Page 72 of Total Ship Show

“I think the word incredible is not enough.” I lean forward, kissing her forehead, her nose, and then her mouth with all the sincerity and feeling I can muster.

“I think you’re right.” She smiles lazily up at me.

“Come on, let me get you out of that swing. I’m not done with you.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

I slide one arm under her legs and the other around her back, lifting her from the swing. She wraps her arms around my neck, kissing my cheek and ear as I carry her lithe body back inside to our bed, where I will spend the rest of the night worshiping her body and memorizing every inch of her while I still have time.

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

ADRIENNE

Today isour last day on the ship.

All day long I’ve had this feeling of dread because I’m torn about so many things. This was supposed to be a week-long adventure with my friends to unwind and have fun, and although it’s been a blast, this trip has turned my world upside down. I went to sleep in orgasmic bliss – dear Jesus, Aris has a gifted tongue – but I woke up with a massive pit in my stomach.

Aris opened my world to new possibilities yesterday with the sea turtle excursion and now I’ve done nothing but wonder what my life might be like if I were to step back into wildlife conservation, the only thing I’ve been passionate about.

Even more so than acting if I’m being honest with myself.

I could have normalcy.

A routine to my day.

A little more financial security.

I could buy a house and a car.

I could get married and have kids and know that my children aren’t going to grow up in the chaos of Los Angeles because I can literally do what I love to do anywhere.

Wildlife is everywhere.

What if I moved to Seattle?

Would Aris still want me?

Was he being serious last night about his feelings?

Could we make it work or would I end up another one of his failed relationships?

“Ugh, shake it off, Adrienne. No need to ruin your last day.” Not quite sure I believe my own pep talk, but it’ll have to do for now. The girls are having one last soiree this evening and I promised them I would be there. Nobody likes a negative Nancy on the last night of vacation.

Wanting to grab a few last souvenirs so I have time to pack them, I leave Aris to get his shower while I run to a few of the gift shops before needing to get dressed for tonight. Knowing exactly what I’m looking for as we’ve been in and out of the shops all week, I quickly pick out a couple picture frames I’ve been eyeing, a hoodie for me to rub all over Aris so it’ll smell like him when I wear it, and a few gifts for Dove and Joaquin. I also find a cool tank top that I think would look killer on my friend Lacey, so I grab that too and set a reminder on my phone to ship it to Kentucky when I get home.

After I leave the gift shop, I head to the nearest bar to grab a quick drink, whatever their special is for the evening, to take back to the room with me.

“Hey Adrienne.”

I turn to my right after placing my order with the bartender and see Aris’s brothers waving at me.

“Hey guys.” I smile. “What’s up?”

Aiden smirks at Adam and then they both give me their undivided attention. “Nothing much. Just enjoying a pre-dinner drink. You?”

“I hear ya there. Just grabbing a pre-party drink myself before hanging out with the girls.”

“The girls?” Adam asks with a tilt to his head.

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