Chapter One

Caress

The Florida sun beats down on me as I struggle with my overpacked suitcase up the crowded sidewalk leading to Port Everglades. My heart races, but not from excitement. This business cruise with Dylan, my workaholic boss and brother’s best friend, promises to be anything but relaxing.

“You can do this, Caress,” I mutter, straightening my blazer as we approach the check-in area for the Infinity Voyager.

Dylan appears at my side, his hand settling on the small of my back. The warmth of his touch sends an unexpected shiver down my spine. “Here, let me take that for you,” he says, reaching for my suitcase.

I hesitate, torn between my stubborn independence and the allure of his help. “I’ve got it, thanks.”

He quirks an eyebrow, amusement dancing in those mesmerizing gray eyes. “Come on, Cari. Let me be a gentleman for once.”

The use of my nickname, reserved only for those closest to me, makes my resolve crumble. I reluctantly hand over the suitcase, trying to ignore how effortlessly he lifts it. “Fine, but don’t get used to it. I’m not some damsel in distress.”

Dylan chuckles, a rich sound that does funny things to my insides. “Wouldn’t dream of it. You’re the most capable woman I know.”

I roll my eyes, fighting the flush creeping up my neck. It’s just Dylan being nice, I remind myself. He’s probably feeling guilty for dragging me on this work trip.

As we join the check-in line, my phone buzzes. My best friend’s name flashes across the screen, and I answer with a grin. “Hey, Jas! What’s up?”

“Just checking in on my favorite workaholic before she sets sail,” Jasmine’s voice crackles through the speaker. “How’s the view? And I’m not talking about the ocean.”

I glance at Dylan, who’s scrolling through his phone, looking unfairly handsome in his crisp white shirt and tailored slacks. “The ship looks amazing,” I deflect, lowering my voice. “But I’m here for work, remember?”

Jasmine snorts. “Right, because being stuck on a luxury cruise with your smoking hot boss is such a hardship. Try not to fall head-first into his pants while you’re on board, okay?”

“Jasmine!” I hiss, my face burning. “It’s not like that. Dylan just wants his assistant there for marketing stuff. Besides, Joel would murder us if we even thought about crossing that line.”

“Speaking of your overprotective big bro, when’s he joining you?”

I check my watch. “Should be here any minute. He’s flying in straight from a meeting in Chicago.”

“Well, have fun juggling those two alpha males,” Jasmine teases. “And remember, what happens on international waters…”

“Goodbye, Jasmine,” I cut her off, laughing despite myself. “I’ll text you when we set sail.”

I hang up just as Dylan turns to me, his brow furrowed. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just Jasmine being… Jasmine,” I say, waving it off.

Dylan nods, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. “Ah, the voice of temptation. What trouble is she trying to get you into this time?”

If he only knew. I’m saved from answering by a familiar voice calling out behind us.

“There you two are! I was beginning to think you’d ditched me for your own private getaway.”

I spin around to see Joel striding towards us, his carry-on slung over one shoulder. He wraps me in a bear hug, lifting me off my feet.

“Put me down, you oaf!” I laugh, swatting at his arms. “We’re in public!”

Joel sets me down, grinning unrepentantly. “Can’t a guy be excited to see his favorite sister?”

“I’m your only sister,” I remind him, smoothing down my blazer.

“Details, details.” Joel turns to Dylan, clasping his hand in a firm shake that morphs into a one-armed hug. “Thanks for getting her here in one piece, man.”

Dylan shrugs, his easy smile not quite reaching his eyes. “Someone had to make sure she didn’t work herself to death before the cruise even started.”

I bristle at that. “I’m standing right here, you know. And I’m perfectly capable of managing my own workload.”

Both men exchange a look that speaks volumes. I hate when they do that.

“Of course, you are, Cari,” Joel placates, throwing an arm around my shoulders. “Now, who’s ready for some sun, sea, and hopefully very little work?”

The check-in process flies by in a whirlwind of passports and cheery cruise staff welcoming us aboard and then guiding us to our safety briefings onboard the ship. Before I know it, we’re stepping onto the gleaming deck of the Infinity Voyager.

