14. Chapter 14

Chapter 14

~ James ~

I stood in the same spot, unable to process what she had just said through the fog in my brain. So, yeah, walking on the boat was a challenge, but hearing her words sobered me right on up. What was sad? None of that shit was true. Not one single word.

I turned to follow her, but a hand on my arm halted me. I glanced down at it and then at the woman it belonged to.

"Not right now, James. She's not in the headspace to hear you out."

"But it's not what she thinks! I didn't do anything, not like that, I swear."

"And quite frankly, I believe you. But I also know Addi, it's my job to read people. She's got a lot going on in her mind at this moment, and she needs the break. Let her stew and I promise tomorrow, you can talk to her. She's got to sleep on it though. And, no offense, you need a shower. And some more sobering up yourself."

Right, she was right, he knew that. But he didn't like what Addi thought, and it went against his nature to not chase her, to not fight for her. And even he could admit that though he liked poking her, pissing her off like this was something he did not like.

With a sigh, he nodded, got on the elevator and when it dinged for his floor, rather than hang a right to go to her room, he made a left and went to his cabin.

"You can't avoid me all day, Addi," I told her as I walked up behind her in the Aqua Aura Pool Bar. I had caught her lounging by the pool and was determined to talk to her. It took all my willpower not to go pounding on her door this morning, but I figured a little more peace wasn't a bad thing.

"Want to bet, mister?" she tossed back, taking a sip of the drink before her then grabbed a fry and took a bite. "Look, James, it's none of my business. We aren't exclusive. And it's not like this fling was going beyond this boat, anyway. So, it had an expiration date. It just came sooner than us docking and getting off."

Ouch.

Wasn't sure why that was a piercing to the heart, but it fucking hurt. A lot more than I wanted to let on. Because in essence, she was right. However, I wasn't done having my fun with her. Maybe, one day I could look back on this, and realize I really had no wish to ever let go.

Period.

Point blank.

But today wasn't that day.

"What you say could be true, sure. But that's not how I feel. I promise you, Addi, there was no chick I was with yesterday at all! Ask Bri, he'll even confirm for me. Because he was pissed at me for it. I was very open about the fact that though I wasn't dating, I still wasn't looking for anything and kept pushing women away.

"It's not my fault they reeked of perfume and that when they tried to get up on me, they rubbed their shit on me." I made a face, which caused her to laugh. One she quickly sobered up on.

"I'm supposed to just believe you."

I took a chance and sat down in the chair next to her. So far, she hadn't shoved me away or pushed the chair, so I was going to assume I was safe. At least for the moment. I didn't put it past her to kick the leg out and send me flying on my ass or something.

"It would be nice. Have I really given you reason to not trust my word?"

She tilted her head as she regarded the waves crashing along the side of the boat and I couldn't help but lift a brow. That pause was concerning, but I couldn't say why. Again, this was a fling, even if I felt it wasn't. On top of all of that, she was my ex-wife's lawyer.

"No, I suppose you haven't."

"But you still don't believe me?"

She finally turned and looked at me, lifting a shoulder.

"You know, this will end. Why wait until the last minute?"

I reached over, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear before trailing my fingers over the side of her neck and then her shoulder, knowing those were points that made her weak. She crossed her legs, and I smirked.

"Because neither of us is done playing with each other. My goal is still to have my dick buried in your sweet cunt as the boat shudders up to shore and we're forced to disembark."

She clenched her legs even more and I knew I had her. Sure, she was still going to give me shit, because this was Addi, a feisty hellcat that I loved and admired.

"That's impressive that you think you can last that long." I winked at her and then stood, offering her my hand. "What?" she asked as she took it, the free hand grabbing her drink.

"I'm treating you to the best place on this boat." With that, I led her out of the pool area and down to the ice cream shop. Something I did pick up on Addi Howzer here, she had a sweet tooth, and I was determined to win her heart. And if sex wasn't going to be the only way, then I'd go for her other love language.

"Oh, how did I miss this?' she groaned, looking over the menu. They had a wide variety of flavors, and the menu was new each day, brought on by a special pastry chef who knew what flavors to mix. The first try had me thinking of ways to try this on her skin.

Hell, not a bad way now.

"I'm not sure. But we can always try each flavor and then pick one and leave."

"Leave where?"

But she was too lost in eyeing the goodies to hear my answer, not that I gave her one. I was getting a pint and taking it to my room so that I could have my wicked way with her.

"I'd like the coffee fused bean in a pint, please," I told the young lady who nodded and dished it up.

"Oh, what's in that?"

"Liquor."

Her brows snapped together as she re-read the menu and then looked around. What made this place so awesome? All ice cream was mixed with alcohol.

"Holy shit. I'll just stick with yours. But just a small cup for me." The lady smiled as she did it and then handed it to Addi. "Thank you," she said as we left. She took a bite and groaned, a sound that went straight to my dick. "Oh damn, I'm coming back every chance I get."

"Glad I could help."

"Tell me a secret," she said between bites as we waited for the elevator.

"I believe in love. I mean, ever-lasting, true love. And when I find the right one, I won't have a prenup because I'll know she'll want me for me. She's out there, somewhere and I won't let her go, no matter what," I confessed as we got on the elevator, her eyes locked with mine.