“I see.” My voice is quiet.
“Anya,” he grips his water glass, jaw still hard, “don’t you have anything in your life that you’ve had to put away?” My chin lifts and our eyes lock, and the way he holds me there tells me he’s talking about the accident.
“I’m working on it.”
“It takes time.”
“Yes.”
His baby blues lose their sharpness and his voice thaws, the cold edge gone. “Trust me when I tell you that the moment you shut that door, you won’t ever want to reopen it.”
The waitress returns with our wine and a basket of bread, giving us a moment of relief. We order our entrees and as soon as she disappears, I decide to move on to my next question. “What made you want to get involved in this line of work? How did you become Tanner Christensen?”
“The Trident Voyager was my father’s ship. When he passed away, I took over. I love to travel. Always have. It was an easy decision.” He averts his gaze and breaks a piece of bread apart.
“Out of the many places the ship has docked, which port has been your favorite? Where has been your favorite place to travel?”
“The Mediterranean,” he answers immediately. “Greece.”
My heart swells. “I haven’t been.”
“But you want to go.” He eyes me closely.
“More like I’m dying to go.” I take a piece of bread for myself. “It’s so expensive. A girl can dream, though, right?”
“You work for a travel magazine. I’m sure you can make it happen.”
“Ha,” I spread some butter on the bread, “you don’t know Ted. He runs a tight budget as it is. It’s a miracle Lana was able to talk him into allowing me to come along on this cruise. I can’t afford it on my own. Not for a while, anyway.”
“Where have you traveled, Miss Banks?”
“I backpacked through parts of Europe. With Lana, during college. Other than that, nowhere, really.”
“That’s much more than many people see in a lifetime. Good for you.”
“It was the happiest time of my life.” A veil of sadness slips over me and I feel my smile fade as I take a bite.
“Why do you say that as if you’ve lost something?”
“I haven’t.” I shrug. “I suppose I just miss feeling free.”
“You don’t feel free now?”
I want to say not since the accident, but that wouldn’t be entirely true. I’ve felt plenty free since the accident, but not in the same way I did during my college years. Not like when I was traveling through Europe. My days now consist of sitting in an office and daydreaming about all of the places I long to be, while others actually get to be there. “Not in the same way I did in my early twenties. But that’s normal. No big deal.”
“Do you enjoy your job?” He sips his wine.
“Oh, I enjoy it.”
“But you don’t love it.”
“We can’t all love what we do.”
“I strongly disagree.”
I laugh and take another bite of bread. “Easy for you to say. You inherited this. It suits you.”
Tanner sets his butter knife down and his eyes turn icy, like glaciers. “You think because I’m a wealthy man, everything is perfect for me?”
“That’s not what I meant. But while we’re on the subject, yes, it seems you live quite the charmed life. Traveling the world, sleeping with beautiful women, more money than you know what to do with…” I smile knowingly and reach for my wine. “Isn’t that every young bachelor’s dream?”
“It has its perks,” he responds sternly, “but make no mistake, Miss Banks. It comes with a price.”
My smile falls, and I feel the tension bubble between us. I can’t understand what has him so touchy. It feels as if I’m walking on eggshells. “Tanner,” I reply softly, “I’m only teasing.”
He changes the subject, adjusting his tie. “If you could do something different, what would you do? I would think that working for a travel publication is a dream job for someone who loves to travel.”
I watch him carefully. “Lana wants this,” I explain, rolling my shoulder. “To write about the places she visits. It’s what she’s passionate about. I don’t want to write about my experience with the places.”
“You don’t?”
“No. I want to write about the people. The businesses, the culture, the people behind it all. The essence of the place, not the place. I don’t want to describe the architecture and comment on the quality of the food service, I want to write about the chef, want to know how long it took him to make the meal with his bare hands. Where the recipe came from and how it was passed down. Who made the building he’s serving meals in. Whether the establishment is family owned. I want to shake the hands of the people that create the experience. I want the heartbeat of the place, the grit. The blood, sweat, and tears.” I manage to take a breath, silently thanking the heavens when the waitress arrives. I’ve just gone on a tangent, and Tanner is looking at me as if he’s just laid eyes on me for the first time.
