9. Chapter 9

Chapter 9

~ Addi ~

I stared at him for a few moments, not believing for a moment that was done out of malice. But that didn't mean it made me happy. I was soaked! And I had to get my ass back on the ship like this.

"Oh my god, Addi, I'm sorry. I didn't think you were going to fall off."

He was right beside me, easily helping me up before I could even ask him what was going on.

"It's okay. I know you didn't mean it. It's just really funny. Anyone who has seen us the last few days wouldn't believe it was an accident either."

"True. You aren't going to sue me, are you?"

I looked at him for a moment before shaking my head. It was my job after all, but no, I wasn't in the mood to deal with that on top of everything else.

"No. Just help me back on the horse."

We both groaned as I tried to lift myself up, along with his help. But the jeans were so wet that moving in them was impossible. I groaned, not sure what to do when he surprised me.

"Trust me?"

"Really?" I lifted a brow, but he smirked. "I guess."

"Good. Come on." We walked back to his horse where he got on with ease and then hauled me up as if I weighed nothing. Now, I am a curvy girl, enjoyed them too. So, it shocked the hell out of me that he lifted me like that. I mean, it was awesome, don't get me wrong. But still, not something I was used to. "You okay?"

"Sure." I mean, I wasn't going to object, even if I wasn't okay. I was not walking back to the ranch with a horse in tow, drenched in salt water. Though, as his hands secured me, and then grabbed the reins of the other horse, I had to wonder how he got so good with horses. A question for another day, I suppose. For the morning, far too much information had already been shared.

An hour later, as we walked carefully back up the gangway because dried saltwater jeans were the fucking worst thing ever, he was being the sweetest man. This was not the womanizer I was led to believe he was. We both knew it was an accident, but he honestly felt so bad over it, and it was rather nice. Annoying, but nice.

"James," I stopped him from his fourth round of questions, making sure I was okay. "I'm fine. Really and truly. I'm going to my cabin, taking a very hot shower, and relaxing. I might hit dinner, or the deck, or something. But right now, I'm fine."

"Good. All great ideas."

I couldn't help but cock my brow at him, knowing he wanted to say something more.

"What?"

"Let me make it up to you?"

"Make what up to me, James? This wasn't your fault. You didn't know I was going to topple over the horse and into the water. There's nothing to make up."

"Then let me take you out as a do-over and meet again."

This time, I couldn't help but smirk. Somewhere this morning, the light started to shift. Sure, he still pissed me off and I'm sure he would. I still wanted to strangle him. But he wasn't the big douche either. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to ignore the outside world for the remainder of the vacation and just have fun with him.

"How about I take you out? Meet me at the Stellar Sky Lounge at nine tonight. Oh, and James?" I called as he started to turn. "Make sure to wear your dancing shoes. I'm about to show everything off."

I dabbed my lips, took off the access lipstick and looked myself over in the mirror. The skirt was a red and black plaid style that stopped about mid-thigh. The black, sequined tank top hugged my chest, pushing the girls up even more, while toning the rest of my body.

For being a bigger girl with curves like crazy, I looked damn good.

Wasn't sure when I would wear this outfit when I packed it, but I'm glad it found a night. Because, though he still bugged the crap out of me, I wouldn't mind making his jaw drop and his eyes pop out of his head. Such a great thought.

I giggled to myself as I walked down the hall, glad to know he was waiting for me at the lounge. Actually, I was looking forward to seeing it. It sat on top of the highest deck, giving you a view of the surrounding ship and ocean. And probably a brilliant night sky.

It was stated to have some of the best cocktails, with a specialized menu each night that you could only see if you had downloaded the app and checked it. I was looking forward to trying some of those and kind of hoped that James wouldn't be a stick in the mud about drinking something other than wine.

I stopped right by the doors, tilting my head at James, whose back was turned. I cleared my throat, and he paused before turning.

And the look?

Fucking. Epic.

His jaw dropped, like I was hoping. His eyes bugged, which was funny. And his damn Adam's apple bobbed, as if he couldn't swallow.

That was new.

"Shall we?" I grabbed the handle, but he quickly stopped me and opened the door for me. I passed by him, but his hand on my hip stopped me.

"You're a fucking siren calling me to my death out here on these open waters, aren't you?" The deep voice shot straight to my core, and I knew I was fighting a losing battle.

"Depends, James, on how you play your cards. Or," I smirked, waving my hand at the packed lounge, "how the other men play their cards."

"Like hell the way."

I let the growl roll through me, but that was all I would do. He didn't need to know that it was him on my mind when I got dressed. And I sure as fuck wasn't going to let him know it was him, I was hoping to undress me.

Two hours later, I laughed as he pulled me away from my delicious third cocktail and right back on the floor. He danced as well as he picked on someone. His hands roamed over my body without a care in the world.

And I was enjoying that far too much.

"Excuse me," someone mumbled from behind us, and we turned around. "Can I dance with the lady?"

"I'd love to-"

"What the fuck, Addi? No, you won't. You're mine."

I planted my hands on my hips and glared at James. Caveman attitudes were not my thing. And though I may have thought about him when dressing, that didn't mean I wasn't allowed to enjoy other's company.

"I'm a grown ass adult, James. I don't need you telling me what to do."

"You're. Mine."

He bit out the words and I rolled my eyes.

"No, I am not! Now, let's dance-" I was, once more, cut off as James spun me around, shoved me up against a pole, wrapped his hands around my neck, and then devoured my lips like a man possessed!