CRUISE TO ROMANCE (6 page)

“I don’t think so.  Granted the
passion is there, but I really don’t know the man well enough to encourage him
to enter into a real relationship with me.”

“That’s too bad.”

“Time will tell.”  Jennifer
paused, then quickly decided to tell Sheila only as much as she felt
comfortable with.  “I still haven’t won the bet yet.  I don’t want you to jump
to conclusions about last night.”

Sheila looked shocked.  “There’s
no way that I’m going to believe that, especially after seeing you this
morning.”

Jennifer flushed.  “Believe it.”

“So . . . I still have a chance?”

Jennifer shrugged and turned to
see Mike walking over with a tray of food and drinks.  “Set it on the foot of
Sheila’s lounge.  We’ll share.”

Mike grinned and set the tray
down.  “Two lovely ladies.  I can’t think of a better way to spend the day. 
What have you two been talking about?  You have a conspiratorial look about
you.”

Sheila smiled and reached for a
plate to hand Jennifer.  “We were discussing your group.  Such handsome men.  Every
one of them single.  Is being single a requirement for your job?”

“No.  Not at all.  We do have
sales reps who are married, but because there is so much travel involved in the
job, our company tends to attract single men.”

Jennifer looked up from her
pizza.  “Sounds like a lonely life to me.  Do you have someone waiting for you
at home?”

Mike laughed.  “Not me, but I plan
to change that just as soon as I get a chance.”

“You haven’t had a chance?”

“With all the traveling I do,
it’s hard to meet women.  Besides, I’ll be entering graduate school in the
fall.  So, I’m planning to put in for a job with the company that will keep me
closer to home and school.”

“That sounds smart,” Sheila
replied.  “Does Ryan want to stop traveling so much, too?”

“Not really.  Ryan sees business
as the central focus of his life, not marriage.” Mike stretched out his legs
and studied the pool before.  “Ryan enjoys women, and was even engaged once,
but Exercisetech is his only mistress.”  He glanced back to them.  “That’s
definitely not my style!”

“Not hardly,” Sheila answered
dryly.

Mike laughed and looked beyond
her shoulder.  “Here comes trouble.”

Jennifer turned to see Ryan
coming their way.  Her breath caught in her throat.  Clad only in black swim
trunks with a towel swung over his shoulder, he looked like a male model for
Abercrombie
& Fitch
.  He walked with an easy gait, smug and confident in his
semi-naked state.  Then his eyes met hers and her world began to tilt.  Oh . .
. dear . . .  What was a girl to do?  Could she seduce him and keep her heart? 
Even as she asked the question, he was sitting on her lounge, smiling at her
with that playful smile.

“Hello, beautiful.”

His husky voice enveloped her,
teasing her.  Blushing, she finally remembered to breathe.  “Hi, Ryan.”  Feeling
flustered, she wanted nothing more than to cover herself.  Suddenly, she was
very aware of just how much of her body was exposed to his view and it took all
her will power not to grab her cover-up.  His eyes quickly scanned her navy
bathing suit with its pink trim.  The French-cut to her suit made her legs look
even lounger than they were and the bodice was fitted to enhance her
bust-line.  The fact that he didn’t miss one tiny seam didn’t thrill her as
much as knowing that he liked what he saw.  It was written all over his hungry
face.  Then his eyes lingered on her face, studying her eyes as if he wanted to
memorize every detail.  Much to her dismay, Ryan turned away when Mike,
grinning like a Cheshire cat, cleared his throat.

“Finish all of your meetings?”
Mike asked.

Ryan nodded.  “I expected to see
you at the first one.”

“I was tied up.”  Mike glanced at
Sheila and laughed softly.  “Literally.”

Embarrassed at the picture she
was visualizing, Jennifer jumped up and slipped on her shoes.  “Sorry guys, but
I have to go.”  Without another word, she hurried across the deck to find the
elevators.  How could they joke so openly about such an intimate act?  She was
never going to get this romance business right.  Just the mere mention of sex
and she felt flustered and out of place.  No wonder she found herself alone all
the time.  Who would want someone as naive and innocent as her?

