Page 69 of Total Ship Show

I hope I had a hand in that expression on her face today.

Because seeing her in her element…learning from her, observing her work with such passion and energy…she took my breath away.

Adrienne Hart is someone I can easily see myself spending my life with.

And I’m not sure what to do with that feeling.

She’s already made it clear how she feels.

She doesn’t think anything between us would last.

She thinks we’re too far apart.

I’m not exactly sure what I can do to change her mind, but I’m damn well going to try.

“Hey, what are you doin’ in there?” She finally turns her head to see me standing in the middle of our room in only a pair of gray shorts.

“Watching you,” I tell her as I saunter out to the balcony to join her.

“Watching me? There’s not much to see,” she giggles. “I’m just relaxing in my robe and watching the sunset. Want to join me?”

“Of course, I do.” I lower myself into the chair next to her, turning so I can face her.

She grins.

“Hey silly, the view is that way.” She points to the sunset, but I shake my head.

“I disagree. I have just the view I want.”

She tilts her head. “Are you okay?”

No.

I want you.

It’s a forever want. Not just a right now want.

Though I want that too.

“Mmm hmm.”

“What are you thinking about?” she asks me, watching me, genuinely perplexed.

I look down at first and then out at the water, trying to come up with the right words to say.

“Aris?”

“I...” I shake my head. “I don’t know if you’re ready to hear what I’m thinking.”

Her brow furrows. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I have feelings for you, Adrienne.”

Fuck, I can’t believe I just let them slide out of my mouth like that.

“You…” Her eyes grow. “You what?”

I pull myself a little closer to her, so I’m in between her legs as she relaxes in the swing.

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