Page 48 of Devoured By You

Plus, Rihanna was from here. It didn’t get much cooler than that.

“I know. I can’t wait.”

We’d booked a catamaran cruise that offered snorkeling and promised free-flowing rum. Sounded like a dangerous combination to me, but the company had been in business for over twenty years, so I guessed they had to know what they were doing.

Fingers crossed.

“Are you sure Mr. Sex-on-Legs can spare you for a day?” Addison clutched her chest, dancing around. “Oh, Jilly, my darling Jilly, I’ll pine for you. Every second you’re gone will be a stake to my heart.”

I laughed. “A stake? He’s not a vampire.”

“That hickey on your neck says otherwise.”

Instinctively, I touched the spot Addison referred to. Last night we’d gotten a little carried away. I’d given Blay three love bites, as we Brits called them. A blush crept over my cheeks.

“You are so adorable.” Addison hugged me again, then leaned back, scrutinizing me. “What’s that look for?”

She knew me far too well. I’d come on this cruise to spend time with my three best friends, and I hadn’t abandoned them, per se. We’d toured all the islands we’d stopped off at together, but I had spent a lot of my evenings with Blay, and staying over most nights, and I couldn’t help feeling guilty about it.

“I hope you’re not regretting inviting me on this cruise.”

Addison’s head jerked back, her eyes widening. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Blay. I’ve left you alone in this suite most nights, and I feel bad about it.”

“Oh, babe.” I got a third hug in a row. “Who says I’m spending my nights alone?” She waggled her eyebrows. “I’m eating from the fucking buffet, and it is tasty as hell.”

I should have known. “I haven’t caught you with anyone.”

“That’s because I kick them out before you show up.”

I laughed. “You are the best.”

She nodded. “I am the best.”

We met up with Kelsey and Raya and headed to breakfast. I had the same conversation with both of them separately and received the same reassurances—that they were happy for me, glad I was having fun and decompressing after a tough few months. Kelsey made the offer again to look at my manuscript, but my mind had been whirring for days, and my confidence was creeping back. I felt certain I could turn around the hot mess it currently was into something my editor wouldn’t puke over.

Maybe all the orgasms had unclogged the block in my brain. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t complaining.

I spied Aspen on the far side of the restaurant and waved. She waved back but didn’t come over. I hadn’t seen much of her these last few days. I’d asked Blay where she was sleeping, because it wasn’t in his suite, and he’d simply shrugged and said that Aspen was resourceful and wouldn’t exactly be sleeping on deck.

“Did you guys ever spot Joz Raynor?” I asked. Seeing Aspen had reminded me of her quest.

“No.” Kelsey pouted. “I’m so disappointed.”

“There’s still time.” I patted her arm.

“Why come on a cruise if you’re going to spend it all in your room?”

“A penthouse suite on this ship is hardly a room.” Addison rolled her eyes. “It’s, like, three thousand square feet or something. And I bet he has a butler tending to his every need.”

“I’d tend to his every need, given half the chance,” Kelsey muttered.

“Come on, eat up.” Addison gestured to us. “I have a hot captain to seduce.”

“How do you know he’s hot?” I asked.

“Duh. I Googled the company. He’s hot. Trust me.”

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