Jack & Jilted (25 page)

She nodded. She had that on her list, too.

“If you wanted to work as a chef and a marketing person or just one or the other, I could go with that,” he said. “And if you wanted that more than you wanted the relationship…well, I didn’t think that would work, but I’d help you find work with another crew, if that’s what you really wanted.”

Her eyes widened. That was thoughtful—and not on her list. But, of course, it left out the crucial element: him. She shook her head.

“As far as the two of us being together,” he said, “I thought about it. I’ve been struggling with this on my own for a long time. You were right—I’ve been stubborn. So I will let you buy in as a partner if you want.” He paused. “Except you’ve got to be okay with being partners with Jose, too, because I invited him to buy in, as well.”

“I think that’s a brilliant idea,” she said.

“We’ve got a lot of ideas for expanding the business—some of them I got from your notes,” Jack said, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “And I know you could be a big help.”

“But where would that leave us, Jack?” she asked finally.

He sighed. Then he knelt by the side of the bed, taking her hands in his. “I love you,” he said. “You’ve opened my eyes to a lot of things. I’m sorry that I put you through all of this.”

“No, I’m sorry,” she said quickly, sitting up. “I rushed you and pushed you. I didn’t think about how hard this was going to be for you.”

“You shouldn’t have to,” he protested.

“If we’re going to be partners, then we have to think about stuff like that,” she said. “It’s compromise. We each think of each other, and it makes it better for both of us.” She leaned forward and kissed him gently. “I’m willing to compromise with you. I’ll work with you in exchange for learning about the business. I don’t need to buy into the boat until I know more about it.”

“And…the other part?” he asked.

She smiled at him. “I love you like crazy,” she said. “I’m not letting you go.”

“I’m not letting you go, either,” he said.

With that, he kissed her fiercely.

Before she knew it, they were tearing at each other’s clothes, impatient to revive the closeness that they’d always felt. She tugged his shirt off. He unbuttoned her sleeveless blouse and tossed it to the ground. They kicked off their pants and shoes. Within minutes, they were naked and staring at each other, both breathing hard.

“I’ve missed you so much,” she murmured, reaching for him.

He nuzzled against her, pressing heated kisses against every inch of her…her shoulders, the curve of her hips, the mound of her stomach. She kissed every part of him she could reach or stroked fingertips against his skin. It was like magic, she thought. Even when she wasn’t sure of anything else, she could always be sure of this.

Minutes later, he rolled on a condom, his hands no longer shaking. She spread her legs, welcoming him.

He eased between her thighs, and she could feel the hard length of him right at her opening. “I love you, Chloe,” he said, and it sounded reverent. It sounded right.

“I love you, too,” she murmured back, then gasped as he slowly entered her.

They just lay there for a minute, joined and still. The heat of their bodies between them. She felt like staying that way forever, no past, no future, only the two of them and all of that love.

Then he started moving with slow, sure strokes. She felt her heart rate increase and her body moisten in response as she lifted her hips to meet his every thrust. It was as soothing as the ocean, as exciting, as beautiful. She felt the pressure begin to build. She was breathing in soft pants, clutching him to her as he increased his speed.

“Baby,” he murmured, “I want you….”

“Oh, Jack,” she said. “Now…”

He pressed into her, and she felt the explosion of the orgasm. Shuddering against her, he responded in kind, holding her to him as if he never wanted to let her go.

When it was over, he turned, cradling her against him, refusing to release her. “You know something?” he said with a voice thick with emotion. “You’re the best honeymoon cruise I’ve ever had.”

She laughed, a delicious, free sound. “Get used to it,” she said. “Because it’s only going to be one long honeymoon from here.”

Epilogue

“RIGHT THIS WAY, MRS. McCullough,” Jack said, carrying her into a palatial cabin on a brand new yacht.

“Jack! It’s gorgeous!” Chloe marveled, looking at the wide windows, the gleaming furniture. The huge bed.

“And worth every penny,” Jack said with a grin. “Jose loves being the captain of this thing.”

Chloe smiled. It had taken them a year, but they’d finally added a ship to their fleet: the Other Rascal. Chloe wasn’t sure about the name, but the guys had loved it. And they were having great success already. Chloe had managed to book several months in advance with a few wedding parties, a few fishing charters, even a business trip. It certainly seemed as if their business was taking off.

Still, Jack and Jose had insisted that the maiden voyage be for a very special honeymoon cruise.

“It still doesn’t feel real,” Chloe said, glancing at the ring on her finger.

“I hope you’re okay with the fact that it was small,” Jack said.

She smiled. “I hate planning big weddings,” she said. “Besides, my parents were there, your parents were there, our friends were there. It was cozy.”

“It was perfect,” he said, kissing her. “You made it perfect.”

“How’s Ace handling his first time as captain?” she asked.

Jack laughed. “He’s called me four times today. I told him I’m on my honeymoon and that I’m confident he can do the job.” He shook his head. “He’s a good kid. He won’t crash the Rascal or anything. He’ll manage.”

“I never dreamed it would be like this,” she said.

He stretched out on the bed next to her. “I didn’t, either,” he admitted. “Until I met you.”

She kissed him and then smiled at him, winking saucily. “So. Want to break in the new bed?”

His grin back was pure pleasure. “Yes, Mrs. McCullough, I do.”