His smile faltered, and I could tell he didn’t like taking no for an answer. My heart paced rapidly as I stared into his eyes because I didn’t want him to cause a scene. Finally relenting, he let me go, nodded his head, and walked off. Blowing out a sigh of relief, I watched as he walked back over to the bar. Tapping Stacy on the shoulder, I told her I would be right back. Assuring her I was fine, I made my way through the crowd and toward theopposite end of the deck. The smiling and drunk faces caused a chuckle to slip through my lips, and I knew then that I needed to limit my drinks since I truly was a lightweight.
After locating the restroom, I eased inside, finding it empty, and was pleased at how fresh and clean it was. The cruise ship itself was immaculate, proving the company had maintained the wear and tear of carrying thousands of passengers every year. My cabin was extremely spacious with a great view of the ocean too. All the amenity areas were polished and felt brand new, and the multiple eateries felt like real five-star restaurants.
After handling my business, I trekked over to the sink to wash up.
“Girl, your eyes are already low.” I giggled at myself as I eyed the mirror.
Tussling my small curls, I dried my hands and applied more gloss before heading back to the party. Opening the door, I let out a small squeal as I was pushed back inside.
“I’m saying, lil’ mama, why a nigga can’t get to know you and shit? You think you’re too good for a nigga?”
“Joey?” My eyes bulged as I backpaddled away from him. “What the hell are you doing in the ladies’ room? Scratch that, I don’t even know you for you to be pushing up on me.” I stopped once my back hit the wall and eyed him. Now that we were under the fluorescent lights, he wasn’t even all that attractive. “Please leave me alone and enjoy the rest of your trip.”
Ignoring me, his eyes flickered as he took slow steps toward me. Frantically, I looked around for something to protect myself with in case I needed it. Catching me off guard, he grabbed me by the arm, slamming me into his chest while he peered down at me angrily. I tried my hardest to snatch away from him, but he wasn’t letting go. I began to scream as I attempted to wiggle from his embrace, but he placed his hand over my mouth to keep me quiet.
“I’m not going to hurt you, baby,” he spoke in a low tone as he moved in closer. “I just want a little kiss. Just one and—ahh!”
He was snatched away from me, yelling as a hand wrapped around the back of his neck before he was smashed into the nearby wall. I didn’t waste any time seeing who’d come to my rescue or what was going to happen next. Instead, I hightailed it out of the restroom in shock at what had just occurred. I was terrified as I shuffled away, looking back to make sure no one was chasing me. People eyed me curiously as I all but ran across the deck, but no one tried to stop me or see what was going on. Once in the main area again, I immediately spotted Stacy where I had left her. Pausing to catch my breath, I waited until I was calm before I made my way back over.
“’Bout time you came back! I thought I was going to have to come find you!” she shouted over the music. Her smile fell slightly as she took me in. “You okay?”
“Y-yeah…” I stuttered as I glanced around. I didn’t see Joey, and I hoped I wouldn’t again for the duration of the trip. “I think I have a little motion sickness. Do you mind if I go lie down for a second?”
Scanning me once more, I could tell she knew there was more to it, but she didn’t hound me. Instead, she grabbed my hand and led me back to our separate cabins. Leaving the main deck, I thought I saw a familiar face but knew it was just my mind and adrenaline playing tricks on me. As we continued to pass happy passengers, I calmed myself, thankful I was able to get away from the creep. I wished I’d been able to thank whoever it was that came to my rescue, but running felt more important during the incident.
Seeing people participate in a conga line, I silently vowed to have a better evening on the ship once I was rested. Even with the scare involving Joey, I wasn’t going to let it stop me from having a good time. We still had so much to explore on the cruiseship, plus the islands once we docked. My hope was that no one else would try something so malicious as he had attempted. I just had to be more mindful about running off alone because no matter how nice everyone appeared, Stacy and I were among strangers.
After I got a quick nap in, Stacy and I were glued to each other the rest of the day. Between the open bars, buffets, and partying with the passengers, I would say the day had been amazing. I hadn’t thought any more about the brief incident in the restroom and was able to ball out with my best friend. Now that she had retreated to her cabin for the night, I decided to decompress. When I noticed a hot tub near my cabin earlier, I knew I was going to make my way back over once the cruise quieted down.
“Hmm,” I groaned as I threw my head back and sank deeper into the hot tub. The entire area was empty, and I was so thankful none of the passengers had the same idea as me to try out a hot tub during the wee hours of the morning.
Sipping on my champagne and biting into one of the ripe strawberries, I relished the warm bubbles tingling all over my body. “There’s nothing better than this.”
“I got a cool nine that begs to differ.”
I snapped my eyes open, and they came in contact with the most muscular, tatted chest I’d ever seen. Dropping them lower, I drooled at the way his gym shorts hung low on his hips. The deep V to his lower abdomen led to what I knew would be the ride of my life. Scanning his body, I tried my darndest to memorize every single mark and crevice. When I finally made my way up to his face, the handsome smirk he was sporting was enough to make my bikini wetter than what it already was.
“JJ?” I asked, a bit surprised at him standing before me. “What in the hell are you doing here?”
“Do you mind?” He nodded and gestured toward the hot tub. “It’s been a long day, and my muscles are tight as fuck.” He didn’t wait for me to answer as he kicked off his slides and got in on the opposite side of me. The man didn’t even bother to remove his shorts or socks. “To answer your question, I’m here on vacation with my siblings and cousins. I had no idea I would run into you here. The world is really small, huh?”
Eyeing him lazily, I was mesmerized as I watched him watch me. “Of all the places, you’re here.” I smirked before giggling, feeling the effects of the all-day drinking I’d been doing. “Can I be honest with you about something?”
“Talk to me, mama.”
Mama.
That simple word had me ready to convulse. Swallowing the hunger I felt for him, I nibbled my bottom lip as he peered at me with hooded eyes.
“I’ve been thinking about you. You intrigue me more than you should, JJ. I’ve never met someone so… mysterious before. Oh my gosh!” I groaned, downing the rest of my drink before placing the empty flute at the edge of the tub. “You probably think I’m weird as hell after admitting that.”
Feeling my face heat from embarrassment, I tucked my head in my hands, wishing I could disappear. I was speaking truthfully when I said he had been on my mind. I had never met someone who piqued my interest the way he had. I wanted to get to know him, but I felt as if it would cause more issues for me than pleasure.
“Don’t hide from me, Bloss Baby.” His tone was steady over the splashing water, but I could hear the smile that was probably on his face.
I peeked between my fingers, confirming the grin as he laughed. Reaching across the water, he pulled me into his broad chest. This man was so hard, and as he pulled me into his lap, I knew that to be in the literal sense as well.
“Tell me what’s on your mind,” he said as I shifted to get comfortable.
