There were always exceptions, but those were few and far between. He had held his ground in maintaining that he would be friendly, but no more than that, with the women who showed an interest in him, and he was extremely judicious in not allowing any relationship with a woman to progress to one of romance.
Except of course, for Denise.
He had wanted that relationship to progress as soon as he had seen her, and he'd wondered sometimes if he would have ended up marrying her, had he taken his time really getting to know her before they exchanged rings; rings which neither of them bothered to wear any longer. It had occurred to him more than once over the last few years of their marriage, to ask whether he had moved too quickly with her and not known her for her true colors. He had not loved her for who she truly was on the inside, but rather, loved the passion that they had shared and lost.
His life was what he had made it, both good and bad, and he had settled himself into the cadence of it for all that it was. His business thrived. His public life thrived. His marriage was a shining beacon to others on the outside, and a haunted house in the dead of night on the inside. He had lived with it long enough that it only crossed his mind from time to time. He let those moments of introspect stare back at him without answers or direction, and then pass when his attention was focused on business or society.
"Did you hear me?" Allen asked, with a kind smile.
Roman shook the reverie from his mind and looked up, smiling back at the man before him. "I'm sorry, I was thinking of something else. What did you say?"
Allen shook his head a little and laughed. "I was wondering who will be on the cruise this weekend. It's a big boat, and I wasn't privy to the guest list."
The two of them were being driven in a stretch limo from San Francisco to Carmel in order to join several other guests on a long weekend ocean cruise aboard a state of the art new super yacht from one of the sea vessel manufacturers that Roman bought his boats from. It was a luxurious sales pitch to him and all of the other guests who had been invited for the private viewing of the yacht in all its glory before it was shown to the public.
It was not Roman's first time being romanced by manufacturing companies, not by a long shot, and though he would never say it aloud or show it in any way, he had seen enough finery that it took a good deal to truly impress him. While he was always gracious and humble outwardly, he wasn't easily sold on every pretty thing to be passed under his nose.
He was looking forward to this particular launch, because the superyacht they were going to sail on was the star of solar powered innovation by Oceanco; the 105m Project Solar, which collected solar energy through a triad of Dyna Rig Sails. Roman was more than ready to see what kind of ecological differences could be made in the industry of luxury sailing.
The boat had been sailed to Carmel from the Netherlands where it would officially debut after this private premiere weekend. The famous and well-heeled guests in attendance had been hand picked for this exclusive event, and no one had turned it down. Roman had a suspicion that his head may be turned in the course of the weekend.
Roman answered him with a little smile. "I believe there will be about fifteen people for this cruise. That's the guest limit on the boat spec sheet that I saw, and I'm sure they'll maximize the opportunity in order to broaden their buyer's field."
Allen couldn’t hide his anticipation of the event. Roman chuckled a little, and then looked back out of the window to discover that they were arriving at the marina.
"Oh, it looks like we've made it." He unbuckled himself and stepped out as the driver opened the door for him. The driver took their bags to the boat and Roman and Allen took their first look at the superyacht. It was enormous and elegantly crafted. They could see the bridge sitting atop the glittering golden and white vessel like a crown jewel. Beneath that there was a glassed-in level, and then the main deck, which encircled the craft, featured an interior as well as the exterior, embellished with sunchairs, billowed white canopies, a floating pool, a jacuzzi, a barbecue area, a bar, and a kitchen with sliding glass doors to enclose it.
The bulk of the rest of the boat was below deck, and the Master Stateroom cabin at the back of the boat featured a private deck with a hot tub. The most stunning aspect of the yacht itself were the three enormous masts that rose up in a row from the deck toward the blue sky, each one supporting tall sails shaped something like a giant rectangular barrel from top to bottom; the likes of which neither Roman nor Allen had ever seen.
"Those must be the solar sails," Allen said, staring at them in awe.
Roman nodded. "Notice, there's no rigging at all. The sails are all maneuvered from a control center in the bridge. It's one of the most innovative and ecologically sound designs in the entire sea vessel industry. The manufacturers are shooting for a goal of sailing one hundred percent free of fossil fuels. It's fascinating technology."
Allen gazed up at it in wonder. "Awesome!"
The two men stood and looked at the vast work of fine craftsmanship a bit longer, and then walked down to the gate where they were greeted at the dock by the host, who knew Roman well.
"Ah!" he said, holding his hand up as they neared him. "How are you doing, Roman?" He took Roman's hand in both of his, shaking it heartily, and then turned his jovial gaze toward Allen.
Roman nodded and smiled. "I'm well, thank you. Jonathon, this is Allen Banks, Allen, this is Captain Jonathon Heatherwick."
Allen's hand shot forward and he grinned at Jonathon. "It's wonderful to meet you, sir; I've heard so many great things about you and your beautiful boats!"
Jonathon nodded with a welcoming smile. "Of course! Glad to have you, Mr. Banks."
Allen's eyes widened. "Oh, please call me Allen. Thank you so much for having me here! I have really been looking forward to this weekend."
