Page 47 of Undertow

“I’ll keep that in mind for future reference.” He looks back at me over his shoulder. “See? We’re getting to know each other better already.”

I shake my head at him but fail to bite back a smile completely.

If asked, I would have definitely said no to this “makeup date,” but I can’t deny I feel a little happier now that I’m here.

When we get to the top deck, he hauls me past the hot tub and around the dinner table. I notice this table is set for two, but he moves me past it to what I can only possibly describe as a bed. I guess it’s a lounge area, but it has pillows everywhere and a soft-looking blanket draped across the bottom. It may as well be a bed, just one out in the open beneath a canopy of stars.

Well, it will be set beneath a canopy of stars soon.

The sun hasn’t set just yet, and I realize that’s why he brought me up here.

Two yellow and orange drinks wait for us when we settle in, and a cold bottle of water for me.

“My two drinks,” I say, smiling.

“When it comes to beverages, you like to keep your options open. I remembered.”

I can’t help grinning as I drop to my butt on the comfy lounge area. “You did.” I grab the glass nearest my water and take a sip. “Mm, that’s delicious.”

“I’m glad you’re finding the sustenance at this meeting satisfactory.”

I scoff. “Meeting.”

“It is. Astrategymeeting,” he stresses.

“Mm-hmm. And what, pray tell, are we strategizing?”

Hayden reaches forward and grabs his drink, then leans back against the pillows and takes his time looking me over. “Currently, I’m strategizing how best to remove your panties. Conventionally, with my hands? Maybe I should tear them off with my teeth instead.”

“That isnotthe strategy meeting I signed up for.”

I lean over and put my drink up on a ledge so I don’t melt all the slushy ice with my body heat. As I do, Hayden grabs me and tugs me over closer to him.

I don’t balk when he pulls me so I’m lying half on top of him.

It feels really nice, actually.

I settle my arm around his waist and my head on his bicep.

“I love watching the sunset,” I tell him quietly.

He sighs with contentment, so I guess he does, too.

Chapter Fourteen

Gemma

After we enjoy the sunset, I hear movement on the deck behind us, but Hayden isn’t alarmed and tells me it’s just the chef setting up dinner.

Since I know we’ll be eating soon, I finish my fruity cocktail. To be honest, I’m sad when it’s gone, and I wish I had more. It wassogood.

Maybe a little too good. I trip over my own feet when I stand up.

“Some dancer I am,” I joke, a little embarrassed by my lack of grace.

Hayden grabs my hips to stabilize me and teases me, calling me a lightweight.

“You probably drugged me or something,” I mutter, only half-joking. “Can’t ship captains marry people? If I wake up married tomorrow, I’m gonna besomad at you.”

---