Alaskan Exposure

by A. S. Fenichel

  “She’s not a shipboard romance type.”

  “No? Well then, I’m liking her more and more. What type is she?”

  “She’s a settle down with a picket fence, two cars and a couple of kids type.” He hated the slightly wistful sound he heard in his voice. That’s no life for him. He became a merchant marine to avoid just that kind of life.

  The burly captain slapped him hard against the back. He was used to the Greek’s enthusiasm for life and managed to stay on his feet. “Introduce me to our guest.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  They stepped forward until they were just below where she perched and leaned on a rail clicking away with her camera.

  No one said a word. The men looked up at her, and she continued to take pictures as if they weren’t there. After a minute, she looked down at him with the most beautiful smile he’d ever seen. Her eyes were bright with excitement and her hair cascaded down around her face. The sun behind her gave the impression that she was crowned by flames. His heart actually leaped in his chest.

  “This is amazing.” She looked from Kyle to the captain and she smiled a bit more demurely.

  As she climbed down he took her elbow to ensure her safety. At least, that’s what he told himself. She’s just a woman. Stop acting like an ass.

  Kyle plastered a politely neutral expression on his face. “Charley, I’d like to introduce you to the captain of this vessel. Charlene Ballantine, Captain Abydos Cristou. Captain, this is the photographer that corporate offices sent to us.”

  Cristou took her hand in both of his. For some reason, the intimate gesture gave Kyle the same sickening feeling he’d had watching her flirt with the group of men.

  “Miss Ballantine, it is a pleasure to have you here. I hope you find the accommodations comfortable. I understand you have brought a friend with you for the trip?”

  Her smile was bright and genuine. Kyle had to fight to keep his hands behind his back and his expression placid.

  “Everything is wonderful, Captain. My friend Jules and I are perfectly content. Thank you very much. This view is amazing and Mr. Macintyre has been very helpful.”

  His heart sped up. Why had her compliment made him feel as if he were a teenager again? She’s not for you, Kyle.

  “Are you finished for now, Miss Ballantine?”

  “Yes.” There was doubt in her voice. She looked around the bow as though another view might be escaping her lens. “I think I’ve got plenty to work with until we reach port, or is there something you would recommend before then?”

  The captain smiled. “In Ketchikan there are some lovely sights. I will have Kyle alert you when and where the best views are to be seen.”

  He detected some hesitation, before she said, “That would be great.”

  “Would you care to join us for breakfast?”

  “I would love to.”

  Cristou turned. “Kyle, order breakfast for three to my private dining room.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  He walked away but he could hear them talking not far behind him. He waited at the hatch for the captain and Charley to pass through, followed them and closed the hatch. She had taken the captain’s arm and the two were talking and laughing. Kyle knew that Abydos Cristou was a happily married man and was only being polite, but he still hated how easily she had fallen into a flirtation with him. She had seemed to be flirting with those men at the bar and then again at dinner. Yet she didn’t flirt with him. She barely looked at him.

  Stopping at a phone, he called the kitchen and asked for a full breakfast for three to be brought to the captain’s private dining room.

  He knocked and entered the suite of rooms that belonged to the ship’s captain. Charley stood alone in the middle of the room looking around with wide eyes. Kyle knew that compared to the stateroom that she and her friend were sharing, the captain’s quarters were enormous and elaborate. He had a full living room and dining room with two bedrooms. Everything was neat and modern. Several couches and chairs were grouped for conversation and to enjoy the view out of the large windows facing forward. The dining room seated six. The chair at the head of the table had a tall throne-like appearance and was upholstered in white.

  The captain was not in the room.

  Charley said, “He lives well.”

  Kyle shrugged. “He’s the captain.”

  “Do you live this way?” Her eyes were wide as a doe’s. She shrugged out of her coat and Kyle immediately came over to take it from her. She had on a long knit sweater that just covered her exquisite butt. The burnt orange was nearly the same color as her hair. The black leggings left little to the imagination as they hugged her shapely legs and disappeared beneath a pair of suede boots.

  He leaned in close. “That’s the second time you’ve inquired about my stateroom, Charley. I would be happy to show it to you, since you seem so interested.”

  A small inhalation of breath from her and his cock was already becoming uncomfortably hard. He stepped away and hung up her coat near the door. That noise was enough to drive him mad.

  She didn’t say anything for a long moment. “The captain said he’d be right back.”

  Kyle nodded. He was sure his captain had disappeared to give them time to flirt. The man could be a bit too obvious. “Would you like to sit? Breakfast will take a little while to arrive.”

  She sat down on one of two couches. “Where are you from?”

  The personal question surprised him. He took a seat across from her. “Massachusetts, just north of Boston.”

  “Were you in the navy?”

  He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees while shaking his head. “No, I’m a merchant marine. I went to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.”

  “Oh, is this what you wanted to do then? Work on a cruise ship?”

  He couldn’t tell if she was intrigued or disappointed. “I wanted to be at sea and I wanted to see the world. I get all of that and more working on these ships.”

  “What about family?”

  “What about them?”

  She rolled her pretty eyes and flipped her hair back out of her face. “Do you have one?”

