Sin at Sea (4 page)

“You?” I asked. “Why?”

“Obviously because I didn’t want your shoulders to burn. What kind of husband would I be if I let you get burned?” He wore a playful look on his face.

“A lousy one,” I agreed with a smile.

“So, I’ve been thinking about what you said earlier,” he began.

I chuckled. “You must have given it a lot of thought. After all, I haven’t seen you for all of an hour.”

“As a matter of fact, I have,” he smiled. “Will you come walk with me?” He held out a hand to help me gracefully climb off the lounger. I love courteous men; they are such a rare breed.

Taking his hand, I stood and paused a moment to look him in the eye before I gathered my bag and tucked the laptop into it. I liked what I saw in those eyes, no deception, just simple truths and a confidence that spoke volumes without being cocky in the least. Huh. I was apparently better at picking a husband on the fly than I was at selecting a long-term boyfriend.

We walked down the stairs and through the doors into the main atrium of the ship. “Where are we going?” I asked, since we didn’t seem to be strolling, but instead walking with both purpose and destination in mind.

“You’ll see,” he smiled.

We walked further without speaking, my anticipation building. Finally, he broke the silence. “See, I have given both your dilemma and your offer careful consideration. It’s clear to me that there is really only one solution.” He smiled broadly at his proclamation.

“Oh, really?” I asked with an eyebrow raised. “And just what is my dilemma?”

“Obviously, you need a great protector to fend off unwanted men on this cruise,” he announced, puffing out his chest for effect, further proof that he was the protector I needed.

I smiled because he was so damn cute. “Oh, but I have Jolie,” I remarked.

“Listen, if this Jolie exists, I have yet to see her. You keep claiming her, but both times we’ve met, she was nowhere to be found.” He shrugged and looked about. “So, I think you should consider my offer. It’s a pretty great offer.”

“Oh, really. And just what is that?” Looking about, I realized that we had stopped in the cruise ship jewelry shop. Then Mr. Bedroom Eyes dropped to one knee. I backed up a step. “What are you doing?” I asked, confused and concerned. This could go very badly. I may have misjudged him completely.

“Relax,” he urged. “I just have one very important question to ask you. And these things are better said with jewelry than I ever could with words.”

I started to take a second step back. I’m a runner. Only he grabbed my hand and halted my escape.

“Will you be my wife for the week?” He asked. Then he batted his eyelashes at me.

It really took all the pressure off. Throwing my head back, I let out a huge laugh…a combination of relief and pure joy. “Are you sure you don’t want to date me? I hear there’s a lot more sex in dating than there is in marriage?”

He stood slowly, contemplating the idea. “This is true, but since I’ve had no so sex with you thus far, any would be an improvement. Plus, since you already announced me as your husband, I thought this would keep the charade going.”

Tilting my head, I considered it. “What exactly would the stipulations be?” I asked curiously. Here he was trying to lure me in with jewelry I didn’t need and could very well afford to buy myself. I wasn’t one to be swayed that way.

“Well, that fluid exchange we talked about. As your husband, I want to know that I can have you every time I want you, as often as I want you, without fear of headaches or claims of Aunt Flo visiting.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

I laughed. “But what if Aunt Flo is visiting?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Is she?”

I shook my head. “No.” I looked him in the eye. “So, I get a ring and a protector, you get sex? Is that the agreement?”

“Mostly. I want quality time, too. I want the boring stuff. I want to watch the sunset with you. I want to watch movies, eat dinner, dance, grab drinks. I want naps in the afternoon and to fall asleep holding you at night. I want it all. The whole package.” He took my hands in his and gripped them. “What do you think?”

I considered all he suggested. It seemed like a decent deal. “You would make an excellent rebound,” I mentioned as I tried to imagine the negative implications. “I’d like to make a few stipulations of my own.” I watched him for a reaction.

“Stipulate away. Whatcha got?” He looked at me intently.

“Okay, I’m not out to catch a husband. So, what if we keep it simple. No names. No phone numbers. No emails. Just enjoy the week.” I looked at him hopefully.

“That sounds fair, but I better get my fill of you this week, since I’m never going to see you again.” He stared me in the eye.

I chuckled. “I hope you can keep up.”

Hauling me close, he kissed me just like I loved to be kissed. It was intense and wonderful, full of promise. May he be as good with that tongue everywhere else as he was on my lips. Slowly, he released me and I could feel my mind reeling, new kinds of intoxication taking hold. Soon, I fully intended to get drunk on this man.

Nudging me, with his head, he turned me toward the jewelry counter. There was a man standing beside it holding out a ring. “What do you think?” He asked.

Studying the ring, I nodded. This was probably the most expensive ring they had. I admired how it looked in the box, but even more how it looked as he slid it on my finger. “Wow,” I commented.

“This,” he began, “is an Ideal Blue diamond. They are rare and beautiful. They have more facets than a typical diamond. And in this setting surrounded by white sparkling diamonds, it really draws attention.” He took a breath. “I know I don’t even know your name, but in the time that I’ve spent in your presence, I have been struck by your beauty, your multi-faceted personality, you sparkle and glow. I hope you know how rare and beautiful that is. Be my wife for the week.” He smiled calmly; secure in his words and their ability to sway me.

