Priceless Treasure

by Melody Anne

  She’d just avoid him the rest of the day and then she’d sail off into the seas, getting a blessed ten days away from him. The fates couldn’t be so set against her that she wouldn’t have this little slice of freedom.

  Not even her luck was that bad.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Ashton felt like a complete ass. He was a complete ass, actually. He was in a lousy mood, and Savvy was a large part of the reason for that, but she didn’t deserve the way he’d taken out his wrath on her. Seeing her with another man had set him off and he’d been a complete monster since Saturday night. Her continual rejection of him wasn’t helping either.

  Then he’d been so irate over that kiss, he’d told himself to leave, only to turn around and make sure she was thinking of no other man than him. But dammit, if he was an ass to her, then it didn’t matter how much she desired him, she’d want nothing to do with him. He was spinning in circles, and it was time to stop that.

  She wasn’t going to speak to him again, let alone spend any amount of time with him. Not that he wanted to spend time with anyone of the female persuasion. Not after what he’d gone through a couple of days ago.

  He’d ended it with Kalli, and that hadn’t gone as expected. She’d screamed at him for three hours straight. It was enough to make him become a monk. Damn, women could be pissy when they considered themselves scorned. Hell, pissy was a freaking understatement. Hell was an understatement.

  He decided that some nice grunt work would be the best thing he could do, so for the next few hours he did all those tasks he’d been accused — during his more entitled days — of being unwilling or unable to do anymore. And by his own father, who naturally knew best. Damn, he needed to stop with the snide comments, even if they were only in his head.

  As the sun rose higher in the sky and the temperature reached the mid-eighties, Ashton felt good. Sweat dripped off him as he pushed himself harder and harder.

  After a little while longer, he stripped down to his shorts and dove into the water, instantly cooling his anger down. Okay, the work was helping too. He wasn’t nearly as ticked off as he’d been when he’d started busting his ass today.

  But just as he was climbing out of the water, he heard a screech, and then a groan from his foreman. Dammit! He knew he’d forgotten something. He hadn’t changed the security code for the docks yet, and his former fiancée was moving rapidly toward him.

  His men were going to get off on this big-time blowout. And to Ashton’s complete joy, he looked over and found Savvy speaking with a couple of the guys and in easy hearing range. Okay, he wasn’t quite finished with his sarcastic internal monologue.

  “Did you honestly think you could break up with me just like that, sneak out of the hotel when I was in the other room, and believe that would be the end of it?” Kalli yelled, making sure the entire island could hear the depth and the breadth of her outrage.

  “I didn’t sneak out, Kalli,” Ashton told her. “I figured you’d shrieked at me long enough — three hours to be exact, unless you want me to get into minutes and seconds — and you were finished. There was nothing else to say.”

  “What? Nothing else to say? Does this ring on my finger look like nothing, Ashton? You promised me marriage and that’s exactly what you’ll give me. You will not walk away from me. We’re talking breach of promise.”

  “Kalli, it’s over, and in this century you can’t really think that you’d win a lawsuit of that sort. You need to accept that and move on. Keep the ring, as I’ve already told you. Hawk it, reuse it, do whatever the hell you want to do with it, but we are over. You need to accept that and leave.” Ashton was trying to remain calm, but this woman had no business creating a scene in front of his crew.

  “Ashton, you can’t do this to me. You can’t,” she said, no longer snarling as the waterworks began.

  “I’m sorry I hurt you, Kallista. I really am. If I did hurt you. But you have to admit that we weren’t a good match. Hell, both of us were far happier when we weren’t together.” He felt compelled to remind her of that, even in front of this growing throng of eager eavesdroppers.

  “That’s not true, Ashton. It’s not true at all.” She was shedding copious tears as she glided toward him.

  He retreated slowly. “No, Kalli. Don’t do this. This is where I work. You’ve already created more of a scene than you should have. So let this go.”

