CRUISE TO ROMANCE Read online

  “Not when it comes to Diane. She propositioned me, remember?” Mike grinned at Ryan. “What was all that talk about chocolate earlier today?”

  At the thought of Jennifer, Ryan relaxed. Mike wouldn’t press him for details. “Let’s just say, I have plans.”

  “Ryan, Jennifer is going to feel used.” Mike stopped his exercises and walked over to Ryan. “Don’t lose the best thing that’s ever happened to you.”

  “Don’t worry about me, Mike,” he answered. “Everything’s under control.”

  Neither man looked behind them on the way to the hot tub. If they had, they would have seen a stunned look on Helga Swensen’s face, right before she turned and ran from the gym.

  * * *

  Life couldn’t get much better, Ryan thought as he splashed on after shave lotion and combed his hair. His business was a success, but this deal would push his company into international markets. Once the Captain submitted his opinion of Exercisetech and passenger response to the equipment and programs, he could finalize negotiations with the cruise line. tonight, he would be with the most enchanting woman he’d ever had the pleasure of knowing. He had it planned, down to the last detail. Everything was under control. What could possibly go wrong?

  Ryan slipped into navy slacks and a coordinating Tommy Bahama tropical print silk shirt. Finishing up quickly, he glanced around. Satisfied that everything was in order, he called the steward and requested fresh towels, then headed out the door. Jennifer would be ready and waiting, and he wanted to be with her without any further delay. He’d called earlier and suggested she pack a small bag with toiletries because he expected to keep her busy the entire night. Her laughter at his audacity still made him smile. What a night this was going to be, he thought when he reached her door.

  Knocking was the easy part. Saying hello, however, was another matter. Looking at Jennifer standing in front of him, holding the door open, was all he could manage. Ryan felt as if he’d just dropped two floors in an elevator. He stared, while his heart pounded and blood rushed to his head. She was gorgeous. Her hair was styled into a French braid and wisps of hair framed her face. A delicate necklace adorned her neck and pale pink spaghetti straps emphasized her otherwise bare shoulders. The shimmering fabric of her dress draped becomingly across her bodice. The flaring skirt of the dress fell to just below mid-thigh, accentuating her long, shapely legs. Even her feet turned him on in those outrageously high-heeled pink sandals.

  He was hard. He hadn’t even touched her yet, and he was hard. How in the world was he going to make it through the evening and make it last for her? Maybe a quickie in her cabin didn’t count. Maybe, if he could convince her that it was just a hors d’oeuvre, she wouldn’t mind. Maybe, he wouldn’t have to ask. He smiled and entered the cabin. When Jennifer stepped back, allowing the door to close, he turned the security lock and pulled Jennifer against him.

  “Jennifer, sweet, sweet, Jennifer,” he moaned and slid his hands beneath her dress and cupped her butt, pressing her against his hard sex. When Jennifer gasped in surprise, he took advantage and covered her mouth with his, slipping his tongue inside. She sucked him gently and whimpered while he kissed her and caressed her. His hands found their way beneath her bikini panties and pushed them down onto her thighs.

  Skin on skin. Nothing had ever felt so good to him as the feel of her soft bare bottom beneath his hands while he kissed her senseless. Except maybe being inside of her at the same time. Without breaking the kiss, he slipped one arm around her shoulders and the other beneath her knees, picked her up, and carried her toward her bed.

  Dazed, Jennifer broke the kiss and took a deep breath, looking up at Ryan’s handsome face. For a few moments, she couldn’t think. Her only awareness was the passion filled face before her with sparkling brown eyes keenly watching her every expression. His beautifully carved lips, swollen from the kiss, eased into a smile, showing off his dimple. Pressed against his muscled chest, she could feel the rapid beating of his heart. He was excited. Excited over her. It amazed her that Mr. Gorgeous wanted her with such passion.

  Jennifer stroked Ryan’s cheek and ran her fingertip over the curves of his lips. He opened his mouth and reached for her finger, sucking the delightful morsel inside where he trapped it with his teeth and teased it with his tongue. Excitement, hot and instantaneous, flashed through her body, settling in her pelvis. She could feel her body swelling, preparing itself for that wonderful invasion of his penis.

