Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE

Zariah

Spending time with Pierce was more fun than spending time alone.

I didn’t think I’d ever admit that to myself, especially after the little incident with his family. Families worried about each other, that part I understood, especially if Pierce said he was only running to get drinks, and they planned to have dinner together.

But three older sisters? And parents who didn’t seem very happy to see their son hanging out with an older woman intimidated the shit out of me.

I lay in bed all morning and replayed the night before on repeat. I’d never met anyone like Pierce before. I knew there would never be anything more than what we had on this ship, so why not enjoy it while I could?

Why care what his parents or sisters thought of me when it didn’t matter one bit?

This was all part of the fun fantasy of a cruise vacation. Pierce could be that for me. Besides, these next two weeks would fly by in a flash, and I’d be back in Appleridge soon enough, back to my routines and responsibilities, with no man to have fun with. So why the hell not?

With my mind made up, I took a long hot shower, shaved and plucked every necessary hair, went for a light shimmery makeup look with lots of sunblock, and my sexiest sundress with my cheetah print bikini underneath.

When he didn’t answer his room door, I went in search of him. Where could a man possibly be in the morning, especially a hungover one? Yep. Eating breakfast.

Sure enough, there he was. Sitting alone. Perfect opportunity.

After we finished eating, we explored the different areas of the ship and picked out places we’d like to try.

There was The Golden Sunset Sushi Bar and the Crimson Cabernet Bistro, both of which Pierce knew of already, including some of the menu items he wanted to try.

Up on the rooftop deck was the Stellar Sky Lounge, which featured live music and plush seating around firepits. On another deck was an infinity pool complete with a pool bar called Aqua Aura.

“We’re swimming and drinking tomorrow.” Pierce wrapped his hand around mine and grinned.

“Tomorrow? Why not today?”

“There’s still so much to see!”

Tucked away in a secluded corner of the ship was another bar called the Opulent Oasis Martini Bar, and we stopped there for drinks while still exploring. We sank into the plush velvet couches and ordered all different exotic martinis such as lychee fruit and passion fruit mango.

“I’ve never heard of lychee fruit before, have you?” Pierce asked as he took a sip, and his lips puckered.

I giggled. “Yes, but I’ve never tried it. Is it sour?”

“Just a tad.” Pierce shivered and handed the glass to me. He picked up the other and took a sip, having the same reaction. “Wowzers.”

I snorted and laughed. “Did you just say wowzers?”

“Yep, and you love it. C’mon, try it.” He nodded at the martini glass still in my hand. I sipped slowly, and the sour yet fruity sweet taste played on my tongue.

“Mmm,” I said and took another. “I love it.”

“Try this one.” Pierce handed me the other.

This one zapped my taste buds, and the sharp, sour sweetness danced on my tongue. “Ooo, that’s different. But I like it.”

“You can have both. I’m going to order a classic one. Or maybe the pear?” Pierce said before he went to the bar in search of a martini he’d like.

I sipped on both of mine. Why not double fist it? I was on a cruise and living it up. As I sank into the couch and the warm rush of alcohol buzzed through my veins, my entire body relaxed, and it felt as if my stress melted away.

I could tell myself it was the vacation, the drinks, the perfect atmosphere. But deep down, I knew what made my heart race. What made me feel at peace and relaxed. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, I couldn’t deny it.

Pierce. My cruise ship fantasy.

The only problem?

He already worked his way into my heart.

After spending the day together, we parted ways for dinner as Pierce wanted to clear the air with his family at dinner.

I grabbed a takeout meal from the main dining room and ate on the balcony in my room while reading a book.

We planned on meeting at the infinity pool later for a swim and a few cocktails. But after an hour passed and there was no sign of Pierce, I couldn’t help the disappointment swirling inside me.

As I stood to go, I heard my name.

“Zariah! Wait!”

I looked over and saw Pierce running toward me.

“I’m sorry! Dinner took way longer than I thought.”

“It’s alright, we can hang out another night.”

“No, I’m here now. I want to go swimming.” Pierce grabbed the hem of his shirt and lifted it off. He tossed it on the lounge chair next to us and took off his slides. “I’ve pictured you all day in a bikini. I wasn’t about to miss it.”

His words didn’t sink in because I couldn’t stop staring at his perfect physique. His broad, muscular shoulders and sexy, ripped arms I couldn’t tear my eyes off, not to mention his washboard stomach. My fingers itched to touch his skin, feel his hard muscles beneath my hands, and I pictured him tossing me around the bedroom.

“Zariah? Are you coming?”

“Huh? What?”

Pierce threw his head back and laughed. “Were you checking me out?”

I flushed as I put my bag back on the chair and removed my sandals. “No.” The word sounded weak and I could tell Pierce didn’t believe my bullshit.

“I like you checking me out.” He grunted and my nipples hardened into stiff peaks. He took one of my hands in his and placed it on his stomach. My breath caught in my throat.

There were lots of people around us but none of them mattered. All that mattered was Pierce and I inside our impenetrable bubble.

He leaned down and brushed his lips against my ear. “Can I help you take off your dress?”

My hormones went nuts, and it felt like my brain misfired in every direction possible. I opened my mouth to speak but couldn’t form any words. So all I did was nod.

As he moved his hands down over my hips, he stopped when his fingers reached the hem of my dress. His fingertips brushed against my skin, and my knees nearly buckled.

Pierce slowly and painstakingly removed my dress, making sure his touch was felt the entire way, and I panted like a damn dog in heat.

His eyes dropped down my luscious curves on full display in my skimpy bikini and I was ready to fucking combust.

This man hadn’t even kissed me yet and I felt like I could orgasm on the spot.

If his touch drove me over the edge, what would it be like to kiss him?

Our faces inched closer.

Our breaths mixed.

He was going to kiss me… finally …he was going to kiss me…

Suddenly, out of nowhere, music blasted through speakers and we jumped apart, the moment gone.

“Last one in the pool is a rotten egg!” Pierce yelled and off he went. I shook my head and laughed.

Damn him and his infectious ways.

I was in trouble.

Trouble I welcomed happily.