invoke memories of Ryan was of little consequence.  She loved
him.  She only hoped that one day her feelings would fade and she would be able
to love again.

Ryan wondered, not for the first
time, where his good judgment had disappeared to along with his carefully
guarded control.  Emotionally, he was floundering and he knew it, but he really
couldn’t think beyond his need for Jennifer.  He wanted to hear the sound of
her laughter when he teased her and her breathless sighs while he made
passionate love to her.  He wanted to see her eyes sparkling with mischief and
to see that beautiful smile of hers, radiant and warm, when she looked at him. 
Never had he felt so disoriented or alone.  It was a new feeling for him, one
that he didn’t like or understand.

When had she come to mean so much
to him?  When had seeing her smile become the highlight of his day?  When had
tasting her lips become more important than eating?  He hurt.  The anguish he
felt went to the very depths of his being.  The anguish was for her, for the
pain and sadness he’d caused her.  Somehow he had to convince Jennifer that
Diane meant nothing to him.  Instinctively, he knew though, that it wouldn’t be
enough.  She wasn’t going to forgive him, regardless of his well-meaning
apologies and explanations.  Even if he told her how he felt, she wasn’t going
to relent.  After all, he’d kept the truth from her far longer than he should
have.  Now she wouldn’t believe him.

Ryan finished the papaya and
banana curry appetizer with regret.  It was delicious—and one of the best curry
dishes he’d ever eaten.   The delicate fruit flavors tantalized his palate and
made him want more, much more.  Waiting patiently, he watched as the waiter
exchanged his empty dish for a salad of thinly sliced avocado, palm hearts, and
onion garnished with green olives.

“Jennifer’s Caribbean dinner is
starting off well.  Don’t you think?” Sheila asked.

Ryan looked at Sheila seated to
his left, keenly aware that he was the center of attention at the round table
in spite of two lovely women seated on either side of him.  Helga sat next to
him on the right and Mike was seated next, between Helga and the Captain. 
“It’s very imaginative.  I’m looking forward to the baked ginger dolphin and
calypso potato cakes.”

“She’s a wonderful chef!” Helga’s
smile broadened in approval.  “I can’t wait to get a copy of her cookbook.”

The Captain looked up from his
discussion with Mike and added.  “I’m happy to advise all of you that Jennifer
will soon join us for the main course and dessert.  You will be able to enjoy
this delightful meal with your friend.”

“Great.  It just isn’t the same
without her.”  Ryan felt his pulse go up a notch.  He would have a chance to
see Jennifer and talk with her.  But what he really needed was a plan.  A plan
to win that sweet funny chef’s trust and love.  But how?  He’d better think of
something fast.  Tomorrow they would be spending their last day of the cruise
in the Bahamas.  Sunday they would be in Ft. Lauderdale, and the cruise would
be over.

Sheila turned and looked past the
empty chair next to her, to the Captain.  “What time tomorrow will we be
reaching the Bahamas?”

“The
Ocean Goddess
will be
anchored off the Southern tip of Eleuthera by six.  I expect to clear the ship
by seven.  Anxious?”

“Oh, yes,” she answered eagerly. 
“First Jennifer and I are going sailing, then we’re going to do some paddle
boating and snorkeling before the barbeque, all courtesy of Mike Treymont.”

Ryan watched as Mike colored
slightly and shifted uncomfortably in his chair.  He was willing to bet Mike
didn’t want Helga knowing he was spending all of his time with Sheila, but she
didn’t look at all surprised.

“That’s very generous of you,
Mike.”  Helga replied in a calm cool voice.

“Not hardly.” Mike laughed and
winked at Sheila.  “I lost a bet.”

“Care to tell us what the bet
was?”  Helga’s tone was decidedly indifferent, Ryan thought.  Could it be she
already knew about the bet?  It wouldn’t surprise him to know Jennifer had
confided in Helga.  They seemed to be simpatico.  Ryan could feel the adrenalin
rush the moment he glanced to Mike.  How dare he bring up something so personal
in public?

Mike was focusing on Ryan while
he answered.  “Let’s just say that I didn’t realize my big brother was having
such a good time on this cruise.”

