Page 8 of Curves and Courage

That actually gets a soft chuckle out of him, and I can see the tension in his shoulders ease just a bit.

“Fair enough.”

We fall into a more comfortable rhythm after that, talking about lighter topics as we eat. I tell him about my job in marketing, about how it’s a constant grind but I love it anyway. He listens, asking the occasional question, and I get the feeling he’s genuinely interested, even if he’s still holding back.

The food is incredible—juicy steak cooked to perfection, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables. The flavors burst on my tongue, and I can’t help but moan softly as I take a bite.

“This is amazing,” I murmur, savoring the taste of the red wine sauce that’s covering my steak. “How’s yours?”

“Good,” he says, though I notice he’s not as enthusiastic as I am. He’s eating mechanically, like he’s just going through the motions. Food is just fuel to a big machine like this guy. His wide shoulders and ripped muscles need every ounce of protein that he’s piling into his mouth.

We finish the meal, and I’m feeling pleasantly full and slightly buzzed from the wine. The tension from earlier has mostly dissipated, replaced by a warm, comfortable vibe that I’m reluctant to let go of.

We stand to leave, and I glance over at him, not ready for this impromptu date to end. A mischievous idea forms in my mind, and with a new confidence I’ve found onboard the Infinity Voyager, I step closer towards him and loop my arm through his.

A waft of his cologne fills my nostrils, and I swear his arm tightens around mine as we walk towards the door. I could totally fall for him right now. I’m so close I canfeelhis power. That hard, muscular body that I’ve been staring at all night is right here, beside me.

“How about a nightcap?” I suggest, nodding toward the Aqua Aura Pool Bar. “It’s a gorgeous night, and I could use a little fresh air.”

He hesitates, his gaze flicking to the exit as if he’s contemplating making a run for it. But then he nods, surprising me. “Sure. Why not?”

We make our way to the pool bar, walking arm in arm in the night air. It’s warm and inviting, and something about Samuel has me feeling…comfortable.

The bar is lively, but not overcrowded, with soft ambient music playing in the background. The pool shimmers under the lights, casting a soft glow over the area. Samuel leads the way, eyeing off a few guys who dare to look my way. I swear I hear him growl and the thought of being protected by a man in the service makes my pulse race.

This man is stunning. His hair is thick and streaked with hints of gray that show signs of his age. Aside from the scar on his face, he’s sporting other signs of a hard life. His skin crinkles at the corner’s of his eyes and it’s easy to see he’s much older than me, maybe early forties. But I don’t mind the age difference, in fact, it’s kind of sexy.

Eventually, we find a secluded spot near the edge of the pool. Samuel helps me settle in the seat and then sits down beside me. We order a bottle of wine for us to share and lose ourselves inconversation. Fairy lights twinkle above us, and the soft music mingles with the gentle lapping of the water, allowing me to relax and take in every word Samuel has to say.

As he tells me about his hometown in Falls Creek, I steal a glance at him. He’s relaxed a little more, though there’s still an air of tension about him, like he’s always on alert. I can’t help but wonder what’s really going on behind those guarded eyes.

“Thank you for dinner,” I say, clinking my glass against his. “It was nice… getting to know you.”

He nods, his gaze locked on mine. “Likewise.”

We sip our wine in silence for a moment. I can feel the heat building, a slow burn that’s been simmering all night. I don’t know what it is about him, but he has this pull on me, like gravity, drawing me closer even though I know I should be careful.

“So,” I say, setting my glass down. “What happens next?”

He raises an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard by my boldness. “Next?”

I lean in slightly, my voice dropping to a whisper. “Do we keep playing this game, or do we stop pretending there’s nothing here?”

His breath hitches, and I can see the conflict in his eyes. He wants to stay in control, to keep his walls up, but I’m not about to let him. Not tonight. I reach out, brushing my fingers against his hand, and I feel him tense under my touch.

“Stella,” he says quietly, his voice rough as if he’s issuing a warning. “Be careful. I don’t play games.”

He means it to be a threat, but if anything, it sends a rush of heat to my core. How is it possible for him to get even sexier right now?

“Neither do I,” I reply, my gaze steady. “But I think we’re both lying if we say there’s nothing between us.”

He’s silent for a long moment, and I can practically see the battle raging in his mind. Then, before I can fully register what’s happening, he leans in and captures my lips with his. The kiss is sudden, almost desperate, like he’s been holding back for too long and can’t stand it anymore.

I melt into him, my hand slipping up to the back of his neck, pulling him closer. His lips are firm, demanding, but there’s a tenderness there too, a vulnerability that makes my heart ache.

But just as quickly as it started, he pulls back, his breathing heavy, his eyes wide with a mix of desire and regret.

“Fuck. Fuck… I… I shouldn’t have done that,” he mutters, running a hand through his hair.

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