Jonathon smiled and nodded again. "You're very welcome!" He turned to look at Roman. "Your cabins are ready; yours is the Master Stateroom, of course. I'm so pleased that you could come. Thank you for being here!" He grasped Roman's hand in his again, shaking it warmly. "You'll be seated beside me at dinner, and I look forward to talking more with you there! I'll be here as the welcoming committee while everyone arrives, but if you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to let me know, or ask any of the staff."
Roman nodded and smiled, thanking him, then he and Allen walked onto the boat. Allen was visibly trying not to gape at everything he could see, from the mirrored windows to the staff walking around handing out champagne flutes filled with the finest bubbly.
Allen took two glasses of champagne from a passing steward and gave one to Roman. "I still can't believe you brought me instead of Denise. I'm sure she wasn't pleased about it."
Roman looked at his employee and smiled a little. "You sell the boats; she just likes to look important on them. Your time on this vessel is worth more to me than hers would have been; it's an investment in you, it would be frivolous for her. It's just business."
Allen nodded and tilted his head. "Was she mad?"
Roman pursed his lips for a moment. "Yes."
Allen smiled widely and lifted his glass to Roman with a toast. "To business and pleasure,” he said happily.
Roman laughed a little. "Cheers," he answered.
Allen took a drink and then turned to look toward the landing where another limousine had just pulled up. He watched a blonde woman stepping out of the limo and a low whistle sounded from his puckered lips. "...and here's to the pleasure again,” he said quietly.
Roman looked around and saw the blonde woman. He knew her vaguely, having been introduced to her a few times. "Her name is Colette. She's a fine art and antiquities dealer and she usually lives in Paris. I'm surprised she's here. She's been divorced a few times, and I'm not sure if she's currently married, but you can probably..." He lost his train of thought as he watched her companion step from the car.
It was the long, dark, caramel colored legs that slipped out from behind the car door and stole
his thoughts from him, followed immediately by the thin sea-blue dress that danced about the stunning form of the beautiful woman who emerged from the car. The material floated around her in the sea breeze as the air touched every part of her that was not pressed against the fabric and the sight of it made his mouth go dry. The woman looked at Colette and smiled. She had a lovely face, elegant and graceful, with wide brown eyes and sweet full lips. She looked like a cross between Audrey Hepburn and the model Iman. Her black hair was pinned up in loose curls behind her head and she laughed lightly at something Colette said as she lifted her small bag to her shoulder and turned toward the boat.
"Were you saying something?" Allen asked as he stared at Colette, who was dazzling in a slender gauzy white dress, which showed off her toned and bronzed legs. She pulled on her wide brimmed sunhat and dark glasses and the two ladies looked as though they might be part of a Vogue photo shoot.
Roman blinked and shook his head a little. He turned away slightly and looked toward Allen. "I, uh, I was saying that you could easily find out what Colette is up to here. She goes through men pretty quickly. I would be careful about setting your heart on her."
Allen laughed and stared, shaking his head a little bit. "Oh Captain, my Captain, it may be a little too late for that."
Roman frowned a little. "Allen, looks aren't always everything. Consider Denise. She's one of the most beautiful women I've ever known, at least, on the outside."
The thought seemed to douse Allen as though it were cold water and he blinked and shook his head, looking back at Roman with an unpleasant sort of half smile. "That's a good point." He took a swig of his champagne and turned toward the boat.
"Well? Can we have a look around?" he asked with excitement.
Roman tilted his head. "Well, we could have a look around this deck; I'm certain there will be a formal tour when Jonathon comes on board. He likes to reveal every detail about the boats as if he's unwrapping a Christmas gift for you."
Allen beamed. "Great! Let's go for a walk. I can't wait to see this!"
Roman nodded and stole a glance over his shoulder at Colette and her friend, who were talking to Jonathon at the gate. The Captain kissed both of their hands and the dark woman grinned at him. She had an inviting smile; one that made a person feel warm just looking at it, as though it were sunshine giving necessary vitamins to the heart and soul. He smiled a little and turned to follow Allen who was already making his way down the deck and talking to everyone he met.
By noon, all of the guests had arrived and the Captain asked everyone to gather at the back deck of the yacht. The stewards passed fresh champagne out to everyone, and the Captain toasted them all, speaking out with a broad grin to all of them.
"Welcome! Welcome all of you to our wonderful weekend cruise. Aside from her loyal and dedicated crew, you are the first people to see this beautiful sea-faring lady, and you'll get to experience her out on the ocean in just a few minutes, when we set sail. I know we will all enjoy our time together this weekend, and I want you to indulge yourselves and partake of everything available to you on this vessel. She is your home, and the crew and I are your humble hosts.
“Please! Raise your glasses in a toast to the Zephyr, the first of her kind featuring solar sails and green technology; we are going to leave the smallest carbon footprint possible in the waves we sail over, and heal the seas and all the life in them. Welcome to the luxury and wonder of the future!" he raised his glass in salute, and all of his guests raised their glasses as well, toasted and drank with him.
