Out of pure thrill, excited tingles travel up my spine and I can’t contain my joy any longer. Letting out a small squeal, I throw my hands in the air in triumph, my feet stomping back and forth as I do my little jig. Hair from my messy ponytail slides in front of my face with my movement but I don’t care. I’m too damn happy about my ninja skills.
“Love? What are you doing?” Damon’s teasing laughter halts my movements.
I can honestly hear the record scratch in my head. If ever there was a time for one, it’s now.
Confusion muddles its way through me as my brain catches up. I admit it takes longer than I would like, but I blame the alcohol for that.
I’m winded from my impromptu dance, my breath coming out in puffing pants making my curtain of hair part with every exhale. Pulling my hair away from my face, I see Damon leaning against the refrigerator, a charming grin on his face. He’s holding a container of ice cream and playfully licks the spoon as he watches me.
“Oh,” I pant, looking around for any excuse for my actions, “I was excited about ice cream,” I lie.
Damon eyes me suspiciously, clearly not believing my lie, but he doesn’t call me out on it. “Okay,” he says, “Which flavor?” He steps back and opens the door. “We’ve got chocolate, vanilla, cookies n’ cream…”
“That one,” I spout as quickly as possible.
“You’re going to have to be more specific, love.” He leans back and gives me a crooked smile.
My hands fidget with the hem of my shirt, shuffling nervously on my feet. “Cookie n’ cream,” I answer as footsteps come up from behind me, making me turn.
“Oh, hey. We’re getting ice cream?” A hand slides across my upper back as Aidan squeezes behind me and into the galley. He’s damp and wearing swim trunks; no doubt having come from the hot tub. “Toss me a vanilla, would ya?” He holds up his hand and Damon tosses it right to his waiting palm. “Sweet, thanks.”
Damon hands me the small container and I quickly search for a spoon. This might not be what I had planned but damn does ice cream sound good.
“You coming to join us, Hannah?” Aidan reaches around me for a spoon quickly popping a dollop of sugary goodness into his mouth.
“You know, I think I might,” I manage to say around my own spoonful. I’m already up, so I might as well have some fun.
Chapter Twelve
Anson
Ahigh-pitched feminine screech has my eyes opening.
The clock on the built-in nightstand says it’s well after midnight, meaning the crew is on board, and from the sound of it, they’re still enjoying their day off.
With a heavy groan, I drag myself upright, my feet hitting the cold floor of the cabin. Again, a sharp squeal and men’s laughter reach my ears. It’s too late for them to be messing around, especially when they are expected to maintain their normal work hours.
I don’t bother tossing on a shirt and make my way through the side door of the bridge and out onto the teak of the gangway. There’s another scream accompanied by the sound of splashing water that has me quickening my steps until the hot tub comes into view.
What the hell are they doing?
Hannah spurts up from the bottom of the hot tub, a large smile caressing her cheeks as she laughs. Her long hair is slicked back from the water, and she looks as breathtaking as ever. Sitting on the edge of the hot tub are Damon and Aidan, both laughing. Aidan clutches his stomach as Damon holds onto his shoulder like he’ll fall over in a fit of laughter if he didn’t.
“I think that was the best one!” Hannah wipes the water from her eyes as she stands, climbing onto the seats of the hot tub and sitting beside Damon on the lip, their feet resting in the water below.
Hot flames of jealousy surge through my veins as I watch him reach across her back and rest his hand on her hip.
Hannah’s not wearing a swimsuit. I easily recognize the oversized gray t-shirt she likes to sleep in and she’s wearing nothing but bright pink underwear that peeks out from under the hem. The drenched shirt sticks to her skin leaving little to the imagination.
“What the hell is going on?” My words come out harsh with anger, startling the happy trio.
Aidan stands and tries to turn quickly, his feet slipping in the water, and he stumbles forward catching himself on the lip of the hot tub with an outstretched arm.
“Shit,” he curses as he rights himself. “We were just, uh…” His eyes glance over to Damon who appears to be the least intoxicated of the three. Hannah was almost drunk when I left them before dinner and there’s an open beer sitting beside her on the ledge, telling me she’s been drinking all this time.
What the hell is she thinking?
“Having a good time,” Damon finishes for him. “But we’re heading off now, right mate?” He slaps Aidan on the chest, and he nods in agreement. Damon offers his hand to Hannah, who looks over at me with wide eyes.
