Once Upon A Night At Sea (6 page)

Marin shared a surprised glance with Jason. She’d never heard of cashew wine before. It might be something worth trying.

“It’s very sweet,” Conway continued, “and it continues to ferment after you drink it. That’s why if you get a little buzz from it today, you’ll get another one the day after. It’s a two-for-one kind of wine.”

Their guide led them down a path into the jungle. “The family of howler monkeys we’re going to see today are not in a zoo. There are no fences holding them in here. We’re in their natural habitat, a corridor that landowners in Belize volunteered to leave alone so the monkeys have a place to flourish.”

Conway motioned toward a loose mound of sandy soil teaming with tiny red ants. “Be careful not to step into one of those. They’re fire ants, and they sting.” He continued to point out items of interest along the way, including termite nests and fruit-bearing trees used for food and medicines by the locals.

Marin reveled in the jungle surroundings and held her camera at the ready, hanging on every word and taking it all in.

The group followed Conway along the jungle path, and when they came around a bend, he pointed out a troop of black howler monkeys in the treetops ahead. Conway walked to the base of one of the trees and clapped. The dominant male howler let loose with an ear-shattering barking howl.

“There’s a new baby just born a couple of days ago,” the guide said, pointing to the mother. “You might be able to see him, but he won’t leave his mother at this age. Howlers rarely touch the ground, but the younger ones will come closer to have a look at you.”

As if on cue, a small male climbed down to a low branch, as curious about them as they were about him. Marin raised her camera and crept closer to get a better shot. Suddenly, an arm wrapped around her waist, and she found herself suspended in air. Jason’s grunt filled her ear as he swung her around and set her down again.

“Fire ants,” he whispered, nodding his head toward the teeming mound she’d almost stepped into.

His arms encircled her shoulders and he hugged her close for a moment before letting her go. His voice held no harshness this time, and his touch was… tender. Her heart melted. “Thanks, Jason.”

“Anytime.” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “Look, Marin. There’s the baby.”

Leaning back against him, she gazed up into the canopy of leaves just in time to catch a glimpse of the tiny howler clinging to his mama’s belly. She snapped a picture. The dominant male continued to howl. “That really is loud.”

“They’re not aggressive,” the tour guide said beside them. “It’s all bluster.”

Marin milled around with the others in their group, snapping pictures, but her mind was filled with thoughts of Jason. He hadn’t scolded her for not watching where she was going. Nope. He’d simply moved her, with a whisper and a caress.

A different experience for her. Her brothers and previous boyfriends had been impatient with her tendency to step into things, spill drinks, trip. Perhaps she’d misjudged Jason after their first unfortunate meeting. Now he seemed sweet, considerate. She enjoyed spending time with him, and his kisses left her breathless and weak-kneed. Would that all change once he got to know her better? Would he too eventually lose patience with her clumsiness?

Rain splattered the leaves overhead as the tour came to an end. She didn’t mind getting wet. The day was warm and the rain soft. You could almost run your hand through the mist and come away feeling as if you’d been brushed by velvet. On the way back to the bus, Marin stopped at the table where two old men sat behind a row of bottles and animal effigies carved out of wood. She read the handwritten labels on the old Coke bottles filled with cashew wine. “How much for one bottle?”

“Five dollars.” One of the men leaned forward.

Expensive, but she really did want to try some. Besides, her purchase would support the local economy. She fished five dollars from her purse just as Jason joined her. “We can share,” she offered.

“Great idea. I did want to give cashew wine a try.”

“Me too.” She smiled at him. “We’ll have to finish this on the bus. They’ll never let us take it onto the ship.”

“I think we can handle it. We’re stopping for lunch on the way back. I hear they’re serving green chicken.”

She shot him a puzzled look.

“Iguana.”

“Yeah, right.” She laughed. “That joke is getting old, buddy.” Marin unscrewed the cap on the bottle of cashew wine and took a taste. “Mmm. It’s sweet, with just a hint of the nutty flavor,” she said, passing the bottle to Jason.

