When he didn’t say anything immediately, I turned toward him. He’d just removed his sunglasses and was gazing out the same bank of windows I’d been enjoying. I caught a momentary look of melancholy, but almost instantly it was gone. “Because she was captivating. I’ll be back in a few minutes. You’ll find anything you’d like to drink behind the bar. Be a good girl and don’t disobey me.”
Disobey. Was that some way of breaking the moment of concentration or was he simply trying to get me riled up? Of course, it worked. The bastard. Maybe he’d consider I was obeying since I didn’t rake him over the coals for his ridiculous command.
Without looking at me he walked out the same way he entered any room.
As if a king.
I heard his solid footsteps for several seconds longer. As they began to fade, I was left with a feeling of sorrow when I should be experiencing regret I’d agreed to spend time with him. Whateverthe reason for the name of the boat, I sensed the subject was off limits.
There wasn’t a soul alive who didn’t have painful secrets. Whoa. I cared? Not this girl.
I put my heels on the floor near the couch and headed toward the bar. There were dozens of choices including several incredible bottles of wine. I selected a cabernet, opening several drawers before finding a corkscrew. As I opened the bottle, I was reminded of my past. Everyone had one and mine was better left in the darkness as well. Yet being here reminded me I wasn’t so far removed from the lifestyle as I’d like to believe.
Or allow anyone else to discover.
With the wine opened, a glass poured, I noticed several bottles of bourbon on the shelf, all from various distributors. Only one had been opened and a third consumed. That was my choice for Christian’s drink. After finding a tumbler and pouring, I resisted adding ice. A smile crossed my face as a need to explore the cruise of leisure popped into my mind.
When he didn’t return right away, I took it upon myself to explore the other rooms in the salon. Two bedrooms, two glorious baths along with a kitchen and dining area to die for. While he’d been right that the yacht was small in comparison to others I’d seen and stepped foot on, there was no denying the luxury or the comfort.
Another surprise. Nothing about the ship was stuffy. Perhaps there was more to the man than I’d originally believed. I did take a few seconds to remind myself that he’d brought me here to play me since he needed my help. I’d need to take everything he said with a grain of salt.
After returning to the main salon, I waited for a few minutes, realizing the yacht was leaving the marina. When Christian didn’t return a couple of minutes later, I walked outside with both drinks in hand, noticing a set of stairs. With the beverages in one hand, the fingers of my other firmly gripping the metal railing, I navigated my way to the deck.
The setting was intimate and incredible, Bimini couches with throw pillows on two sides, an outdoor kitchen including a grill, two seating areas with massive eleven-foot umbrellas, and in the center was a hot tub larger than several pools I’d seen in my life.
With the incredible turquoise water bubbling against the sides of the boat, the scene was absolutely amazing. As I moved toward the railing, I placed his drink on one of the tables. Once I was able to lean over the thick metal bars, I took a deep breath.
This was the way to live. Even I could admit it, at least to myself. There was no way of knowing how long I’d remained waiting since I was completely at peace, but I knew the instant he was on the deck. Not from his aftershave or from a loud exclamation that I’d disobeyed him. But from his powerful presence.
Crackles of current.
A shimmer of goosebumps.
I didn’t bother acknowledging his appearance, allowing myself another few minutes of enjoyment before the sparring began again. The captain was an excellent sailor, easily maneuvering the narrow path between larger yachts as he made his way onto open water, allowing for even more spectacular view.
Even so, Christian’s presence managed to draw my attention away from the picturesque setting.
He finally moved beside me, following my lead by leaning over the railing. While still several inches away, there was no avoiding the electricity or the tension in the air. After reminding myself a million dollars for my company was on the line, I extended an olive branch.
“I can see why this is your baby. She’s beautiful.”
My words seemed to surprise him. Had no one else in his life ever told him how incredible this was?
“You think so?” he asked in a boyish tone.
“Yes. Don’t you hear that all the time? I know what I said before about luxury and opulence, but there is nothing more special than being on the open water.”
“You’re the first guest.”
I tilted my head toward him. “The yacht is new?”
He shook his head. “No. I’ve had her for about four years. This is my private space. It’s where I come to reflect and make decisions. Maybe to heal.”
My initial reaction was to throw a snide remark, but I didn’t. “I feel honored. I know how important it is to have your own space where no one else can interfere. You can just be you.” My tone continued to hold a hint of sarcasm, but he didn’t seem to notice or care.
Nodding, Christian shifted so his side was leaning against the railing. “Exactly. I have a satellite phone here of course and depending on whether the boat is docked, I can easily get reception on my cellphone, but when I’m here, there are no calls, no texts, and no emails. No social media either.”
When he laughed, a carefully lit fire sparked inside of me. “You post on social media all by yourself? You don’t have a marketing team?”
