Page 39 of Passions & Peonies

“Relax over here by me and enjoy the view. Unfortunately with this time of the year, the sunset is early, not like in July.”

I stroll over to the cockpit. There’s a huge glass canopy over us with a large open sunroof. The weather is perfect, and there’s hardly a cloud in the sky. I watch as Will carefully steers the boat out of the marina. He’s shirtless, showing off his muscles, and today, he’s wearing a baseball cap backwards. I could look at him all day long and never get bored. I can tell from the smile on his face how much he loves doing this. And he gets to do it for a living and for pleasure.

“You’re so sexy standing there with your fingers wrapped around the steering wheel. I wish I were the wheel.”

“Come here, Red.”

I tilt my head. “I kind of like when you call me that. Maybe I’ll have to add a little red to my hair instead of pink.” I inch toward him playfully, but he catches me off guard and sandwiches me between the wheel and his front. My body bursts into flames, and it’s not from the sun.

“Here, put your hands on the steering wheel.” When I do, he places his over mine. “Now we’re both driving the boat. You’re my co-captain.” He leans into my ear and says, “But don’t you worry, I plan on my hands being all overyoulater.”

“Are you trying to kill me?”

“Yup. I finally have you alone. Beware.” He kisses below my ear. He’s lucky we’re occupied with this boat.

We drive like this for a while, and he tells me all about his time down here. I guess it’s not always heaven when storms and hurricanes roll in. The same with the Hamptons. I lean my head against his chest and soak in the scenery. I should be taking pictures.

“Can I sneak away for a second? I want to grab my phone from my bag. It’s too beautiful out here not to take pictures. I’ll add them to my collection of at least three hundred.” I laugh at myself.

“Sure. Do whatever you want. I know of a quiet place to anchor. Once we do, we can hang out and relax.” He steps back to let me go, then pats me on the ass.

I go down to the cabin to get my phone. This boat is gorgeous and much more spacious than I realized. It has two bedrooms, a tiny bathroom with a shower, and a kitchen area with a table and bench to sit on. There’s shiny wood trim throughout, and it’s decorated with gray accents. There’s plenty of natural light shining in the windows, so it doesn’t feel cramped.

There’s also a lounge area outside on the stern, with a cute table and large L-shaped bench that can be expanded into a bed.

My phone dings, and I take a minute to check my messages. I’ve been ignoring them most of the week. Drew, Sophia, and Jocelyn have all sent a bunch of texts saying how excited they are to see me when I get back and that I should send more pictures. One of Jocelyn’s other assistants complained that she’s overloaded and can’t do everything herself. Like I really needed to get a message like that. Now she knows what I feel like when she’s not there. Drew said the snow’s almost gone and it should be warmer than when I left.

I should be excited to see my friends and family and to sleep in my own bed, but after one night in Will’s bed (and he wasn’t even there!), that’s where I belong. It’s crazy, but true.

The boat engine turns off. “What are you doing down there?” Will calls. “You’d better not be lying on that bed without me. Get your sexy butt back up here.”

I grin but don’t go up right away. This is what pure happiness feels like… but in less than twenty-four hours, I’ll be back home filled with heartache.

“I’m back.” I shade my eyes with my hand as soon as I’m outside again. When I can finally see, I’m speechless. “Will, it looks like we’re the only ones on earth. There’s not a boat in sight. The water looks like glass and everything’s so still.” I twirl around.

“We lucked out with the weather today.” He comes up behind me and wraps his strong arms around my waist. “That’s the way I want it—just you and me. Let’s forget everything around us for as long as we can.”

I twist in his arms. “What should we do first?” I play with the sprinkle of hair on his chest then trace the faint trail leading down to his abs with my fingertips. His muscles contract from my touch.

“I’d suggest a little skinny-dipping, but I like looking at you in that suit too much. How about snorkeling? We don’t have much time until the sun starts to set, so let’s take advantage of the light.”

“Bring it on. When’s the next time I’ll have the chance to go snorkeling?”

“Hopefully sooner than you think.”

I shrug.If only.

After snorkeling, Will brings out a tray of fresh fruit, assorted cheeses, and crackers.

“This is great.” I kiss him on the cheek as we sit down. “I’m so glad I can eat again.”

“I didn’t bring alcohol because I’m driving. I didn’t want you to think I wanted to get you drunk so I could take advantage of you,” he says with an impish smile.

“I don’t need alcohol, especially in the sun. I’d rather be drunk on you. Everything we’ve done today has been perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing. You’re so good to me.” I rub noses with him instead of kissing him. I want to kiss him all the time. There’s an urge there that doesn’t stop. It’s like he’s wearing a big sign that says,Kiss Me. As we eat, his hand either rests on my thigh or holds mine.

After we eat and clean up, we change the bench outside into a bed. Will grabs a couple of pillows from one of the bedrooms. We cover the bed with clean beach towels because we still have our bathing suits on.

“Let’s watch the sun go down,” he suggests. “The colors are even more beautiful when you’re out here. I love watching the sunset, but I have a feeling it’ll be a completely different experience with you.”

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