Cruising Love Read online

  I collapsed back onto the bed with her in my arms, my cock sliding from her as she quaked against me.

  We fell asleep that night wrapped in each other’s arms, the vision of the ocean painted across our eyes, and the smell of our passion wafting around our heads.

  Chapter 14

  Abby

  I woke up to the smells and sounds of the ocean filling our room. My eyes opened and took in the beautiful view of blue water rushing by the boat. I still couldn’t believe I was here—on a cruise! And staring out at the ocean from behind these beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows. I felt Colin’s arms tighten around me as he began to stir, then his lips pressed a kiss between my shoulder blades.

  “Morning,” he said.

  “Good morning,” I said.

  “How’s the view?”

  “Open your eyes and see for yourself.”

  I felt his hand drifting along my side as it moved to my waist. His hand made its way up my body, caressing my shoulder as goosebumps rose upon my skin. He moved my hair off to the side and dipped his lips to my neck, kissing the crook of it as I sighed.

  “The view is wonderful,” he said.

  “I was talking about the ocean,” I said.

  “And I was talking about you.”

  I turned over into his arms and found his lips. It felt so right to have him next to me. My body yearned for his touch as his arms encased me, cloaking my back. My arms snaked around his neck as he settled between my legs, his swollen girth at the ready in the event it was called upon.

  Then, my stomach growled.

  “Sounds like someone’s hungry,” he said, grinning.

  “I’m sorry,” I said.

  “Why?”

  “Because I—know you wanted something else.”

  “All I want in this life, Abby, is you.”

  His words echoed off the corners of my mind as I rose up to kiss him again.

  We slid out of bed and got ourselves dressed. The dining room was nearing the tail end of breakfast service, but we got there in plenty of time. We slowly woke up over delicious cups of coffee and indulged in pancakes that melted in our mouths. Everything was so fresh and ripe. Cooked to perfection and served with the utmost care and presentation. The pancakes were in all these different shapes and the fruit on the table was carved into a variety of flowers and animals. I was in awe of the talent on this ship, and I couldn’t wait to explore and take it all in.

  “So, what would you like to do today?” Colin asked.

  “Anything and everything,” I said.

  “Well, do you want a spa day?”

  “Not really. Maybe later in the week? I kind of want to explore.”

  “We could get into our bathing suits and hit up one of the hot tubs on the open deck,” he said.

  “Oh, that sounds fabulous. When do they start serving drinks?” I asked, giggling.

  “One hour ago,” our waiter said.

  I turned my face up to look at him as a sly grin crossed his cheeks.

  “First timer?” he asked Colin.

  “Oh, yes,” he said.

  “Wonderful! You are going to have a fabulous time, Miss,” our waiter said. “Adult beverage service begins concurrently with food service.”

  “And since food is served twenty-four-seven on this cruise, then the alcohol is, too,” Colin said.

  “To the hot tub, then,” I said.

  We finished up our breakfast before we made our way back to our room. We changed into our bathing suits before slipping on some clothes, then headed out to the open deck. Colin slipped his hand into mine as we ventured out into the sun, the heat beating down on my face as I turned my gaze toward the sky. I felt free out here. Disconnected from the hectic world I’d been thrust into. Colin stood by me as I took everything in, basking in the sun and gripping tightly to his hand.

  “Whenever you’re ready,” he said.

  Walking over to a hot tub, we quickly stripped down to our swim suits. Colin signaled for one of the staff as I lowered myself into the hot water. It was roiling with bubbles and shivering my skin. I felt myself relaxing instantly as I sat in one of the contoured chairs carved into the walls of the hot tub.

  “I’ll have a Tom Collins, and the lovely lady here would like—?”

  “A margarita,” I said.

  “Getting the party started early, I like it,” the staffer said, with a broad smile. “A Tom Collins and a margarita, coming right up. Ma’am, do you want it frozen or on the rocks?”

  “Surprise me. Your favorite style and flavor,” I said.

  “Okay then, I love surprises! I’ll be back with your drinks,” the staffer said.

  Colin got in and settled down beside me. Our hands found each other as the two of us sat there in silence. No one was out on the deck yet. It was just the two of us in the hot tub. We were gazing out over the bow of the ship, watching the water part for the massive ship. There was blue sky and clouds as far as the eye could see, and the water seemed to go on for years.

  “It’s just us,” I said, smiling.

  “Just us,” Colin said.

  “Wanna get a massage after this?” I asked.

  “Whatever you want,” he said.

  “Well, I want to do what you’d like as well.”

  “Don’t worry. I was thinking I’d pick the show for tonight. There’s a variety show after dinner that’s supposed to be wonderful.”

  “Sounds like fun,” I said, grinning. “What types of acts will they have? Do you know?”

  “From what I saw on the flier, there’s a magician, some singing acts, a couple of comedians, and a fire eater.”

  “What? I’ve never seen a fire eater in person,” I said.

  “Well then, you will tonight!”

  “A Tom Collins for the gentleman, and a frozen pomegranate and raspberry margarita for the lady.”

  “Oh, that sounds fantastic,” I said. “Thank you.”

