Four Nights at Sea Read online

  Walking to the staircase, she squeezed his hand, signaling the craving for a puff. He stopped on the first step and turned to face her on the landing. He grasped her hips and pulled her body against his hardness, claiming her mouth in a rewarding kiss.

  “I want your taste on my tongue as much as you need the distraction.” Seemingly willing to give her what she wanted, he feasted on her mouth and nibbled on her lips until a tiny moan escaped her. “But I can’t say I blame you this time, sugar. We’ll find some other way to satisfy that oral fixation.” Ford trailed a finger over her swollen lips in a more than suggestive manner, and her tongue darted out to taste it. “For now, I think I’ll kiss you again.”

  Charlie’s mind filled with erotic images as she melted into Ford. Thoughts she knew she should push out of her brain. The man was surreal. Knowing her secret desires and giving without strings—literally no strings, when it came to her string bikini—he fueled her fantasies and answered them with ease.

  She could do this. She could enjoy sex and not put her heart on the line. After all, a fling plus Ford equaled perfection. He didn’t ask her to give up anything. He actually offered support in reference to her writing. It could work. No expectations. Just the here and now.

  “Fine. But you’re getting the short end of the stick,” she said, looking into his dark eyes and hoping he wouldn’t tire of her too quickly. He was clearly far more experienced than her and much more adventurous than she’d ever believed she could be. Ford had already proved those points.

  “No, sweetheart. It’s you that will be getting the stick; the whole, thick, long, and stiff stick. It’s me who will be delivering the pleasure,” he said, smacking the underside of her bare ass and laughing at his own corny joke.

  She squeezed his hand again, angling her face up for another kiss.

  “Baby?” He brushed his mouth over hers and licked along her lips. “Why are you suddenly wavering?”

  She let out a long breath. “I was weighing it all out. Don’t misunderstand, but I have research to do. An article to write. And instead of methodically interviewing guests and drawing conclusion, all I can think about is . . .” She let her thoughts trail off. All she could think of was how badly she ached for more of his touch. She wanted his hands on every inch of her. His mouth following. She wanted to drop to her knees, discover what made his knees weak, and explore his body with her mouth.

  “You need to stop, Charlie. You can’t look at me like that on the stairwell and expect me to stay under control.”

  “Sorry,” she whispered. “I think I’m turning into a nympho or something.”

  “Or something.” He chuckled and traced his finger down her nose. “But don’t stop. Embrace it, baby. I’ll take care of the ache. You write the article, trust me, and this will be an unforgettable weekend.” He twirled a strand of her hair as he curled strong fingers around her nape. “It already is for me.”

  “Me, too,” she admitted.

  “Let me get you safely inside that damn off-limits cabin before I get thrown off the ship.” The too-good-to-be-true dreamboat dropped a kiss to her forehead, and then swatted her backside. “Let’s go. I won’t let you lose focus.”

  She managed a smile and placed her hands on his shoulders as they descended the two flights of stairs. He walked her to the door, kissed her to within an inch of her passing out at the threshold, then swiped her keycard in the lock.

  “Give me ten minutes, and connect your cell to the ship’s Wi-Fi. I’ll activate the account. We can iMessage if needed.” He gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and trailed a finger down her cheek. “I’ll be by the elevator at six o’clock. Then we’re off to the Erogenous Zone.”

  Charlie nodded and stepped into the cabin. She watched him pull the door closed. Letting out a long breath, she pressed her back to the cool surface and slid to the floor, holding her skirt tight against her naked thighs for cover. Shit. He set her body on fire. As far as she was concerned, he was the Erogenous Zone. She was totally screwed—while not getting literally fucked. He offered a chance to experience the sex of her lifetime, but they had to remain in public areas.

  Her sex pulsed with the mere idea that she could have been caught and seen as she was getting off. It had been a real turn-on knowing that the bartender could have strolled back into the room. A turn-on knowing that the camera was catching her back arch and tense as his magical fingers filled her and brought her exquisite pleasure.