Roman found himself subtly looking around for the woman he had seen on the dock, and when he saw her standing with Colette, talking to some of the other guests, he allowed himself a moment to watch her, drinking in her beauty and charm. It made him smile and that was something he didn't find himself doing often.
She seemed to really listen to those who were speaking to her, watching their eyes and taking in everything that they said, replying to them only when they had finished their piece. As he watched her, he didn't notice that everything around him seemed to fade away until she turned and looked right at him and turned the corners of her mouth up in a smile meant just for him. He drew a deep breath, horrified that he'd been caught watching her, he smiled back briefly and turned away, walking toward some of the other guests further down the deck.
*
She felt as though she was being watched, and it drew her attention away from the two men who were talking to her and Colette. She turned her head and saw him, he was staring at her, his dark eyes deeply intent on her, his lips parted slightly and his glass of champagne resting idly in his fingers. The sight of him arrested her on the spot. He wasn't handsome; no, he was ruggedly beautiful. There was just no other word for it; he was beautiful. His gaze made her catch her breath and she blinked for a moment and couldn't help smiling at him. She couldn't imagine anyone not smiling at him.
He seemed hypnotized while gazing at her until she smiled, and then he seemed to wake up. He flashed a smile back at her and then he looked away suddenly and turned, disappearing down the deck.
"Colette," she said softly. "Did you see that man over there?"
Her friend looked over her shoulder and just saw the back of Roman as he walked down the deck and vanished behind the side of the boat. She laughed low and long. "Oh yes, I did. That's Roman Bruce. We get to spend a whole weekend looking at him."
Colette's lips curved in a sultry smile at the spot where Roman had been standing. "I'm so glad he came on this trip." She looked at her friend.
"He'll be just the thing to get you back on your feet, Cami. You couldn't have asked for better company. If you get a chance this weekend, you should spend some time with him. He is brilliant and delicious and he won't treat you like a piece of meat. You'll be safe with him." Colette grinned and shook her head slowly. "Every time I see him I wish I could talk him into my bed, but he's just not that kind of guy, unfortunately. He's so... bite-able." She raised one eyebrow mischievously.
Cami laughed at her and glanced back at the empty place where he had been standing. It made her wonder why he had left, rather than coming over to talk to her. Men often stared at her, but they looked at her hungrily, not with the hidden curiosity that she had seen in his eyes when she looked back at him. She hadn't felt as though she was standing there, undressed under his intense gaze, and she was surprised by that.
***
Roman walked the length of the deck and sat in a chair at the bow of the boat, glad for the shade. The Captain spoke over a loudspeaker for all to hear, "We're off!" and the boat began to move out of the harbor toward the vast and open sea. The plan was to sail south to Cabo San Lucas which would take a little over a day and a half, spend a day in Cabo on the beach, and then sail back up to Carmel. A beautiful, long, sun-kissed weekend that would last from Friday at noon until Monday evening if all went as planned.
He laid back in his chair, feeling the ocean air on his face, breathing it in, and he forgot about everything in the whole world except where he was at the moment. His soul was being revitalized, and he was at home in the splashing sea mist and the cool salty air.
His eyes were closed until he felt a hand on his shoulder and he looked up to see one of the stewards smiling down at him. "Sir, are you Mr. Bruce?" the young man asked pleasantly.
"I am,” he answered, wishing he hadn't been interrupted.
The steward smiled at him. "The Captain has invited you to come up to the bridge, sir. I'll be glad to escort you there." He waited as Roman rose up out of his chair. If there was one thing he didn't mind being pulled away from the front of the boat for, it was to see the bridge.
Roman followed the steward up two flights of stairs to the bridge and thanked the young man for escorting him up there. Jonathon looked over at him and grinned, raising his hand in the air.
"Roman! Welcome to the bridge. Have you ever seen such a beautiful and sophisticated bit of technology as this? Come over here and have a look at this." He
clapped Roman on the shoulder and began pointing at the screens and dials laid out before them. There were three leather captain's chairs lined up before the control board, which looked as though it might have been made for NASA.
"This lady could practically sail herself. Here are the navigation charts and maps, here's the depth reader... you know, I bet I could find Atlantis with this thing, and here is the cherry on top." He looked at Roman a bit more seriously.
"These are the controls for the sails. They're free standing and free rotating. I can handle all of them from here and they produce up to sixty percent of the power behind this girl. It's really something else. Here," he said, standing Roman before the controls, "have a go at her, this trims the sails." Jonathon let Roman work them and Roman felt a thrill rush through him as he let the wind carry the boat faster across the waves. He grinned like a kid with a toy.
"That's pretty nice, isn't it?" Jonathon asked excitedly.
Roman angled his head and looked down at Jonathon, "It's very nice, Captain." He set everything as Jonathon had it, and then stepped back to let the Captain take over again.
The Baby Shower Page 96