“Hey, Jenn,” a masculine voice
called, “wait up.”

But Jennifer had no intentions of
waiting for anyone.  She entered the elevator banks and rushed into the first
elevator that opened.  When she spun around to punch the floor indicator
button, she found herself face to face with Ryan.

Ryan grabbed her shoulders gently
while the doors closed to keep her from running back out.  He smiled at the
pink flush covering her cheeks.  “Please let me apologize for my brother. 
Sometimes he has a very big mouth even when he is only joking.”

“Don’t apologize for him.  You’re
not responsible for his behavior.  I just don’t care for men who kiss and tell.”

“Hey, lighten up, beautiful. 
Mike was only kidding—trying to get a rise out of me.  He enjoys baiting me,
Jenny.  He wasn’t serious.”

“Really?”

“Really.”  Ryan pulled her into
his arms and hugged her.  “Let’s get some coffee at the coffee bar.”  At her
smile of acquiescence, he loosened his hold enough to turn and hit the
indicator button for Deck Six.  When he turned back to her, it only took a
moment before he released her.  One more minute and he would be kissing her
senseless.  Or, at least trying to.  Damn.  He wanted to make her feel as
desperate as she had made him feel.  After seeing her lying there in her French
designer suit with her long sexy legs and perfectly polished toes, he wanted to
throw all of his platonic intentions out the window.  He was hot and aroused,
and he wanted her in his arms giving him back as good as he gave.  Inwardly he
moaned his disappointment just as the elevator stopped and the doors began to
open.  Reluctantly, he led her out of the elevator and over to the coffee bar
where they selected a table by the window.  After helping her into her chair, Ryan
walked over to the bar.

Ryan ordered coffee and selected
some gourmet cookies from a tray sitting on the counter top.  While he waited
for the bartender to make the coffee, he wondered what in the world he was
doing.  He was considering pursuing Jennifer.  The attraction between them was
much stronger than he had originally thought.  Even though he sensed that he
would be playing with fire, he couldn’t seem to stop wanting her.  He glanced
over to Jennifer and saw that she was slipping into her cover-up.  Maybe, if he
was careful, he could enjoy a little romance on this cruise without it turning
too serious.

Balancing the plate of cookies
over one of the coffee cups, Ryan made it to the table.  “You skipped out on
your lunch.”

“Oh, thank you.  They look
delicious.”  Jennifer reached for a cookie and bit into its edge.

Ryan wondered just what Jennifer
was up to.  He’d been watching different expressions cross her face as she
nibbled her cookie.  It looked as if she’d come to a decision because her eyes
lit up and her sweet mouth curved in a slight smile.  She was looking directly
at him now, giving him a playful grin.  When her little pink tongue darted out
and slowly licked the sugar crystals from her upper lip, he felt himself go
hard.  Mmm, but he wanted that sexy little tongue slowly licking him, driving
him out of his mind.  Maybe a nice relaxing twenty minutes in the hot tub would
ease the tension.  “Finish up, Jenn, so we can go in the hot tub.”

Ryan was down to his last few
drops of coffee when he saw her eyes narrow slightly.  Heat infused him. 
Suddenly he knew that the hot tub was going to be a lot hotter than he
initially expected!

Inside the air-conditioned
atrium, in one of its secluded hot tubs, Ryan wondered if soaking in the hot
tub had been one of his better ideas.  Here he sat, feeling masculine and
loveable, while Jennifer laughed and joked and appeared totally unaffected by his
magnetism and charm.  Most women would be all over him by now.  Not that he
minded.  They just couldn’t seem to help themselves.  But not Jennifer.  She
didn’t seem to have any problem resisting temptation.  Not that he had tried to
seduce her, of course.

