Page 117 of Why Cruise

Signature Cocktails:

Caribbean Sunset: Kappa premium rum, passion fruit, mango

Blue Lagoon: House vodka, blue curaçao, coconut cream

Paradise Punch: Kappa Rum, tropical juices, fresh mint

Ocean Breeze: Gin, elderflower, fresh lime, sparkling wine

Islander’s Secret: Our bartender’s daily special creation

Non-Alcoholic Specialties:

Virgin Colada: Fresh pineapple, coconut cream

Tropical Sparkler: Passion fruit, lime, soda

Berry Blast Smoothie: Mixed berries, yogurt, honey

PACK SPECIAL: Pitcher service available for groups of 4 or more

Mackenzie

I held the VIP card in front of me like security was going to jump out any second and arrest me for being in this part of the ship. If I were an actual VIP, I’d never leave this place.

Stepping out onto the pool deck, even the breeze felt expensive here. This deck didn’t just have lounge chairs, there were squishy looking daybeds and little cabanas for sun protection or privacy. Okay. It was a little creepy that there was not a person in sight and it was the middle of the night. I looked down at the card in my hand. It would protect me.

I jumped as someone stumbled out of one of the cabanas. And my stomach did that butterfly thing. Ren was all in black and a little disheveled looking. I much preferred him naked, but this would do. He had a red plastic cup in each hand. He tossed one into the pool with a little plop before noticing me.

“Sunshine!” he slurred, a lopsided grin spreading across his face. “That one might work.”

“Work for what?”

“A pet name. I can’t find the right one yet.”

My initial delight quickly sunk into concern as I got closer. Something was off about his aura, and it wasn’t just the alcohol.

“Can I ask a favor?”

I tucked the key card into my pocket and stepped into him. His scent was amazing, dark but light at the same time. It lingered in my senses like it always wanted to be with me.

“You can have anything from me.”

“Don’t say such things.”

“Anything, Ren.”

“Can we cuddle?”

Cuddle? I blinked in surprise.

“Please.” He added.

“Of course.”

Ren led me into the cabana and climbed onto one of those plush daybeds. He held a hand out for me. I extended mine, but he batted it away and grabbed me around the waist instead. I yelped in surprise as he air lifted me onto the bed and, well, aggressively arranged me like I was a giant stuffie or body pillow. He put me on my side, little spoon style. and nudged my legs to part, slipping one of his between mine and wrapping it around me. He reached for a pillow and squished it under my head. He wrapped both arms around me but couldn’t quite find the right place to put them. I took his hand and tangled our fingers together, pressing his palm into my breast. His whole body sighed.

“Sunshine. You smell like sunshine,” he whispered, nuzzling into my neck.

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