  Ryan released her finger and blew on its wetness. Suddenly she could feel the dampness between her legs and longed for his kiss there. As if he knew her thoughts, he whispered, “Sweet Jennifer, how you’ve managed to stay single and innocent this long is beyond my understanding. Do you have any idea how exciting it is for me to see you this way?” Ryan asked gently.

  Mute with shock and excitement, Jennifer could only shake her head in denial.

  “Then let me show you.” Ryan walked to the vanity and sat in the vanity chair with Jennifer. He settled her in his lap before reaching for her panties, still mid-thigh. Looking directly into her eyes, he watched the excitement and need cross her face as he slowly removed her panties. He tossed them carelessly onto the top of the vanity. “You won’t be wearing them any more tonight,” he promised with a grin.

  In spite of her arousal, Jennifer smiled. She felt him straighten and turn her to face the mirror and straddle him. With deft hands he unzipped her dress, lifted it over her head, and tossed it over the arm of a nearby chair. Ryan lifted her bottom long enough to unzip his pants and slip them past his hips. “Oh, Jenn,” he sighed as he caught both breasts with his hands and caressed her gently, “Look at how beautiful you are.”

  Fascinated, Jennifer watched as his hands explored her, touched tender places, and soothed aching needs. His well-kept, masculine fingers stroked her everywhere, lighting fires, spreading excitement, pushing her nearer the edge. All the while, he kissed her neck and whispered sweet nothings, sweet promises, sweet compliments, that she would never forget. She whimpered at the persistent throbbing of her swollen clitoris. She needed him, she needed him now, but still he denied her.

  “Ryan,” she moaned. Determined to put an end to his torture, Jennifer leaned forward and grabbed the edge of the vanity. Placing her feet solidly on the floor, she straightened her knees and still straddling him, arched her back. “Ryan,” she rasped.

  “Oh, Baby,” he groaned before he rained kisses over the soft skin of her bottom.

  Jennifer could feel the moist trail left by his wonderful, tantalizing tongue and arched her back even more. That teasing tongue inched its way to her upturned vulva and the moment it found her clitoris, she cried out in ecstasy. Jennifer couldn’t move. The feelings racking her body were pure bliss. Her breath came in short fast gasps, her heart raced. She could feel her body begin tremble. “I can’t take much more, Ryan. Please don’t make me come without you,” she begged as she watched his reflection in the mirror.

  But Ryan didn’t heed her supplication. Instead that aggressive tongue found her sweet entrance and entered her. Jennifer sobbed when the first spasm hit her. Her knees gave way, but Ryan held her hips steady. “Easy, Baby,” he whispered.

  Jennifer waited for the racking spasms to overtake her, but instead they subsided. Confused, she looked into the mirror just in time to see him sheath himself, then lower her down to him. She gasped as he penetrated her entrance, then relaxed while he filled her completely. He pulled her shoulders back close to him and slipped his hands around to her breasts. Toying with her nipples, he quickly brought her back to a fever pitch.

  “Watch our reflection, Jenn. See how good we are together!” With that he lifted her and lowered her slowly on him, allowing her to brace herself by holding onto his strong wrists. Again and again, he slowly lifted her and lowered her. Over and over again, while her body grasped at him, objecting to being separated from him, if even for seconds. Jennifer threw her head back and cried in frustration, then in rapture and joy
while her body burst with sensation after sensation, slamming her into a shuddering climax.

  Jennifer gasped for breath and looked into the mirror, straight into dark heat filled eyes. She smiled. A smile of satisfaction. A smile of joy. “Now for you, big guy,” she teased.

  Ryan returned her smile but said nothing. After the incredible experience of watching her and feeling her at the same time, he was overwhelmed with unfamiliar emotions. Never in his wildest dreams had he envisioned ever feeling this way about a woman. A look of tenderness crossed his passion filled features while he studied her reflection in the mirror. He knew she had to be tired. “Lie down,” he commanded softly.

  “No.”

  “No?”

  Jennifer laughed and wiggled her bottom against him, squeezing him tightly with her muscles. “Not this time, big guy. I have plans for you.” With that she began her rhythm, watching his face reflected in the mirror. She smiled at him sweetly and continued her slow torture.

