Page 48 of The Companion Love Trap

CRUISE DAY TWO

Dressing in a green bathing suit and dress cover-up, I escaped to the lido deck with Buns like the coward I was now. I’d been out here for a few hours, relaxing under the umbrella and attempting to read a book. But I couldn’t focus, so I stared off wistfully as I stroked Buns.

“Firecracker!” Jace bellowed, causing several people to turn toward him as he bounded onto the upper deck. I’d hidden far away from most guests in a back corner, but Jace had found me, anyway.

He smiled brightly as he neared, and his beauty momentarily bewitched me. His upper chest was on display, golden skin and muscles everywhere my eyes looked. Jace had a tattoo on his ribs, but I couldn’t make out the details from here. I dropped my sunglasses, hesitant, as I waited for him to yell at me for avoiding Kieran.

“Where have you been, hot stuff?” he asked as he flopped down by my feet and scratched Buns under her chin.

“Oh, um, just wanted to get some sun,” I said, crossing my legs.

“Sure. That’s why you’re in the shade? What’s up, Ev? Did something happen?” His hazel eyes were stormy as he scanned me, searching to figure out my deal.

“Why would something have happened?” I countered, knowing exactly how defensive I sounded.

He snorted and shook his head. “When I saw you last night, you were getting plundered by Brazilian Ken and looking delicious as hell. Unless orgasms work differently for you, then I’d surmise that something has happened between then and now since you’re all gloom and doom. Add in the fact that Kieran has been withdrawn all morning… I’m going to take a wild guess it has something to do with him.”

“You saw us last night?” I gasped, choosing to focus on that part.

“Yep. I jacked off Kieran while we both watched. He has a thing for watching, if you recall.”

I gulped, that knowledge sending shivers through me. Why was that so hot?

“Hmm,” I said, at a loss for words.

Jace moved closer, his hands running up my thighs now. “If I promise to drop whatever you’re trying to avoid, will you spend the day with me?” he asked.

“Doing what?” I licked my lips.

“We’re docking soon, and there’s a beach I want to check out. Kieran has a tee time with the group, so you won’t run into him if he’s who you’re avoiding.”

“I’m not avoiding anyone. I just wanted some time to myself,” I said, but even I didn’t believe myself.

“Sure, Firecracker. So, will you join me?”

“Fine,” I drawled, knowing it was a losing battle. Jace snickered, knowing he’d won.

“Come on then. We’re close to docking. Let’s take Buns to Cruz and grab whatever we need for the day.”

I glanced over and saw the island had come into view while I’d been sulking. Jace was right. I needed to get out of my head and enjoy the day. Sitting and thinking had never been my thing, so I didn’t know why I thought it would work now.

Within thirty minutes, we’d transferred Buns and grabbed our stuff. I had a straw purse with extra clothes, sunscreen, and a towel. I’d changed into a cute romper with my suit underneath. Jace had his camera with him, making me curious about where we were going.

Much to my surprise, Cruz hadn’t put up a fight. He planned to visit a few bars he’d heard things about, hoping to find some new drinks to add at Howlers. There was a doggie daycare on board, so he was going to drop off Buns so she could play with other doggos. He waved as he parted from us, giving me my first look at what it might be like if we were dating.

“My time, Firecracker,” Jace purred and directed me to a Jeep. He confirmed with the driver where to go and pulled me into his arms as it took off. It was too loud to talk, with the wind blowing around, so I let myself relax into his embrace, the thoughts and fears quieting for once. When we pulled up to our destination, I was confused.

“I thought you said it was a beach?”

I peered around me, wondering if I was missing something. The Jeep had dropped us off in the middle of the woods, a tall structure before us to climb. I couldn’t read the sign, but the picture led me to believe it was some type of extreme sport place. I scrunched up my nose.

“We are. We just have to take a zipline to it.”

“Zipline?” I repeated, following him up the wooden steps as excitement bubbled.

“Yep. Have you ever been?” he asked, glancing back to grab my hand. The action was so natural, it felt like we’d always done it.

“Nope.” I shook my head as I focused on my steps.

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