Page 11 of First Comes Love… Then Denial

She looked absolutely breathtaking with the darkness of night behind her and the light of the yacht shining down on her. Candice was the definition of perfection. She was also my ideal woman look-wise. Something deep inside me told me she was my ideal type personality-wise too.

"Want some more water or something else to drink?" I asked, looking down at her empty glass and then at her.

"Sure," she smiled slightly.

"What would you like?" I stood up. Candice stood up within seconds. My eyebrow rose.

"I can go get it. I mean, it is what I do for a living," she laughed but there was emptiness in her eyes. Clearly, she hated her job.

"Take a seat and relax," I smiled. "I am perfectly capable of getting us drinks."

She stared at me briefly, nodded slightly and then took her seat once more.

"Water? Soda? Champagne? Wine? Liquor?" I asked, listing the drinks.

"I'll have whatever you're having." She gave me another one of her fake smiles but I didn't fight her about it. I returned a smile then made my way to the galley to get us two waters, two glasses, and a bottle of wine.

When I returned, Candice wasn't in her seat. I begun to panic but relaxed when I saw her a few feet away standing by the railing. She staring off in the distance into the night. I could barely see the details of her face but she seemed lost in thought.

I set everything down on the table quietly and then made my way over to her. Without thought, I stood behind her and wrapped my arms around her. She stilled at my touch.

"Sor–" I moved my arms to let go of her, but to my surprise, she grabbed my arms and kept them in place.

"It's okay. Just scared me," she whispered, looking over her shoulder at me and then again off into the night.

"Lots on your mind?" I asked, holding her close to my body.

"Mmhmm," she nodded but said nothing else.

We stood in silence with her in my arms for quite some time. The smell of the ocean blew around us. Sounds of the waves and seagulls were all that I could hear. The night felt peaceful; especially with Candice in my arms.

"I've never been on a yacht just because before," she said very quietly, breaking our stretch of silence.

"Just because?" I asked curiously. She turned in my arms and looked up at me.

"I've only ever worked on a yacht. Never got to enjoy the luxury of it like your– like people who own yachts do," she shrugged as though it was no big deal but her eyes told on her.

If I had to guess, she was about to saylike your kindorlike your people.I didn't want to be associated with the trust fund snobs and pretty boys. People like that drove me nuts. It was the reason I hadn't gone to the party. I didn't feel like being around people with egos as big as the moon.

"Do you work tomorrow?" I asked, looking down at her.

"I work everyday," she sighed.

"Everyday?" My question came out a manly shriek. Candice giggled then nodded.

"Except tonight," she smiled up at me. "Thank you for tonight, by the way. It was really nice of you, Zane."

The way she said my name put a cheesy smile on my face.

"What?" she laughed, making me smile more.

"I like hearing you call me my name. Makes it feel like we are friends and not hostage and creeper."

"Oh. My. Gosh!" Candice erupted with laughter.

It was one of the most heavenly sounds I had ever heard. She sounded full of happiness and life. It seemed as though she hadn't a care in the world. I knew that wasn't true but at the moment, she seemed to be carefree.

As her laughter died down, she leaned her head against my chest. A few more chuckles and she fell silent.

“I’m glad you find me funny,” I rubbed her back.

“Hilarious. Absolutely, hilarious.”

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