  What the heck was she supposed to do about the need to have him inside her? She wanted him like she’d never wanted anyone. And if she was honest, it had absolutely nothing to do with the theme of the cruise. It was him. Not just the physical allure of a good-looking man, but the way he got her.

  In spite of not knowing her before the morning, Ford understood her determination and supported it. Identified with it. On that basis alone, she’d be drawn to him, even if she knew she shouldn’t be. Confusion and frustration mixed with a peculiar sense of hopefulness.

  What the hell had she gotten herself into? Why didn’t she have the spine to rule out interaction with a man who meant sure heartbreak?

  She rose to her feet and pushed the suddenly restrictive sundress down her body. Stepping out of the pooled material on the floor, she walked to the center of the room and stood before the mirror. Heat stained her skin and a dark love bite branded the pale flesh on her left breast.

  Tracing her fingers over his mark, she felt her breasts grow heavy. The ache returned between her legs and warm moisture gathered at her center.

  She needed a cold shower.

  * * *

  Ford tucked his hands in his pockets, and his fingers found the damp material he’d confiscated from Charlie’s wonderful hips. Once she leaned over that railing to observe the activities on deck, the emotion displayed on her face had all but handed him a map to the treasures she’d kept hidden away. No amount of Internet searches would have revealed so much. She’d unknowingly dropped her shield and charted his way.

  He stepped into his cabin and immediately shrugged off his shirt. Unbuttoning his jeans, he pulled her pink bottoms from his pocket and curled his fingers over the tiny bikini.

  “Oh, baby. Did you really think I’d let you go nude just because we met on the starboard side of the pool?” He shook his head, thinking of her peeling off her dress and jumping into the hot tub . . . not if there were other eyes present.

  He couldn’t imagine the competent-yet-shy professional flaunting that perfect body for all to enjoy. But then again, he’d never imagined sex would be the way to break past the barriers Charlie had erected to keep herself safe.

  The reserved woman was curious. She wanted adventure. And he was more than willing to oblige her if it meant she’d let him in.

  “What is it about her?” Ford asked aloud.

  It wasn’t his style to act impulsively. But when it came to Charlie, he had. He’d invaded her privacy. Rejoiced in her sexual curiosity. And grabbed at the first straw she’d offered him. He wanted her. He was going to have her. All that remained was to figure out the terms.

  By releasing her inhibitions and making her embrace her desires, he’d managed to chip a bit of that protective wall with each orgasm. Fuck, he’d keep her in a continuous state of arousal, making her come nonstop, if it meant she’d open up and be with him for the next few days. He needed time to sate his own desire for the woman and work her out of his system if he was going to get his mind straight and succeed in his own endeavors.

  From the first moment he’d looked into the deep blue of her eyes, and heard her sweet voice, he’d wanted her. No logic. No reason. He just did.

  The one thing he’d learned after the fiasco with his father was that he not only had the desire to go after what he wanted, but he had the determination and ability to achieve what made him honestly happy.

  As for Charlene Stanton, she too had a specific plan to get what she wanted. The reasons evaded him, but he guessed she’d repressed her need
s for so long that she had focused intently on one thing—her career—to make it through. She’d denied her sensuality and hidden behind golf skorts and a laptop to assure her professional success.

  Well, he wasn’t about to let her retreat inside her shell. Not when she had him beside her. Not when her body reacted the way it had.

  Knowing the time in the wine lounge would likely be the only time he’d touch her properly all day, frustration was just something he’d deal with. “If it were up to you, you’d drag her off the ship and keep her to yourself,” he muttered, placing the pink bikini in his bedside drawer. But she wanted to stay on the boat and write her feature, which meant he had an added reason to keep his job and remain on the ship.

  No mistakes. He stood and shucked his pants. No minimizing her goals. He took off his boxers and his cock saluted at attention. “You’re going to do everything in your power to help her.”

  He walked into the bathroom, turned on the water, and stepped into the shower.

  “You’re going to give to and get from that beautiful woman until you’re both satisfied and ready to move on.”

  Ford squeezed liquid soap into his hand, leaned his forehead on the shower wall, and fisted his erection.

