“So, Maci, tell me, are you enjoying yourself so far?”
“I am, thank you.”
“Is it everything you thought it’d be?”
“I’m honestly not sure yet. We’ve only been on the boat for a couple of days. Ask me that in about a week or two. I could get used to the views though; today was beautiful and the night sky is so clear. I can see stars. You don’t get to see them too often in the city.” I’m finding myself rambling like an idiot.
“I couldn’t agree more, the view is exceptional.”
I turn to find him looking directly at me.
“So, tell me, Sir Captain…”
“Sir Captain?” He chuckles at his title.
Shrugging my shoulders, I smile and say, “Why not? You seem to like both titles.”
He pops a cherry tomato in his mouth while smirking. Now it’s me who’s staring at him, at his mouth exactly. I need to change the subject…think, think, think…Nope I can’t, not when he’s looking at me like that. Shit, shit, shit.
I glance up at his eyes and he’s still smirking. What the fuck!
“Why are you smiling at me?”
“You get flustered so easily.”
“Well, I don’t know if I’m imagining it or what, but you seem to flirt with me nonstop.”
“And if I am?”
“Doesn’t that break your rules?”
“First, it doesn’t because I haven’t touched you. I didn’t say anything about flirting.”
I swear I heard him mumble, “yet,” under his breath after he says he hasn’t touched me…no, he couldn’t have.
“So flirting is okay?” I turn to look out the windows again, needing to pry my eyes off of him. It allows me to see his reflection on the glass, as well as gaze at the lights on the open water.
“I don’t care what the crew does or doesn’t do on their time, but on the clock, on the boat, I want them to keep it strictly professional.”
“And yet we’re on the boat, on the clock, during a charter…and still, I have Sir Captain being flirty with me. Hmm…” I smile over my shoulder at him, letting him know I’ve caught him red-handed.
“Look, Sweet Pea,” he says as he stalks in my direction. He stands directly behind me; his chest and my back are ever so slightly touching. It’s enough to cause that spark again. His breath brushes against my neck as he leans down so he’s closer. “You’re standing in my office, I can do what I want, with whomever I want. So, yes if I want to flirt with you because it’s fun, then I’ll do it. Unless you’d like me to completely keep this professional, then I won’t say another word.”
“First, Sweet Pea?” I question.
“Yes, Sweet Pea. You smell like sweet vanilla and you’re tiny. Sweet Pea seems fitting, I mean, since we’re handing out nicknames,” he says, smiling.
“Okay, Sir Captain. Now about your flirty ways…I can’t say I don’t enjoy it…” That’s when our conversation comes to an abrupt halt and the captain moves so quickly, I almost get a cool breeze from it. He must have heard someone outside the door, because in walks Eric and his demeanor changes quickly; now he’s all business.
“Eric, keep an eye on the knots. The winds are supposed to pick up around 2:00 a.m. I want to pull out of here before it gets too rocky. Wake me if you see them gaining speed.”
“I will, Captain. We’re on ‘til three then Derek and Ann will be covering until you get up at six.”
“Sounds good, night.”
“Goodnight, Captain,” both Eric and I say at the same time.
We sit and chat about our backgrounds again for about a half an hour. Then we turn the topic to relationships; not sure how we got on the subject but it happened. He lets me know he’s been single for the last two years, since he’s been yachting. He’d rather enjoy himself with whoever he chooses, whenever he chooses, instead of worrying about hurting someone back home. I can understand that. I explain to him I’ve never really had a boyfriend. I’ve dated here or there but nothing serious. I watched my friends in both high school and college fall head over heels in love with every guy they dated, but I wasn’t going to be that type of girl, plus I had a degree or two to get. He did share he once was in a year and half relationship before she cheated. He thought he was in love, that she was his forever but when he walked in on her in bed with her study buddy, as she called him, he knew it was time to move on. So he finished his last year in college and decided to take his first job on a boat. “And the rest is history,” he says.
Eric is easy to talk to every time I’m around him. He doesn’t flirt with me like someone else I know. He talks to me like a little sister. He gave me advice about doing this type of job and people you’ll meet. Either you’ll find friendships that’ll last a lifetime or people you want to throttle by the end of season. It’s just the way it is. Thank goodness everyone has been great so far.
Ann walks in as it’s about time for me to hit my bed for the next five hours. It’s about the average amount of sleep I’m told we get. We do get two, one-hour breaks during the day at some point because let’s face it; we’re on call twenty-four hours a day. Ann seems to be a little snotty when she comes in, not sure what that’s about, I’ve barely spoken to her. But on the other hand, she’s awful smiley with Derek. Whatever, I’m exhausted…off to bed.
I’m in need of a quick shower before I climb in between my sheets. Within fifteen minutes I jump out and am in search of one of my thongs I brought. I know I washed it and I’m pretty sure I put it away with all my others, but it’s missing. It’s not like I could miss it, it’s neon green for God’s sake, so unless I’m blind, it’s totally missing from my drawer. Seriously, who would have taken a pair of my panties?
Quickly dressing in another pair along with shorts and a T-shirt, I’m laying my head down and I’m off to sleep before I have a chance to even think anymore about it.