  “Just give me a wave if you need me and I’ll come running,” the staffer said. “And please, if you don’t like your drink, Miss, just let me know and I’ll make you another.”

  “Thank you, but I’m sure it’ll be just fine,” I said.

  I settled against Colin’s body as we sipped our drinks. My margarita was perfect, with just the right amount of alcohol. The bubbles were popping around us as the sea filled our vision, and I looked over at Colin. He seemed so relaxed and fluid—as if he hadn’t a care in the world. The way he looked right now, no one would believe he had been through the crazy turmoil that was our reality.

  I watched him turn his gaze to me as he smiled.

  “What?” he asked.

  “Nothing. Just admiring the view,” I said.

  “I thought that was my line,” he said, winking.

  “Well, I stole it. So there.”

  “Don’t worry. You’ve stolen a lot more than that.”

  I felt my heart flutter and quickly took another sip of my drink.

  “I remember the first time I ever saw the ocean,” I said.

  Colin’s eyes locked onto my face as I closed my eyes.

  “I was with my mother. My dad was out of town working and I was so upset. He was supposed to go on this beach trip with us. For weeks he had promised he would be there. But in the end, his work kept him away and my mother and I had to travel without him. Anyway, we flew into San Francisco and checked into our hotel. She tried to distract me by going on a walk through the city, but it killed me that my father wasn’t there.”

  “I’m sorry,” Colin said.

  “Don’t be. He ended up making it. My mom and I got food to take out onto the beach so we could watch the sun set over the water. She kept telling me that Dad would be there soon, but I didn’t believe her. Then out of the blue he just walked right up behind us.”

  “Really?” Colin asked, chuckling. “Just like that?”

  “Yep. Just like that. Even my mom was shocked. He told me when I was older that he’d put his foot down with his bo
ss. It cost him a promotion, but he said he wouldn’t have traded it for anything. That was the first time I saw the ocean, and it was then that I fell in love with California. I was eleven at the time, and in my mind, it was magical and brought families together under impossible circumstances. The ocean and the state. I’d like to think that still holds true, even though San Diego chewed me up and spat me out.”

  I felt Colin pull me closer before he pressed a kiss to my temple.

  “Wanna know the first time I ever saw the ocean?” he asked.

  “Of course,” I said, grinning.

  “I was with my dad, too. It’s the only memory I keep of him that’s positive. It was before my view of him was tainted, and shifted with the type of man he turned out to be.”

  Reaching over, I squeezed Colin’s knee as he gazed out over the water.

  “I was probably no more than five or six, but I remember it like it was yesterday. We were walking along the beach and he was holding my hand. He’d pick me up every time a wave came barreling into shore that he thought might knock me down. Then we found this puddle that had been created and he sat next to it while I played. Nothing special about it. I just remember him being there. Being present. Being protective over my safety and guarding me any way he knew how.”

  “Wow. That’s why you’re so protective,” I said.

  “What?” he asked.

  “If that’s your only positive memory of your father, then that’s probably why you’re so protective all the time. In your mind, it’s the only positive lesson he taught you. So you took it to heart as an adult.”

  “I guess I never really thought about it that way,” he said.

  With my head resting on his shoulder, I allowed the water to carry me into his lap. We finished our drinks and set them aside, then allowed our gazes to be swallowed up by the ocean. His legs parted for me so I could sit between them, then his arms threaded around my waist. I tucked my head underneath his chin as we sat there, digesting the memories and enjoying each other’s presence.

  This was what I wanted. Time to just be with him. Not him and his business, him and his worries, him and his meetings or him and his schedule. Just him.

  Just him. The man I knew Colin to be when he could cast off his mask as a businessman.

  The question was, could he be that man when we weren’t here? Could he be that man back in L.A.?

  I wasn’t sure if it was possible, but I didn’t want to think about that right now. All I wanted to do was take in this moment with him, learn about the man I was engaged to, and soak up his presence.

  We could figure out the rest along the way.

  Chapter 15

  Colin

  We woke up late on our second day of the cruise. After enjoying the libations in the hot tub and getting a two-hour couple’s massage, we went back to our suite and watched movies. We binged on them as we ordered room service and drank through three bottles of wine. We didn’t get to bed until almost three in the morning and finally found sleep, the both of us pretty inebriated.

  Neither of us opened our eyes until it was time for lunch, and the ship was already alive with the sounds of people laughing.

  “Whoops,” Abby said. “Looks like we missed breakfast.”

  “That’s okay,” I said, groaning. “We can order in breakfast from the kitchen.”

  “Or we could get dressed and go get lunch,” she said.

  “That, too. I was hoping to enjoy your body a bit more, though.”

  “Naughty, naughty,” she said, grinning. “Come on. Let’s go get some lunch. I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling a little hungover.”

  Lunch service was bustling with people. The waiters and waitresses were running all over the place while people with drinks in their hands stumbled down hallways. I kept my arm tight around Abby’s waist, but made no movement to pull her out of people’s paths. I kept her close as we navigated the hallways, then I let her go once we got to the dining area. I wanted to protect her, but not make her feel overwhelmed or controlled. I was trying to find that balance between making her feel comforted by my presence, without implying she couldn’t take care of herself, and forcing her to be controlled. As much as I wanted to, I didn’t physically steer her around, I just supported her.

