Page 34 of Rescuing Mia
“Like I said, I’m not interested in easy. Tell you what,” I say, my voice low and persuasive, “let me take you to dinner. Just the two of us. I promise, no more cheesy pickup lines.”
She laughs, shaking her head. “You realize we’ll all be having dinner together anyway, right? All thirty-four of us. It’s a small ship.”
I nod, my grin widening. “True, but I’m asking for the pleasure of your company specifically. The seat next to mine, to be exact.”
“And why would I agree to that?” She raises an eyebrow, a smile tugging at her lips.
“Because you’re stunning and captivating, and those are two things I find absolutely fascinating.” I lean in closer, my voice dropping to a whisper. “But you’ll do it because, as much as you want to deny it, there’s this crazy energy between us. Not to mention, you don’t want the bimbos to win.”
“Crazy energy?”
“The air’s electric.” I reach out to touch her arm. The contact is electric, a spark that ignites something deep within me. “Can’t you feel it?”
“It?”
“Destiny.”
“Oh, my, another fabulous pickup line.”
“Only stating the truth.”
“And what do you mean I don’t want the bimbos to win?”
“Only that you wouldn’t call them bimbos unless you saw them as competition.”
“Competition?” She props a hand on her waist. “For what?”
“For me.”
She’s silent for a long moment, her eyes locked on mine. Warring emotions march across her face, desire battling with caution.
Finally, she nods. “Okay,” she says, her voice soft but determined. “Dinner. You and me, but fair warning…”
“What?”
“If you’re looking to get laid, you really should stick to the bimbos.”
“Get laid?” I gasp and place my hands on my cheeks in mock surprise. “Are you saying I’m easy? Because you'll have to work a lot harder if you want me in your bed tonight.”
“That’s not…” Her cheeks turn ten shades of crimson. “I didn’t say… That’s not what I meant.”
“Too late.” I thrust out my hand, curious whether she’ll take it or run from me. “It’s officially a date.”
“It’s not a date. It’s just dinner.” She rolls her eyes, but I can see the smile she’s trying to hide.
“We’ll see about that.” I grin, my eyes twinkling with promise. “So, how long have you been diving?”
“Actually, I don’t. Dive, that is.” She hesitates for a moment, her eyes darting away from mine. An innocent comment struck a nerve.
“Really?” I raise my eyebrows in surprise. “That’s unusual for a cruise that specializes in diving adventures. Most people here are pretty serious about their diving.”
“Maybe I just wanted to see the world and experience something new? I thought this cruise would be a good way to do that.” She shrugs, a slight tension in her shoulders.
“I get that. Travel broadens the mind, or so they say. Doing it solo, as a woman, is pretty brave.”
There’s more to her story, but I won’t push too hard.
“Why? Because it’s more dangerous for a woman than a man?” Her eyes narrow, a flash of irritation crossing her face.