  “Let’s go talk in private, baby. I have some things to show you.”

  “Kalli, please don’t make me get security to escort you out of here. I don’t want to embarrass you that way, but if you don’t leave on your own right now, you’re going to leave me no choice.”

  Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Savvy begin to move from the ship she was working on and start going up the docks. Dammit. He wished she’d been able to stay out of Kalli’s sight. Was he born cursed?

  The ex-fiancée spotted Savvy at just that moment. Yes. Cursed.

  “It’s because of that bitch, isn’t it?” Kalli screeched, her tears immediately disappearing. The woman could turn them on and off faster than a working faucet.

  “This has nothing to do with anyone but you and me,” Ashton told her. “And I’m done talking to you. I’ve already explained your choices: turn around and leave, or be escorted out.” He was fed up with humoring her.

  When she didn’t move immediately, he nodded his head to a security man who was standing by.

  “Don’t bother, Ashton. I know my way out.” Then, thankfully, she turned on her expensive heels.

  He hoped like hell she didn’t trip again in this new pair.

  He didn’t need to watch her as she left in a huff. He was finished with the woman he’d agreed to marry, and he didn’t give a flying … damn. What in the world had he been thinking? Arm candy and perfect trophy wife, plus a good set of business connections? That just wasn’t worth the headache of marriage.

  But he suddenly heard another screech of rage and he spun around in time to see Kalli lunge and shove Savvy, who was standing there completely unprepared.

  With no time to react, Savvy flew backward and splashed into the cool water. The security guy went after Kalli, who was now gripping her dangerous heels in her hand while running up the dock.

  Ashton didn’t have time to deal with that mess. He rushed over to the water, dove in, and grabbed Savvy just as her head resurfaced.

  This time she didn’t fight him as he pulled her to the ladder and gave her a push to help her get up. And then he found himself there in front of her, both of them soaked, her face in shock.

  And he couldn’t stop the words that popped out. “Haven’t we met here before?”

  Her eyes widened for a moment and then her lips twitched and that was all it took. Suddenly both of them were bent over with laughter. His crew would surely think he’d gone mad, but they were all smart enough to stand back and pretend not to watch the new episode of this soap opera.

  “This so isn’t funny,” Savvy finally gasped.

  “No, I know,” Ashton had to agree. And then he couldn’t drag his gaze away from her sparkling eyes. “Damn, I want to kiss you right now.”

  She retreated if just a step. “Don’t you dare,” she whispered. “The rest of the crew most likely already thinks of me as a homewrecker, and you know my sentiments about that.”

  “I guarantee you that if they think you’re the reason that Kalli and I broke up, then they’re planning a party in your honor, with balloons and confetti. She wasn’t particularly well-liked around here. Or so I’ve been told recently.”

  “That’s a terrible thing to say, Ashton, absolutely terrible. She was obviously hurting from your breakup to have come down here.”

  “Um, she did just push you into the water. And you’re defending her? I don’t think I’ll ever understand the way women think.”

  “That wasn’t particularly kind of the woman — downright mean, to tell the truth. But she’s not thinking straight. She’s in pain,” Savvy said, making
his mouth drop open.

  “That’s the difference between the two of you, Savvy,” he said. “You have a heart. She doesn’t. She’s pissed because she loses access to my bank accounts and the megabucks in them.”

  That stopped whatever she’d been about to say — she stood there gaping at him. Her eyes widened at his comment about money, but it wasn’t a look of greed he saw, but a look of fear. She took another step away from him. Interesting. Everything about her was interesting.

  “Come on. I’ll get you a towel,” he said, holding out his hand.

  She took another step back. “I sooo don’t think so. That’s how this whole disaster got started.”

  It took him a moment and then he was smiling again. Damn if she hadn’t pulled him out of that grouchy mood of his. He really was falling for this woman.

  “Aw, come on, angel face. Maybe this time when we fall, I’ll actually get to complete the kiss,” he said with a wink.