  Chapter Eleven

  Tugging on the hem of her dress, Charlie held Ford’s hand as they entered the grand lounge. Quinn waved to them from a high bar table in the corner, and she whispered for Ford to lead them over to her new friends.

  “Hello,” Luis said, offering his hand to Ford for a quick shake before turning his attention to Charlie and placing a not-so-chaste kiss on each of her cheeks. “Querida.”

  Releasing Ford’s hand, she gave Luis a tight squeeze and a quick kiss on his jaw. “Hello, sir,” she said in a low voice. “Am I embracing my honest self enough?”

  “Making a good start,” Luis replied, sliding his index finger down the curve of her nose. “Keep it up.”

  “Gracias.” She turned to Quinn and stepped into his outstretched arms. “Hello, my friend.”

  “My pretty baby doll.” He groaned and wrapped her in a big bear hug. “Do you need to keep reminding me about the friend status?”

  She laughed and managed to reach far enough to place a kiss on the side of his neck. He groaned again, earning him a quick slap on his chest. “Cut it out, Quinn. Friends don’t groan.”

  “Some do,” Quinn said with a grin, and leaned close to her ear. “Others growl.”

  Ford wasn’t exactly growling, but she could feel his stare burning into her back. She stepped out of Quinn’s embrace and reached for Ford’s hand. “So how is this happy hour going?”

  “Good. Seems like it’s a nice crowd to party with. Lots of beautiful people,” Quinn said. “The mistress of ceremonies was announced right before you arrived.” He pointed to a tall woman with a perfectly smooth caramel-colored complexion and straight black hair hanging down to her ass, who was wearing a leather dress that fit her body like a glove. “Mistress Gwyn will review the cruise guidelines in a few minutes. In the meantime, what can I get you guys to drink?”

  “What are you drinking?” Charlie asked Luis, glancing at the tall glass with the refreshing-looking orange concoction.

  “This?” Luis swirled the stirrer. “Not mine. It’s Quinn’s Sloe Comfortable Screw,” he continued, holding up the glass in a toast and meeting Quinn’s gaze. “His second of the afternoon.”

  “What can I say?” Quinn shrugged and leaned his head toward Luis. “This man’s turned me into a slut for his slow and comfortable—”

  “Enough.” Charlie held up her hand, palm out. “I don’t want to know details about your sluttiness, Quinn.”

  “Too much about this sexiness to cover in a simple conversation,” Quinn said in a comical tone, moving his palms down his chest and showcasing his muscled body. The other men laughed. “I was just going to order Luis an All Night Long. He likes sweet things in his mouth.”

  “Since we’re keeping with personal identifiers, I think the lady would enjoy a Grey Goose Screaming Orgasm,” Ford added.

  “And for you, my friend?” Quinn asked. “A hair-raising Leg Spreader perhaps?”

  “Would love that, but once again, in keeping with the truthfulness of our situation, I’ll stick with the Jack and Coke,” Ford replied.

  More laughter erupted as Quinn signaled for the server. He added a round of Blow Jobs. “For good measure.”

  Charlie relaxed as they all chatted and got to know each other. There was easy banter among the men, Ford and Luis finding common ground on the café front, and there was no tension to be felt. The butterflies in her stomach relaxed and gentle warmth filled her chest. Things were good in Charlie’s world. Good indeed.

  When the server returned with their drinks, he placed whipped cream–topped shots in the center of the table and reminded them of the proper way to drink them. No hands.

  “I’m always up for a good Blow Job,” Luis said, sliding a shot glass before Quinn. “Come on, tipo guapo. Show me what you do so well.”

  “I love it when he calls me handsome.” Licking his lips, Quinn smiled a private message to Luis, then linked his hands behind his back. He bent his tall frame over the table and closed his lips over the rim of the glass. Swallowing as he straightened, he kept his gaze pinned on Luis as he downed the creamy concoction and returned the empty glass to the table. “Want a taste?”

  Luis nodded and kissed his partner, tapping his joined hands and releasing them. “Perfect, love. Just perfect.”