  Ryan leaned back in the vanity chair and let the sensations flood over him. His sweet Jennifer was driving him out of his mind. He closed his eyes, unable to concentrate on anything but the wild feelings taking over his senses. Liquid fire flashed through his body and he found his release in a haze of pleasure.

  “Jennifer, sweet Jennifer,” he crooned softly in her ear. “That was wonderful. You are incredible.”

  “So are you,” she sighed.

  Ryan hugged her close. “Now, we need to rest for a few minutes.” Ryan lifted her up and tumbled them both into bed. He figured they had about forty-five minutes before room service delivered dinner to his suite. Until then, they could nap. Looking at her lying there next to him brought him an unusual sense of peace, one that he wanted to savor.

  For a while they just closed their eyes and savored the feelings of contentment, but Ryan slowly became more aware of his surroundings and the soft persistent ringing of the cabin telephone. He glanced over at the vanity, annoyed that someone was interrupting these beautiful moments with Jennifer.

  “Let it ring, Jenn,” Ryan insisted. “Whoever it is can leave a message.”

  * * *

  Swish . . . swish . . . swish . . . Ryan listened as the gossamer fabric of Jennifer’s dress made faint music while they walked. The delicate shimmering fabric moved with the graceful motion of her body, arousing Ryan, teasing him, promising him the pleasures of her love making. With each step, her long shapely legs tantalized him, reminding him they were one step closer to his cabin. One step closer to wine and dinner by moonlight. One step closer to dessert. He smiled to himself at the thought of the surprises he’d planned for Jennifer. This would truly be a night to remember.

  When they reached the cabin and Ryan slipped his card into the lock, Ryan breathed a sigh of relief. Soon she would be in his arms, naked and squirming with desire. Holding the door slightly ajar, he turned to Jennifer and smiled. “Welcome to my cabin. If there’s anything you want or need, you have only to tell me.”

  “Why, thank you,” Jennifer responded with a laugh. “That’s an invitation I won’t refuse.”

  Ryan turned and pushed the heavy door open, allowing Jennifer to precede him into the sitting room, closely watching the surprised look on her face with pleasure and satisfaction.

  Luxury surrounded Jennifer. From the plush taupe carpeting beneath her feet, to the beige leather sofa and chairs, to the golden appointments and gilt-edged mirrors, the roomy suite beckoned her with its tasteful luxury. “Oh, my!” Jennifer was speechless. Everywhere she looked there were flowers. Sweet-smelling blossoms filled her senses. Flowers from the islands, dainty roses from the mainland, and exotic tropicals bursting with color, all arranged in beautiful groupings were placed throughout the suite. A spray of chocolate roses adorned the cocktail table in front of the fireplace. She shivered with delight.

  “Oh, Ryan!” she managed.

  Ryan stood by the hot tub where blossoms floated in random disarray. “Come see the bedroom,” he coaxed. “There’s a robe on the bed for you to change into later.” He flipped a switch by the door and soft lighting cast the bedroom in muted earth tones. “Through there,” he motioned to a small hallway, “you will find a separate dressing area and closet adjoining the bath.”

  “It’s lovely, Ryan. Truly lovely.” Jennifer smiled, pleased that the bedroom was also filled with beautiful fragrant flowers. “Thank you.”

  “Ah, Jennifer, my sweet Jennifer,” he breathed, and took her into his arms. His lips traced a path from her ear to her shoulder and back. Taking his time he caressed her shoulders before pulling her hips close against his, allowing her to feel his arousal. In his arms, her body against his, he felt at home and at peace. Odd, how no other woman had ever made him feel this way. It was a comfortable feeling, but he could feel a sense of urgency for her building with each soft touch of her hands as she explored his body.

  Her caresses were going to get them both right into bed if he didn’t put a stop to them. Bed was going to be a long time coming tonight. He had other plans and didn’t want them over before he even got started. He stepped back and kissed the tip of her nose. “Dinner will be arriving soon, so we’ll start the evening with a glass of champagne.”

  Jennifer nodded her agreement and wandered toward the balcony. Soft light from the cabin illuminated the balcony with a romantic aura. Once outside, she realized the suite was situated at the stern of the ship with the balcony extending the length of the bedroom, hot tub, and sitting room. From her vantage point on the railing, she could see where the ship had been, although tonight there was no scenery, just flat ocean, mile after mile, stretching out to nowhere, beneath the light of the moon and stars.