  “Oh my gosh, Ash, I can’t believe you just said that,” she whispered before looking around. Of course everyone was staring at them, and her cheeks glowed with the brightest of reds. “I’m out of here.” She wheeled around and scurried away from him.

  He thought for a few seconds about pursuing her. After all, she would be rushing to her bathroom and stripping off her sodden clothes. Dammit! Just like that he was growing a raging hard-on. Yeah, maybe it was best if he let her warm up and cool off at the same time.

  Still, he ignored the knowing glances of his crew members as he walked past them whistling. His day had gone from crap to pretty great in a matter of minutes. There was just something amazing about Savvy that did that to him.

  He was more than looking forward to the next ten days. Savvy couldn’t run from him in the middle of the sea.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Savvy watched a crowd form at the departure docks, located about a mile away from where she normally worked on the boats. True, she was going to be working like mad on this cruise, but she couldn’t help but feel the rush of excitement from the obviously upscale folks getting ready to board.

  It was a red-carpet ride all the way from the get-go. Tents were set up so Ashton’s guests didn’t have to swelter in the sun. Refreshments were out, and there wasn’t a single person there who didn’t seem to be smiling.

  Ashton was nowhere to be found, and Savvy was now confident he wasn’t a part of this voyage. She felt as if a twenty-pound weight had been taken off her shoulders. Ten days at sea was just what the doctor had ordered for her to get over her fascination with this man.

  Yep, she would be healed for sure.

  Despite the crush of people, the process went smoothly, as guests were each handed a packet that included their itinerary, dining options, room keys, and the layout of the ship — including how to get to their rooms or suites. Savvy sure as heck hoped they enjoyed their rooms. She and a lot of other staff members had left roses on the pillows along with a tote bag filled with essentials that a lot of passengers tended to forget, such as sunscreen, lip balm, and makeup remover wipes.

  Savannah hadn’t ever been on a real cruise — she’d never even been to a resort, nice or not so nice — but she was told that Ashton insisted that the Storm adventures be VIP for every single passenger. They were paying for it, and he wasn’t about to rip anyone off. So as much as Savvy didn’t want to like or appreciate the guy, she had to respect him as a business owner.

  In each cabin, she and others had also set out a bottle of champagne on ice, and a tray with cheese, crackers and fruit, so passengers could get settled in and have a snack before they began searching for an early dinner.

  “Savvy, time to get aboard.”

  Turning away from the last passengers loading, Savvy followed her co-worker through the back entrance of the ship and decided to watch from the private back deck when they pulled the anchor and began sailing out to sea.

  Her disappointment at not seeing Ashton — wait! She wasn’t disappointed! — was soon pushed aside as the next hour rushed by and then they were casting off. There wasn’t anything to do for the rest of the afternoon but prepare to enjoy the scenery as the ship made its way up the Pacific Coast. The first stop she’d get a chance to get off the ship would be in Skagway, Alaska. Passengers got a full day and night at most of the stops. Some even chose to stay in hotels on the islands just to experience more of the area.

  Savvy couldn’t understand why they’d pay for another room when they already had one, but apparently people with money didn’t mind wasting it. Whatever. She decided not to think like that. It wasn’t the judgmental mood she wanted to set for herself.

  “Is this a first time for you?”

  Jumping a bit at the question, Savvy turned to find Weston standing next to her, and though it had been several days since he’d last flirted with her, he seemed to be on his game right now as he sent her a sultry look.

  “Yes, it’s my virgin voyage. One day I would love to be a real guest on one of these cruises, and especially this one, considering the way those lucky people are treated.”

  He moved a little closer, and his shoulder was brushing hers as they watched the boat begin pulling away from the dock.

  “Yeah, Mr. Storm gives each of us a free trip after we’ve been here a year, but honestly, we also get a lot of time off during these trips, so I haven’t taken one yet as a passenger,” Weston told her. “I enjoy working, and, man, do I make a lot of tips!”

