Page 14 of Curves and Waves

Caleb's thumb traced my cheekbone. "Now I'd really like to kiss you, if that's okay."

Instead of answering, I stood on my tiptoes, pressing my lips to his. The kiss was soft, tender, full of promise. When we broke apart, Caleb rested his forehead against mine.

"I want to do this right," he murmured. "Take you on real dates, hold your hand in public, all of it. What do you say? Want to be my girlfriend, shortcake?"

I couldn't help but laugh. "Are we in high school?"

He grinned, unabashed. "Humor me. I never got to ask you out back then. Let me have this moment."

I pretended to consider it. "Well, I don't know. My dance card is pretty full. But I suppose I could pencil you in."

Caleb's eyes danced with amusement. "How generous of you."

"I'm nothing if not charitable," I teased.

He pulled me close, his arms wrapping around my waist. "You know, we still have five days left on this cruise. Any ideas on how we should spend them?"

I hummed thoughtfully. "Well, there's always shuffleboard."

Caleb threw his head back, laughing. "Shuffleboard, huh? Is that what the kids are calling it these days?"

I smacked his chest playfully. "Get your mind out of the gutter, mister."

His expression turned serious. "In all honesty, Zo, I just want to spend time with you. However, you will have me.”

"I like the sound of that," I said, “But I’ve waited long enough Caleb. I need you.”

As Caleb's lips found mine once more, I knew without a doubt that this was just the beginning for us.

Chapter 7: Caleb

Iwoke to the gentle rocking of the ship and the warm weight of Zoe curled against my side. For a moment, I just lay there, savoring the feeling. It was our last full day on the cruise, and a bittersweet ache settled in my chest at the thought.

The past five days had been incredible. Zoe and I had spent every possible moment together, alternating between exploring the ship's attractions and exploring each other. I grinned at the memory of our more private adventures.

Zoe stirred, her eyes fluttering open. "Morning," she mumbled, her voice husky with sleep.

"Morning, shortcake," I replied, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

She wrinkled her nose at the nickname, but I could see the smile tugging at her lips. "What time is it?"

I glanced at the bedside clock. "Just past eight. We should probably get moving if we want to make the most of our last day."

Zoe groaned, burying her face in my chest. "Do we have to? Can't we just stay here?"

I chuckled, running a hand through her tangled curls. "As tempting as that is, I think Jake might come looking for us if we don't show up for breakfast."

At the mention of her brother, Zoe lifted her head, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You know, I still can't believe how cool he's been about all this."

I nodded, thinking back to the conversation Jake and I had had a few days ago. He'd cornered me by the pool, his expression uncharacteristically serious.

"Look, man," he'd said, "I'm happy for you and Zo. Really. But if you hurt her, they'll never find your body. Got it?"

I'd assured him that hurting Zoe was the last thing I'd ever want to do. And I meant it. These past few days had only solidified what I'd known for years - Zoe was it for me. The one I wanted to wake up next to every morning, to share my life with.

But as the reality of our impending return to the real world loomed, doubts started to creep in. Zoe lived in Chicago, pursuing her career as a graphic designer. I was based in New York, running my own tech startup. How would we make this work?

"Earth to Caleb," Zoe's voice broke through my thoughts. "You okay? You went all serious on me for a second there."

---