Ryan glared hard at Mike.  One
more comment and he would personally throw Mike out of the dining room, Captain
or no Captain.  He failed to see the humor that both Sheila and Mike seemed to
enjoy.  However, it was obvious that Mike wasn’t through.

“I learned a valuable lesson by
making that bet.”

For the first time Helga laughed,
a short laugh communicating her disbelief.  “What would that be?  That gambling
is expensive?”

“No.  Ditch the
arrogance if you’re going to gamble.  Even a sure thing can let you down.”

Ryan leaned back in
his chair and met his brother’s eyes with an icy gaze.  He wasn’t much for
underlying messages, but Mike’s was loud, clear, and unmistakable.  He, Ryan
Treymont, the paradigm of integrity, had screwed up royally and disappointed
his younger brother.  The brother that had worshiped at his heels for years. 
Now he felt even more rotten.  Mike had warned him more than once that he
couldn’t control life and situations.  Too, Mike had warned him against
romancing Jennifer without telling her about Diane, but he’d thought the less
said the better.

Somewhere between St. Kitts and
St. Thomas, he’d lost control over his relationships with both Diane and
Jennifer.  He hadn’t realized how set Diane was on marrying him.  She had him
pegged as a young rich CEO on his way up.  A man she intended to have.  While
he understood her assessment, he was disappointed in her execution.  She didn’t
know when the game was lost, or when to fold.  Diane overestimated his
affection and his patience.

Even though he’d sent Diane
packing over her threats of financial ruin, he regretted having to hurt her. 
He knew he’d hurt her ego, but certainly not her heart.  Not like Jennifer, his
Jennifer.  The woman who cared for him, not his pocketbook.  He wanted her
back, warm and willing.  What would it take?

No sooner than his thoughts
formed, she was there, being seated between Sheila and the Captain, completing
the circle, smiling brightly at everyone.  Everyone but him.  He didn’t care
how many foolish bets she had made, she wanted him, in her arms and in her
bed.  The thought of her spending tomorrow with Sheila and Mike while he
remained on the sideline filled him with irrational jealousy.  Well he was
going to make his presence known.  He wasn’t going to let her avoid him.  Not
tomorrow.  Not tonight.

While the waiter cleared the
table, and served the main course, Ryan listened to the easy banter between
friends.  Mike turned to him and asked, “What plans do you have for tomorrow?”

“I thought that I would join you
and the ladies,” he answered, enjoying the look of annoyance that crossed
Jennifer’s face.

“Sure.  You’re welcome to come.” 
Mike grinned and added, “But you’ll have to pay your own way.”

Ryan laughed and took a bite of
his fish.  Geez.  It was spicy.  Determined not to criticize Jennifer’s dinner,
he reached for his water glass and drank the icy liquid to soothe the burning
in his mouth.  “You should try a banana boat ride,” he suggested.

Jennifer shook her head when
Sheila gave her a questioning look.  “I don’t think so.  Riding a big yellow
banana, along with seven other people, while being towed by a speed boat, just
isn’t my style.”

“Afraid of being bounced off?”  Ryan
taunted.

“Yes,” she admitted.  “But if the
rest of you want to do it, don’t let me stop you.”

“Aw, come on, Jenn,” Sheila
coaxed, “it will be fun.”

At her silent protest, Ryan
agreed with Sheila.  “Let’s all do it.  Think of it as a bronco ride.  The one
with the longest ride wins.”

Suddenly, Jennifer seemed
interested.  “What’s the prize?”

“A romantic dinner with the
person of choice tomorrow night?” he offered.

“Not good enough.”  Jennifer
thought for a moment.  “If I stay on longer than you, then you must leave me
alone the rest of this cruise.”

Ryan didn’t like her prize one
bit, but if she could be outrageous then so could he.  “I’ll agree to that only
if you agree to spend the rest of the cruise with me, if I win.”

Jennifer glared at him.  The
sheer audacity of him!  Not only was he embarrassing her, he was casting
unwanted attention on the two of them.  That she had started it with her demand
that he leave her alone was lost on her at the moment.  Jennifer was acutely
aware of the whole table, including the Captain, awaiting her answer.  That
provoked her even more.  Somehow she would manage to stay on that rotten banana
longer than he.  She forced a nonchalant smile and answered, “Now there’s a
challenge I just can’t resist.  You’re on.”