  After the stories we had shared yesterday, I didn’t want to ruin things.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  “For what?” I asked.

  “For letting me walk on my own, without acting like I needed a bodyguard on my arm to navigate a hallway,” she said.

  I smiled down at her, thankful that my efforts to curtail my over-protectiveness hadn’t gone unnoticed.

  We were guided to our table and sat down with menus. There was an older couple next to us, smiling and giggling at each other as they ate. I hadn’t noticed them before, and I could tell by the look on Abby’s face that she hadn’t either. Her eyes were sparkling as she watched the two of them interact. They held hands the whole time, the elderly woman smiled and laughed at her husband.

  “Hello,” Abby said.

  I panned my gaze over to her as the elderly woman gave her a kind smile.

  “Hello there,” she said. “Are the two of you having fun?”

  “Oh, yes,” Abby said. “Loads. This is my first cruise ever, so I’m really taking it all in.”

  “This is our first, too,” the elderly man said. “I’m Bernie, by the way, and this is my wife, Doris.”

  “It’s nice to meet you both. I’m Abby, and this is my fiancé, Colin.”

  “A pleasure,” I said.

  “Oh, he’s handsome, sweetheart,” Doris said.

  “I know. I caught me a good one,” Abby said.

  “What are you guys celebrating?” Bernie asked.

  “Our engagement,” I said, as I eyed Abby closely.

  “We didn’t get a chance to properly party directly after he popped the question,” Abby said, grinning. “Work meetings and all.”

  “Oh, the younger crowd stays so busy,” Doris said. “I’m glad the two of you are taking time to be with each other now. It’s really important.”

  “It is. We’ve been married fifty years. Trust us, it is very important,” Bernie said.

  “Fifty years?” I asked. “That’s incredible. Congratulations.”

  “Yes, sir. Fifty years as of yesterday, and she looks just as beautiful as the day I married her,” Bernie said.

  The smile on Abby’s face was bright with happiness as she watched the two of them interact.

  “What are you two getting yourselves into today? I don’t believe we dock until tomorrow,” Doris said.

  “I’m not really sure,” I said. “We took in that show last night—”

  “Oh, so did we! That comedian was so funny. And not vulgar at all, which is so hard to find sometimes,” Bernie said.

  “I know, right?” Abby said. “It was nice to find a clean comedian that was actually funny.”

  “Does vulgar comedy offend you?” I asked.

  “Not really, but it does get old,” Abby said.

  “Good to know,” I said, grinning.

  “Well, if the two of you don’t have plans, why don’t you join us?” Doris asked. “We were going to head to that piano bar and listen to some music.”

  “Are those open right now?” Abby asked.

  “Yes, the only thing not open right now is the dance club,” Bernie said.

  “There’s a dance club?” Abby asked.

  “Oh yes, sweetheart. Bernie and I will be dancing there later,” Doris said.

  “We would love to join you in the lounge. Is that okay with you, Abby?”

  “I would love to,” she said.

  The four of us wrapped up lunch before we headed to the piano bar. I felt like meeting this couple was a sign for us. Fifty years of marriage and they still looked at each other the way I looked at Abby. I could see the way her eyes lit up with joy whenever they shared an intimate moment. Whenever Bernie took his wife’s
hand or whenever Doris leaned over to kiss her husband’s cheek, Abby was taking it all in, and I could see her being swept away with ideas of what could be. Ideas of how her life could turn out.

  We couldn’t have met this couple at a more appropriate time.

  “So,” Bernie said, as we all sat down, “what do the two of you do for a living?”

  “Well, I’m the owner and CEO of Murphy, Inc.,” I said.

  “And I’m his public relations representative,” Abby said.

  “A businessman! Well, I own one myself. A string of hardware stores in my hometown,” Bernie said.

  “And I’m his accountant. And payroll. And manager. And sales representative if someone calls out sick,” Doris said.

  “I’m the brains, she’s the brawn,” Bernie said, laughing.

  Abby was giggling right along with them, her smile bright as our drinks were delivered to us.

  “So, CEO of Murphy, Inc., huh? What business are you in, son?” Bernie asked.

  “Are you familiar with the internet platform that’s geared towards entrepreneurs? The one with the discussion forums and the podcasts?”

  The elderly couple was staring at me like I’d grown a third eyeball in the middle of my head.

  “The thing in the news that’s having the language issues?” Abby asked.

  “Oh, yes! The company with the—the translation issues. Yeah. That company’s supposedly, what did the news say, honey?” Bernie asked.

  “The news said that the website was ‘changing the way businesses funded themselves,’ or some such thing,” Doris said.

  “That was it. You own that?” Bernie asked.

  “Yep. Built it from the ground up,” I said.

  “He’s a keeper,” Doris said, winking.

  “I’m starting to figure that out,” Abby said.

  I looked down at her as her gaze slid towards mine. I reached for my hand out to hers and squeezed, offering her a kind smile. Her eyes were wide with delight as we continued to talk with the delightful couple, and when our conversation finally wound down, the entire afternoon had passed us by.