Page 2 of His Curvy Ocean Maiden

“But please, let me get you another drink.”

“That’s okay, thanks. See you around.” I slid my card in the door and waited for the beep before pushing it open.

“Oh, you will. I’m right across the hall.” He pointed at the door directly across from mine. “I’m Pierce, by the way.” He held out his hand.

When I placed my hand in his, my skin singed at the connection. My fingers were lost inside his large paw, and all I could manage was one quick shake before I pulled away.

What the hell was happening to me?

I didn’t feel things like this before. And certainly not with someone I just met or someone who looks like he’s at least ten years younger than me.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure how much I believed in love anymore. When you’ve been unlucky in it all your life, what other conclusion was there to draw?

“I’m Zariah. Nice to meet you.”

Before I said or did something I’d regret, I stepped inside my room and closed the door.

But I didn’t miss the wink he tossed my way or the sexy grin on his face.

Oh boy. This man was trouble.

I pushed him out of my head and focused on my gorgeous room. A door to the right led me to the bathroom with a stand-up shower. Along the left wall was a large queen-sized bed and a TV on the right wall across from it with a dresser beneath. I loved the rich wood accents, soft ambient lighting throughout, and the plush bedding and pillows adorning the bed.

There was also a small table with two chairs next to the dresser and a small futon across from it. Beyond that were thesliding glass doors leading out to the balcony and the stunning panoramic view of the ocean.

As I stepped onto the deck, I took in the sight before me and clapped my hands with glee. I couldn’t wait to sit out here and watch the sunrise and sunset, or with one of my meals and a glass of wine. I also brought a few books with me and planned on reading while sunbathing.

There was so much to look forward to.

Yet I couldn’t shake one nagging thought…

How gorgeous the man across the hall was.

CHAPTER TWO

Pierce

I stared at her door,transfixed. As if a magnetic force held me there, I couldn’t move.

Um, why did my world suddenly feel tipped on its axis? Who is that woman?

“Pierce? You okay?” My oldest sister, Annie, appeared next to me and rested her hand on my arm.

I quickly ran a hand over my face and hoped she didn’t notice whatever smitten, dumbass look I was probably wearing. “Yeah, I’m good, why?” I asked as I held the luggage cart for dear life.

She shrugged and looked between the door and me. “Maybe because you’re staring at the door like you’re in love with it, and it’s not even our room.” Annie snickered as she slid her arm through mine and pulled me across the hall.

“Ha! Guess that champagne really did go to my head.” I laughed it off and let her lead the way back to our room as I pulled the cart behind me. My sisters and I were sharing a room, a larger one with two queen beds for my sisters and a pull out futon for me. Our parents were staying in the room next door. Iquickly emptied the cart, handing each of my sisters their bags and placing mine and my parents’ next to the futon.

“Maybe we should get something to eat before we drink again,” Annie said in true Annie fashion. She filled her role of eldest sister well, forever mothering and bossing us around.

“That’s a good idea. I’m starving,” Tracy, the youngest of my three sisters, said. “And I’ve heard the food on these cruises is to die for, with endless options.” She rubbed her stomach, and I laughed.

“Where do you put it all? Seriously, Trace, it’s annoying.” Leah, the middle of the three sisters, rolled her eyes as she unpacked her suitcase into some of the drawers.

“I can’t help it!” Tracy said, but I knew she loved sticking it to Leah whenever she could. The two of them clashed a lot, and I always suspected it was because they were so close together in age, only fourteen months apart.

Growing up with three older sisters was hard. Besides their larger-than-life personalities, sometimes it felt like they were coming at me from all angles. Especially when all three gave me ’tude at the same time.

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