LOVE on The Horizon (Breaking The Rules #1) (3 page)

As our captain spoke, my staff sat around the Lido lounge applauding enthusiastically. Their smiling faces portrayed their excitement. The faint smell of the wood varnish still hung in the air. The brass handrails sparkled. The new furniture, the state-of-the-art stage, even the liquor bottles lined perfectly at the bar begged for tomorrow to come.

The next day was departure day. We’d spent the week getting ready. Rehearsals left us exhausted at the end of each day. I was holding my last staff meeting before we set sail, and I needed to set the tone. Once Captain Stefan’s speech ended, I planned to say thank you to my staff. This past week they gave me everything they had to prepare for tomorrow, and I appreciated it. I held high expectations, and so far they didn’t disappoint me. I also needed to tell them how very fortunate they were to be here, but the hardest work was yet to come.

Of the thirty employees who worked for me, I knew half of them very well. We’d been together for years and were all very close. I started with them as part of the entertainment staff. After moving up to Assistant CD, and then later CD, being their boss could have easily made things awkward for us. But they respected me and I them.

I only anticipated two problems. First was Dina James. Dina and I started together with Sunset seven years ago. She’d been a great friend, until we crossed over the line. That was right before I got promoted and remains to be my biggest regret. Dina hasn’t gotten over our brief affair. And now, I couldn’t get rid of her even if I wanted to. Her work performance was not the issue, thus making her untouchable. I was stuck with her. She had me by the balls, and she knew it.

To my left, Ricky sat proudly with my second potential problem at his side. In just a few days, Ricky and Rebecca had become friendly. I decided to keep my distance. After meeting her, I spent the night remembering the smell of her perfume, the curve of her neck, and the outline of her breasts while I pleasured myself. I dreamed about her and woke hornier than I’ve ever been. I thought of her as I had my morning espresso.

I decided Rebecca Stanton was dangerous. She was affecting me more than anyone ever had in my twenty-nine years on this earth. I pulled out a pad and wrote down all the reasons to stay away from her—twenty-six in total. Top of the list, she was my twenty-two-year-old employee.

The more I avoided her, the more I was jealous that Ricky didn’t. That bastard hung around her every chance he got. It wasn’t like I needed to worry he’d put the moves on her. Ricky wasn’t interested in the parts Rebecca had. It still made me inexplicably jealous.

I witnessed the rest of the staff getting to know her, and she fit in with them perfectly. The men on my team haven’t hidden their attraction toward her. Yesterday during our rundown of pool activities, every set of male eyes followed her every move. Again, it irritated me, and I decided to further distance myself. I consciously decided to skip some of the rehearsals in a poor attempt to avoid her.

Contradicting my attempt to stay away from her, after each day, I made Ricky recount all that I missed. It had little to do with my staff preparation and all to do with hearing details of Rebecca.

I was beginning to regret the day she interviewed for us, and we hadn’t even left yet.

“Ladies and gentlemen, speaking for Sunset Cruise Lines, I want to thank you all for your dedication to making
The Horizon
the best cruise ship on the Caribbean Seas.”

Applause filled the lounge, bringing me back to the reason we were here. I rose onto the stage and shook Captain Stefan’s hand before turning my focus back to my team.

“Thank you, Captain Stefan.” My eyes scanned the room as they anxiously waited for me to speak. “Tomorrow will be a great day thanks to your hard work and tireless dedication. I wouldn’t be here without your support. You all worked hard this week, so please take the rest of today to enjoy. I just ask that you please not get arrested, and you come back ready to get down to business tomorrow.”

Everyone laughed, although I was completely serious. Giving them the night off in Fort Lauderdale could be trouble. Especially when they all knew their next night off was possibly weeks away.

As the noise rose in the lounge, I moved offstage to gather my things. Ricky remained seated with Rebecca, chatting as if they were having their own separate staff meeting. “Good night,” I said before walking away.

“What do you mean, good night?” Ricky called out. “Aren’t you coming with us to the Sandbar on Ocean? There’s a bunch of us going. It’s karaoke night.”

“Thank you, but I have lots still to do.”

“Come on, boss. We need to do a good luck shot.”

“Another time. Burrows, I’ll hold you responsible for getting my people back safely,” I said while waggling my finger at him. A quick glance at Rebecca’s smiling face almost had me changing my mind. Before I made a stupid mistake, I walked away as fast as I could.

Scheduling, staff meetings, training in emergency procedures, safety, security, and first aid had me running frantic my first few days on the job. Throw in show rehearsals and getting to know the ship from stem to stern and that barely left enough time to eat, sleep, and pee.

My job responsibilities included running a staff of seven. I didn’t consider them employees, just fellow coworkers. When managing some of the other counselors at summer camp, I always used the same approach. We were a team. I needed them more than they needed me. It seemed to get me off on the right foot with my staff.