Up to his neck in bubbles and
churning hot water, Ryan tried to relax while he listened to  Jennifer explain
the fine art of Caribbean cooking.  From scouring the islands for ingredients,
to cooking over an open fire, she made a chore sound like a grand adventure. 
Somehow she transformed the mundane into a zest for living.  Surprisingly, he
found himself wanting to share in the adventure.  While she talked, he imagined
himself in the kitchen with her, sampling her creations—and of course, sampling
her.  Jennifer would make a good mother, whipping up gourmet treats for the
kids and serving it with an extra helping of love.  It was almost enough to
make him want to reconsider his ‘no commitment’ promise to himself.  Almost,
but not quite.

Ryan smiled at Jennifer when she
paused and took a sip of her iced tea.  “Coming up for air?”

Jennifer laughed.  “I guess I
have talked your ear off.  It’s just that I feel so enthusiastic when I talk
about food.  It’s such a challenge to create recipes that are appealing to the
senses.

“You can talk to me anytime. 
Your enthusiasm is contagious.”  Ryan straightened and reached for his soda
sitting on the side of the spa.  “When have you planned the dinner with the
Captain?”

“Probably toward the end of the
trip.  I wanted a chance to pick up some special spices before the dinner.” 
Jennifer glanced around the atrium, taking in its lush plants and beautiful
flowers.  “I really should go see the chef soon.  Maybe it will turn out better
than the last time.”

“What do you mean?” Ryan asked as
he placed his glass on the coping.

“Chef
Commendatore
Mario
Ruscelli, the Corporate Executive Chef, has better ways to spend his creative
time than to entertain a female dilettante in his galley,” she replied in a
broken Italian accent.

“You’re joking!”

“Not hardly,” she replied.  “While
I agree that it is a bit of an imposition, the Captain did request this
dinner.”

“Perhaps I should speak with the
Captain about the man’s attitude,” Ryan answered.  “That is no way to treat a
passenger.”

“Well, I do want to try and win
him over first.”  Jennifer sighed.  “If he just wasn’t so pompous we could have
some fun creating and preparing the dinner.”

“Well, if you change your mind,
let me know,” he added.

“That’s very sweet of you.  Thank
you.”  Jennifer leaned and kissed his lips.

Never one to miss an opportunity,
Ryan returned her kiss while his arms slipped around her to pull her close. 
Pressing their bodies together, he leaned her back and kissed her deeply,
wanting to create the same need in her that her unexpected kiss had stirred in
him.  Jennifer objected softly when he lifted his mouth from hers, leaving him
no choice but to oblige.  Ryan deepened the kiss, savoring her own special
taste mingled with the delicate flavors of coffee and cookies.  Ah!  How
delicious.  Cookies and kisses.  Ryan plundered her mouth while he stroked her
breast beneath the surface of the swirling foam-covered water.

“I think we need to talk,” he
whispered against her lips.

“No,” she breathed.  “Later.”

Ryan moved them both into an
upright position.  “You caught me off guard.  I could have drowned you,” he
grinned.

“You didn’t,” she countered. 
Jennifer wasn’t happy.  All she could think of was the throbbing pleasure she
had just experienced.    She wanted him desperately.  She wanted him now, even
though she knew that it was not possible.  Running her hands over his taunt
abdomen, she enjoyed the feel of his smooth skin beneath her hand.  If only she
had used her head and lured him to her cabin.  Now it was too late.  He was
back in control.

“I’m surprised you didn’t drown
me,” Ryan teased.  He turned off the jets and grabbed her wandering hand.  “I
think it’s time to go.”

Jennifer smiled a knowing smile
and climbed out of the tub.  Gathering her things, she decided to give Mr.
Gorgeous a taste of his own medicine.  “I’ll catch up with you later.  Right
now I need a nap.  Alone.”