It worked. I was touched. It was better than any real proposal that I could have imagined. Strike that. I don’t imagine proposals. It was, however, better than I have ever seen on TV or read in a book.

“Thank you! I love it!” I said honestly. He passed the salesman a black American Express. As soon as the ring was paid for and we left the store, I turned to him. “So…when does the sex start?”

“Patience, beautiful. These things shouldn’t be rushed.” He said, lifting my chin with one finger so that he could plant a lingering affectionate kiss on my ready lips.

It made me feel all tingly. I love the tingles. Slowly, gradually, I opened my eyes when I realized no other kisses were coming. I raised an eyebrow at him as I said, “You do know that this little seduction scene is wasted on me, right? I mean…here’s the ring; I think we’ve pretty much established that I’m a sure thing.” I waited for his response with arms crossed over my chest.

After Jolie started my furnace the other night, I had been pretty much burning up ever since. I had already vowed to never go that long without an orgasm again. This guy was simply killing me. I had to know if he had the skill to back up his game.

“Yes, so I’ve gathered. And you should know that I am going to do everything I can to make this a memorable and pleasurable week for both of us.” He watched as I slowly started to smile, then he drew me close to his chest. “The way I see it, we both need that.”

It felt as though my face was going to break, I was smiling so widely. “Absolutely,” I agreed. This regrouping was going to be the best one ever.

Then, an hour later, we were deep in an argument. Midway through our heated discussion, he was smiling. “What are you so happy about?” I asked through tight lips.

“Oh, baby, our first fight!” He seemed to so damn pleased with himself that the mood was contagious and I found I was smiling back in spite of myself.

“What were we fighting about anyway?” I asked, completely thrown off balance by his reaction. This man was unlike any I had ever known. Given my history, that could go either way.

“I asked you to move into my cabin. You refused. I pointed out that you were breaking our agreement. You couldn’t understand how. I reminded you that I was supposed to be able to have you wherever and whenever I wanted. You thought you should at least be able to rest in peace. I told you I could give you pleasant dreams. You didn’t want to leave Jolie. I predicted that she’d understand. Your words were, ‘I highly doubt that.’ And then I smiled. All caught up now?” He was positively beaming.

I’m pretty sure at that moment; he had never looked more attractive to me. It was all I could do to resist licking him. Seriously. I wanted to taste him all over with my tongue. ALL. OVER. Knowing the timing and location…in the middle of the casino lounge…was terrible, I simply sighed.

“Ah, sounds like you are conceding to me…” He looked so hopeful.

“If you can convince her, I’ll stick to the agreement. If not, we renegotiate. Got it?” Crossing my arms over my chest, I looked at him seriously.

Slowly, he leaned towards me, eyes intense, and murmured in my ear, “Let’s go to your cabin.” He nudged me with his nose and as I tilted my head away from him, he burrowed into my neck and began kissing. Instantly, I could feel my heart begin to race, my body was once more on fire, and I was mildly concerned by how quickly he could change my moods and convince me to go against my better judgment.

Still, I nodded numbly and stood. He took my hand and I led him to the cabin I shared with Jolie, conveniently located on the Empress deck, two floors down. We took the elevator alone, which was rare and beautiful. The entire ride, he was whispering beautiful words in my ear about how attractive I was, and what the closeness was doing to him. "You are so beautiful," he began. "I love how soft your skin is. I could just rub my hands all over you all day and never get enough." He sighed happily in my ear. "You have no idea how excited you have me, how excited your presence keeps me. Those beautiful blue eyes…you must be what Viagra is made of." By the time the door opened, he had pressed into my buttocks so that I could feel his erection. I swear if he’d have suggested it, I would have dropped my panties and bent over right there. I’m pretty sure, from the look on his face, he knew it, too.

We walked down the hall at a brisk pace, exchanging smiles and heated looks. Finally, I stopped in front of my cabin door. Of all the times to have to fumble for my card, this was the worst. My frustration was mounting. Then Jolie opened the door.

Smiling, and looking sexy as hell with her hair all messed up, Jolie asked, “Well, what do we have here?”

For a brief moment, I thought this was going to be one of those dark disappointing moments of my life. Once again, I was reminded to place more faith and trust in Jolie. For the first time, I was able to see the kind of man Mr. Bedroom Eyes was. While I stood just outside the door, frozen, unsure of what to do next, Jolie stepped back to allow us entry and Mr. BE gave me a gentle push to get me moving in the right direction.

Soon, all three of us were in that small confined space with the door closed behind us. For once, I had nothing to say. I was nursing an unspeakable disappointment as my body thrummed with unfulfilled need. There I stood, Jolie in front of me, Mr. BE behind me, wondering what to say or do.

Suddenly, seductively, Mr. BE’s arms slid around me. He pressed into me and my eyelids slammed shut while I instinctively bit my lip as I felt his throbbing cock jerking against my butt cheeks. One of his hands moved low along my belly, finally diving down and pressing hard against my pelvic bone. I was so horny that I thought my knees were going to give out. Then his other hand slid along my side until he reached the juncture of my arm and side, so he slid inwards until he was cupping my boob. Oh, the sweet yearning as he manipulated that hard nub.