  “My turn,” Quinn said, offering Luis a shot. “Take it deep. Don’t let a drop slip.”

  Placing his hands flat on the table on either side of the glass, Luis opened his mouth wide and closed his lips around the glass. He tossed his head back, and Charlie watched his throat work as he swallowed the drink. A clearly mesmerized Quinn watched, too. The handsome athlete actually groaned his approval.

  “Not fucking fair,” Ford interjected. “I’m stuck with Jack over here.”

  Luis lowered the empty glass to the table and released it. “That’s too sad, my friend. You have the prettiest woman at your side and you’re choosing Jack.”

  “Not choosing,” Ford said, trailing his fingers up Charlie’s side and heating the bare skin just beneath the halter of her dress. “I choose Charlie any day.”

  Quinn handed Ford a Blow Job in approval. “Salut!”

  “Cheers,” Ford replied, making a show of sucking the whipped cream into his mouth and then turning up the glass.

  “You used your hands,” Charlie pointed out. “I thought we said no hands.”

  “I thought you like my hands?” Ford asked, touching the tip of his nose to hers.

  Heat filled her cheeks and she looked away. She did like his hands. Liked them very much.

  “It’s your turn, baby doll.” Quinn placed the shot before her and offered to lift her up so she could reach, but she shook her head and stretched her arms out.

  “I’ve got this. Doesn’t have anything to do with height,” she said, licking her lips. “It’s all about the technique.” She sidled up as close to the table as she could and slowly licked at the sweet cream until it was gone. Then she opened her mouth and caught the glass with her teeth, inching closer to the edge.

  “You’re killing us,” Quinn said.

  “Agreed,” Luis said. “Not very querida-like now.”

  “Shhh . . .” Ford interrupted, holding her hair back from her face. “I’d like to see her finish.”

  And she did. She lifted the drink and slowly tipped it back, noisily sucking the sweet cream between her lips. Once she’d lowered the empty glass on the table, she used her finger and wiped at the sticky goodness clinging to the corner of her lips and offered it to Ford.

  “Well done,” he said, closing his lips around her finger.

  The gentle caress of his tongue around the tip tickled her deep inside the center of her being. A sense of accomplishment bloomed within her chest, and she released a breath o
f contentment. Peculiar how his approval made her want him more. Made her want to please him more.

  “Welcome to the Tenth Annual Lovers Sail Singles and Kink Cruise,” a very attractive man announced. Dressed in a white button-down shirt and a casual pair of khaki pants, he didn’t broadcast kink. Rather, his tousled blond hair and deep tan suggested he was a fun, beach-bum kind of man who had cleaned up for the event.

  “I’m Bodhi.” Yup. Definite surfer dude. “Second in command to Mistress Gwyn. We are pleased to announce that our Lovers Sail event is completely sold out.”

  Applause and cheers filled the lounge as participants linked arms, exchanged kisses, and some even looked shyly around the room.

  “We have a record number of event virgins joining us this year, so we strongly encourage you to keep appropriate play in the appropriate places. While many of us have embarked on this voyage with the intention of living our carnal pleasures, some have joined us because they’d like to simply explore and learn, while even more desire to find their soul mates and true loves. We also have many guests that have boarded as couples or groups. Nice mix. Everyone is welcome. With mutual respect and consideration, we’ll all get what we want and need. This trip will rock!”

  Bodhi’s easy manner and words of encouragement made Charlie smile. For once, she’d have all she wanted and needed. Writing material on finding love. Carnal pleasures she’d only dreamed of. Four days of everything.

  “I’m available to all of our guests,” Bodhi continued. “Virgins, curious, dabblers, and masters, don’t hesitate to reach out throughout the entire cruise if I could help make your experiences more pleasurable. Just pick up any of the ship’s courtesy phones and Guest Services will contact me. Trust me, my sexies, I’ll find you.”

  “I’ve met him,” Ford whispered against her ear. “Bodhi is a real stand-up guy. Much more intense than he appears, and certainly worthy of the trust people place in him. He’d be a good person to interview—informally and with consideration for his anonymity, of course. I believe he works in the broadcasting industry.”