Here on
The Horizon
, there was just one of the seven who seemed a bit standoffish with me. Her name was Dina, and she wasn’t as friendly as the others. I wondered if I stole her job and that was why she had an attitude. My game plan was to kill her with kindness…and watch her closely.

By the time Marco pulled us all together for our last staff meeting before setting sail, I was exhausted. I understood what Ricky meant regarding hacking it. Hell, I was determined to hack it no matter what, but it was definitely hard work. The crew, consisting of the wait staff, maintenance, even mechanics, had it harder. There were some of the neos already rumbling about jumping ship, and we hadn’t even left yet.

Apparently, I was the only direct report that Marco hired. He inherited the rest of his staff. I not only felt special but nervous as well. Paper credentials didn’t impress him, only real people with easy, fun, and genuine personalities did. That worked well for me since my paper credentials had nothing to do with cruising. It was such a refreshing approach to employment.

The woman who was originally hired for my position had a family emergency and needed to leave Sunset Cruise Lines. Enter me. Of Marco’s staff, I was also the only neo. Contrary to what Ricky told me, Marco has not spent much time on his current science project. He left most of my training to Ricky. I know he was busy getting himself ready for sail date, but I couldn’t help but to take it personally.

During his last staff meeting, he barely looked my way. When Ricky invited him out to celebrate with us, he practically ran out of the lounge. The confidence I felt all week quickly evaporated. There must be a reason he wasn’t happy with me. I needed to know before paranoia ate me alive.

“You’ll love this place,” Ricky said in the cab we shared. “We always try to hit the Sandbar every time we’re in port. It’s the place to be if you love karaoke.” He chattered on and on about the staff and who was into whom. I listened halfheartedly, smiling and nodding every so often.

Once we got to the karaoke bar and had a few drinks, I built up the courage to ask, “Ricky, is Marco upset with me?”

“What the hell are you talking about?” he asked before motioning the waitress over to our table. “He’s thrilled with how fast you’re learning. He loved your idea of the sexy mom contest, and he agrees we need a contest for the teenagers. They’re always forgotten.”

For a few seconds, he was distracted with ordering more drinks, but once the waitress walked away, he turned toward me with a scowl. “So, what the hell are you talking about?”

“No reason.”

“Cut the shit, Stanton. Spill.”

With a sigh, I admitted, “Well, I know you said Marco takes training a neo personally and wants nothing more than to make them a success. Yet, he hasn’t spoken more than a few words to me, and most of them consisted of ‘Hi’ and ‘Bye.’ So, I worry that he isn’t happy with my performance so far.”

Ricky’s eyes flitted around, as if he was deep in thought and forgot I was there. When he looked back at my face, he took my hand and said, “You did amazing this week, honey. It’s the new job. He’s very stressed and very nervous. Nerves are new to Marco. Don’t take it personally.”

My gut told me to listen to Ricky. I’d worked my ass off this week. Marco
was
probably nervous, and it had nothing to do with my performance.

Unless…

A thought suddenly hit me, making me wonder if Mr. Puglia
liked
me. He may not have interacted with me much this past week, but I sure caught him staring plenty of times. He also tended to slip back into Italian when he was around me, and Ricky said that only happened if he was frustrated or angry. If I wasn’t making him angry, then…

The realization sent both a chill and a thrill through me.

“Stop worrying,” Ricky said, mistaking my silence for lack of confidence.

“I’ll try,” I lied to my new friend. “Promise me if it’s something I’m doing wrong, you’ll tell me?”

“If it’s something you’re doing wrong, I promise to make
him
tell you. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Now, can we do karaoke?”

“Yes.”

“Yay! What song?” He dragged me over to the book of song choices that sat on a table near the stage.

“Anything you want.”

“Oh, yay. I choose ‘Hold On’ by Wilson Phillips. I
flove
that song, and with our voices, we’re going to sound ah-may-zing!”

I was developing a true fondness for Ricky. He made me laugh, he encouraged me often, and he had a soft spot for me that was endearing. The fact he was Marco’s assistant was a tiny blessing in disguise. If anyone could find out what Marco’s deal was, it was Ricky. Maybe with time, Ricky could become my mole into Marco Puglia’s thoughts.

Ricky was waiting for me in my office, espresso in hand. He was quick to fill me in on his fun night out and was very forthcoming with information pertaining to Rebecca. I’d avoided her all week, mostly to stay focused on my job. It didn’t work because, when I saw her, she stopped my heart. Through Ricky, I learned that Rebecca took my avoidance as disapproval in her job. That couldn’t be further from the truth. She was doing fantastic. During her first week in training, I learned she could sing like an angel. The way she moved when she danced made my pants feel snug. She was funny, kind, smart. Perfect in every part of her job.

