Page 67 of Ship Happens

“Should I bring wine?”

“Definitely. Something impressive, but not flashy enough to suggest you’re trying to buy her approval.”

I laugh at her specific parameters. “You’ve given this a lot of thought.”

“I want it to go well,” she admits, a hint of vulnerability in her expression. “My best friend and my...” She hesitates, searching for the right word.

“Boyfriend?” I suggest, testing the label. “Partner? Formerly antagonistic CEO turned personal project?”

Her laughter is worth the self-deprecation. “All of the above, I think.”

“Then bring on the interrogation,” I say, pulling her closer for a proper kiss. “I’ve faced hostile takeover attempts and board rebellions. How bad could one journalist be?”

Her answering smile contains equal parts amusement and warning. “Don’t underestimate Zoe. She once made a senator cry during an interview.”

“Noted.” I slide my hands under my borrowed t-shirt, finding warm skin beneath. “Now, since you’ve finished your editing, and we have hours before dinner...”

“Are you suggesting a more recreational use of our time, Mr. Cole?” Her breath hitches as my fingers trace higher.

“I’m suggesting,” I murmur against her neck, “that we have some fun.”

“Mmm, interesting argument.” She shifts to straddle me, the position bringing our bodies into perfect alignment.

“Are you saying you are done working?” I ask, hands settling on her hips.

Her smile turns wicked as she rolls her hips against mine, drawing a groan from deep in my chest. “I’m saying we might need to relax before dinner.”

Hours later, having “relaxed” (including on my kitchen counter and in the shower), we’re dressed and en route to Brooklyn in the back of my car, a bottle of reasonably priced wine in hand.

Harper looks stunning in simple jeans and a green top that brings out her eyes, her hair loose around her shoulders. She’s been quiet since we left the apartment, fingers tapping a nervous rhythm on her knee.

“Having second thoughts?” I ask, covering her restless hand with mine.

“No,” she says, then sighs. “Maybe a little nervous. Zoe’s opinion is important to me, and this is... a big deal.”

“The first person from your real life to meet me as your partner, not your nemesis.”

She nods, looking relieved that I understand. “Exactly. It makes this more real somehow.”

“It’s already real to me,” I tell her, bringing her hand to my lips. “Has been since that night on the beach.”

The smile she gives me makes my heart race.

“Me too,” she admits. “Though I tried very hard to deny it at first.”

“You? Stubborn? I’m shocked.”

She laughs. “Says the man who rearranged an entire cruise ship schedule to get under my skin.”

“One of my better decisions, in retrospect.”

“Really even if I threw champagne in your face, landed on you in an obstacle course?”

“Really,” I say. “Your feisty attitude, lack of coordination, and good aim got to me.”

“You have odd turn-ons, Cole.”

“So, I’ve been told, Bennett.”

---