‘That’s quite enough of that for now, Harlow, we’re colleagues after all; we gotta keep things professional.’ He marched across the deck with her legs dangling across his chest.
‘Put me down!’ she demanded, but she was laughing.
As they walked past the downstairs saloon, she spotted the guests lounging behind the glass.
‘Jack! They’re going to see!’ But it was too late. Brian was prodding Milly and wolf whistling. Even through the glass, the shrill of Milly’s squeal was piercing.
‘Jack and Sofia for ever,’ she called, clapping excitedly. Jack gave a salute and Sofia waved as she was carried past.
Outside the door to the mess, Jack put Sofia down. They were both breathless with excitement, but as they looked at each other, the world slowed. She smiled, he smiled, and then she couldn’t stand it anymore – she grabbed his collar and pulled his lips to hers. Instantaneously the furnace was lit, burning ferociously in the pit of her stomach. It was going to be hard to keep her hands off him long enough to get food on the table. He groaned and grabbed at her waist, pulling her in to him. Just before the fuzz in her brain took over her better judgement, she pulled him away, panting softly.
‘We can’t do this here, we’re on a test run, remember? We can save that—’ she slapped his arse playfully ‘—for the bunk.’ She winked at him, revelling in his look of horny bewilderment and swung open the door.
Patricio and Declan were sat together in one corner, and Petra and Stuart in another. The chatter died immediately as they stared expectantly.
‘So, guys, we have a little announcement.’ She was trying to be coy, but she couldn’t stop grinning.
Patricio was not going to indulge her in the dramatic build-up. ‘OMG! Yes, love it, love it!’ he exclaimed before trilling his tongue.
‘She hasn’t even said anything yet!’ Petra said impatiently. ‘Go on!’
‘We’re both staying on the boat.’ Jack took the reins, and Sofia was overwhelmed by the cheers. Next it was all hugs, a little perfunctory from Stuart and Declan, but longer and tighter from Petra and from Patricio, who had tears in his eyes as she leant back.
‘And just to be clear, you two are...?’ Petra was not going to let them get away with any ambiguity.
‘Together,’ Sofia and Jack said at the same time.
‘Now that’s too much,’ Petra said dryly before breaking out into a grin.
‘One charter, two couples. Poor Captain Mary must be having to rethink that famous rule,’ Declan chimed.
‘Well if she will keep inviting people onto theLady Ixchel, what does she expect?’ Everybody turned to Stuart, confused. ‘Lady Ixchel? Ixchel, like the Mayan goddess of love?’ His insightful observation was only met with shrugs and murmurs. ‘Never mind,’ he mumbled.
‘Well it seems she’s scrapping that rule now,’ Petra interjected, coming to Stuart’s aid. Sofia spotted Patricio glancing over at Declan.
‘So, what now?’ Declan wondered, ever full of questions.
‘Well,’ Petra took a moment to compile a list in her head. ‘The top deck needs scrubbing.’ She pointed at Declan. ‘The beds need stripping.’ She pointed at Patricio. ‘Our next stop needs to be mapped out and our spot in the harbour reserved.’ The finger spun to Stuart and then Jack. ‘Dinner needs to be cooked.’ Sofia’s turn. ‘And I have a pile of ironing sitting in the laundry room with my name on it.’
They all stood for a moment. ‘Chop, chop, this isn’t a holiday!’ And with the clap of Petra’s hands, they all scattered.
Epilogue
Six months later
Sofia woke up with the dawn, and immediately knew that Jack was not beside her. It was hard not to notice when you were sharing a single bunk with someone. She wondered if she should join him on deck but just as she’d psyched herself up to throw back the covers, he came through the door with two cups of coffee.
‘Did I wake you?’ Sofia had been surprised to find that Jack was very attentive, always wondering if she was comfortable or hungry or cold.
‘Nope,’ she said, stretching out a yawn, ‘I was about to come and find you.’
‘Well, here I am.’ He set down the two mugs and Sofia grabbed him by the bottom of his T-shirt, pulling him towards her.
‘Here you are, indeed.’ She smiled devilishly as he leant over the bunk and placed a soft kiss on her lips. She pouted as he turned away. ‘Is that it?’ She sounded petulant, but when he turned back he looked amused.
‘Oh, you want more?’ he said, feigning surprise, but stepping out of his pyjama bottoms.
She bit her lip and nodded coyly. ‘Just a little bit more please.’ He pulled off his T-shirt and then his boxers. She feasted with her eyes and it only made her more ravenous.
