9. Eric

Chapter 9

Eric

The morning sun spills across the deck of the yacht as I finish off the last bite of my breakfast burrito, the taste of eggs and spice lingering on my lips. The salty breeze flips through my hair, and I take a moment to breathe, soaking in this unexpected escape from reality.

Just as I’m about to slide my plate away, the captain strolls back onto the deck, his face lighting up with enthusiasm. “Alright, folks! We’ve got everything you need for some deep-sea fishing,” he announces. “If you’re interested, just let me know.”

I look over at Eve, who’s leaning against the railing, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “What do you think? Up for a little fishing adventure?” I ask, already knowing her answer.

“Heck yes!” she replies, a grin spreading across her face. “Let’s see what we can catch out there!”

With an enthusiastic nod, I push away my plate, the idea of fishing sinking in. It’s been decades since I baited a hook, and while I’m pretty sure my skills are rusty, the thought of spending more time with Eve makes me eager to dive in, literally and figuratively.

“Let’s do this then,” I say, trying to mask the flutter of nerves creeping in.

Once we gather the supplies, we find a spot at the back of the yacht. The captain hands us some cut bait, and as I take the bucket in hand, Eve’s expression morphs into a mask of comedic disgust. She glances at the bait, nose wrinkling as she makes the most exaggerated faces at the smell wafting from the tin pail.

“Ugh! That’s disgusting!” she fake gags, holding her nose in mock horror. “I’m having second thoughts about this.”

“Cut bait is pretty nasty.” I laugh, holding my breath so I don’t have to smell it. Maybe the real challenge here isn't catching fish but keeping my breakfast down. “I’ll bait your hook for you.”

She hesitates, biting her lip as she stares at the bait like it’s going to jump up and bite her back. “Alright, fine,” she concedes, rolling her eyes but maintaining that playful spark. “But I’m doing it myself.”

“Sure you don’t want a little help?” I ask, holding up the bait with a devilish grin. “I can take one for the team.”

“No way. If I’m going to learn how to fish, I’m going to get the whole experience,” she fires back, determination hardening her resolve as she yanks her fishing rod closer. “Even if it is disgusting.”

I watch her as she tries to tackle baiting her hook, fingers fidgeting and twisting as she faces the foul-smelling lump. The whole process would be comically inept if it weren’t so darn cute. Out here, amid the open sea and the salty air, I can’t help but take a moment to truly appreciate her spirit, and it warms me in a way I haven’t ever felt.

“Alright, how about we make it interesting with a bet?” I propose, my competitive edge surfacing. I wiggle my eyebrows as an idea pops into my mind. “Whoever catches the biggest fish gets a massage from the loser.” What can I say? It’s a win-win situation no matter who wins.

“Deal!” she replies, her eyes lighting up with the thrill of competition.

We begin the fishing frenzy, figuring out the ropes, and casting our lines with all the elegance of a couple of amateurs. I can't help but laugh as she tries to maneuver her rod. Her usual elegance deserts her, and she’s all arms and legs, a total mess, flailing like a fish out of water.

The sun is shining, and the sea spray dances around us as we settle in, the calm of the ocean making it easy to forget any worries. After a good twenty minutes, I finally feel a tug on my line, excitement bubbling through me.

“Holy shit!” I yell, reeling in with all my might. “I think I got something!”

“Keep it steady!” she shouts, bouncing on her toes like a cheerleader.

With a little finesse, I reel in a decent-sized fish, feeling a rush of victory surge through me. “Look at this beauty!” I laugh, holding it up for her. I’m prouder of this fish than my first Oscar. Crazy, but no matter what I’m doing with Eve, it’s better than anything I’ve ever done.

“I’m naming him Fred,” I chuckle, flicking a glance her way.

She rolls her eyes, but the competitive fire in her gaze is unmistakable. “I’m going to catch a fish that makes Fred look like a tadpole!”

Game on. The afternoon sun continues its lazy descent as the yacht bobs gently on the waves. After over an hour at this, I’ve only managed to haul in Fred while Eve’s caught several smaller fish. Smugness practically radiates off her like sunshine as she holds up her latest catch for me to see.

“Doris is bigger than Fred!” Her laughter is infectious, and I can’t help but roll my eyes, trying to maintain my air of arrogant confidence.

Her fish is only an inch or two bigger than mine, so I can’t help but tease her. “It’s less than an inch bigger.” I wiggle my eyebrows suggestively.

“Oh, please, Eric, men always have trouble with measurements," she replies, tossing her hair back in a way that's equal parts triumphant and adorable.

“You didn’t have any complaints about my measurements last night,” I shoot back, unable to resist the urge to nudge her. The playful banter spins around us, crackling with all the electric tension that fills the air every time she’s near.

Her face flushes, and I swear I can see her fighting back laughter. “Your measurements are magnificent.” Her eyes gleam with mischief. “I’m hoping to get to check out all your inches again later.”

“Why wait?” In one swift motion, I reach out, tickling her sides without warning, and she erupts into a fit of laughter, the sound ringing out like music against the backdrop of the gently lapping waves.

“Don’t you dare!” She gasps, trying to squirm away from my relentless fingers, and each laugh that spills from her lips pulls me under like a riptide.

I lift her into my arms, cradling her against me like she weighs nothing. The way she instinctively clings to my neck makes my heart thump harder as a rush of desire courses through my veins.

“What about our fish?” she asks, her eyes gleaming with playful mischief as I carry her into the chilly boat.

“We’ll worry about them later.” I run my nose along her cheek, inhaling her delicate floral scent mixed with the salty tang of the ocean. It’s intoxicating, but lingering beneath her sweetness is the unmistakable odor of fish wafting around from our outdoor escapade. “Right now, we need a shower. And we’ll do it together to conserve water.”

“I love the way you think.” She sighs against the side of my neck, sending all the blood in my body straight to my cock. I need her more than I need my next breath, plain and simple.

I set her on her feet inside the large bathroom and rip my t-shirt off, letting it drop to the floor at my feet. The cool air hits my skin, contrasting nicely with the heat brewing between us. “Since you won our bet, do you want your massage in the shower or in the bed?”

Eve watches me with a blend of amusement and something deeper, and I feel the all-consuming spark of connection between us blaze bright. “I’ll take both.”

“My greedy little siren,” I growl as I tug my swim trunks down my legs.

The way her eyes rove over my body sends another jolt of adrenaline through me as my cock grows steadily harder.

With her eyes locked on me, Eve slowly lets the cover-up slide down her shoulders. Time seems to freeze as I watch the fabric pool around her feet, revealing the swimsuit that clings to her like it was made just for her. Her stunning body makes my breath hitch in my throat. Her raw beauty sets every nerve ending on fire, tempting and teasing me as the moment stretches out.

“Goddamn,” I mutter, completely taken by her. “You’re fucking perfect.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere,” she quips back but can’t completely hide the blush rising across her cheeks, which only deepens the allure.

She slowly slips out of her swimsuit, and I try to steel my resolve, but it’s a losing battle. Seeing every inch of her body overrides my senses, and there’s an urgency building within me that I can no longer ignore.