When I climb into bed after sprucing up the guest room for Keith, I unload on Keeran.
"I'll keep my eye on him. One wrong move and I'll go straight to Captain." She leans down the ledge of our bunk bed, her long hair dangling. "I've got your back."
"Thanks," I sigh, squeezing Henry closer to my chest hoping to alleviate the ball of stress that’s settled there. "I don't think he'll do anything, but still. I hate the guy."
"Well, get some sleep tonight. Dream about punching his balls." We both giggle before saying goodnight.
The thought of telling Keeran about what happened between the captain and me has crossed my mind, but I stay silent. There's something thrilling and dangerous about sneaking around and I love it.
Not to mention the small issue that we’d both be fired if anyone found out.
It doesn't take long before Keeran's soft snore drifts through the cabin. I know it's late, but sleep doesn't come. Frustrated, I fling the covers over my legs and quietly leave the room.
I head to the bow of the boat hoping some fresh air will do the trick.
Waves lap at the sides, the gentle sloshing sounds soothing my nerves. It's so quiet out here. Peaceful. I don't know how long I’ve been standing here looking out across the dark sea illuminated by the moon and twinkling stars, but soft footsteps coming towards me have me turning.
Anson walks towards me wearing shorts and a soft V-neck. "Looks like I wasn't the only one who couldn't sleep tonight." His gray-speckled blond hair looks rough with sleep, and it makes him that much more handsome.
"How did you know I was here?" I ask, trying to keep my voice from wavering. He smiles and points up the bridge.
"It wasn't hard to spot you." He stops beside me, our shoulders brushing as he leans against the railing. "What's on your mind?"
Is this what I signed up for? Is this whathesigned up for? Something about this question makes me feel like we’re entering relationship territory and I’m not sure if that’s what either of us wants. To me, the chemistry between us is explosive and can’t be denied, but does that automatically mean that we’retogether,together?
When I don’t respond, he nudges me with his shoulder. “I don’t mean to pry, it just seemed like you were working through something.”
“It’s not that, I just—,” I turn to face him, “I’m not sure whatthisis.” I gesture between the two of us. “I can’t figure out if you’re being nice or if you’re interested in me.” He blinks slowly at me, taking me in.
“Hannah, I think it’s pretty clear that I’m interested in you.” His blue eyes are soft as he looks at me, his voice gentle.
“For sex, obviously, but I meant like me as a person. Are we just having sex or what?” I’m not doing a good job at all this. We’ve only had sex once with the promise of more, but what lies beyond that?
Anson straightens to face me. “Not just sex.” His voice is deep and his blue eyes lock onto mine. “There’s something about you that draws me to you. I’ve never felt that before, and believe me, I tried to fight it. You’re something special, Hannah, and I’d very much like to get to know you.” My mouth hangs open in surprise because holy shit I was not expecting that. He chuckles and shrugs his shoulders. “And the sex is pretty fucking awesome.”
Laughing, I smack at his arm. “Oh my god, keep your voice down,” I hiss, worried someone will overhear us.
His smile is breathtaking. “We’re the only two up. I sent Robbie to bed an hour ago since I couldn’t sleep. No use in having two people up to do anchor watch.”
“So,” I whisper, stepping closer, “how long do we have before anyone else is up?” His eyes flash with recognition as he takes in my meaning.
He leans in close, barely brushing my lips with his. “Hours.” My insides melt as a flood of anticipation courses through my body.
“Then what are we waiting for?” Wrapping my arms around his shoulders, I kiss him. He doesn’t hesitate in taking control, his tongue dipping into my mouth to stroke against mine. His arms band around my waist and suddenly my feet are off the teak as he holds me closer to him. I lose all sense of time and place as he devours me, consuming me whole.
Fuck, I’ve never been kissed like this.
When he sets me back down on the solid floor of the deck, we’re both breathless. “Meet me in my room in five minutes.” He waits for me to nod before turning and heading back up to the bridge.
Okay, so I’m doing this. I’mreallydoing this. Being with Anson is more than just sex and my heart flutters nervously at the thought. This could be more than the run-of-the-mill boat-mance. This could turn into a full-blown relationship.
The thought is both nerve-wracking and exciting.
The bridge is dark and empty when I get there, the only lights coming from the many displays and panels of the control center. Anson’s door is closed and for a moment I’m not sure what to do. Part of me feels like we’re so far past knocking at this point, and heisexpecting me. Sucking in a deep breath, I push the door open.
Anson sits on his bed, completely naked, his large cock jutting straight into the air. “Lock the door.” Holy shit, he’s my dream man. “Take your clothes off, baby.” He’s so controlling and demanding. It makes me wet.
Slowly I peel my sleep shirt over my head, taking my time to tease him as much as possible, my fingers toying with my nipples as he watches. He bites his lips when my shorts glide down my long legs, pooling on the floor beneath me leaving me completely bare. “Better?”
