Page 6 of Unchartered Curves

“Now that’s a pool!” I wanted to get right into that sparkling Infinity Pool. “We need to have our detectives solve a crime on a cruise, Duane!”

“So we can write this trip off?” He said wryly. “I mean, I was studying the ships’ emergency procedures in case we had some sort of chase and rescue.”

“Good ideas, man.” I pulled off my t-shirt and dropped it on one of the comfortable looking loungers. There were only two open, but I figured we would be in the pool.

“I hope I don’t sink after that breakfast buffet,” Anisa said, pulling her pink and turquoise cover up on the lounger next to my shirt.

My eyes roamed her lush, curvy body.

Duane cleared his throat, and I realized I’d been staring.

“Sorry, gorgeous. You took my breath away.” I saw Duane staring at her backside as we laughed and headed into the pool in front of us.

Then she turned, with one foot in the water. “The view isn’t too bad for me, either.”

Anisa made us both get out periodically to add more sunscreen. I loved that even after being on this boat with us for one day, she was looking after us.

Duane smiled at me as he put some on her shoulders and back. Yes, this trip was already living up to everything I’d hoped, and more. I’d certainly never expected to find someone so perfect for both of us, so quickly. Maybe it was because we knew her a bit, but it felt like we’d been a trio for a long time. I hoped we would be, for a long time to come.

***

After a couple hours, we were hot and tired. “Would you like to cool off in the penthouse with us? We can get lunch ordered in.”

“Just lunch.” Duane said, seeing her hesitation. “We are happy to take this as slow as you want.”

“And if I don’t want to take it slow?” She laughed. “Kidding. I’m having fun getting to know both of you.”

“I might need to go back into the pool,” I said.

The walk wasn’t far to our penthouse. Duane thought this was an indulgence, but we dithered a bit about taking this cruise, and the only choices left by the time we decided were an Ocean View penthouse or tiny cabin. I figured that was a sign to treat ourselves.

“Oh, wow, your books really must do well,” she said as she walked over to the floor to ceiling windows.

“You doubted that?” Duane teased. He moved to the iPad on the desk, which would call up the butler who helped us if needed, and the room service menu.

“Not at all, and I even started re-reading them last night, but I fell asleep.”

“Glad to know they bored you.” I stepped next to her, enjoying the view of her taking in the ocean.

She laughed. “Please. The authors kept me up too late and were very distracting.”

“Is that so?” I asked, pulling her into my arms for a kiss. It felt so natural to be able to do this. I smoothed one of her dark curls behind he rear.

“OK if we get the sandwich platter and a salad?” Duane said from behind me.

He handed me the iPad then pulled Anisa into his arms for his kiss.

“Will it always be even?” She asked.

“Nah, we’re not worried about that. Plus I enjoy watching,” I said absently as I looked over the food choices. I added chocolate covered strawberries and some champagne. I didn’t think we were ready for a full seduction, but I wanted to have them around for fun during the trip sometime. After all, we had eight more days. Plus I knew Duane and I had every intention of continuing this when we got home. It was all we could talk about last night. We were both nervous as it seemed almost too easy, but neither of us wanted to let her go.

Anisa put her hand on my arm. “Did you just say you like watching?” Her face was turning red, and not from the sun we’d just left.

“I do.”

“I do, too.” Duane took the iPad and finished up the order. I saw him nod at my choices.

Good to know we were on the same page.

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