After my early morning chat with Ricky, in spite of all the work I had to get done, she was always on my mind. I should have been thinking of departing. Instead, I thought of her. Even as the morning flew by with last-minute details that needed to be checked and last-minute fires that needed to be put out, she was on my mind. Rebecca was quick to volunteer whenever a problem arose and was quick to get it solved before moving on to the next issue.

Just before sailing, I pulled my staff together in my office for a quick pep talk. Once done, I asked Rebecca to stay behind for a few minutes. Her wide eyes betrayed her thoughts. She truly must have felt that I was disappointed in her.

“Rebecca, please sit.”

She sat delicately on one of the chairs and crossed her legs while waiting eagerly for me to speak. Her khaki shorts and white polo fit her perfectly. Her hair was pulled back and displayed her smooth neck. I could smell her perfume from where I sat. Without realizing it, I skimmed her toned, tanned legs with my eyes before quickly looking elsewhere. Nervously, I cleared my throat and said, “I want to say thank you.”

“What for?”

“For joining our family. You did such a great job this week. I was very impressed.”

“Ricky said something, didn’t he?” she asked, her cheeks flaming red with embarrassment.

“He did, and I’m happy that he did. I am very satisfied with your work.”

“Thank you so much. I really appreciate you telling me. I was worried that I wasn’t pulling my weight.”

“No need to worry. You were…” She uncrossed and then recrossed her legs, and my mind blanked of all thoughts. The more the awkward silence stretched between us, the more I couldn’t remember the words I wanted to say.
Fuck
, I couldn’t think straight in front of this woman. “Um…you were…great,” I mumbled pathetically.

She smiled shyly. “Well, thank you. If there is anything you feel I can improve on, please let me know. I take criticism well, and I’m a quick learner.”

Our eyes met and my palms started to sweat. “Okay, um…I guess that’s it. You can go now.”

You can go now
?

I internally sighed as she fled my office. I seriously had to work on my behavior whenever she was present.

Ricky barged into my office and into my thoughts. “Everything okay?” he asked with a smirk.

“
Yes
, why do you ask?”

“Just making sure.” He fought to keep a straight face, and I wanted to hit him. He was on to me. I could tell by the way he was acting.

“Is there a reason you are here bothering me when I have so much to do?”

“Yep. I’m here to remind you the captain wanted to see you.”

“
Fanculo
!” I cursed, grabbed my clipboard, and ran out of my office while leaving a laughing Ricky behind.

Once again, I avoided Ms. Stanton for the rest of the day, until show time when I couldn’t avoid her any longer.

Our house band played calypso music as the ship’s horns blasted into the atmosphere. I loved departing. Sailing away was a huge celebration disguised as one big pool party. The passengers filled every inch of space on the pool deck. Children already eager to start their own vacations ran around, frolicking in the pools. Serious sunbathers occupied every chaise lounge on the sun deck above, eager to start their savage tans. The bar was crowded with customers wanting to enhance their good time with a frozen drink. This was what it was all about.

I watched from behind the two-way mirror that separated the pool area from the storage room that also served as a backstage area. Behind me, my entertainment staff stood in a circle, excited for their debut.

I turned toward them and asked, “Ready?”

“We’re ready!” They nodded enthusiastically, and those who knew my routine quickly offered their hands toward the center of our circle. The newer kids followed their lead, and Rebecca was the last to mimic.

Our hands piled on top of each other as I said, “
Dio
, please give us strength to serve these fine people exceptionally well, please protect us on our journey, and please gift us with smooth waters during our travels.”

“Amen!” they yelled, clapped, and hooted.

“Okay, let’s do this!”

I left them to step out onto the small stage that sat at one end of the pool deck.

Microphone in hand, I said, “Who’s ready to party?”

The passengers went crazy, excited to officially start their vacations.

“Welcome to
The Horizon
! I am your cruise director, Marco Puglia, and it is my absolute pleasure to be with you on the newest marvel of the seas. Thank you for putting your trust in Sunset Cruise Lines and with us here on
The Horizon
. We are committed to providing you with everything you need for a glorious vacation. Our first activity here today will set the tone for the next seven days. Before we begin to overdose on fun, I’d like to introduce my awesome staff.”

One by one, I announced the members that made up our energetic entertainment crew. As I did, they each added a personal flair to their greeting. I worked with a bunch of hams, and I loved it. The applause from the passengers that crowded the pool deck was thrilling to hear. I’d heard it many times over my career on the seas, but this time was by far the most exciting.
The Horizon
was my ship, my city on water, and I loved every piece of it.

Once the staff was properly introduced, I said, “Have you ever seen a bigger display of overacting in your life?”

