Page 8 of Curves and Waves

Across the table, Caleb sat, looking unfairly handsome in his black fitted Henley. Every time he caught my eye, he'd give me that slow, knowing smile that made my insides melt. How had I never noticed the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he grinned? Or the way his Adam's apple bobbed when he swallowed?

I was hyper-aware of every movement, every glance. When his foot brushed against mine under the table, I nearly choked on my wine.

"You okay there, shortcake?" Caleb asked, his voice low and amused.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Fine. Just went down the wrong pipe."

His grin widened. "Sure it did."

The waiter arrived with our meals, momentarily distracting us. I'd ordered the salmon, while Caleb had gone for the steak.As he cut into it, the muscles in his forearms flexed, drawing my attention to the tattoos peeking out from under his rolled-up sleeves.

"You like the tatts?" Caleb asked, catching me staring.

I felt heat rush to my cheeks. "Just admiring the artwork. When did you get those, anyway?"

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "A while back. There's more where that came from."

The thought of Caleb with hidden tattoos sent a thrill through me. "Oh really? And where might those be?"

He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I plan on showing you very soon shortcake.”

I bit my lip, trying to suppress a grin. Two could play at this game. Slowly, deliberately, I took a bite of my salmon, letting out a soft moan of appreciation. Caleb's eyes darkened, his fork pausing halfway to his mouth.

"Something wrong?" I asked innocently.

He cleared his throat. "Nope. Everything's great."

The rest of the meal passed in a haze of loaded glances and 'accidental' touches. By the time we finished dessert - a decadent chocolate lava cake that Caleb insisted on feeding me bites of - I was groaning in sheer sexual frustration.

As we left the restaurant, Caleb's hand found the small of my back, guiding me through the crowded ship. His touch, even through the fabric of my dress, sent sparks shooting up my spine.

"So," he said casually, "what now? It's still early. We could check out one of the shows, or hit up the casino with Jake?"

I looked up at him, mustering my courage. "Or we could find somewhere a little more... private."

Caleb's steps faltered. "Yeah?"

I nodded, heart racing. "Yeah, but not our suite in case Jake comes back."

His grin was downright wicked. "I think I know just the place."

He led me through the ship. I had no idea where we were going, but at that moment, I would have followed Caleb anywhere.

We ended up on one of the lower decks, in a quiet corridor lined with lifeboats. Caleb glanced around, making sure we were alone, then pulled me into a shadowy alcove between two of the boats.

"Caleb, what-"

My words were cut off as he pressed me against the wall, his mouth capturing mine in a heated kiss. I melted into him, as his hands roamed my sides, leaving trails of fire blazing through my body. When we finally broke apart, we were both breathing heavily. Caleb rested his forehead against mine, his eyes dark with desire.

"God, Zo," he said. "Do you have any idea what you do to me?"

I smiled, running my hands up his chest. "Why don't you show me?"

He groaned, capturing my lips again. This kiss was deeper, hungrier. I felt like I was drowning and I never wanted to come up for air.

Caleb's mouth left mine, trailing hot kisses along my jaw and down my neck. When he reached the sensitive spot just below my ear, I couldn't hold back a moan.

"Shh," he murmured against my skin. "We don't want to get caught, do we?"

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