My breath catches as I take in the sheer opulence surrounding us. Gleaming white and chrome stretch as far as the eye can see, interrupted only by towering glass windows that offer breathtaking views of the harbor. It’s like stepping into another world, one I’m not quite sure I belong in.

“Impressive, isn’t it?” Dylan murmurs, his breath warm against my ear. I jump, not realizing he’d moved so close.

“It’s… something,” I manage, trying to ignore the way my skin tingles from his proximity.

Joel whistles low, spinning in a slow circle to take it all in. “Man, you weren’t kidding about going all out for this marketing campaign, Dyl. This ship is insane.”

Dylan grins, a boyish excitement lighting up his features. It’s a rare glimpse of the teenage boy I once had a crush on, and it does funny things to my heart. “Wait until you see the suites. We’re in for a treat.”

As if on cue, a perky staff member in a crisp white uniform approaches us. “Welcome aboard the Infinity Voyager! If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to your suites.”

We trail after her, weaving through throngs of excited passengers. A resentful feeling builds in my gut at the appreciative glances thrown Dylan’s way by women, and more than a few men, as we pass. Not that I can blame them. With his sleeves rolled up to reveal tanned forearms and gelled-up hair, he looks like he just stepped out of a luxury travel magazine.

Stop it, Caress, I scold myself. He’s your boss, remember? And your brother’s best friend. Off limits in every way that counts.

The staff member, whose name tag reads ‘Cindy’, leads us to a bank of elevators. “You’ll be staying in our Ocean View Suites on Deck 10,” she explains as we ascend. “Mr. Carter and Ms. Mitchell, you’ll be in adjoining suites 1052 and 1054. Mr. Mitchell, you’ll be just down the hall in 1060.”

I freeze, my stomach dropping. “Adjoining suites?” I squeak, shooting a panicked look at Dylan.

He looks equally taken aback, a faint flush creeping up his neck. “There must be some mistake,” he starts, but Joel cuts him off with a laugh.

“Relax, you two. I’m sure it’s just a mix-up with the bookings. We’ll get it sorted out.”

Cindy’s smile falters slightly. “I’m so sorry for the confusion. Unfortunately, we’re at full capacity for this voyage. I’m afraid we won’t be able to change the room assignments.”

Great. Just great. Three days of forced proximity with the one man I’ve been trying desperately not to think about in that way. This cruise is already shaping up to be a disaster.

We reach our floor, and Cindy leads us down a plush carpeted hallway. “Here we are,” she chirps, gesturing to two doors next to each other. “1052 and 1054. There’s an adjoining door between the suites, but it can be locked from both sides for privacy.”

Small mercies, I think wryly.

Joel claps Dylan on the shoulder. “Well, looks like you two lovebirds will be nice and cozy,” he teases, completely oblivious to the tension crackling between us. “I’ll be down the hall if you need a chaperone.”

I resist the urge to smack my brother. “Very funny,” I mutter, snatching the key card from Cindy’s outstretched hand. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to freshen up before the sailaway party.”

I hurry into my suite, pointedly ignoring Dylan’s concerned gaze. The door clicks shut behind me, and I lean against it, letting out a shaky breath.

The suite is stunning, all muted blues and creams that echo the colors of the sea and sand outside. A king-sized bed dominates one wall, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer a breathtaking view of the harbor. Under different circumstances, I’d be thrilled.

My phone buzzes, and I fish it out of my purse. A text from Jasmine flashes across the screen: “Hope you’re settling in! Remember, what happens on the high seas…”

I groan, tossing the phone onto the bed. If she only knew.

A soft knock on the adjoining door makes me jump. “Caress?” Dylan’s voice filters through, hesitant. “Can we talk?”

I take a deep breath, squaring my shoulders. You can do this, Caress. It’s just three days. Just a job. Nothing more.

With one last glance in the mirror to make sure I don’t look as flustered as I feel, I move to open the door. Time to face the music, and the man who’s been starring in far too many of my fantasies lately.

As I reach for the handle, a commotion in the hallway catches my attention. Raised voices, one of them distressingly familiar. My blood runs cold as I recognize the speaker.

No. It can’t be.

I yank open my suite door just in time to see Trevor, my manipulative ex, arguing with a flustered-looking Cindy. His eyes lock onto mine, and that smirk I know all too well spreads across his face.

