Page 68 of Total Ship Show

“Yeah, but on a positive note, once they reach adulthood, the only enemies for a sea turtle are sharks and humans. Oh, and get this, did you know a female turtle who swims in the great big ocean will swim back to the exact spot she was born in to lay her eggs?”

“Really?” Aris’s brows lift. “That seems almost impossible.”

“Right? I know. But that’s nature.”

“Did you have fun today?” he asks, my head leaning on his shoulder.

“My face hurts from smiling so much today, Aris. I had the absolute best time.”

“Is this something you could see yourself doing every day?”

I lift my head and gaze at him. “That’s why you brought me here.” I shake my head at Aris, again awed by his passive encouragement.

“What do you mean?”

“To let me experience a little wildlife conservation.”

He knew exactly what I needed. He knew exactly what would make me happy.

“I just wanted to see you in your element.” He kisses my forehead. “You were amazing today.”

I wrap my hands around his bicep and look up at him. “Thank you, Aris. This meant so much to me. It was by far the best gift I could have received, and I’ll never forget it as long as I live.”

He leans his head down to kiss me and when he does, I place a hand on his left cheek, deepening our kiss and trying to show him just how much I appreciate him. It’s a darn good thing we’re seated at the back of the bus because I’m positive we look like a couple of love-sick horny teenagers wanting to get it on in the back of a bus.

But I don’t even care.

No fucks given.

This man makes me so happy.

He told me to live in the moment today and that’s what I’m doing right now.

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

ARIS

Me:This might be the best vacation I’ve ever taken in my whole goddamn life.

Kohen:LOL. You mean better than drunk lap dances in Vegas?

Me: Yep.

Kohen: Wow. Even better than that hooker you hired in New York City so you would have someone to kiss for New Year’s Eve?

Me: 100 times better.

Kohen: Wow. This girl must be a good faker.

Me: Dude, she’s winning over my family. My brothers!

Kohen: Impressive. You sleep with her yet?

Me: Fuckin right I did! She was mine the minute I blew my load in her in the back of a dark theater.

I waitfor his reply but he’s taking too long, and those three little dots haven’t shown up that shows he’s texting me back. The kids must’ve demanded his attention. I’ll have to check back later.

When I step out of the bathroom after my shower, I spot Adrienne reclined in the red netted hammock swing that hangs from the balcony. Wrapped up in her white robe, her toes wiggle slowly as she flexes her feet, a few of her wet blonde locks blow in the breeze around her face. She’s relaxed and absolutely beautiful. I watch her for a moment from inside our room, taking note of how peaceful she looks. How content and happy she seems.

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