Although she agreed, he could see
she wasn’t happy about his conditions.  What really riled him though was that
she wanted him to leave her alone.  Without thinking, he took another bite of
ginger dolphin.  This time it wasn’t a little too spicy, it was just plain
hot.  He swallowed hard and once again reached for the ice water.  He glanced
around the table.  Everyone seemed to be enjoying the meal and no one was
drinking water.  No one, that is, but him.  That observation made him a little
uneasy, but he dismissed his suspicions almost as quickly as they
materialized.  Jennifer might be angry, but she wasn’t vindictive.  That
decided, he set down his fork.  He could talk until time for dessert.

When the waiter removed their
plates and served her Rum Surprise Brûlée, Jennifer glanced over to Ryan and
wondered why he didn’t finish his fish.  It was delicious, baked to perfection
with its flaky meat and delicate flavors.  But Ryan didn’t seem to care for
it.  That was too bad, but she couldn’t please everyone, even though when she planned
the dinner, she’d planned it with Ryan in mind.

Thank goodness Chef Ruscelli had
been anxious to help her prepare the meal.  Much to her surprise, the chef had
paid close attention to her instructions and had followed through without
complaint.  Without his invaluable help, she would still be back in the kitchen
instead of at the table with the Captain and her friends.

The Captain cleared his throat
and beamed at Jennifer.  “I know that I speak on behalf of all of us when I
say, thank you for this truly delicious meal.”

“I’m glad everyone enjoyed it,”
she answered amid the compliments from the others.  “Enjoy the brûlée.  It’s
called Rum Surprise.  Each brûlée has a different flavor designed to compliment
the rum.”  Jennifer leaned toward the table and took a spoonful of the rich
creamy dessert.  It tasted wonderful.  She closed her eyes and savored the
exotic flavors.  But her reverie quickly came to an end when she heard a gasp
and strangling sounds.  She looked about and saw Ryan holding his mouth and
gagging.

The Captain stared in shock,
Helga sat with her mouth open, and Sheila giggled.

Mike jumped up and hurried over
to Ryan.  “What’s wrong?  What’s happening?”

“First the dolphin, now the
dessert,” Ryan gasped.  “She’s trying to poison me!”  He rose from his chair
with as much dignity as he could muster, and rushed out of the dining room.

Mike looked over at Jennifer. 
“What did you do to his dessert?”  Without waiting for an answer, he went
running after Ryan.

Jennifer was too stunned to
speak.  What did she do?  Nothing!  What was wrong?  Why were they blaming
her?  Nothing was wrong with the brûlée.

“Way to go, Jenn.  What a great
way to get at him!  What a payback!”  Sheila laughed.

Helga smiled at the Captain. 
“Such theatrics.  I, for one, am going to finish my dessert.”  With that she
reached for another spoonful.

Jennifer turned to the Captain. 
“Truly, I didn’t do anything to his fish or to his brûlée.  How could I
possibly know which servings the waiter would place before him?”

The Captain nodded his
agreement.  “Quite right.  However, we must get to the bottom of this and make
sure Mr. Treymont is all right.”  After issuing orders to a nearby officer he
motioned for the waiter to bring Ryan’s brûlée over.  “Perhaps, you would care
to taste this?”

Jennifer nodded and dipped her
spoon into the brûlée.

“Careful, Jenn,” Sheila giggled. 
“It may bite back.”

“Very funny.”  Jennifer glanced
over to Helga who was finishing hers.

With a look of satisfaction,
Helga put her spoon down and announced, “Delicious!”

Still not certain, Jennifer
licked the edge of her spoon.  Her mouth tingled and burned.  After she
swallowed, she felt a slight drawing inside her mouth.  She thought for a
moment as she identified flavor after flavor.  There was one she couldn’t
identify, but it was familiar.  Then the light dawned.  “Oh, no.  It can’t be. 
It wasn’t on my list of ingredients.”

“What’s that?” the Captain asked.

“I think its mulling spices and a
guavaberry hot sauce.”  Jennifer was shocked.  “The combination would make the
mouth draw and burn at the same time.”