Bossy (39 page)

Dessert’s served, and it’s crème brûlée. I grimace. The lowest common denominator of fancy desserts. My stomach rumbles, though, so I dig in like it’s food. I’ll get room service later.

“So Herb...” Chuck doesn’t even register until Angie kicks my shin. Fuck, her shoes are sharp. Also, gotta remember that I’m Herb. “Are you ready for tomorrow’s big event, then?” He winks at me, while Angie and I exchange confused glances.

“Absolutely.” I have no fucking idea. “Ready as ever. You going to be there?”

He laughs, a real belly laugh while he points at me. I chuckle along, but seriously, I really should figure out what this is all about. First the guy at my door this morning, now this. What did Dad have planned for Marie? I’m starting to think we’re in for a serious surprise tomorrow, and it won’t be good.

S
un streams in through the window, searing my eyelids and forcing me awake. Blinking and rubbing my eyes, I shake my head to clear the cobwebs. Right. The cabin. The ship. Gavin. This morning there’s no warm, solid body behind me. He’s not here. Seems I have the room to myself.

It’s stupid to be disappointed, and probably just as well. Yesterday was crazy. Shopping, our fight, finding out about Paul, the dinner... The Captain was hilarious, and the food had been so good. Everything had been so fancy, and I’d fit right in. Even Gavin had been good, mostly.

And then there was the kiss.

My breath speeds up just at the thought, and I hate myself for how easily Gavin can do that to me. Life was simpler when I could pretend it was just his body I liked. Is that idiot actually getting to me? Throwing myself back on the bed with a groan, I breathe out heavily, trying to think.

I was supposed to be on this cruise to have fun, with Paul. He was going to be my first. It would be perfect and we’d enjoy good food and complimentary champagne while we spent a couple of weeks together. Instead I’m stuck here with
him
.

When did the good guy turn into the bad guy, and the bad guy into the... not as bad guy?

I’d held out a little hope that Paul would call me back and explain, but he hasn’t, and I’m actually a little relieved. So many warning signs I’d ignored are obvious in hindsight. Better to find out before we slept together, but it still sucks. So now I’m single again, but it’s not like I can do anything about it here. Everyone thinks Gavin and I are getting married.

The bathroom door opens with a loud click, scaring the crap out of me. Gavin sticks his head out, hair dripping and broad, muscular torso exposed. He keeps his lower half covered behind the wall, making me wonder if he’s naked or not. Memories of his hard ass, his powerful legs, and his big cock spraying cum all over the shower door flash through my mind.

At this rate I’m going to need the shower. Cold.

He glances around the room before his eyes settle on me in just my underwear. He smiles slyly before speaking. “You alright? I thought I heard a noise.”

I roll my eyes at him. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Ah, alright.” He makes as if to close the door, but opens it again. “You weren’t playing with yourself, were you?”

“Get real!” Doesn’t he think of anything else?
Speak for yourself, Angie.
“No!”

“Were you thinking of me?” He leans forward, exposing just a little bit more. He’s got a bit of a trail of hair down the middle of his stomach and it leads straight to...

I have to think of something else. “You’re a perv.”

He laughs and shuts the door, leaving me to imagine him in the shower, all naked and dripping, the water running down those hard pecs and dripping off his muscular ass and... Oh, quit it! I wasn’t playing with myself, but now that my mind’s heading in that direction, it’s tempting to slip back in under the covers and slide a hand right into my panties.

I don’t, but more out of principle than anything else. Like I’d be letting him win. Well, that and I have no idea how much longer he’s going to be in there. I glance at the clock. 10:52. Outside, the weather’s beautiful, so maybe I’ll grab my bathing suit and catch some sun. Maybe some margaritas if I’m lucky. They don’t seem to bother carding me onboard, probably because of our reservations.

I change quickly before Gavin comes back out, and I’m just about to open the door when there’s a knock on the other side. Opening up, I find another pimple faced steward with a fuzzy attempt of a moustache perched on his upper lip. I doubt he’s even eighteen. Who hires these guys?

“I—I’m sorry, Miss Wilson. Just the wake-up call you ordered.” He seems nervous, but that doesn’t keep his eyes from roaming over my body. I should’ve grabbed my wrap before I opened the door. He’s got to see girls in bathing suits every day, though. Bet that makes work awkward.

