Page 11 of One Weekend in Sydney

“Good! Okay, Romeo?”

“Sure,” he answers.

“Now, let’s get out of here.”

I watch as Jerry and Romeo pull up the gangway and store it on the side of the boat. Then, Jerry casts off the rope and gives a thumbs-up to someone on the upper level. The boat’s captain, I assume.

I turn my attention to Romeo as the boat starts to float away from the dock. It’s only now that I notice that he’s wearing two masks—a decorated one covering the upper part of his face and a black cloth mask that covers his nose, mouth and chin. He has this air of confident authority—the kind that makes you feel safe when you’re with him.

“Hi,” I say with an engaging smile, my heart beating faster than normal. “I promise I won’t be a pest on this boat.”

Romeo stares at me for a moment. “If anyone approaches you, just say you’re with the crew and not a guest. And you can have some food and drinks. No one would ask for your ticket. It’s supposed to have been checked upon entry already.”

“That’s very kind of you. Thank you, but I won’t have anything. That’ll be unfair to everyone else who paid. I’ll just eat when I get to the masquerade since I’ll make it there in time for dinner.”

“Your call. And I don’t know if you have any idea what party you just joined, but if you feel uncomfortable at any time, let me know, okay?”

My eyelids flutter. “Okay. But…what party have I just joined?”

He chuckles. “Masks On. Ever heard of it?”

My mouth forms anO.“The one where anonymous sex is guaranteed to happen?” I ask in an almost whisper.

“Yes, although there are strict rules that everyone must follow, the most important being no one forces anyone to do anything they don’t want.”

“I see. Well, I guess I’ll just sit in a corner and stay quiet.”

“Sure. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the boat ride down Parramatta River.” He starts walking away before turning back to me. “Juliet, huh?”

A giggle bursts out of me. “Yes, Romeo, I’m Juliet,” I say flirtatiously. Gosh, this guy is doing things to my system.

“Well, Juliet… It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Romeo extends his hand for a shake.

Electricity zaps me when our hands touch, and I find myself staring into his eyes. It’s dark brown, and Mason’s face flashes in my head.

I push the image away. A large number of the population has dark brown eyes, including me.

But I’m still gaping at Romeo because… his gaze is arresting. And, if I’m not mistaken, his pupils are dilated. Could it be a trick of the light, or is he also feeling this crazy attraction that’s engulfing me?

He lets go of my hand. “If you need me, I’ll be around.”

“Okay,” I croak. He seems like a nice, decent guy. What does he look like behind those masks?

Regardless, I find him very attractive. If I were to have a one-night stand, he’s someone I’d say yes to.

Whoa, where did that thought come from?

I shake my head. There’s a distinct sexual energy buzzing around this boat, and it must be getting to me.

There’s not much risk with flirting, though, right? What’s a little harmless flirting?

But is he single?

I really, really,reallywant to know.

ChapterFive

MASON

---