He gives me a look I can't decipher. “Penn, we’re adults, right? I mean, it’s a humongous king-size bed. It shouldn’t be a big deal for us to share.”
I cock my head to the side, trying desperately to ignore the way my tummy is fizzing like someone just uncorked a bottle of champagne in there. “Really? You… wouldn’t mind that?”
He smiles. “Penn, you’ve been looking forward to this trip for months, and it’s a stupid reason to go through all the hassle of moving. Plus, the other room wouldn’t be as nice, and I have to say, this place is pretty sweet.” He clears his throat, looking suddenly uncertain. “It’s fine with me as long as you’re okay with it.”
I burst out laughing, feeling like that bottle of champagne in my belly just got shaken up real good. “Okay, I mean, are you sure?” I ask, trying to keep my delight under control but probably not succeeding. “Awesome!” I say when he nods. “I mean, okay, yeah, that’s great. Excellent. I’ll just call Llanzo and tell him not to worry about it.”
Chapter eleven
Penn
After calling Llanzo back to let him know not to worry about switching our cabin, I unpack. Keeping busy seems like the best way to keep my rogue dick under control. The dick that sprang to life as soon as Hunter said he was fine with sharing a bed with me. But I need to calm the fuck down because if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that Hunter Davies is not into me. Not at all. I have no explanation for what happened between us last night, even though it was so fucking hot, I felt like I was going to burst into flames right there on the couch. It was nothing, I'm sure. We were both a little drunk, both excited about being away on vacation. I have no idea, but he put a stop to it, so that's a pretty clear message. And we've both spent the entire day acting like nothing happened at all, so it's not too hard to figure out what he's thinking.
After we finish unpacking, it’s nearly time for the Sail Away Party Llanzo made us promise to drop by. I throw on a clean shirt and shorts, and Hunter and I make easy conversation as we walk down to the elevator. Hunter’s still floored by the size of the ship.
“You’ll get used to it.” I laugh, hitting the elevator button. “In a day or two, you’ll know this whole place like the back of your hand.” I grin, and he rolls his eyes.
“Have I mentioned I have a shitty sense of direction?” he asks. “Seriously. I’m sure at some point, you’ll get a panicky text from me saying I’m lost somewhere and I can’t find my way back to our room.”
We’re both chuckling when the elevator dings, the doors sliding open to reveal a well-dressed older couple chatting with a guy who is a dead ringer for George Clooney, circa 2005. Hot as fuck and pinging my gaydar, hard.
“Everyone headed to the Sail Away Party?” I ask as the doors slide shut.
“We are, indeed,” the woman says with a smile. “We were told not to miss it.”
I laugh. “Llanzo?” All three of them smile.
“He’s very persuasive,” the George Clooney lookalike says, and all of us chuckle.
“I’m Danielle, and this is my husband, Jeff, and my brother-in-law, Jesse,” the woman says, extending her hand with a warm smile.
Hunter and I introduce ourselves just as the elevator doors open onto the deck, where we were told to meet up for the party. Apparently, we need to be escorted since it’s being held on the ship’s helipad.
One of the other concierges greets us and then asks us to follow as he leads us down a hall toward the bow of the ship. The sound of steel drum music floats over to us as he uses his smartwatch to pass through an access-restricted door opening onto the helipad deck.
There are already several dozen people here, everyone wearing big smiles. An aura of anticipation hangs over everyone since the ship’s about to set sail, and it’s a fun feeling. For a minute,I get caught up imagining what it must have felt like back in the olden days when people boarded ships like this to start new lives on the other side of the world, often knowing they would never be able to come home again. It must have been exciting and terrifying all at once.
“Wow, this is kind of amazing,” Jesse says, pulling me out of my reverie as he takes in the scene around us with an awed expression. We all grab a glass of champagne from a server who glides up to us.
“It really is,” I say. “I’ve never been out onto the helipad before. It gives you a different perspective on the size of the ship.”
“So, where are you folks from?” Jesse asks politely as Danielle and Jeff drift off toward the railing.
“Seattle,” I say. “How about you all?”
“I’m from San Diego, and Jeff and Danielle live in San Francisco,” he says. “Jeff’s my older brother, and we usually take a vacation together once a year. Although this year’s a little different.” His smile doesn’t extend to his eyes.
“Oh?” I say, curious but not wanting to be rude.
“My husband and I separated several months ago,” he says by way of explanation. “Sorry, I don’t mean to overshare.” He gives a self-conscious chuckle. “I tried canceling our family trip this year since I’m not fond of being the third wheel, but Danielle wouldn’t hear of it. She decided I’ve had enough ‘grieving the relationship’ time, and now I need to move on.” He chuckles wryly.
“Oh, I’m sorry about your husband,” I say. Hearing that people have split up with their partners is one of those weird situations where I’m never sure if I should offer condolences or congratulations. But Jesse looks positively heartbroken, so I assume he’s not exactly thrilled about the end of his marriage.
“Thank you,” he says with a forced smile.
“Maybe this trip will be helpful for you,” I say. “A bit of a break from your routine can be good for you if you’ve been in a funk, right?”
“I hope you’re right.” He smiles politely, then clears his throat. “So, how about you two? Are you celebrating anything special? Anniversary, or birthday, or just a romantic getaway?”