He took a swallow, his eyes staring into hers. “Like cashews and fruit. I’d like to kiss you now, just to taste the wine on your lips.”

A flutter kicked up low in her belly. She just might be falling for Jason Doherty. Scary. Exhilarating. Motion at the edge of the building that housed the museum caught her eye. “Hey, look.” She pointed. “It’s the same animal I saw in the ravine in Playa del Carmen. They’re called agouti pacas, or gibnuts.” The small animals had reddish-brown coats with white spots like fawns, and their feet were tiny and delicate. “They’re rodents,” she informed him. “I looked them up after our excursion to Tulum.”

“Of course you did.” Jason reached out and tucked an errant strand of her hair behind her ear. “I like that about you, Marin. You have an inquisitive nature.”

The flutter in her belly started up again, along with an echoing sensation in her heart. Yep. She was falling for Jason.

The coral reefs off the coast of the island of
Roat
á
n
are part of
t
he
Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, and
they are
the
second largest barrier reef in
the world.
A favorite
spot
for divers and snorkelers, the
Roatán
reefs are home to
an
abundance of marine life. Snorkelers can expect to encounter turtles, rays, eels, sponges, lobsters, crabs and a
variety of
colorful reef
fish—
a veritable wonderland under the waves.

Jason’s hair was crusty with salt. So was his sunburned skin. He’d just spent one of the best days of his life snorkeling the coral reefs off the coast of the island of Roatán, Honduras—above a shipwreck, no less! He settled back into the seat of the bus taking them back to port, enjoying the view. Roatán was beautiful, a rich green jewel set in crystal clear turquoise-blue water, and he wanted to come back and spend more than a day there.

“This experience is going to influence a few new designs.” Marin yawned and laid her head against the seat rest. “Seeing the rays and sea turtles swimming around, the colorful reefs and the fish, everything… amazing. This has been my favorite excursion.”

“Mine too. The beach was incredible and the snorkeling… fantastic. I’d like to go back to that resort sometime, stay on Roatán for a week or so.”

“It is a pretty island.” She sighed. “I’m beat. I don’t think I’m up to another formal dinner tonight.”

“Me neither. All the sun, swimming and fresh air has wiped me out.” Jason draped his arm over the back of the seat they shared and stared out at the rolling hills and lush tropical landscape.

“Thanks for sticking by my side while we were snorkeling today. I was a little nervous, and having you there helped.”

“My pleasure.” He glanced at her. Marin had no idea how hot she looked in her bathing suit, and since he wasn’t the only guy who’d noticed, he didn’t intend to leave her side. “Do you want to skip the formal, grab a few slices of pizza, a couple of beers and watch a movie under the stars tonight?”

“Great idea.” She smiled at him. “Do you know what’s playing?”

“Nope.” Her eyes were the same shade of blue as the deeper parts of the ocean today, and she had that dreamy expression on her face again—entirely kissable. The more time he spent with her, the more he wanted her. She was so sweet, quirky, interesting, not to mention gorgeous. Plus, they had a lot in common, and he genuinely enjoyed being with her. “It’s usually a recent blockbuster though.”

“OK.” She yawned again. “It’s a date. I just need time to shower and change. The movie starts at seven. Should we meet on the lido deck at six?”

“Um, no. Our rooms are right next to each other. Let’s walk there together this time.”

She giggled. “I was wondering whether or not we’d get around to doing that.”

“I didn’t want to push.” He dropped his hand to her shoulder and drew her close for a second. “Didn’t want to come across like I was hovering around your door.”

The rest of their trip back to the ship was spent in companionable silence. He’d never felt quite this relaxed before. Maybe it was the cruise or the day’s exertion. Maybe it was Marin’s company. Whatever the cause, he savored the moment, the view and the delectable woman leaning against his side. Another irrepressible grin broke free. He must look like an idiot.

