Page 15 of Unforgettable Promise (The Next Chapter)
I got up from the table and said, “Speaking of events, I think I have one early tomorrow morning, so I really should get some rest tonight.”
“You’re leaving? We haven’t even eaten,” he said.
Something you said ruined my appetite.
“I’m not hungry. But you stay and enjoy. Have a good night, Rick.”
He got up and said, “I’ll walk you to your room.”
“I’m all set. I know the way,” I replied.
“I wasn’t asking. A gentleman always escorts a lady to her door.”
I knew better than to argue with him. He’d never been one to budge once his mind was made up. “Fine.”
We chatted a little along the way, but didn’t hold hands. When we got to my room, he asked, “Did you want to have dinner with me again tomorrow night?”
I smiled. “We never had dinner tonight,” I corrected.
He chuckled. “You’re right.”
“Don’t you have work to do? I mean, you’re not here on vacation. You said you work on the ship. Right?” I hadn’t seen him in a uniform, so I was still in doubt.
“I do, but my shift is early in the morning and ends at seven. That gives us plenty of time for dinner.”
I wasn’t so sure about those hours. I knew people who had worked on a cruise ship. They worked damn hard and long hours. But I wasn’t about to question him.
“Fine. Dinner at eight works for me.” I don’t know what came over me, but I added something that shocked even me. “That is, unless I meet someone at one of these events tomorrow.”
Why had I said that? It had to hurt. Was it because I was hurting now with us together, but not together? I’m a grown ass woman but acting like I did when I was twenty. I don’t play games. I tell it as it is. Now shouldn’t be any different.
Before Rick could respond, I added quickly. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t very nice of me.”
“It was honest,” he said.
“No. I don’t think it was that either. It’s just that…that seeing you has brought back feelings that…I might not have dealt with.”
“I hurt you. I know. I’m sorry. Maybe leaving you a note to meet for dinner was a bad idea. But knowing you were so close, I couldn’t stop myself.”
“Then don’t stop,” I uttered softly, placing my hand on his chest.
He pulled me into his arms and kissed me. I felt myself melting against him. He pulled away slightly and whispered, “Can we continue this…inside your room?”
Continue?I knew exactly what was going to happen if I let him inside. We’d end up having sex. Amazing, mind-blowing sex. Is that what I wanted? No. I wanted what I always wanted with him. A life together, a future. Enjoy what you have, because when this cruise is over, we’ll never see each other again.
I turned around, opened my door, and walked inside, waiting for him to follow. My heart raced, waiting for him to take that first step. When he did, a new emotion took over me – the need to feel his strong arms around me.
I heard my cell phone vibrating on the dresser, and I ignored it. Whoever you are, you’ll hear from me in the morning. Right now, there’s no voice I want to hear but Rick’s.
He picked me up, carried me to the bed, and sat me on the edge. I watched him unbutton his shirt and let it slip off his shoulders. Besides a few gray hairs on his chest, I’d say his body looked even better than I remembered. Damn, how is it you haven’t aged?
I had to beat down any insecurities I had about my own body, because they’d only kill the moment. If it can’t last forever, then let it last all night long.
I held my breath as he kicked off his shoes and removed his slacks.
“Are you just going to sit there and watch the show, or should I help you with your dress?” he asked.
I’d never been one to hold back with him before, and I wasn’t about to start. I stood up, reached behind me, and unzipped my dress. With a light shake it fell from my shoulders and onto the floor. “I guess you can tell I wasn’t expecting company,” I said, running my hands over my blue cotton briefs and matching bra.