Ryan waved to Jennifer, then
watched as she headed for the stairs.  He wished that she had stayed to talk a
while.  It would have been fun to spend the afternoon with her.  Climbing out
of the tub, he located his towel and quickly dried off.  With a sigh, he
stretched out on the nearest chaise lounge and closed his eyes.

There was no denying it, he just
had a wonderful time and he wanted more.   What was it about Jennifer that he
found so interesting, so compelling?  With Jennifer, it was more than physical,
though that was fantastic.  He was attracted to her in a way he didn’t
understand.  As far as he could tell, other than the physical attraction, they
had nothing in common.  However, that didn’t stop him from having feelings for
her.  She was intelligent and had a fabulous sense of humor.  No doubt if he
continued to play with her, he could end up over his head.  The smart thing to
do would be to cool off permanently before he lost his heart.  He yawned and
turned on his side. The nap idea sounded really good and he wanted to try it.

*    
*     *

Chef
Commendatore
Mario
Ruscelli frowned at the recipe for papaya and green banana curry, then at
Jennifer standing next to him, before reading it aloud.  “One-half firm papaya,
peeled and diced, four green bananas, skinless and cut into one inch slices;
flesh of one-half coconut, coarsely grated; grated rind and juice of one-half
orange; one small onion, thinly sliced; twelve fluid ounces coconut milk; one
tablespoon curry paste; freshly ground white pepper; salt.  Garnish with
mandarin orange wedges and fresh mint.”

“It sounds like it could be a
good recipe,” he admitted grudgingly.  “But green bananas,
il mio piccolo
capo
?  They do not digest well.”

It was Jennifer’s turn to frown. 
His little chef?  No.  She didn’t think so, nor did she like being patronized. 
“There won’t be any problems.  The bananas will be cooked well enough.”

“Well then, Chef Jennifer,” he
began with a smile, “the ingredients are quite simple.  There will be no
hardship to obtain them.  Perhaps we should prepare the curry at least once
before serving it.  Just to be sure, of course.”

Obviously, Chef Ruscelli, did not
trust her recipe nor her ability to prepare the dish she was suggesting. 
Annoyed now that she had skipped her nap to come here at his request, she tried
not to show her irritation.  She looked around the huge galley with its white
enamel counters and stainless steel refrigerators and stoves.  It was sparkling
clean, temperature controlled, and filled with delicious smells of freshly
baked cakes and pastries.  Breads and rolls were baking in large commercial
ovens, workers were cleaning and preparing vegetables for salads and dinner
accompaniments, and pastry chefs were adding finishing touches to tonight’s
desserts.  For Jennifer, it was a magical place, where she could make her
culinary dreams come true.

“Chef Ruscelli, I really don’t
think a trial run is necessary.  I have prepared this recipe dozens of times. 
It is very easy to do,” she explained.  “Once the banana slices are fried until
they are lightly brown, they are set aside until the onion is sautéed.  The
onion, papaya, and banana are combined in the pan with the curry paste, orange
rind and orange juice.  After half the coconut milk is added, I only have to
watch the mixture simmer for about ten minutes.  Then I pour in the remaining
coconut milk and salt and pepper to taste.  After the curry is done, it only
needs the garnish and to be served.  What could be easier?”  Jennifer waited
for Chef Ruscelli to think of something else to object to.

Chef Ruscelli gave Jennifer a
condescending look.  “Well, we must first decide on a whole menu.  The Captain
and his guests must have choices, not only for the main course, but all the
courses.  Dessert as well.”

“I don’t think that’s necessary. 
Nor is it what I understood.  I’m to plan a Caribbean dinner.  No choices. 
It’s too much to expect me to be ready to prepare three or four different items
for every course.”

“But of course it is, Chef
Jennifer.  My staff will be at your disposal.  You will only need to tell them
what to do and it will be done.”

“Preparing the meal is something
that I want to do.”

“Wouldn’t it be so much nicer if
you were seated at the table, watching the delighted faces of those enjoying
your creation, rather than slaving back here in the galley while everyone else
is having a good time?”

