Page 125 of My Real Love Affair

We walked up the gangway, and I felt like I was entering another world. The crew was dressed in crisp white uniforms. They lined up to greet us. The captain shook Austin’s hand, welcomed us aboard, and then someone was draping a lei around my neck while another person handed me a colorful cocktail in a coconut.

“Welcome toSerendipity,” the captain said. “We’re honored to have you aboard. Shall we give you the tour?”

I could only nod, too overwhelmed to form words.

The tour was—I couldn’t process it all. The main deck had an outdoor lounge area with cushioned seating that looked so comfortable. There was a bar—an actual full bar—tucked into one corner.

“We have a full-time bartender on staff,” the captain explained. “Just let us know what you’d like, whenever you’d like it.”

We moved to the upper deck, where a dining table was set up under a canopy. Beyond that was a hot tub, bubbling invitingly. And beyond that I saw a slide.

“Is that a slide?” I asked.

“It is.” The captain smiled. “It’s inflatable. We can set it up on the top deck. It goes from there down into the water. Great fun.”

“There’s also jet skis,” Austin added, pointing to where they were secured. “And a floating platform. And what else?” He looked at the captain.

“Paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, a floating trampoline.” The captain was clearly enjoying my shock. “We’re fully equipped for water activities.”

We continued inside, where an air-conditioned lounge offered respite from the heat. Plush sofas, a massive TV, floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views.

“This is nicer than most people’s houses,” I said.

“It’s nicer than your house?” Austin asked.

“It’s nicer than my house. By a lot.” I turned in a circle. “This is insane. All of this. On a boat.”

“Yacht,” Austin corrected.

The staterooms were next. The captain showed us to the master suite and I actually gasped. The room was huge, dominated by a king-sized bed. There were windows on three sides, all offering ocean views. An ensuite bathroom had both a shower and a soaking tub. There was even a small sitting area with two chairs and a table. How in the hell could there be a tub on a boat—yacht?

“This is all so much.” I looked at Austin. “We’re sleeping here?”

“We’re sleeping here,” he said with a nod.

“Together?”

“Unless you want separate rooms. But I was kind of hoping we could bunk together.”

I kissed him. “Together. Definitely together.”

After the crew had shown us every amenity, they offered to get us anything we needed. Austin had tipped everyone generously and we were finally alone.

The yacht had set sail while we were settling in, and now we were gliding through calm waters, the island growing smaller behind us.

Austin had arranged for dinner on the top deck. The crew set up a table with candles and flowers, white tablecloths billowing gently in the breeze. The sun was setting and putting on one hell of a show with brilliant shades of orange and pink and purple.

I had changed into a simple sundress, letting my hair down from the travel bun I’d worn on the plane. Austin wore another pair of linen pants and a white T-shirt, looking like he’d stepped out of a luxury resort advertisement.

Dinner was served in courses—fresh fish, tropical fruits I had never tried, flavors that exploded on my tongue. We ate slowly,talking and laughing, watching the stars emerge as the sky darkened.

“This is perfect,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “All of this. Thank you for making it happen.”

“Thank you for coming.” He reached across the table, taking my hand. “For trusting me enough to come along. I know I can be a little impulsive. You’re a good sport for going along with it.”

I laughed. “Yeah, I’m really suffering.”

I looked out at the horizon and let my mind drift. Three months ago, I’d been at Sophie’s wedding, getting whispered about and judged. Austin had swooped in with that kiss and changed everything.