“Wake-up call? What for?” I can’t imagine Gavin called for anything like that, and I definitely didn’t.

His eyes never quite make it back up past my chest. “Um... I can’t really say, Miss Wilson. I’m not allowed to.” He swallows, looking uncomfortable.

“Wait, you’re here to wake me up, but you can’t say why?” This is ridiculous.

“It’s per Mr. Caldwell’s orders, Miss Wilson.” Shifting from foot to foot, he looks ready to run away. “I—I think it’s a surprise.”

“What kind of surprise?” I frown, but he doesn’t see it. “Hey, eyes up here.”

Realizing he’s been caught, he quickly straightens and looks at me. Well, a bit off to the side, avoiding meeting my eyes, but closer than before. His face has turned bright red. “I’m sorry. I can’t. I have clear instructions from my boss.”

With a sigh, I let him off the hook. “Alright. Thanks. I’ll let him know.”

“Thank you, Miss Wilson.” He takes off at an almost run.

Gavin’s still in the shower. I’ll tell him about the mysterious arrangements later. Maybe. Or maybe I’ll just enjoy my day in the sun and hope he doesn’t find me. I grab my wrap, a towel and my e-reader, then slide my key card into my bikini top and slam the door shut behind me.

Skipping the elevator, I follow the winding stairs down instead. It feels good to move a little. My flip flops echo off the metal walls. After God knows how many turns, I see a door labeled UPPER FRONT DECK. It’s heavy, but I get it open and step out into the sunlight.

Wow. The deck is in full activity. If it’s not every crew member on the ship, it’s got to be close. They’re all busy setting up tables and hanging decorations. Is there something going on later? Party streamers and brightly colored balloons hang between the white parasols that hover over tables and sun chairs. Someone having a birthday maybe?

“Miss Wilson. Marie. What are you doing out here?” Captain Chuck separates from the crowd, crossing over the deck towards me with long determined strides. He’s wearing his dress whites again. Maybe every day is dress-up day for him. “You’re not supposed to be out here yet. Didn’t Herb tell you?”

“Tell me what?” There’s a conspiracy going on, and eventually
someone’s
going to tell me what’s going on, right?

“Oh no, you’re not getting me to ruin it.” He smiles broadly. His voice turns formal, though his grin doesn’t fade. “I’m sorry, Miss, but I’m going to have to ask you to keep off this deck until further notice. If you’d like to sunbathe, feel free to use the lower sun deck, or the aft deck, but I’m afraid the upper front deck is off limits until 6:00 PM.” He leans in conspiratorially and winks. “Then of course, your attendance is mandatory.”

Mandatory, huh? Another dinner probably. I wonder what Herbert had arranged for Mom. She’s a lucky woman. “Fine.” I hold up my hands in defeat. “I’ll go to the aft deck. This had better be good, Captain Chuck.”

He laughs. “Oh, it will be.” Then he shoos me off.

I suppose I’ll have to wait, but at least I know when and where now.

T
he aft deck is a couple of levels down. First things first. My stomach’s growling, and I see a snack bar. Or deck bistro, as they call it. Taking one of the stools, I watch the ocean stream by us while I eat one of the most delicious burgers I’ve had in my life, and everything just goes on the room tab. That’s luxury right there. Not a bad life if you can get it, or marry it I suppose.

Burger devoured, I go further aft to where the chairs are. Picking one in the sun at random, I sit and lose myself in a sci fi romance. Wacky and totally unbelievable, but I love the characters. I move around a bit, in and out of the sun so I don’t fry, but amazingly enough, a couple of hours go by without anything horrible happening. No Paul, no Gavin, no drama.
This
I could get used to.

When I think I’ve pushed my tanning about as far as it can go, I switch to a chair that looks like it’ll be in the shade for a while, and in the process find my favorite couple of retired cruise enthusiasts dozing next to me. Joyce and Mabel are in light summer shirts and slacks, all white. They have the cruise wardrobe down pat. Almost enough to make a girl feel underdressed.

I give them a smile and pull my chair closer. Almost immediately one of the servers comes by with a choice of cool drinks. I grab an iced tea and set it on the metal table next to my chair.

“Miss Wilson.” Joyce is looking straight at me.

“Please, call me Ang—Marie. Call me Marie.” Crap. I almost forget my cover. This pretending stuff drives me nuts. One thing was fooling the concierge, but I feel bad giving a fake name to everyone. I bet Joyce wouldn’t even care, but I don’t want to chance it.

