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Even after the years of being called Cap or Captain, it still surprised me. Beads of sweat clung to the side of the glass housing my drink and my fingers rested on the base. It was a Hurricane, a drink that found its way to some of Jimmy's songs. Margaritas gave me heartburn, probably the fresh lime, and no matter how much I liked them or how hard I tried to suck it up, I couldn't put myself through the discomfort. Tonight, I was allowing myself one fancy drink then it was water. I wasn't about to risk this gig.
My heart leapt when I saw Beck through the crowd of dancers. The instant attraction I had to the man was powerful and shocking, and I wasn't shy to see if he felt the same. Anticipation was a wonderful thing.
I knew he was intense–that was a given, powerful, demanding, and a tad intimidating. I was delightfully challenged by it all and set a course to knock off his grumpy bits to see what lay underneath.
I finished the shrimp and slid off the stool. Cindy, Intrepid's Chef was letting it hang loose. Chefs tended to be territorial but Cindy didn't seem to have a worry in the world. It was good to see her have fun.
I took photos of the grill, laden with burgers, ribs, chicken, fish, sausages, and toasting garlic bread. Then the buffet table groaned under the variety of sides, salads, veggies, baked potatoes, a nacho station, and the ever-popular fries. Then there was the cheese and fruit table, right beside it, desserts! I liked to keep a photo journal documenting shipboard life.
Somehow a cheeseburger, salad, and nachos found their way onto my plate.
Juggling my plate and drink, I made my way through the crowd, smiled, and chatted with everyone until I found a nice spot on the lower deck to watch the sunset. I sighed, leaning back into the pillows. Music floated on the breeze and I was content. Heaven.
Laughter drifted down from the above deck. I recognized it was Beck, deep and gravelly, and crept its way into my soul. Goosebumps rippled along my arms and god help me, I felt my nipples harden. My response to the sound of his laugh shocked me. Should I stay here and see if he found me, or go up and find him? I was too antsy to wait so I picked up my plate and glass to look for him. Using the narrow and dimly lit crew stairs, I focused on the steps that were hard to see — mental note to add lighting here — I wasn't paying attention to anyone coming down.
"We meet again." A deep voice startled me and I looked up to see Beck looming above me. My head was at his waist level which was a bit disconcerting so I craned my neck to avoid looking at what lay below his belt.
"I didn't expect to see you here on the servant stairs," I said, the words coming out of my mouth way too fast. He chuckled and my blood ran a little faster in my veins. "I'm glad you don't find yourself above using these stairs or being with your crew on party night."
He shook his head. "Nope, I have no qualms hanging out with my crew. We are a tight bunch and that's how I like to keep it."
Was that comment directed at me? Like, don't get between him and his crew.
"My exact thoughts. That's why I organized this little soirée before we all get to work tomorrow."
"Yeah, about that. I like to be informed when something like this is planned." I had to tamp down a surge of anger. "But I'm glad you did it, thank you." My anger floated away.
He took a step lower and I pressed my back to the wall, arms out, holding my plate and glass.
He smelled wonderful, intoxicating, and I breathed him in. My eyelids fluttered for a moment. Beck chuckled softly and I looked up at him. We were on the same step now. Our bodies were so close the heat of his warmed me. He was doing an amazing job at unsettling me. I was trapped against the wall, hands full and useless. It was a very vulnerable position and my breath quickened.
I looked up, and he was staring down. "You do have a way about you, don't you?" His voice was low, sensual, and hit all my buttons dead on.
He leaned a little closer to me and I was frozen. Normally I'm ready with quick comebacks, smart remarks, sharp retorts, and knowing what to say when. But this time I had no words and was trapped between the wall and him.
All I could do was stare up at him and wet my lips. His gaze dropped to my mouth and I sucked in sharp breaths, making my chest rise and fall. He smiled at me, one side of his mouth quirked up and a dimple revealed itself. I dragged my gaze back to his eyes and the expression on his face intensified, drawing me toward him.
"Heading back to the party?" he asked, his head closer to me. Then he took a step down and another one until we were at eye level. A shiver rippled through me when cooler air replaced the heat of his body. I turned slightly to face him.
"Well, that was the plan. Why, did you have something else in mind?" I couldn't believe I said that. To my boss. To Fletch's friend. Holy shit.
A muscle jumped in his cheek. "If I didn't have a call scheduled in the next few minutes, then I definitely would've come up with something." He raised his dark eyebrows waiting for a reply.
"Drat your busy phone then. It would've been interesting to see what you were thinking." Things were getting very heated between us. I swallowed and took a deep breath. I needed to get control of myself. He's my boss, for crying out loud!
He nodded. "I think we're on the same page. Regrettably though, I must go take that call." He smiled, turned, and disappeared down the stairs.
I sank back against the wall and slid down it to sit on the step, holding my plate and glass with shaky hands. What exactly had just transpired there? Was it what I think it was?
I'm pretty sure it was.
7
The encounter with her on the stairs had Beck thinking of all kinds of things that ran to taboo. She was too young for starters. And she was somehow related to Fletcher. He didn't know the nature of their relationship, but she was still his friend's something. That meant off-limits. But damn, she touched all his hot points which had made it difficult to focus on the call.
He leaned over the bar, grabbed the pitcher of water, and filled a glass. Once business got happening on the boat, he rarely drank. He had a beer earlier but this party was for the crew blow to off steam before it was time to get to work.
But Beck watched for Mick and wondered where she'd gone, assuming her cabin. Of course, the vision of her naked and wet played across his mind. He cleared his throat and finished the water. He wanted her here with the rest of the crew even if being around her made him feel … things. On edge, aroused, craving, and more alert. Awake.
