“Do what?” I ask, peeking up at him.
Frowning, he leans in closer and grits his teeth. “Sound like you’re having an orgasm at the table.”
I huff. It’s not like I’m imitating Meg Ryan inWhen Harry Met Sally. It’s a tiny groan. “What’s with you?”
“Nothing’s with me. I just don’t want you to embarrass yourself.” He pushes his plate to the side. I guess he’s going to eat his dessert last after all.
“Okay.” I struggle to keep an even tone. “Like I was sayingearlier, we’re snorkeling tomorrow.”
As I’m going over the itinerary, our dinners arrive—filet mignon with roasted vegetables and rosemary mashed potatoes for him, the fresh catch of the day with steamed vegetables and a citrus glaze for me.
“After snorkeling, the boat will shuttle us to shore to a traditional Greek taverna for lunch, then bring us back to the dock to board the ship. How does that sound?”
His responding smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Great, Beck.”
After our out-of-order but delicious dinner, I collapse on the bed in our cabin. “I’m stuffed.” I grunt and wiggle my way out of my gown, relieved to no longer be strangled by spandex.
Tyler tosses the room key on the table and kicks off his black loafers. Next, he goes to work unbuttoning his shirt. He leaves it open, displaying a collage of chest and stomach tattoos.
I sit up, thoroughly enjoying the view.
His gray eyes rove over me, paying special attention to my bare breasts. His knees hit the side of the bed, and he pushes my shoulders to the mattress. When I’m flat on my back, he straddles my hips. The ends of his shirt tickle my naked stomach as he hovers over me and plants a kiss on my collarbone. With my fingers tangled in the hair at his nape, I pull him to me and savor the taste of honey and pistachio that fills my mouth when he drags his tongue across mine. I nibble on his lower lip, relishing the connection, but pull back when there’s a buzz against my leg. Either Tyler has something kinky in store for us or?—
He digs his phone out of his pants pocket. The phone that was supposed to be left behind at dinner this evening. “Dammit, I’ve gotta take this.”
I throw my hands over my face and huff. “Fine.”
“Yo!” He steps around the bed.It’ll just take a minute, he mouths to me. Then he retreats to the balcony to take the call.
Five minutes later, tired of making out pictures on thepopcorn ceiling like I did as a kid, I roll off the bed and peer out the sliding glass door. Tyler is leaning against the railing and roughing his fingers through his blond hair.A minute, my ass.Whatever is going on can’t be good, and I can’t imagine he’ll be happy when he hangs up.
Scanning the ship’s schedule of events in the welcome packet we received, I find a description of tonight’s entertainment:Live Music at Muses Nightclub.Perfect. I slip into a coral mini dress and slide my feet back into the nude heels I wore to dinner. Tomorrow I may regret the decision to wear them, but I’ll look hot tonight.
By the time I’ve freshened up in the bathroom, Tyler has finished his call and come inside.
“Everything all right?” I ask, searching his expression.
Propped against the door, he shakes his head, his jaw ticking. “Just pissed-off clients.”
“Oh no.” I shoot him a frown and spritz the back of my neck with perfume.
“Yeah, really bad fucking timing.” He swipes a hand down his clean-shaven face, then crosses his arms. “The team is losing their fucking minds without me.”
“That bad?” I wrap my arms around his waist, forcing him to drop his arms, and press my chest to his. I thought he tied up all his loose ends before we left. Didn’t he tell me this trip was coming at the perfect time?
He grasps my arms and pulls back. “Yes, it’s fucking bad, Beck,” he grouses, dropping onto the mattress.
The bite in his tone startles me. I’m doing what I can to be a sympathetic and supportive girlfriend despite the way his work keeps interfering with our trip, yet it feels as though I’m about to get my head chewed off for no reason.
I stand in front of him, eyes fluttering, waiting for his next move. “How can I help?” I try again.
The furrow between his brows relaxes a bit, but he ignores my question. “Why are you dressed again?”
Finally, he sees me.
“There’s a dance club tonight. I thought we could go.” I refuse to be in this tiny cabin if he’s going to be cranky all night.
His eyes swim with hesitation, like he’s in two places at once.Come back. Be here with me, I silently beg.