Jennifer laughed.  “Ah, Chef
Ruscelli, you do have a way with words.  But the answer is no.  I want to
prepare this meal, not merely provide the recipes.”

Chef Ruscelli sighed deeply. 
“You are just as stubborn as I suspected.  We will do as you wish.  Shall we
plan to have you here for Friday night’s dinner?”

Jennifer thought for a moment. 
It would give her time to explore a few of the islands and discover a few new
recipes.  Still, she would prefer a little more time before making a decision
on the dinner.  “The following Friday would be better for me.  I want to
incorporate some of the recipes that I develop on the trip into the meal.”

“
Buon
.  I will advise the
Captain once we are definite on the date.  He will send invitations to your
friends.”  He folded her recipe and stuffed it in his pocket.  “As soon as you
plan the meal, you must notify me.  I must have time to gather the ingredients
you will be using.”

“Thank you.  I promise to let you
know.”  Jennifer smiled.

Chef
Commendatore
Mario
Ruscelli gave Jennifer a slight bow and watched while she left the galley.  As
he turned and walked away, he could be overheard muttering that he couldn’t
help but imagine the Captain’s face when he bit into the papaya and green
banana curry.

*     *    
*

Sweat trickled down between her
breasts, tickling her skin as the errant bead chartered its own course. 
Jennifer patted her soft cotton top close to absorb the moisture while wishing
for a few rain showers to appear in the cloudless blue sky.  Looking out over
the smooth surface of the water, with no land in sight, Jennifer realized in
awe, how vast the ocean was.  Never before had she truly considered the courage
and ingenuity of the men and women, who, centuries before, had braved the
unknown to explore and find a new life.  They had set sail in tiny wooden
ships, living onboard for months at a time, often suffering disease and
starvation.  Now life was so different.  She too was exploring, but in comfort
and elegance, with abundant food, hot showers, and air conditioning whenever
she wanted it.

A cool shower or a quick swim
would feel good right about now.  The sun beat down relentlessly and reflected
off the water.  It was hot.  Too hot to be exercising, she thought as she
finished walking her seventeenth lap around the jogging trail on the sports
deck.  Since it took eight laps to equal one mile, she felt she was ahead of
the game.  Actually, two miles was more than enough.  If she really wanted to
be tough, she’d swim in the current pool.  There she could swim against the
current until her arms gave out.  At least she wouldn’t be sweating.  But she
had about five minutes before she was to meet Helga in the gym for aerobics,
then a workout on the machines.

The sports deck was separated
into two different deck areas.  The mid deck was open to the three pools below
and offered four hot tubs next to a sunbathing area and bar.  The front of the
sports deck was covered over.  The jogging trail around the perimeter of the
front section of the deck was open to the elements, but the tennis court and
the basketball court were screened and shaded.  Behind the courts, the deck
opened and stairs led to the Sun deck, the deck below, where the lap pool was
located.  The spa and gym were built around the lap pool area, with ceiling to
floor windows, preserving a feeling of outdoors.  Jennifer padded down the
stairs, found her towel and bottled water she’d left in the area near the lap
pool, and headed for the gym.

When she walked inside, she was
startled by the quiet that greeted her.  Except for the soft sounds of
spinning, the rest of the equipment area was bathed in silence.  She looked out
the windows toward the pool area, but didn’t see anyone she knew.  She turned
to the windows on the ocean side of the gym and saw only an occasional jogger
hustling by the windows.  Did she have the time wrong?  Jennifer checked her
watch one more time knowing she had adjusted her watch one hour forward last
night when the ship entered a new time zone.  It looked correct to her.  Just
then she heard Sheila’s laugh coming from the spa area.  Within seconds Helga,
Sheila, and six other women entered the gym, laughing and talking as they
came.  Sheila waved to Jennifer and proceeded to introduce everyone.  Helga
handed everyone workout mats and signaled for them to get down to business.