  Only a thin privacy partition separated Ryan’s balcony from the one next door. The occupants in the next cabin appeared to be entertaining friends, she thought, when she heard laughter filtering through the open doors of the neighboring balcony. Soon they too would probably be out on their balcony, enjoying the evening.

  At the sound of Ryan’s voice, Jennifer turned and watched while the steward rolled their dinner cart onto the balcony, then lifted covers allowing Ryan to approve the dinner. Ryan followed the steward out and placed a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door. When he returned, Jennifer saw that he’d brought their champagne. She took a flute from his hand and brought it to her lips. The golden liquid bubbled to the top, breaking the surface with just enough energy for the champagne to tickle her nose. The first sip tingled as it went down, but Jennifer wasn’t paying too much attention to her champagne, she only had eyes for Ryan. He was busy watching her with a look of amusement on his handsome face. His dark eyes took in all of her, reflecting back the same heated pleasure she was feeling.

  Anticipation coiled deep within her at the thought of his passionate kisses and his hard body pressed intimately against hers. At this moment, she wasn’t sure she could wait for dinner. She wanted the luxurious feeling of him inside her, building her to a fever pitch. She blushed at her thoughts, wondering if Ryan could read them on her face. Apparently he could, because he smiled and whispered at her ear, “Later Jenn. After dinner. Then I’ll give you all the pleasure you can handle---and then some!”

  “Promises, promises,” she teased. “Just remember, big fella, I’m not wearing any panties and I’m not wearing a bra.” She stepped back and twirled in front of him, enjoying the way his gaze fastened on the rise and fall of the hem of her dress. “That may turn you on, but what are you going to do for me?”

  Ryan couldn’t answer. His thinking was fuzzy with outrageous and definitely inappropriate thoughts, none of which he could repeat. Instead he removed his jacket and tie, rolled back his sleeves to the elbow, and unbuttoned a few buttons on his shirt.

  “That’s not nearly enough,” Jennifer breathed in a low husky voice.

  “Oh, no?”

  “No.”

  Without another thought, Ryan ripped his shirt open, the buttons flying across the balcony. “Enough?”
/>   Jennifer’s eyes widened at the sight of the broad expanse of muscular chest exposed to her view. “For now, big guy, for now.” Reluctantly she admitted to herself, she didn’t think she’d make it through dinner if he took anything else off.

  Ryan pulled out Jennifer’s chair and helped her get settled at the table before retrieving the champagne flutes. After refilling them, he toasted Jennifer and settled back, sipping at his champagne and planning his next move. The first thing he had to do was get them through dinner without making love to her on the tabletop between the Châteaubriand and the asparagus with hollandaise sauce. It certainly wouldn’t be easy, not with the fluid fabric of her dress playfully exposing delightful areas of skin, as it moved in tandem with every dip and sway of her body. He set down the flute and reached for his steak knife. A long night stretched out before him. His plans were in place, but he’d forgotten one important thing. He’d forgotten to factor in his own raging hormones.

  Jennifer felt deliciously sexy throughout the meal. Acutely aware that she was naked beneath the luminous dress, kept her aroused and needy---and slightly embarrassed. After all, she was no femme fatal—she was just an ordinary woman dining with an extraordinary man. So what if she had no panties or bra on to make her feel more secure? She knew where the night was going to end. The sooner the better. Jennifer wanted him. She wanted to feel his mouth on hers. She wanted to feel his hard body pressed against her erotically while his hands caressed her soft skin. Seeing him sitting across the table with his open shirt and sexy arms was enough to drive any woman insane. She was pretty much there she decided, and with that thought, rose from her chair, barely registering the surprised look on Ryan’s face.

  When she reached Ryan, she leaned over and kissed him—a long teasing kiss that nibbled at his lips and licked the center where his lips met. She knew exactly when he lowered his fork to the table and gave in to her provocation. When he opened his mouth to return her kiss, she left his mouth and continued on a path to his throat. There she licked his skin and blew gently before traveling down his chest to his nipples where she nibbled and sucked. At the same time, she slipped her hand beneath the waistband of his slacks and found him hard and wanting.