As if I’m unrecognizable.
“Sorry,” I mumble as she sets my plate down, “I tend to get carried away when it comes to this stuff.”
Tanner thanks the waitress but keeps his eyes on me. “Never apologize for being passionate about something, Anya. And don’t ever settle. Not with men, not with your dreams, not with anything. Life is yours for the taking, and don’t let anyone tell you any different.”
The waitress slides us some fresh bread and tops off our wine, her gaze bouncing curiously between us. “Will that be all, Mr. Christensen?”
“Yes. Thank you. Would you like anything else, Miss Banks?”
“No, thank you. This is perfect.”
The waitress gives us a curt nod and hurries off, leaving us with our succulent dishes. We lift our forks to enjoy them, inhaling the delicious aromas.
“How did you manage that?” I ask Tanner, slicing my chicken.
“Manage what?”
“To turn the conversation around? You’re interviewing me, now.”
“I’d like to do much more than interview you.”
I curl my lips into a smile around my fork. “Haven’t you had your fill of me yet?”
“If any man ever has his fill with a woman like you, he’s a fool and needs to be kicked hard in the ass.”
“What did I say about flattering me? There’s no need for that.”
“I’m simply being honest, Miss. Banks. You’re a work of art. How is your meal?”
“Heavenly. Yours?”
“Good, but not as good as my noon-time snack.” He chews quickly. “As soon as you’re done, we’re getting out of here. I’ve had enough business for one evening.”
“What?” I frantically glance at my notepad, my fork suspended in mid air. “I still have so many questions for you.”
“You have me all week.”
I lower my voice and look around. “But you said we’d be keeping business and pleasure separate.”
“There will be plenty of time for business meetings. We’re only docked in Alvita for one more night, and I want you back at my beach house, naked and wet.” He sets his fork down and finishes his wine, and I squirm in the booth, crossing my other leg. “Judging by what I see from over here, we’re already half way there.” He reveals a smug smile and sits back, relaxing his arms along the top of the seat.
“So self-satisfied,” I mumble, picking my jaw up from the table.
“So fresh.” He waves his hand to summon the waitress and instructs her to bring the dessert menu. Without asking, he orders two servings of tiramisu to go and waits patiently for me to finish my meal. I’m stuffed and can’t even think about dessert right now, but I don’t doubt it’s just as tasty as dinner was.
My mind tumbles with new angles for the magazine feature as we wait for the waitress to return with our bag of sweets. If Tanner won’t tell me about his fear of the ocean, then maybe he’ll tell me more about his father. More about the his
tory of the ship and his father’s legacy. I know Ted wants a strict review piece, but I desperately want the chance to infuse it with something different, want to shake it up a bit. Lana might have the power to approve anything I want to contribute, but it’s always Ted who gets final call. There’s no guarantee, but it’s worth a shot.
“Do you need anything from your cabin before we head back to the island?” Tanner asks, standing to offer me his hand.
“I have a bag back at the cabana, but I could use a few more things for tomorrow.”
“Good. I need to run by my office for a moment. It won’t take me long. I’ll meet you at your room.” He takes my hand and I slide out of the booth, leaning up on my tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek.
He freezes.
I look around, following his gaze. It’s cool, calm, and collected, but it’s clear he’s assessing our audience. “Thank you for dinner, Mr. Christensen,” I say cordially. “It was lovely.”
“The pleasure’s all mine, Miss Banks. I’m happy you were pleased with the service.”
