“Yup. One evening of drinking and dancing, and one kiss that ruined me for all other women.” I shake my head. “And believe me when I say I know how ridiculous that sounds.”
Chains smiles. “Mate, when I met Em, she was getting ready to turn herself into the police for a crime she didn’t even commit. That girl turned my head inside out within minutes, so I knew she was the one for me within a couple of days. It doesn’t sound ridiculous to me at all.”
“So, uh, you think starting something with her is, uh, a good idea?”
And why do I feel so uncomfortable talking about this?
“Looks to me like you already have.”
He has no idea how right he is.
Chapter 14
Shannon
The CMA Primadonna is a big, beautiful boat. As Ace and I approach the dock, I’m momentarily mesmerized. It isn’t the size of a cruise ship, not even close, but it’s long and elegant, with several levels, lots of windows, and an upper deck that’s probably amazing in the summer.
Two men rush forward to greet us and take our suitcases, and as we walk across the short gangway onto the deck, sliding glass doors open into a beautifully decorated reception area.
There’s a huge Christmas tree on the left, a stairway on the right, and another set of sliding glass doors on the other side of the boat. We’re immediately welcomed, shown around, and given our room keys, which double as access to getting on and off the boat.
We’re pretending to be a couple on the cruise, which is fine with me, because every time he holds my hand or puts his arm around me, my skin literally tingles from his touch. Plus, we’ve already expressed interest in each other, so it doesn’t feel like we’re pretending.
Everything is so damn easy for us, I can’t help but wonder if it’s like this for all couples. Probably not, because it definitely wasn’t this way when I met Douglas.
“This is beautiful,” I tell Ace under my breath as we take the stairs down to our room.
“Are you glad you came?”
“I guess we’ll find out in the next day or so.”
We unpack a few things in our room, and I look at the two twin beds curiously.
“Aren’t we registered as a couple?” I ask.
“Erik told me it’s a European thing. There was no option available with one bed. The deluxe suites are all booked.”
“Boo.” I stick my tongue out, and he laughs.
“We can push them together if you get frisky.”
“If?”
“You planning to attack me when we turn out the lights?”
“I might.” I love pretending I’m confident about my ability to seduce him. It’s the furthest thing from the truth, but fun, nonetheless.
“I’m looking forward to it.” He grabs me and lightly kisses me. “But we should take a walk around, learn where everything is. The spy in me can’t help myself. I need to have an escape route planned if necessary.”
“Okay, but I’m thinking the main escape route is jumping in the water. Luckily, the shore isn’t very far.”
“True, but it’s probably cold as fuck this time of year.”
We wander back upstairs and find ourselves in what’s called the lounge. It’s a large room, with windows on both sides, filled with couches, chairs, bar stools, and tables. It appears to be a place meant for cruisers to gather and/or relax, and we’re immediately approached by a smiling waitress, asking if she can get us a glass of champagne, a cappuccino, or something else.
“I’d love a hot chocolate,” I tell her.
“Two,” Ace adds.