* * *
Spanish Wells is absolutely stunning. The turquoise water and white sand beach is something I could get used to. I need to really get out and see more countries, I decide as I ride in the tender boat to the beach where we are setting up the guests’ lunch picnic. I’m working it with Marie and Scott, while Rob takes the smaller boat back and forth with supplies before he brings the guests over. We have large white umbrellas opened over the tables that are covered in bright yellow tablecloths. Marie and I start decorating the ten-foot-long table with seashells and different color gems, it makes the whole table look tropical.
Being here on land has me forgetting about the one man on the boat who makes me blush, until I hear his voice over the walkie-talkie.
“Rob, are you around? The guests are all set to head over, if you’re ready for them.”
“I am, Captain. I’ll be back over in ten.”
“Thank you. Marie and Maci, are you ready to go too?”
“We are, Captain,” Marie responds.
“Maci, are you with us too?”
I look around and Marie stares at me. I’m sure she’s wondering why he would ask me after already asking Marie and myself together. I roll my eyes to play it off.
“I am, S…Captain.” I almost fucked up and called him by the little nickname I gave him. I smile and look away so no one sees me. What I really wanted to say was, “Yes, Sir Captain, I’m here, ready to go…anywhere you want to go.” But let’s face it; I’ll never say that. I continue smiling as I put things we didn’t use in the empty bags we have off to the side, where guests won’t see them.
Marco has the grill fired up and he’s making chicken and steak kabobs. They smell fabulous as we help him plate them for the buffet-style lunch they’ll be having. There are several different salads to have with the meat and let’s not forget the strawberry shortcake parfait cups he made, they look so yummy.
“Marco, this all smells incredible and don’t even get me started on the dessert over there. My mouth is watering just looking at them.”
“I guess I better make extra for ya,” he winks at me. I
look away not sure what to do, so I smile and respond nicely.
“Thanks.”
“Honey, it’ll be my pleasure.”
“Oh, please,” I hear Scott say.
Making my way over to him, I question Scott about his comment. “Why did you say that?”
“You must be the lucky target this time around.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I’ve had the pleasure of watching him sweet talk the ladies on another yacht we were on last year. The ladies used to say how sexy his accent sounded, they all went goo-goo ga-ga over him. It made me want to puke. And he’s trying hard with you. If he tried that hard with our guests, we might get a better tip. Don’t fall for his garbage. He’s a use them and lose them type of guy.”
Well, okay then, how do I respond to that?
“Umm, I thought he was just being friendly.”
“Yes, with a hidden agenda…to get you in bed.”
“Yeah, that’s never going to happen.” And I mean it too, so it doesn’t matter what he says or doesn’t say.
I watch while we go through lunch; I think Scott is absolutely right. He’s paying more attention to me than he is the guests sitting right in front of him. He’s a huge flirt. I always smile back at him because I don’t want to be known as a bitch.
As lunch finishes up, Rob comes back over with the tender boat so he can start getting things back to the yacht. It’s a lot of work for about three hours of beach time. But he never complains, he’s a happy-go-lucky type of guy. It goes to show you how much he truly loves his job.
We are the last to leave the island and now head back to the boat ourselves.
“Well, wasn’t that fun,” Marie says.
“For you, maybe. You didn’t have your ass grabbed every time you were near the one named Samantha. And God forbid I was facing her. Holy shit, her hands got close to my junk a few times,” Scott replies, rolling his eyes.
Marie and I start laughing and Scott can’t help but to join in.
“Oh, you love it and you know it,” I tell him, giving him an elbow nudge.
“I love it about as much as you love Marco trying to get in your pants.”
“Wait, what?” Marie questions me, then states, “I did see him checking you out the entire time we were over there.”
“Didn’t you hear him? Lord, it was disgusting. “Maci, you are such a beautiful lady…I’ll make you whatever you want…what do you like, Maci?’…blah, blah, blah.” You can hear the annoyance in Scott’s voice.
“Clearly, I was too busy. I missed all the excitement.”
“Haha, no excitement here. I’m not interested.”
“Seriously? You wouldn’t bang him just to get some? It’s a long six weeks out here, if you know what I mean?”
“Oh my God, Marie. You would?” I laughed out.
“Hell yes, I would. This girl has needs,” she says pointing to herself, “and he could fulfill those needs quite nicely, I’m sure.”
Her comment causes another round of laughing from Scott and me, as we step on the deck of the yacht.
“He’s all yours, Marie.” It’s the last comment I make before we walk into the kitchen area, carrying things that need to be washed and put away.
* * *
It’s the last day of this charter and we are getting ready to dock.
“All crew, please change to your white shirt with black shorts and meet me on the lower deck in thirty minutes. Guests will be departing shortly.”
“Get ready, lady. Captain McDreamboat has spoken. God, he can boss me around whenever he wants to.” I laugh at the way Brittany responds to only hearing his voice over the walkie-talkie.
“Roger that, Captain,” Rob says, followed by everyone else.
Walking up the stairs to join the others, I see him. The one who has me dreaming inappropriate things at night. I’ve been trying to avoid him over the last two days because I can’t concentrate when he’s around, and I really want to learn this job. I think I’ve gotten the hang of things a little though.