I wipe the hint of humor from my face and turn all business with a firm handshake before heading for the exit. We go our separate ways and I hurry back to the cabin, slipping out my cell phone to give Lana and Brie a quick ring on my way. As I expected, they’re having a grand old time in the luxury cabana. Between bread, booze, and boys, they’re living it up and it makes me smile. I tell Lana I’ll be joining them some time tomorrow, and she insists I take my time and enjoy myself. I assure her I will and hang up just as I reach the cabin door.
“Wow, you look amazing,” a voice hits me from the left.
“Oh, hey, Jonah. Thanks.” I turn and wave lightly, taking in his easy stride and long, lean build. He really is handsome. But Tanner and I have an agreement, and I intend to keep up my end of the bargain.
“I’m glad I caught you. I figured I’d come by and see about that dinner date of ours.” He brushes a strand of rebellious brown hair from his forehead and stations himself next to me. “You still game for meeting up?”
I stand there awkwardly for a moment, deciding to make myself busy by digging in my purse for the room key. I did promise the guy a date. It’s only one meal. “Sure. How about tomorrow night? Are you free then?”
“Yeah, that works. Where do you want to go? We leave Alvita around four in the afternoon, so…”
“How about the Bordeaux Room? I’ll bring Lana and Brie.”
“That works. I’ll bring Carlos and Micah, if that’s cool with you.”
“Of course. Sounds fun. I’ll let Lana know.”
“Does nine work for you?”
“Yup. Perfect.”
“Here, let me give you my number.” He gestures to my cell phone, which is still clutched in my fist. I hand it over and he begins entering his info, stepping closer as his fingers glide over the screen. That lemon scent of his wafts toward me. He finishes and hands the phone back, whistling under his breath as he steps backward, feasting his eyes on my bare legs. “Damn, Anya. You really are insanely sexy. Which lucky bastard had the pleasure of taking you out tonight?”
“That’d be me,” Tanner says, coming up from behind. I feel his shadow, sense his presence as he moves in. His hand lands on the small of my back and his eyes find Jonah’s. “Tanner Christensen, owner of the Trident Voyager.” He grins tightly and extends a hand. Jonah’s brows lift and he accepts the handshake, eyeing me curiously.
“Wow, okay. Hey, man. Nice ship you have here.”
“Thank you. I hope you’re enjoying your time onboard.”
“Definitely.” He nods and pushes a breath through his teeth, patting his pockets. “Well, carry on, you two. Good meeting you, Tanner. See you tomorrow, Anya.”
“I didn’t catch your name,” Tanner says, tilting his head as Jonah moves to walk past.
“Oh. It’s Jonah.” His brown eyes jump to mine. Oh, just shoot me now.
“Good meeting you, Jonah. Welcome aboard.”
“Yeah, thanks, man.” He hurries down the hall and I release a breath, turning to unlock the cabin door.
“I thought you didn’t want to know his name.”
“I didn’t.”
“You just wanted to see him squirm?”
“I’m a man of simple pleasures, Miss Banks.”
“Don’t be such an arse, Mr. Christensen.” The door clicks and I step inside. Tanner’s right on my heels.
“You know what’s more amusing than that little meet and greet?”
“What’s that?” I toss my bag down and start for my suitcase.
“An American woman who prefers using British terms for insults rather than the inventive foul language of her own country.”
“Oh, who’s fresh now?” I pivot on my hip and glare at him playfully. Before I can unzip my suitcase, he’s on me. Front to back, his erection pressing against my ass. He spins me around and hauls me up, carrying me over to the wall, thrusting me against it. All of the wind expels from my lungs.
“You’re seeing him tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
“We have an agreement.”
“We do. I’m not screwing him. It’s just a meal.”
“That’s not what he thinks.”
“I can’t help what he thinks.”
“You’re leading him on.”
“Maybe.”
Tanner’s eyes flash. “But you won’t follow through. Not until our arrangement is over.”
“I’m a woman of my word, Mr. Christensen.”