My question prompted Warren to do a series of front flips across the bridge that separated the two pools. Leslie, Hirrod, Dina, and Madia broke into the Electric Slide. The rest of them skipped along the crowd, prompting them to clap and cheer.

“Are you all done?”

“Yes, boss!” they all singsonged into their microphones, and the crowd laughed.

“Thank you,” I said with a nod. “Okay, so lastly I’d like to introduce you to our newest member. She’s as talented as she is beautiful. Please give a big, giant welcome to your entertainment staff coordinator, Miss Rebecca Stanton!”

Rebecca emerged, smiling wide and waving to the crowd. She curtsied and laughed when catcalls and whistles dominated the noise. She ran through her script like a pro. She engaged the crowd, complimented the women, and teased the men. I could tell by the looks on their faces they were already caught in her net. Those poor suckers were probably struggling to hide the erections they camouflaged in their swim trunks. I could relate. When she handed things off to the staff and turned toward me, smiling, my own cock jerked in my khakis. This woman was going to be the death of me, I was sure of it.

My eyes met Ricky’s as he stood above on the sun deck looking down at us. Even with his sunglasses on, I knew he was looking right at me based on the smirk he wore. When I scowled in return, the bastard laughed.

Captain’s Night on a cruise ship was equivalent to the Academy Awards. Women donned their fancy dresses and gowns, men wore their best suits and tuxedos, and booze flowed like the waters we sailed on. I loved mingling with the passengers or posing for pictures when requested. I expected the same from my staff. Seeing them so elegantly dressed made me feel like a proud papa. My staff cleaned up well, but the person who stole my breath was Rebecca.

I was leaving my office just as she and Ricky walked down the hall. She wore a black gown that perfectly hugged her curves. Her long, thick hair was swept to the side, revealing the side of her neck and one bare shoulder. A slit in the front gave the perfect glimpse of a smooth, tanned leg.

The sight of her in that gown halted my steps. My mouth gaped open in the most embarrassing way. She was midsentence and stopped speaking when she realized Ricky was no longer paying attention.

“You look handsome as always, Marco,” he said, pulling Rebecca’s attention to the spot where I stood rooted to the floor.

“Thank you, Mr. Burrows…as do the both of you.”

I quickly glanced at Rebecca, and the most gorgeous shade of pink tinged her cheeks and neck. The urge to reach out and touch her skin made it impossible to think straight. She smiled shyly before looking away.

“So formal, Marco. No one is around, you can still verbally abuse me in a tux as easily as you can in your polo shirt and khakis.”

“You’re a funny man. I’ll see you on the Promenade.” I nodded and then hurriedly walked away.

Prior to dinner, I needed to open the night with a quick speech from the balcony that overlooked the Promenade. I wasn’t paying attention when I stepped into the elevator just as the doors were closing.

“Hello, you,” Dina said smoothly as the doors shut behind me. Her blond hair hung long and loose, her red gown left nothing to the imagination. She wore tons of makeup on her eyes and her lips. I couldn’t help but compare her to Rebecca. She was a natural beauty, whereas Dina tried too hard enhancing her looks.

“Dina.” I nodded formally, standing in the opposite corner of the small elevator.

“You’ve been a hard man to get alone. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were avoiding me…or that the cruise director title went to your head.”

Without making eye contact, I shook my head. “Just very busy. It’s been pure craziness.” The elevator doors opened on the next floor. Even though it wasn’t where I needed to be, I exited quickly and said, “Sorry, I’m late for my speech.”

“Bye-bye,” she responded with a saccharine smile.

What did I ever see in her? It’s funny how you aren’t aware of things like real beauty until you come face-to-face with it. My mind went to the vision of beauty known as Rebecca.

I arrived to my perch seconds before I needed to. Robotically, I repeated my rehearsed speech, all the while thinking of her in that black dress. It felt like an eternity before I turned the microphone over to the captain, who introduced his officers and addressed the passengers. Standing behind him as he spoke, I looked down at the happy people, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.

Many stood in long lines waiting for the staff photographers to capture their portraits. Some filled the lounges and bars with their traveling partners while sipping cocktails before dinner was called. A formal elegance filled the air. It’s always been my favorite night of the week.

We were only halfway into our first week, and the confidence and excitement that I felt before we set sail morphed into something else. Uneasiness would be the best way to describe what I was feeling. It was a foreign emotion for me. Whenever I was around Ms. Stanton, I felt uneasy. Avoiding her was hard as hell, and on a night like Captain’s Night, it would be nearly impossible…especially in that dress.

Rebecca had a great idea that we planned on testing that night. Ten table numbers were chosen to have a member of the entertainment staff dine with them. Those same passengers were then invited to a private party with the captain and his staff on the last night of the cruise. At that party, someone would walk away with a free cruise. The positive feedback we received over this promotion was fantastic.