“Caress, baby,” he drawls, sauntering towards me. “What a delightful surprise.”

My heart pounds, and I take an involuntary step back. “Trevor? What the hell are you doing here?”

He reaches for my arm, but I flinch away. His cologne, the same one I used to love, now turns my stomach. “Come on, don’t be like that. Fate brought us here together, maybe we can use this trip to work things out.”

“There’s nothing to work out,” I snap, fighting to keep my voice steady. “We’re over, remember?”

Trevor’s eyes narrow, and I see a flash of the anger that used to terrify me. “You don’t mean that. I know you still need me.”

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. It’s his usual MO. Trying to make me feel small and dependent. But I’m not that girl anymore. I’ve spent the past year rebuilding myself, piece by painstaking piece.

I open my mouth to tell him exactly where he can shove his assumptions when a deep voice cuts through the tension.

“Is everything alright here?”

Relief washes over me as Dylan appears in the doorway of his suite, his expression thunderous. He moves to stand beside me, and his solid presence wraps around me like a comforting shield.

Trevor’s charm slides back into place like a mask. “No problem here. Just catching up with my girlfriend.”

“Ex-girlfriend,” I correct, my voice stronger now. Dylan stiffens beside me, and a small, petty part of me is pleased by his reaction.

Dylan steps forward, placing a steadying hand on my lower back. The warmth of his touch sends another shiver down my spine, but this time it’s not from fear. “I believe the lady made herself clear,” he says, his deep voice laced with authority. “She’s not interested.”

Trevor’s gaze flicks between us, his jaw clenching. “And who might you be?”

Before I can respond, Dylan pulls me closer. The solid wall of his chest against my back makes me feel safe in a way I haven’t in a long time. “I’m her boyfriend,” he states, the lie rolling smoothly off his tongue. “And I’d appreciate it if you’d stop harassing my woman.”

My eyes widen as I look up at Dylan. What is he doing? But the determined set of his jaw tells me to play along. I lean into him, forcing a sweet smile. “Thanks, babe. I was just telling Trevor here that he needs to move on.”

Trevor’s face darkens, but he backs off. “This isn’t over, Caress,” he growls before stalking away.

As he disappears down the hallway, I let out a shaky breath. Dylan’s arm is still around me. The scent of his cologne, something woodsy and expensive, fills my senses.

“Are you okay?” he whispers, his breath warm against my ear.

I nod, my mind reeling. “Yeah, I… thank you. But, um, boyfriend?”

Dylan runs a hand through his hair, looking almost sheepish. It’s an oddly endearing look on a man I’ve only ever seen as the epitome of corporate confidence. “I apologize if I overstepped. I couldn’t stand by and watch him pressure you like that.”

“No, you didn’t overstep,” I assure him. My heart is still racing, but now I’m not sure if it’s from the confrontation or from the feeling of being in Dylan’s arms. “But what happens when he realizes we’re not actually together?”

Dylan’s eyes meet mine, a spark of something I can’t quite name flickering in their depths. “Well,” he says slowly, “I suppose we’ll just have to be very convincing, won’t we?”

My breath catches in my throat. Is he suggesting what I think he is? The idea of pretending to be Dylan’s girlfriend for the duration of this cruise is both thrilling and terrifying. On one hand, it solves my Trevor problem. On the other… I’ve spent the last year trying to keep my inconvenient crush on my boss firmly under wraps.

“Are you sure about this?” I ask, searching his face for any sign of hesitation. “It’s not exactly in your job description to play fake boyfriend.”

Dylan’s lips quirk into a half-smile that does unfair things to my insides. “Consider it an extension of my duties as your boss. Protecting my best employee’s peace of mind is just good business sense.”

I laugh, some of the tension easing from my shoulders. “Well, when you put it that way, how can I refuse?”

“That’s the spirit,” Dylan says, his hand still resting on my lower back as he guides me towards the elevators. “Now, let’s go find your brother and fill him in on our little arrangement. We have three days of… convincing performances ahead of us.”

As we make our way through the crowd of excited passengers, I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve just stepped onto a rollercoaster I’m not quite prepared for. Whatever happens these next few days are going to be anything but boring.