He quiets, eyes dropping to my chest, arms still locking me tight against the wall. “Okay, then.” His thick lashes sweep up, bringing his gaze back to mine. “Call me an arse again and we won’t make it back to the beach house. I’ll fuck you where you stand until you can’t anymore.” He pushes my dress hem up, exposing my bare thighs. His hand slides between them, his fingers delving inside of me, firmly but gently. He smiles when he discovers I’m already wet for him. “It seems you’d prefer that, Miss Banks.”
“Arse,” I whisper, tilting my hips to send his fingers deeper. My chin tilts up, too, solidifying the challenge.
Tanner’s mouth hits my neck, his breath fanning my throat as he begins to kiss and suck. “Fresh.” The cabin grows smaller, the world around us blots out, and for the next thirty minutes, we both keep our word. We’re the only ones in existence, and nothing and no one can shake the cloud I’ve ascended upon.
***
An annoying buzz sounds from somewhere on the left. I reach out and swat at it, my eyes still closed, my head buried underneath a heap of white. My fingers locate my phone and my hand recoils back under the sheet. “Hello?” I answer groggily.
“My God, that man must be good,” Lana laughs. “You sound like hell.”
“Don’t feel like it.”
“He’s worn you out already. How will you make it the rest of the week?”
“Shut it, Lan.”
“I’m just sayin’! No way can you keep up with that man’s appetite if things stay at this rate.” I can see her face as clear as day. I know right now, she’s grinning into the phone, playing with her red bangs, her nose scrunching up in mischief.
“I’m keeping up just fine, thank you very much.” I stretch and yawn. The yawn turns to a painful shriek as my limbs extend. Okay, maybe I am a tad sore. “Ouch.”
Lana snickers.
“I said shut it.”
“Are you still ditching us to spend the day with him?”
“Just spending a few hours here. I’ll come over to the cabana after lunch.”
“Oh, fine,” she sighs dreamily, “go enjoy the bliss. If you need me, just give me a shout. I bet you’re loving being on dry land for a few days.”
I pull the sheet from my head and move to sit up. My eyes squint as they adjust to the room’s light. “You have no idea.”
“Well, I’ve been keeping an eye on the weather. It looks like we should have smooth sailing for the remainder of the cruise.”
M
y mind slowly swirls, awakening bit by bit as her words register. My head drops back onto the soft pillow and relief barrels through me. “Ohhhh, best news ever. Hey.” I quickly sit up again, remembering what I needed to tell her. “Have you heard from Ted?”
“God, no. My service is shit out here when I try to call the States. And the bill would be astronomical. I did shoot him an email this morning, though. Just let him know all is well and that I’ll have the review for him by next Friday. I’ve already started working on it.”
I force myself to swallow, my mouth dry. “Yeah, about that…”
“What’s wrong?”
“Tanner Christensen, that’s what’s wrong.”
“What the huh?”
“He’s very stubborn, Lan. And very…bossy.”
“Oh! Bossy is good. Me like. What’s that have to do with Ted?”
“In bed, maybe. In the real world, not so much. He wants me to write the review instead. He actually had the audacity to call Ted himself.”
“Shut the mother effin front door.”
“I kid you not. I’m so sorry, Lan. I don’t know why he’s insisting I write it, but he’s pretty determined, and apparently Ted’s already agreed. I begged Tanner to call him back and fix this. The feature is yours. I won’t let him screw it up for you.”
“What an arrogant SOB! Oh, do I have some words for that man.”
“You and me both.”
“But on the other hand…” her voice pitches.
“On the other hand, what?” I pull my knees up to my chest and glance around the bedroom. Just like back in the office on the ship, it strikes me that Tanner has no pictures or anything personal around the beach house.
“Maybe you should write it.”
“Wait, what? No way.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’ve been looking forward to writing it, that’s why. I wasn’t even supposed to be on this cruise. This is your thing, Lan. I’m just here to help, remember?”
“You’re here for many reasons, Anya Banks, and helping me is only one of them.”
“You know what I mean.”
“I’m going to talk to Ted myself,” she says, determined.
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