  “My parents and my sister live in Massachusetts. I live there when I’m not on a contract.”

  She seemed to be processing the information. Her eyes drifted to the carpet.

  “Where do you live, Charley?”

  She looked back up at him. “Near Tampa, Florida.”

  “How did you get this job?” He found that he really wanted to know about her.

  “I have a small studio and I did a shoot for the local cheerleading team. One of the parents is the Vice President of Marketing for the cruise line. Apparently, the photographer who was supposed to shoot the new catalogue became ill and couldn’t make the trip. She told me this was the last Alaskan cruise of the season and asked if I might be interested.” She shrugged as if it were no big deal.

  “You must have done a great job on those cheer photos.”

  “I did my best and I think they were a bit desperate to get the photos taken.”

  “The cruise line is an enormous corporation. I doubt she would have hired you out of desperation. She must have been impressed.”

  She blushed under all that gorgeous red hair. His fingers literally itched with desire to touch her skin and see if it was as warm as it looked. “I hope she’s happy with what I shoot.”

  “I’m sure she will be.”

  The door opened and Captain Cristou entered wearing a big smile. “Did you order some food?”

  Kyle stood. “Yes, Sir.”

  “Good. What are the two of you talking about?”

  “Miss Ballantine was just telling me about her work.”

  “Excellent!” He straightened his white jacket and removed his cap. “You must see the seafood buffet that the kitchen builds on Thursday, madam. It’s quite exquisite. I’m sure you will want photographs.”

  Charley’s eyes widened. He could see the excitement buildin
g behind them. “Actually Captain, I was hoping to be able to get into the dining room just before dinner tonight. It was so beautiful last night, I would love to take a few shots before the guests arrive.”

  He was already nodding. “I will call the executive chef and see if it is possible. Steven is usually very accommodating.”

  Immediately, he stepped into the next room to make the phone call.

  She looked nervous. “Have I asked too much?”

  Kyle watched her. “I don’t believe so.”

  “I don’t want to burden anyone. I’m sure the executive chef is very busy. I thought that perhaps I could just sneak in for a few minutes.”

  He laughed. “Don’t worry. Steven is a nice guy. He’ll say no if it’s too much to manage. He’s from New York and has no fear of the captain. Besides, you have a job to do. He understands that.”

  “I don’t think taking a few photos can be compared with running all the restaurants aboard this ship. How many are there anyway?”

  “Five.”

  Shaking her head, she closed her eyes. Her face pinked up again. “This guy is going to hate me.”

  He couldn’t help chuckling at her discomfort. “The minute he sees you, he’ll be overjoyed that you came to his dining room.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?”

  He didn’t have time to answer. The captain returned. “Steven asks that you arrive at the doors of the main dining room at five fifteen. He will meet you personally, and you can take your pictures.”

  “Thank you, Captain.”

  He waved off her thanks.

  The knock at the door announced the arrival of breakfast. The waiter rolled in several chafing dishes on a cart. He set the table and left the cart to be used as a buffet.

  Charley looked at the eggs, breads, breakfast meats and fruit that had been delivered. “Do you eat this way every morning?”

  Kyle took a plate from the lower shelf on the cart and handed it to her. “No. Usually I stick to cereal and fruit. If I ate so much every day…”

  “Ha, he’d look like me.” Captain Cristou gave a hearty laugh and rubbed his distended belly.

  Kyle’s grin widened. “Besides, usually I eat in the staff mess. A meal in the captain’s private dining room is a rare treat.”

  * * * * *

  After the meal, Kyle walked Charley down toward the elevator bank. He looked at his watch, only ten minutes before his shift started. He had no idea why he hated to watch her walk away. “Charley, I wonder if I might see you again.”

  She stopped, turned and stared at him with those huge green eyes. “I’ll be on the ship for the duration.” Her voice betrayed her wariness.

  “I think you know what I mean.”

  “Are you asking me on a date, Kyle?”

  “I would like to see you tonight after my shift is over. Maybe you would meet me after dinner, or are you committed to the friends you made last night?” He was jealous. He had no idea why, but his gut tightened and his fists balled. He hated the idea that she might reject him for one of those other men.

  She clutched her coat over her chest as if it were a talisman against him. “I’m not committed to anyone…”

  “I think I just heard a ‘but’.”

  “Are we even allowed to date?”

  “This ship has a long list of rules of conduct. Most of them have to do with behavior while on duty or in public areas, drinking to excess and attitudes toward the guests. I would not enter into a personal relationship with a crew member who was my subordinate. That would be a breach of my contract, not to mention unethical. You don’t work for me. You are not even a crew member. Is that your only concern?”

  Her hip pushed to one side and she looked up at him with flashing eyes. “How many times a cruise do you ask a woman this same thing?”

  He was caught between annoyance over her question and lust over how gorgeous she was. “Look if you don’t want to see me socially, just say no.”

  “You’re angry.” She lowered the coat and her shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry. I’m not used to this kind of thing. I don’t have casual affairs. In fact I don’t have any kind of affairs.”

  What was it about this woman? She obviously thought the worst of him, yet he couldn’t help wanting to know her better. If he was really honest, he’d admit he wanted to change her opinion of him.

