“You were incredible up there,” I tell him. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
He flashes me a smile. “I’m glad you enjoyed the show. But the night’s still young. What do you say we grab a drink?”
I know social settings aren’t his comfort zone, especially when he’s fully dressed in his rock star garb. The curious stares and whispers from fans put him on edge.
“You’re not too exhausted?” He’s told me about the joy of performing, but also the sudden drop in adrenalin.
“Hey, you only live once and I don’t want you to miss out on seeing everything the ship has to offer.”
“I wouldn’t be too disappointed,” I say, aiming for flirty with a waggle of my brows.
Axel chuckles, slipping an arm around my waist to pull me against his side as we walk. “Just one drink and we can see where it takes us?”
My chest warms that he’s putting his own anxieties aside so I can fully experience the cruise. Part of me wants to steal away together, but with Axel at my side, going out for a cocktail actually sounds fun. “Lead the way,” I reply.
We arrive at the martini bar, a cosy space with dim lighting that immediately sets an intimate mood. Soft strains of jazz float through the air, mingling with the clink of glasses and the low hum of conversation. Axel places a hand at the small of my back and he leads me towards a velvet lounge in front of a dark wooden coffee table.
As we settle into the cushy seats, I notice some curious glances and whispers from the other patrons. It’s an older crowd, and while they seem to recognise Axel, they maintain a respectful distance. Axel seems unconcerned by the attention. He picks up a leather-bound drinks list and leans back against the lounge, his arm draped casually along the back. “So, what tickles your fancy?”
I hesitate for a moment, suddenly self-conscious about my lack of experience with fancy cocktails. “I’m not sure,” I admit. “I’m more a beer and wine guy. I don’t really know much about martinis.”
Axel chuckles. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.” He signals to a nearby server and places an order.
When the drinks arrive a few minutes later, I find myself cradling a chilled glass filled with a pale pink liquid, a chunk of pineapple balancing on the rim. Axel’s looks more like a classic martini with its clear liquid and three olives on a long toothpick.
“Cheers,” he says, raising his glass towards me. “To new experiences and good company.”
I clink my glass against his, then take a sip. It’s fruity sweet but tart at the same time and the alcohol has a kick. “This is delicious. What is it?”
“French martini,” Axel replies, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiles. “Vodka, pineapple juice, and raspberry liqueur. A little sweet, a little unexpected—kind of like you.”
I feel a blush creep up my neck at the compliment, grateful for my tan and the dim lighting to hide it. “I don’t know about sweet,” I mumble, fiddling with the stem of my glass.
Axel reaches out, his fingers brushing gently against my wrist. “Hey,” he says softly, waiting until I meet his gaze. “I have a huge soft spot for sweet, but that’s not all you are. You’re so many things.”
There’s a flutter in my stomach at his words. “Well, I hope they’re good things,” I reply.
“All good.Verygood.”
I laugh and begin to relax as we fall into easy conversation. With Axel, I’m not tongue-tied, and he also seems enjoy our banter. He regales me with stories from his early days in the music industry. I listen intently, captivated by his deep voice and the way his eyes light up as he speaks. Then I share some of my own preferences when it comes to music.
We get another round of drinks. As we sip, I look around the bar and my eyes land on Brian who’s sitting at another table, engaged in conversation with another man. The guy leans in close, his hand resting suggestively on Brian’s arm as he talks.
I nudge Axel gently. “Hey, check it out. Looks like Brian’s got an admirer.”
Axel follows my gaze and chuckles. “Well, well. Good for him.”
Brian’s dark suit stretches across his broad shoulders, and with his close-cropped hair and strong jaw, he commands attention, but I notice his gaze keeps returning to us—or more specifically, to Axel.
“Must be tough for him to get any action when he’s constantly on duty watching over you,” I tease, turning back to Axel with a grin. “The man deserves a break.”
Axel laughs, his eyes sparkling. “Hey, I can’t help it if I’m a handful. Besides, I’m sure he has his ways.”
“I hope so, poor guy.”
“Hey, hanging with me isn’t too bad!” Axel jostles my arm.
I shrug and purse my lips. “Hmm. I guess I can put up with it.”