Showered, shaved and changed into clean shorts and a polo, Jason splashed a little aftershave on his cheeks and neck. He and Marin had only parted an hour ago, and already he missed her. He stepped into the hall. Marin’s door swung open the moment he knocked, and there she was. His breath caught.

Her face was flushed from the sun, making her hair a brighter shade of gold and her eyes a deeper shade of blue. Was that his heart he heard beating so loudly? “Ready?”

She nodded, stepped out and closed her door. Her hair was still damp from her shower, and she’d left it down. The ends curled, and he longed to run his fingers through the silky ringlets. Her now-familiar scent filled his senses when she passed him. It was too much.

He caught her hand, drew her into his arms and kissed her soundly, tangling his fingers into her hair. Her arms came around his waist, and she kissed him back. With enthusiasm. “You’re so pretty, Marin,” he whispered, nuzzling the soft, tender spot behind her ear.

“Mmmm,” she moaned, tilting her head for him. “If you say so.”

He drew back. “You don’t think you’re pretty?”

She shrugged. “Cute maybe, but—”

“You’re going to have to take my man-card-carrying word for it. You’re a heart-stopper.”

She snorted. “Pulling the ‘man card,’ eh?”

He nodded. “When needed, I
will
pull out the card.” Taking her hand, he started them down the corridor toward the elevators.

Couples and families, all dressed up for formal night, hurried along to one of the many restaurants on board. Jason continued to hold Marin’s hand while they rode the elevator up to the lido deck. They weren’t the only ones who had decided to go casual tonight. The pool was crowded with kids and adults relaxing in lounge chairs. “Pick out a couple of loungers, and I’ll go get the pizza. What kind do you like?”

“I’m not picky. Get a couple of different slices, and we can—”

“Share? That’s another thing I like about you, Marin.” He really did. Being with her was so easy, fun. She didn’t get upset about little things or complain. Marin radiated positive energy, and he couldn’t help but bask in her light and warmth. “I’ll be right back.” He left her, the ever-present grin riding his face again.

A plate of pizza slices and two beers in hand, Jason wended his way through the maze of lounge chairs. Marin had one knee up, and her other leg stretched out before her. Desire slammed into him. Keeping his hands to himself was becoming more challenging by the hour. The need to stake his claim sent his pulse racing.

He snorted. When had he ever thought in terms like that with a woman? Stake his claim? Had he reverted to machismo? He’d blame it on his mother’s Venezuelan genes, the same genes that had given him his dark eyes and hair. “Would you take the plate so I can sit without spilling the beer?”

“Of course.” Marin sat up, took the plate and set it on her lap. “Yum. It smells good.”

Jason stretched out beside her, setting their beer on the floor between their lounge chairs. “It’s amazing how hungry I am right now. Must be from all the swimming and fresh air today.” He reached for a slice and took a huge bite. “Mmm.”

Once the sun began to set, crew members distributed red fleece blankets with pillows sewn right into them. They laid theirs out on their loungers and settled back.

Marin turned to him, her face a study in worry. “I have a confession to make.”

He frowned. What on earth could she have to confess? “Oh?”

She nodded, biting her lower lip for a moment. “You know how I’ve been saying I’m not clumsy, and that I don’t normally toss lattes and cause accidents?”

Relief flooded through him, and he had to clamp down on the urge to laugh. She was about to tell him what he already knew, but the vulnerability in her expression warned him to tread carefully. “Yes?” he encouraged.

“Well, that’s not… entirely true.” Picking at the fleece of her blanket, she glanced at him and then away. “Do you know what my brothers called me when I was growing up?”

“Tell me.” An aching tenderness filled his chest.

“They called me ‘Marin the Menace,’ that’s what. I’ve always been accident-prone, a real spiller-willer and… clumsy.” The corners of her mouth turned down.

Jason’s throat tightened. “Want me to punch their lights out?” he asked, only half teasing. Her sudden smile and the way the tension left her sent he-man urges coursing through his veins.

Her gaze heated and roamed over his chest and biceps. “If anybody could, it would be you.” Her eyes met his. “My brothers are big guys.”