  “I didn’t say anything about an affair. I don’t even know you. I’m attracted to you and I think you are attracted to me. I hoped we could have a drink together and talk. That’s all.” His words came out more vehemently than he’d intended.

  She hiked her camera bag up and clutched the coat tighter. “You’re the kind of guy who has a lot of women fawning over you.”

  He opened his mouth to contradict her, but she held up a hand to stop him.

  “And rightfully so. You’re very good-looking. You have an exciting job and you’re extremely charming. I get it. I’m just not the kind of girl who ends up a notch on some sailor’s belt.”

  “Your opinion of me is not really flattering.”

  “It’s not a matter of my opinion. I’m not judging you. I just don’t have casual sex.”

  “I asked you on a date. I didn’t say anything about sex. You’re the one who mentioned affairs and sex.”

  Her eyebrows rose. “You don’t want to have sex with me?” She sounded concerned.

  He almost laughed. “I didn’t say that. Any man would want to have sex with you and I’m not a monk.”

  She burst out laughing. “I’m sure that you’re not. In fact I’m sure you have a few women a day giving you their stateroom numbers.”

  As crazy as it was, he wished he could contradict her. “And you assume that I always take them up on it.”

  She shook her head and looked up at the ceiling. “I don’t assume anything.”

  “Okay, you don’t trust me. I get it. Let me earn your trust. Meet me in the Constellation Lounge at ten thirty. If you don’t show, I’ll see that any further tours you require are given by someone less likely to offend you.”

  He couldn’t help being angry as he walked away. She acted as if he was sleeping with half the ship. Not that he hadn’t had his share of onboard flings—as he said, he was no monk. He had no idea why he was so intent about getting to know Charley Ballantine. She was not at all his type. He knew she wasn’t the kind of woman who he could sleep with for the length of the cruise and then watch walk away. He also knew, that was the only way any kind of relationship could end.

  * * * * *

  It was possibly the longest twelve-hour shift of his life. By the time he got off duty, his concentration was completely screwed up with wondering if Charley would show up or not. He showered, dressed and headed for the lounge.

  He’d always liked this part of the cruise liner. It sat forward, looking where they were going. At night, only darkness lay ahead, but even then, the room held mystery in its soft jazz music and high backlit ceiling. It was rarely crowded but had a nice bar and a comfortable feel to it.

  Kyle sat at one end of the bar. Since he was off duty, he was not in uniform. It was a formal dinner night on the ship. He wore black trousers and a blue shirt, no tie and no jacket. He was buttoned up in uniform most of the time. It was nice, when off duty, to be comfortable.

  The bartender spoke with a thick Zimbabwean accent. “Hello, Kyle. What can I get for you?”

  “Just a glass of water for now, John.” There was no sense in getting comfortable if she didn’t show up.

  John returned a moment later with a bottle of water and a glass with ice. He twisted the plastic cap and poured before setting it down.

  “Thanks,” Kyle said.

  John nodded and walked off to help another guest.

  At 10:35 p.m. he was sure she was not going to show up. He got up from the barstool and was about to say goodnight to John, when he spotted her. She’d just entered the room and scanned until her eyes lighted on him. She didn’t smile but she didn’t look
disappointed either. He waited and watched as she crossed the room. The black dress clung to her gentle curves. The halter top tied behind her neck and left a deep V between her breasts.

  Kyle’s mouth watered. He had to force himself to stay put and not run across the room as if he were a schoolboy on his first date. She passed the dance floor and climbed the three steps to the landing where he waited. She didn’t meet his eyes.

  “I didn’t think you were going to come.”

  She looked around the room, anywhere but at him. “I wasn’t.”

  “So why did you?”

  Then those stunning eyes locked with his. “I don’t know. Maybe curiosity. Plus, I seemed to insult you this morning and I didn’t mean to.”

  He ignored her attempt at an apology. “Would you care for a drink?”

  John was already standing and waiting for an order. She smiled at the bartender. “Merlot?”

  “Very good, madam. Kyle?”

  “The same, John. Thanks.”

  Lightly taking her elbow, he led her to a low table and two lounge chairs in the farthest forward arch of the glass wall. They were surrounded by glass on two sides and could only see a slight glimmer of light on the ocean. He slid his chair over so that they sat very close together. The music started, slow, soft jazz filled the room, and John brought the wine.

  “I’m really glad you came.”

  She sipped at her wine. A drop of the rich, red liquid stayed a second on her bottom lip. He almost leaned forward and licked it off. The tip of her pink tongue slipped between her lips and wiped the drop away. His cock responded immediately.

  “I actually went with Jules to the martini bar first. I debated for fifteen minutes before finally deciding.”

  “I’m that terrible?”

  “No,” she answered quickly. Then she smiled, and he couldn’t help smiling too. “I’m the kind of girl who works hard all day, goes home, puts on her sweatpants and watches television or reads a book until I go to bed alone.”

  “And you don’t think that I would be interested in that kind of girl.” He was getting angry again. His neck grew hotter.

  She leaned over and touched his arm. Somehow, that calmed him. “I think you like women who know what they are getting into.”