Page 9 of Dreamboat

Our hands are literally less than three inches apart. It would take almost no effort for me to reach out and touch him.

“My toe is just fine,” I say with too much exuberance. I wiggle it for good measure. “See?”

His gaze slowly trails over my entire body until it reaches my toe. “It looks perfect to me.”

I hide a smile behind my hand as I lean back and close my eyes briefly to center my bearings.

“So, your brother’s gift was just for you?” he asks in a low growl. “Am I safe to assume you’re sailing alone, Delia?”

I pluck off my sunglasses to look directly at him. “Yes. I’m sailing alone.”

His eyes fall to my lips. “What about at home? Is there someone waiting for you when you get back to Manhattan?”

I’m all for cutting to the chase if the chase involves him coming for me. He may be my brother’s boss, but we’re both on vacation. I’m of the firm belief that, much like Vegas, whatever happens on the open water stays there.

“I’m single,” I answer succinctly. “Are you?”

“Very.” His hand brushes against mine. “Now seems like the perfect time to confess that I’ve been stalking you online.”

My hand jumps to the center of my chest. His gaze follows, and this time, I’m not embarrassed that my nipples are still furled into tight little points beneath my bikini top.

“Should I be scared by that?” I tease. “Or honored?”

He leans closer, so his breath rushes over my cheek. “Both. The brochure I found in the break room for this cruise promised the trip of a lifetime. I’m beginning to believe that’s possible.”

I pull back slightly to lock eyes with him. “Anything is possible.”

CHAPTER SIX

Donovan

“Anything is possible.”

Delia’s soft words echo through my mind as I watch her thank Clever for the drink he brought me.It’s an exact replica of the one sitting on a table next to her. I’m still holding onto the one that was placed in my hand mere moments ago.

“I just found out I’ll be in the talent showcase tonight,” Clever says, stealing Delia’s attention from me. “It’s a short set, but I’d love if you’d come and watch me perform.”

Her gaze shifts from his face to mine. “What do you think?”

I think she just asked if I want to join her watch this guy perform in some capacity at a public talent show. I can’t sing to save my life and although I’m a decent dancer, I wouldn’t put myself in a position to get on a stage so a spotlight is shining on me. I don’t need him to show off an impressive ability that I have yet to perfect.

“Clever is a magician,” she fills me in with a bright smile. “It could be fun.”

“It will be fun,” Clever adds. “I guess it’s okay if you bring him with you.”

Since I wasn’t seeking his permission, I don’t acknowledge him at all. “Let’s do it.”

Delia nods before she looks back at him. “Tell us where and what time.”

He takes the opportunity to share that information by crouching next to her and lowering his voice. The only thing I make out is nine. I assume that’s the time when Clever will show off his magic skills. It’ll take a bite of out of what I had planned for our evening, but I’ll make it work.

Leaning away from him, she nods. “We’ll be there.”

He takes the cue and glides back to standing. “Cool. Prepare to be amazed.”

“I can’t wait,” she says and I can’t tell if it’s sincere or not.

I, on the other hand, can wait. I’ll wait patiently for as long as it takes for this guy to take off so I can get back to my one on one time with Delia.

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