Authors: Anna Robbins
“You could say that.”
A steward nodded to them once their feet were firmly placed on the deck. “Welcome aboard, Mr. Thane. Are you and Ms. Carter ready to embark?”
“Yes. Thank you, Mr. Daniels. Please let us know when dinner is ready.”
“Will do, sir.”
Almost immediately, she felt the ship leave the dock, the floors slowly rocking beneath her feet. “So, I take it this isn’t you’re first time here?”
“No. I like to come out whenever possible.”
“It must be nice to have this at your disposal.” The thought of having something like this to escape to was beyond her imagination. Growing up in a securely middle-class family, she hadn’t wanted for much, but there had never been enough for such extravagances.
He grunted his agreement as he led her into the living areas. In what had to be the common room, her breath was momentarily lost as she viewed the gleaming mahogany, buttery soft leather, and polished brass. “It’s breathtaking.”
“I’m glad you like it.” She noticed he studied her and she flushed.
“I guess that wasn’t too sophisticated of me.”
“Actually, I find it rather refreshing. Far too many become jaded by this sort of thing. Seeing it through your eyes, I remember the first time I stepped on it. Thank you.” His thumb stroked her cheek and she barely suppressed the urge to lean into his touch. “Can I get you a drink?”
“Only water, thanks. I’m not quite sure how alcohol and the movement of the boat will affect me.”
He nodded as he filled up her glass before handing it to her. “It’s fizzy water, but if you have a tendency of getting seasick, it should help.”
She sipped at the bubbling drink. “Thank you.”
“Dinner is ready on the back deck as you requested, Mr. Thane.”
“Thank you. We’ll be there shortly.” Mr. Daniels left with a brief nod.
“Shall we? Or would you rather finish your drink in here?”
“I don’t mind taking it with me.”
He reached for her hand again, wrapping it in the crook of his arm. She was surprised by the gentlemanly gesture, but didn’t comment on it.
Walking to the back deck, she sighed as the balmy night air caressed her skin. It was colder on the water, but the discreet heating lamps around the deck made her feel a perfect temperature. The candlelight glowing from the table cast a rosy glow on the white dinner service and teased a sparkle out of the crystal, elegantly arranged for two.
Holding her chair for her, Dylan helped her into her seat before taking his own.
“I hope you like seafood. It seemed appropriate for the surroundings.”
His lightened mood helped her to relax. “Sounds perfect.”
Crusted bread and an appetizer of shrimp glazed in butter sauce were brought out by a trim-looking woman who was efficient at transferring the food from the platter to Abby’s plate without a drip escaping.
“Thank you, Mrs. Daniels.” Dylan gave the woman a grateful smile before she left.
“Mrs. Daniels? They’re married?”
“Yes, they are the permanent caretakers of the vessel.”
“How lovely. I can’t imagine being able to enjoy this every day.”
“You’d probably tire of it if you were here that often.”
“Perhaps. But I like to think it would never lose its magic.”
“Things tend to lose their magic when you are around them often.”
She took a bite of the shrimp, the flavors imprinting on her senses. “Oh, if ate these every day, I don’t think they’d ever lose their magic.” She ate a few more bites before realizing he watched her savor every bite.
“You should really try some.” She smiled to cover her nervousness.
Instead, he delivered a few more onto her plate. “I’m enjoying watching you savor them far more than I’d enjoy eating them.” His voice had gone a shade husky.
Self-consciously, she flicked her tongue to her lips in case she had a drop of butter there. His eyes darted to the movement, darkening with passion. But instead of saying something, he moved to take a bite of his own shrimp. And when his eyes opened, the passion she had seen earlier was banked.
“You were right. These are amazing.”
“Told you. Would you like more?”
He shook his head before taking a sip of wine.
“So tell me,” she said, buttering a flaky piece of bread. “Does your job require you to travel often? I imagine a PI gets around.”
“Not as much as I used to. I’ve been strapped to my desk more often than not.” It was said casually, but he didn’t expand upon it.
“Do you miss it?”
“At times. I used to travel a great deal. It’s a completely different lifestyle.”
She sighed. “You’re lucky. It must have been amazing to travel and see so much, even if you were there on a job.”
“Have you not traveled?” He leaned forward, his complete focus on her. She noticed that he would do that every once in awhile, as if he were tuning every sense into her, probing for clues, looking for secrets. It was unnerving, and at the same time flattering, to have his complete attention.
“No. Not at all, in fact.” Then she smiled. “Well that’s not true. I did go to Disney World with my family once. But that was when I was twelve. I don’t remember too much about the airport or the drive over there, though.” He laughed. “Did you travel abroad often?”
“Yes.”
Puzzled by his short response, she decided to pry. “I guess it’s all classified.”