  “That’s because you work in the casino, Wes. I would love to do that job. I think I’d be a killer blackjack dealer. I’ve played a lot of it on my phone,” she said, and tossed him a wink.

  “Talk to the boss. He likes to give everyone a variety of opportunities.”

  “Maybe on another ride. Anyway, I don’t think I’ll be on too many. I’m only here for the summer.”

  “Why’s that?” he asked.

  “I go back to grad school in the fall, and I can’t disappear for another ten days after classes have started.”

  “Want to meet me here tonight? I’m off at two in the morning.”

  Savvy wanted to groan. No, she didn’t want to meet up with him, but she also didn’t want there to be any awkwardness between her and any of her co-workers. Plus, she really did enjoy the flirting. Was that her little sister’s influence? It had to be.

  When she remained silent for several moments, his beautiful smile fell away, and she searched desperately for something to tell him.

  “I would love to, Weston, but I have to be up early, so I’ll be out cold by the time the casino closes,” she said. At least she wasn’t lying to the man. She would be in bed by midnight at the latest.

  He seemed disappointed but by no means devastated. “Do you have the early shift all through the cruise?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry.”

  “Me too. I’m sorry, I mean. I work late, so I sleep in. Maybe we can catch lunch or something.”

  But even as he said it, she saw him look down at the lower deck, and his eye was caught by a woman who was walking by in a skimpy blue dress.

  “Go get her, Casanova, before Mark does,” Savvy said, pointing out another co-worker who also had a lustful eye on the blonde.

  Weston barely mumbled goodbye before taking off, and Savvy blew out a sigh of relief. The crisis had been averted.

  She stayed where she was as long as possible and enjoyed the warm sun on her face. Then work called again. Turning too quickly, she had to grab the railing before she slammed down on the floor. There weren’t even any waves she could blame for her near fall, dang it. But she forgot all the awkwardness of the past hour as she had to shuffle from cabin to cabin to deal with the passengers’ requests.

  The regular dinner hour came and went without her having the chance to eat, and she was more than ready to make an early night of it. She was dead on her feet and starving. Good thing there was granola and juice in the break room. She could grab some and eat in her bed — screw the crumbs.

  The next day wa
s exactly the same. Shirley assured her that they worked fewer hours once at port and not getting calls from the passengers every two minutes. But the first two days of the cruise were always the hardest as people began clamoring for all the things they’d forgotten to pack, and that sometimes went into the underwear department. Sheesh.

  By the end of the day, she tried to be as inconspicuous as possible as she snuck through the crowds. She didn’t want to be asked for anything by a single soul. The stairs were in sight … when someone grabbed her arm.

  “The captain has requested that you sit with him for dinner.”

  She didn’t recognize the man who’d just spoken to her and she stiffened.

  “Why in the world would the captain want to dine with me? I think you have me mistaken for someone else,” she told him, tugging against his hand.

  “No, Ms. Mills. The captain asked specifically for you.”

  And then Savvy knew why she hadn’t seen Ashton the day before. He’d been onboard already. He was obviously playing the part of the captain on this cruise. She’d never know how she’d gone along happily for thirty-six hours without figuring out that minor detail.

  All she knew for sure was that the next several days of peace she’s so desperately wanted had just sunk deep down into the bottom of the ocean.

  Chapter Twenty

  Pacing back and forth through his suite, Ashton wondered what in the hell he was doing, and not for the first time. He’d purposely avoided Savvy since the day before the ship set off because he’d decided he wasn’t going to keep going after a woman who obviously wasn’t interested. A woman who could make out with another man on his docks. A woman who so openly flirted with the men he hired.

  He’d been incredibly proud of himself when he hadn’t summoned her the first night of their voyage. That had required some restraint — intense restraint — but he’d done it. Now, on the second night out, he wasn’t quite so in control of his baser instincts. He’d sent one of his men to find her.