If she notices my slip-up, she doesn’t show it. “Of course, dearie. Thank you.” She tilts her chair up with a bit of effort, leaning forward to talk. “I remember when I was young and beautiful like you.” She might be a bit nutty, but she’s sweet.

“Thank you. You’re still so beautiful now, I’m sure you were a knockout then.” It’s true, she has one of those faces where you can almost see the beautiful young woman under the surface.

Joyce laughs. “You forgot to add ‘for my age’ to that, Marie. But, I appreciate it.” She looks off in the distance, like she’s remembering something. “When I was young, I had all the boys falling at my feet. Enjoy it while you can. Life is so short and fleeting.” For a moment, she sounds wistful, but then she speaks with renewed energy. “But those are old people worries, and you’re far too young for those. So, tell me, Marie, are you excited?”

“Excited?” I have my suspicions that this is tied to whatever’s happening on the upper deck. Does everyone on this ship know what it’s about except us?

“Oh, so he really hasn’t told you yet, has he?” Her smile is mischievous, and she looks ready to burst with it.

I decide to pump her for some info. All this secrecy is getting pretty irritating. “So...” I drag it out while I eye her with a conspiratorial grin. “What’s going to happen? You can tell me, can’t you?”

“Oh no, young lady. If your husband-to-be hasn’t seen fit to tell you, I’m not going to spill the beans. I don’t want that brute coming after me if he finds out I ruined his fun.” Joyce laughs, eyes bright and obviously not terribly worried about Gavin.

I roll my eyes, but I can’t really get mad at her. “What do you think he’s going to do? Give you a spanking?” Images of yesterday morning flash before my eyes, and I feel a tingle that runs right down to my core.

This time she laughs outright. “Maybe?” She adds eagerly, “Is he good at it?” My iced tea catches in my throat, unleashing a wave of rolling coughs while I try to get my breath back. “Oh dear. Should I hit your back?” She makes as if to get up.

Waving my hand at her and shaking my head, I make her sit back down. “I’m—” Another cough. “I’m alright. Just went down the wrong way.” I get my breathing back under control. “What were you asking again?” Then I remembered.

“Well, I don’t think I have to tell you that you’ve picked a tough one, do I? Handsome of course, but he looks like a spanker, that one.” She winks with a mischievous grin. “Like my first husband, Jim. He was a strong believer in discipline. And with those big hands of his...” She trails off, lost in the memories, while I stare at her in disbelief. “Well, let me tell you, some days I was too sore to sit.” She sighs, like she’s remembering fond times. “Those were the best days.”

I hide my stunned expression behind sipping my drink. “That’s very... interesting. What happened to Jim?”

“He was run over by the town drunk many years ago. It was a shock, but at least it was quick. He never knew what hit him, poor man.” She sighs.

“I’m so sorry,” I say, horrified. Some days I just can’t keep my foot out of my mouth.

“Oh, it’s alright, dear. It was many, many years ago. He was a good man. Strict and firm, but a good man. And boy, did he know how to tan an ass.” She grins broadly at what apparently are some very good memories for her, disturbing as that seems.

“He sounds like he was...” I was a bit at a loss for words. “An interesting man to live with.”

She titters. “That he was. He was my first, you know? First everything. I was only seventeen when we married, but we were together for over twenty years before his accident. He put four children in me, boom, boom, boom, right in a row. Virile as a bull.”

I want to say it’s all the sun that’s making my face all red, but it wouldn’t be the truth. She certainly doesn’t hold back.

“Hang on to your first one, Marie. They’re always special. Just you wait and see.” There’s a certainty in her voice that makes me wonder. “Anyway...” She braces against her deck chair and stands. “I should get Mabel upstairs so we can get ready. It takes a while when you get to be our age, and she needs a little extra help.”

Nodding, I get up to offer a hand. Together, we get Mabel on her feet, then Joyce leads her towards the elevators. Mabel mentions something about a lunch buffet, which makes Joyce smile. “Yes, Mabel. Soon. But first we’re getting ready.”

Shaking my head with a grin, I watch them until they’re out of sight. She’s something else. I return to my chair and read for a while before I feel my eyelids get heavy. Putting my book down, I roll over and shift my chair to be flat. I cross my arms so I can rest my head on them and it’s not long before I doze off in the shade.