5. Emma

CHAPTER 5

EMMA

B rock and I step off the cruise ship, eager to explore our first port of call in the Caribbean. It's a bright day full of sunshine, and St. Maarten is vibrant and alive with color and energy. I feel a buzz of excitement as we stroll through the streets.

Each day on the cruise with Brock has been wonderful, like discovering a new world, but unfortunately, my crush has bloomed into full-blown love in the process. Like crazy, bang-your-head-against-the-wall love.

What a mess.

"What do you say, Emma? Ready to play tourist today?" Brock's deep voice rumbles beside me, his eyes taking in the bustling marketplace.

I smile, my heart light in my chest. "For sure." I use my phone's camera to capture the sights, from the vivid hues of fresh produce in an open air market to the lively street performers. And, okay, more than a few selfies of Brock and me.

We spend a delightful day discovering the city, wandering through its cobblestone streets, stopping at charming cafes, and admiring the breathtaking views from the top of the old clock tower. Brock feels comfortable enough with me to share stories of his travels, and my heart swells.

We stop for a refreshing drink at a local bar. "A taste of the local culture," he calls it, winking at me, making my stomach flutter.

Later, we embark on a scavenger hunt we saw advertised at the local tourism booth. It takes us on a delightful journey through the town, solving clever riddles to find hidden gems in town that we otherwise might have missed. We work together beautifully, our minds in sync, our competitive sides spurring us forward.

At the final location, Brock and I find ourselves breathless, laughing, and sharing a victorious high-five. I capture the moment with my camera when Brock kisses my cheek, knowing it's a memory I'll secretly cherish forever.

The rest of the day flies by, and as the sun begins to set, we make our way back to the ship in plenty of time to get ready for the masquerade ball tonight.

I slip into the elegant green-blue dress Brock insisted on buying for me yesterday, the color of the ocean we're floating on. It swirls around me like the sea breeze, the fabric sensually teasing my bare skin and making me feel like a seductive sea nymph. I pair it with the Venetian mask I crafted yesterday, delicate silver with swirls of glittering blue paint, and my heart races anticipating Brock's reaction to the whole outfit.

Why do I insist on trying to tempt my boss like this? It can only lead to the complete implosion of everything I've worked so hard to build.

But all that flies out of my head when I finally step into the grand ballroom and catch sight of the man.

Fuck, he looks like a dark and devious prince, tall and dashing in that tailored black suit. His mask, with its shimmering gold sequins accentuating his chiseled features, takes my breath away.

I walk toward him almost in a trance. When Brock's gaze finds mine, it's like I'm caught in a tractor beam. His eyes light up and he involuntarily licks his lips. "Wow, Emma," he breathes, taking my hand and twirling me around. The dress swirls around my calves gently. "You look...enchanting."

I blush, unable to form words. His intense stare sends a shiver prickling down my spine.

The ballroom is filled with masked guests, lively music, and the tantalizing aroma of fine Italian cuisine. But my focus is solely on Brock and his hand holding mine. He hasn't taken his eyes off me since I arrived. I honestly feel like Cinderella at the ball.

"Let's dance," he murmurs in my ear, and I let him pull me close. I'm instantly swept away by Brock's movements, our bodies swaying in perfect harmony as we move about the room. His touch is electric, his hand at my waist guiding me with a firm yet gentle hold.

"You're the most beautiful woman in this room," Brock whispers in my ear, his breath warm against my skin.

My body is buzzing with desire, tingles reaching every secret place. "And you're the sexiest man here," I reply, my voice soft and breathy. Oh god—I just told my boss he's sexy!

I hear him groan, and my core clenches.

I can't move away from him. My body craves more. Every part of me is touching him, but it's still not enough.

I reluctantly tear myself away from him to run to the powder room. And as I return someone calls out to me. "Emma!"

Angel walks up in a dashing formal uniform. He stops and blinks. "I almost didn't recognize you with the mask. But wow, girl. You are on fire tonight."

"Thanks, Angel," I say, my cheeks heating, as his eyes rove over me. "You look pretty nice, too."

Suddenly, a thick arm wraps around my shoulders, and Brock pulls me close. "Don't you have other guests to attend to, Angel?"

Angel's brow furrows. "Oh, uh, yes… sorry, I was just complimenting Miss Parker on?—"

"I know what you were doing, but you can move along now."

"Sir, I?—"

"Go," Brock asserts, leaving no room for argument.

"Of course, Mr. Donovan." Angel nods and hurries away.

Brock ushers me to a secluded corner of the ballroom, hidden from the crowd.

"Brock, Angel was just being nice," I say, gazing up at him, my hands on his chest. He's so close, his breath warm against my face.

He shakes his head. "No, Emma, that kid wants you. Just like every hot-blooded male who looks your way." His hand slides down my back and he pulls me closer, our hips aligning.

I gasp at his thick bulge below.

"It makes me crazy jealous."

Jealous over me ? I gulp.

"I was ready to fight every damn guy at the pool yesterday," he confesses, tilting my chin up with his finger.

"You have no reason to be jealous," I whisper, the heat between us blazing. I can't keep my secret inside any longer. "You're the only one who's attention I want."

My eyes drift closed as his lips graze my neck, and I whimper softly. I lean into him, melting into his strong embrace, rocking my hips against him.

"Emma," he moans, and bites the column of my throat.

I cry out, and my hands fly up to remove his mask and mine, dropping them on a nearby table. Eyes pitch black with desire and lips parted, there's no doubt he wants me. With one hand on his stubbled cheek and the other behind his neck, I pull his mouth to mine.

We instantly explode in a rush of fevered kisses, tongues exploring and tangling. I open wider for him, desperate to taste every part of his sweet mouth. Wine and salt and other savory notes dance across my taste buds. I'm already addicted to kissing him.

He pushes me back against the wall and I swear I could come just from the hard pressure of his cock.

"Fuck, sweet girl," he growls. "What have you done to me?"

Before I can answer, his mouth is back to ravaging mine. I grind against him and can feel the tension building. I'm on the edge of the precipice, about to surrender to a sensation so incredible I know it will consume me. He grips my thigh, pulling it up and tight against him, and in a rush, I'm suddenly there.

My head flies back and I let out a strangled cry of ecstasy as I come, convulsing in his arms.

"Baby…" he whispers, holding me tight, pressing softer kisses along my jaw and neck.

When my breathing slows, I open my eyes. Brock is watching me, his expression intense. But something's… off. "I'm so sorry, Emma," he whispers in a strained voice. His hand strokes my cheek. "We can't do this... It isn't right."

My heart plummets.

"W-what do you mean? I thought..." I struggle to find the right words, my mind still hazy from my heart-stopping orgasm.

Brock runs a hand through his hair distractedly, his gaze troubled. "I shouldn't have let things go this far. I'm your boss ." He takes a step back, his words cutting through my confusion.

Disappointment and embarrassment flood through me, and I adjust my dress, suddenly cold without him near me. God, I feel sick. "I…um… I understand," I manage to say, my voice cracking. "Would you excuse me, please? I should go."

I turn and make my way quickly out of the ballroom, my eyes stinging. I run all the way back to my room and collapse onto the bed.

The tears are really falling now and all the little voices in my head are yelling at me at once.

Why are you so stupid, Emma?

He's your boss!

And you came ! Oh, for heaven's sake ...

But I thought…

What could you have possibly thought? That you were now a couple ? That he was suddenly yours ? The man barely spoke to you before this trip, remember?

They're right. I just allowed myself to get carried away by the fantasy brought on by the magic of the masquerade…not to mention this whole cruise, and my silly, romantic heart.