“Some. Our company specializes in high-end security. Most of our clients are very wealthy or famous and we guard their privacy.”
“I understand. So, what was your favorite place?”
“My favorite place? You mean country?”
She waved her hand in a vague gesture. “Or city, or monument, or whatever. What moment stands out more than the rest?”
Mulling over it, he took another sip of wine as Mrs. Daniels cleared their plates. “I would have to say New York.”
“Why?”
“It is always so busy. You can get lost there if you want to. And it is full of possibilities. Anyone can remake themselves there.”
“Fascinating. I hadn’t really thought of it like that. Whenever I think of New York I just imagine the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty.”
Mrs. Daniels brought out the main course: crab stuffed chicken in lobster sauce with garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. The aroma was enough to make her go weak.
With her first bite, she almost moaned, the flavors exploding on her tongue.
“Are you always so… responsive when you eat?”
She could only sigh for a moment before opening her eyes to see his curious look. “I would be if I ate like this all the time. I’d also be one hundred pounds heavier,” she said ruefully.
“It would be a shame to watch you eat anything less worthy then.”
Her cheeks pinked, but she forced the color down, coughing lightly to clear her throat. “So, New York. Is that what you were able to do?” He looked confused by her question. No wonder, she chided herself, it didn’t make sense at all. If she wasn’t so rattled, she wouldn’t embarrass herself that way. “I mean, did you remake yourself there?”
His eyes glanced quickly to hers, and she wondered what he was looking for. “Again, you surprise me. Not many people would pick up on that.”
“I guess I’m just good with people.”
“I think it’s more than that. You seem to understand them.”
“I hadn’t really thought of it that way. I would say that I enjoy understanding people.”
The conversation came to a lull as they enjoyed their dinner, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It gave her a chance to be in his company, to relish the delicious food and the stillness around them.
She wanted to file away every sense so she could look back on this night, replay how perfect it all was. The quiet hum of the engine as it pushed the boat through the water, the strong smell of the ocean mingled with the scent of melting wax and savory butter, the array of tastes and textures from an incomparable meal, and the companionship of a gorgeous man that made her blood simmer. It all coalesced into one of, if not the best, evenings of her life.
When they were waiting for dessert to be brought out, Dylan leaned back in his chair, looking more comfortable in his skin than any man she had ever seen.
Was it really such a wonder why I’m falling for him?
The thought made her jolt. Oh, no. She wasn’t going down that road. This date, this guy, was casual. Not for serious feelings or commitments. She firmly tried to plant those ideas home. This was their first real date.
Get a grip on yourself!
“I remember you telling me that you’re a nanny. Do you work most days?”
She leaned back in her chair, trying to replicate his relaxed pose. “Yes. I mostly work during the week, but there is the occasional thing on the weekend.”
“I’m assuming with Christmas creeping closer, they must have more of a need for you.”
“For most nannies, that’s true. However, the family that I work for usually takes a three-week vacation this time of year.”
“That’s fortunate. It must be nice to have those weeks off.”
She smiled; the effect of good food began to weigh her down, helping her muscles to loosen up. “It is. I keep telling myself that one of these years I’ll take the opportunity to travel, but I never do.”
His head cocked to the side as he shifted in his chair. “Why?”
“Well, I guess I just couldn’t bear to miss the holidays with my family. My family hosts a large party every year and it’s gotten to be a big thing.” She chuckled. “Holidays have always been huge in my family. It wouldn’t be the same if I spent it alone. What about you? Do you spend the holidays with your family?”
“No.” His voice was curt, before he smoothed it away with a smile. “I don’t have much family around anymore.”
“Oh.” She didn’t know what else to say. She didn’t think he would appreciate her sympathy, so she just left it at that.
Crème brulée was served with a flourish, lifting the mood once again, and sampled with the same gusto.
“Would you like some coffee inside?” he asked when they were finished, moving to assist her from the table.
“If I do, I’m afraid I’ll be up all night.”
They walked in silence back inside, the moonlight glimmering over the smooth waves. Reaching their destination, he turned to her so quickly she almost stumbled. Reaching out to balance her, he brought her into his arms.
“I’d like to see you again.” His voice was husky, and she was as affected as he by their closeness. His rapid mood changes would have most people on edge, but she found them exciting. Never knowing when he would take her into his arms.
“I would like that too.” She wanted to kiss him, could almost feel his lips on her. And she would. She would embrace every single moment she could with him. Because it could always end the next day. So instead of waiting for him to make a move, her hands moved up his back, trailing into his silky hair to bring his head down to meet hers.
It started slow. Another brief meeting of lips. But she felt the intensity of the night before. Felt the heat that jolted between them, forcing them to move closer, possess more deeply.