Page 8 of His Curvy Ocean Maiden

“Feel like having a partner in crime?”

“If it’s you, the answer is always yes.”

CHAPTER FIVE

Zariah

Spendingtime with Pierce was more fun than spending time alone.

I didn’t think I’d ever admit that to myself, especially after the little incident with his family. Families worried about each other, that part I understood, especially if Pierce said he was only running to get drinks, and they planned to have dinner together.

But three older sisters? And parents who didn’t seem very happy to see their son hanging out with an older woman intimidated the shit out of me.

I lay in bed all morning and replayed the night before on repeat. I’d never met anyone like Pierce before. I knew there would never be anything more than what we had on this ship, so why not enjoy it while I could?

Why care what his parents or sisters thought of me when it didn’t matter one bit?

This was all part of the fun fantasy of a cruise vacation. Pierce could be that for me. Besides, these next two weeks would fly byin a flash, and I’d be back in Appleridge soon enough, back to my routines and responsibilities, with no man to have fun with. So why the hell not?

With my mind made up, I took a long hot shower, shaved and plucked every necessary hair, went for a light shimmery makeup look with lots of sunblock, and my sexiest sundress with my cheetah print bikini underneath.

When he didn’t answer his room door, I went in search of him. Where could a man possibly be in the morning, especially a hungover one? Yep. Eating breakfast.

Sure enough, there he was. Sitting alone. Perfect opportunity.

After we finished eating, we explored the different areas of the ship and picked out places we’d like to try.

There was The Golden Sunset Sushi Bar and the Crimson Cabernet Bistro, both of which Pierce knew of already, including some of the menu items he wanted to try.

Up on the rooftop deck was the Stellar Sky Lounge, which featured live music and plush seating around firepits. On another deck was an infinity pool complete with a pool bar called Aqua Aura.

“We’re swimming and drinking tomorrow.” Pierce wrapped his hand around mine and grinned.

“Tomorrow? Why not today?”

“There’s still so much to see!”

Tucked away in a secluded corner of the ship was another bar called the Opulent Oasis Martini Bar, and we stopped there for drinks while still exploring. We sank into the plush velvet couches and ordered all different exotic martinis such as lychee fruit and passion fruit mango.

“I’ve never heard of lychee fruit before, have you?” Pierce asked as he took a sip, and his lips puckered.

I giggled. “Yes, but I’ve never tried it. Is it sour?”

“Just a tad.” Pierce shivered and handed the glass to me. He picked up the other and took a sip, having the same reaction. “Wowzers.”

I snorted and laughed. “Did you just say wowzers?”

“Yep, and you love it. C’mon, try it.” He nodded at the martini glass still in my hand. I sipped slowly, and the sour yet fruity sweet taste played on my tongue.

“Mmm,” I said and took another. “I love it.”

“Try this one.” Pierce handed me the other.

This one zapped my taste buds, and the sharp, sour sweetness danced on my tongue. “Ooo, that’s different. But I like it.”

“You can have both. I’m going to order a classic one. Or maybe the pear?” Pierce said before he went to the bar in search of a martini he’d like.

I sipped on both of mine. Why not double fist it? I was on a cruise and living it up. As I sank into the couch and the warm rush of alcohol buzzed through my veins, my entire body relaxed, and it felt as if my stress melted away.

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