Our eyes land on each other as soon as my foot hits the top step. I bite my lip without even thinking. Holy hell, he’s really hot. He slides his aviator sunglasses down over his eyes, and I’m no longer able to see what or where he’s staring. I hope he’s looking away as my own eyes travel down his body. God help me if he ever makes a move. I’ll be putty in his hands. His captain hat is placed perfectly on his dark hair. And I trip…
“Damn it,” I mutter out. And he’s by my side, helping me stand up, I’m so embarrassed. I must look like an ass.
“Maci, you’re making a habit of this,” he whispers close to my ear as he bends over toward me.
“I didn’t notice the chair was pulled out as I went to walk around it.” Yes, I know I sound stupid but it is the truth. My damn eyes were on his for far too long. Now I can only imagine who also saw this little fumble.
“Your eyes should probably be on where you're walking to instead of other things. Or should I say someone.” The smirk on his face was very telling. Clearly, he saw me roaming his body with my eyes. Yep, I feel even stupider than I did before. Ugh!
“Duly noted, Sir Captain.” I try playing it off, smiling as I walk away, brushing my hands on the sides of my skirt.
“What the fuck, girl,” Brittany whispers a laugh toward me as I stand to her left.
“I didn’t see the damn chair.”
“You gotta stop eye fucking Captain McDreamboat then you might see it,” she giggles out.
I couldn’t even respond as the guests step out on to the deck to say their goodbyes. They all hug us one at a time before they stand to the right of the captain, handing him an envelope full of money; our tip.
“Captain, your crew made us feel extra special and this is for all of you. I hope it shows our gratitude for all your hospitality. Until next time, crew.” The main charter guest smiles at us all, waves before turning and walking down the flybridge.
“All right, let’s get this boat back in shape. We’ve got about twenty-four hours until the next charter, people, so make it shine. But first, we’ll meet in an hour in the crew galley for our tip meeting.”
Everyone went to change back into their green shirts and black shorts to clean in. I thought for sure Brittany would start harassing me about him again, but she’s only able to make one comment before we were greeted by Marie.
“Girl, I know he’s hot but seriously you can’t be falling at his feet; guys like a little chase, ya know?” And once again she giggles.
“Ladies, we need to get laundry started before we head up and dive into cleaning the staterooms again. Brittany, please strip the beds and get the sheets started in the washer and, Maci, you can start in on the bathrooms. Make sure there are no fingerprints anywhere. And, Ann, I want you to start on the silverware upstairs, you should be able to see your reflection in every utensil; then make sure our prep counter is completely cleaned and everything is put where it should be. I’m going to restock the bar areas once Captain gives me preference sheets for our next guests. I want to make sure we have their favorites on board.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“No, yes ma’am here, Maci, just Marie is fine.” Her lips turn up into a bright smile. I’m used to addressing my superiors properly. My parents taught us to respect who is in charge; if you want respect, you need to give it.
“Sorry, it’s a habit. But I’ll try, Marie.” I return her smile, letting her know I appreciate her kindness.
The entire interior staff dives into the work Marie laid out for us; we all work well together, or at least I think so. It’s been about forty-five minutes, I’ve just finished up with the first bathroom, and now I’m bent over the second toilet when the Captain comes on our walkie-talkies telling us to make our way down for our tip meeting.
I sit next to Brittany; she’s a pistol during most conversations and this one is no different. Ann is sitting on the other side of her, followed by Marie. Rob slides in
next to me; Scott, Derek, and Eric come next and lastly Marco, the chef. Captain stands tall in front of us. Addressing us directly,
“Things went well, not great, but well. There is always something to improve on. Remember we are seen and heard pretty much no matter where we are on the boat. Unless you’re in your cabin, having a private conversation behind a closed door or you’re in the bathroom, you are probably being heard by others. I want to make sure you always act professional when we have charter guests. No one is safe, if I find anyone being rude, disrespectful, or out of line with another crew member or guest, then you might as well pack your bags, because there’s a ticket waiting for you at the dock. You won’t return. You’ll probably hear me say that a few times. But it’s necessary to be reminded from time to time. Now for the good stuff.”
“Yeah, Captain, let us hear it. How’d we do?” Eric chuckles, as he rubs his hands together.
“Down, boy.” Captain Nichols grins back as the entire crew starts to laugh.
“Well then, let’s get to it…so we got fifteen thousand, which breaks down to fifteen hundred a person. Not bad for five days’ worth of work, huh?”
“Damn, I’ll take that,” Derek says, as he leans back, fanning himself with it.
I sit in awe to be honest. I was told the tips were nice but seriously this is more than I expected. I could definitely get used to this.
“Okay now that this is done, you guys are allowed to go off the boat tonight, get something to eat, and have some fun. But,” he holds up his hand, stopping us all as we start to move in our seats, “let me remind you, tomorrow we start at nine, not a second later. Our next guests are personal friends of mine and I expect nothing but perfection. So, I’d advise you all to remember that while you tip the drinks back. That’s all. You have about two more hours of work before you’re off for the day and night.”
Sexy Seaman Page 5
