The only consolation tothis utter clusterfuck is watching River Dawson blanch and sweat through the whole conversation with Captain Morley. It’s mean, I know, but if I have to suffer, so can she.
As far as I’m concerned, last night never happened. I have every intention of keeping strict boundaries and as much distance as humanly possible from her. Slightly harder to do when she’s my glorified babysitter, but I’ve spent my life around ships, I don’t need her to ferry me from one end to the other. I’m sure she’ll be happy with that arrangement.
The moment she spotted me on deck plays through my mind, making me want to chuckle. Her face drained of colour. I’ll take a wild guess and say this is the first time one of her one-night stands has caught up to her. God, sheprobably thinks I’m some sort of stalker. Or worse, a bar bunny. She better not think I’m a bar bunny!
I could have done without the dinner invite. Making a spectacle of my stay is the opposite of what I want, but if Dad needs to show me off for an evening I’m sure I’ll cope. The one good thing is knowing he’s leaving the ship straight after. At least then I’ll be left to get on with the job sans constant interruption. I make a mental note to charge my spare camera battery. The editor refused to send a photographer with me, which is fair. I know he was railroaded into agreeing to this. No need for some other poor soul to get dragged into it, too.
The captain is a lovely woman. Quite hot, and definitely queer. I’d bet my lesbian card on it. Two months on a floating metal tub is going to crawl by with just my vibrator. I make another mental note to charge its battery while I’m at it. Shame she’s out of bounds. Her hair is in a sleek bun like every other woman’s on the ship, but I like the streaks of grey she’s got going on. I could see myself with an older woman. Captain Morley has this quiet authority that’s frankly doing things to me. The way she holds herself, the slight crinkles at her eyes when she smiles, the competence radiating off her. It’s intoxicating.
And completely off-limits.
Stop thirsting over sailors, for fuck’s sake.
I need to have a serious word with myself. This is a job, nothing more. I just need to do it and then move on. I can rein myself in for a few weeks, especially knowing the fallout if I do something stupid, like sleep with one of them again.
They are not worth it…but they look so damn hot. No! No more thinking about hot women in uniform. Pull yourself together.
There, pep talk done. Now I need to find my cabin and take a nap. I’ve done a fantastic job of holding it together up to now. However, the alcohol and lack of sleep from last night are making me feel like crap, and I don’t want the good captain to notice. Best I take a power nap and turn up to dinner in a better state of mind.
I’ve waited long enough for River to have made it to the other end of the ship after she was dismissed. It should be safe to leave now. “If you don’t mind, Captain, I’m going to settle in before this evening.”
“Of course, Cleo. It’s lovely to have you on board.” Her smile is quite delicious.
I internally roll my eyes at myself. This is what happens when you break the seal on something that should never be unlocked. River was the breaker of the seal. Ihaven’t been within a hundred miles of a sexy sailor for years.Years!One mistake and a few orgasms with River Dawson, and I’m lusting over every woman who owns a tub hat.
Ignoring my wandering thoughts, I smirk at the captain. “Even though I’ve been forced upon you by my dad?”
There is zero chance she had any say in this arrangement, either. But she knows how to play the game. Keeping my dad happy will be the number one priority.
Captain Morley grins back. “Even then. It’s a good strategy to get recruitment up.”
“Mmm, if you say so.” I’m not sure if she believes that or not. Standing, I shake her hand and head out. Thankfully, I packed a nice pantsuit for this evening. It better not be too formal. I’m mentally running through the rest of my suitcase when I come face-to-face with a group of women. River is smack bang in the middle of them.
Wonderful.
Given the fact all four women grow wide-eyed when they see me, I’m guessing River has told them about our night.
The tiny blonde, from the bar last night, literally has her mouth hanging wide open. The tall, gorgeous one lookslike she’s trying not to laugh. The youngest is grinning like she’s watching the best reality show of her life.
And River? River looks like she wants the floor to swallow her whole.
Choosing to stay out of the drama, I give them a polite smile and squeeze past them. The narrow walkway forces me to brush against River’s shoulder. She goes rigid.
Thinking I’m in the clear, a relieved sigh bubbles up inside. My relief is premature.
A throat clears behind me. “Um, C-cleo?”
Stopping in my tracks, I momentarily close my eyes and curse the universe. Spinning on the spot, I give River a cordial smile. “Can I help?”
Her friends are edging away slowly. It’s ridiculous. I mean, they are grown arse women, in charge of our nation’s safety. This cannot be that important or entertaining.
She looks over her shoulder and I don’t have to see her face to know she’s scowling at them. Turning back, she gestures for me to follow. I might as well get it over and done with.
We end up in the dining hall, where I suspect she’s just come from considering her friend had half her lunch down her shirt. Taking a seat opposite her, I mentally prepare. She’s all nervous and sweaty again.
Smoothing down my top, I take the bull by the horns. “So, what would you like to talk about?”
What’s the likelihood she just wants to sync up schedules?
