You Kissed Me First

9. Day Four

CHAPTER 9

Day Four

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

DOMINIC

I don’t know what the girl said to Katie, but I can’t be mad at her for it. Not after the way Katie stuck up for me or the way she kissed me afterward. It was hot as hell to see her so riled up. I think she might have actually taken a swing at the girl if given the chance.

Still, I didn’t want to see her held in the brig for an altercation, so as entertaining as it would be to watch her fight the blonde-headed floozy Barrett picked up, I had to get her out of there. Thankfully, we were approaching our second destination.

We would have less time at port here, but I planned to rent us some jet skis if Katie is agreeable. If not, I figured we could chill on the beach.

By the time we are off the ship, I can tell Katie is still pissed about the altercation.

“Do you want to talk about it?” I kiss her temple as I pull her into my side.

She takes a deep breath. “I might have overreacted.”

My heart clenches for a moment. Could she have been mad because the girl is with Barrett? Is Katie still pining for the asshole?

For a moment, my mind flickers back to last night. I was buried between her legs. Was she thinking about me or was it him?

I try to keep the tension from my body, but I can’t. So, after another squeeze, I let Katie go.

She gives me an odd look.

“I’m sure she didn’t realize what she said. She doesn’t seem to have many brain cells,” I say to appease her.

“She said you were a womanizing piece of shit who steals women. To be honest, I used to think the same thing. Well, the womanizing part, at least.” She shrugs. “Still, you didn’t steal me. He tossed me away. She doesn’t get to speak on shit she has no clue about.”

I swallow hard. I want to believe her indignation is for me, but I have a feeling it might also be a little bit for their lost relationship.

“Well, I appreciate your anger on my behalf, but really, I don’t care what she thinks. Besides, Barrett wasn’t talking about only you.”

“What do you mean?”

When she reaches down, threading her fingers through mine, I feel a little of the tension seep out of me.

“In high school, Barrett swears I’d always date the girls he wanted. He was younger than us and wanted the girls in our grade. I didn’t even know he liked them half the time. So he has this notion that I go out of my way to steal women from him. He probably thinks I went after you to keep you from him. He’s kind of an asshole like that. Even though he doesn’t want it, he doesn’t want anyone else to have it.”

She stops, glaring at me. “I’m not an it.”

I squeeze her hand. “Of course not. You’re a gorgeous, beautiful, intelligent, funny, sexy woman.”

Then I pull her into my chest, reaching down to cup her face as I kiss her. She sighs into me. Before I can deepen the kiss, that annoying gnat cat-calls.

“Get a room, guys.”

I growl, glaring over my shoulder at Barrett. His girlfriend giggles at his antics.

“Asshole,” I grumble.

Katie pulls my head back, pressing a chaste kiss to my lips. “Leave it. What are our plans for the day, anyway?”

I continue walking, pulling her with me. “I didn’t plan a big excursion. I figured today we could either rent some jet skis or chill on the beach. It’s up to you.”

Her eyes shine. “I’m still a little wary of the sea, but if you would be willing to share, I would be game to try the jet skis.”

I pull her into my side, sliding my arm around her shoulders. “Of course. Let’s go get them then.”

It’s not a quick process. Before we can even get the equipment, we have to sit and watch a safety video, then take a test to ensure we are paying attention. Then the attendants make sure we put on our life vests correctly before leading us to the jet skis. Unfortunately for us, the rest of our group had the same idea. I guess when I told Grant my plans, he shared them with Nessa, who in turn shared them with everyone else.

So as a group, we head out. I let everyone else get on theirs and leave before I get on mine. Once seated, I turn to Katie.

“Get on and hold on tight. You can squeeze me as hard as you need to.”

She rolls her eyes. “Is this some ploy to get my breasts pressed against your back? You won’t be able to feel them. This vest covers me pretty well.”

I snort. “Get on the damn ski, Katie.”

I will my dick to stop twitching as I feel her slide behind me. Her body is molded to mine. When she wraps her arms around me, I reach down and squeeze her arm, loving the feel of her against me.

“Here we go.”

I turn the jet ski on, easing away from the shore. At first, I keep it slow, not wanting to freak Katie out. Once she seems to relax a little, I amp up the speed. Before long, we are cruising along the shoreline of beautiful San Juan.

I can still see the others up ahead, but I choose to remain pretty far behind. I prefer it just the two of us.

As the others slow to a stop to congregate, I do the same but leave us a bit away.

“Having fun?” I look at Katie over my shoulder.

Her smile is blinding. She looks like she’s having the time of her life.

“This is the best. I can’t believe I’ve never been on one.”

“Do you want to drive? I wouldn’t mind being wrapped around you.”

She shakes her head. “I’m not that adventurous yet. I think I enjoy riding. All the responsibility falls on you. All I have to do is hold on.”

“Well then, just consider me your chauffeur. Where to, madam?”

“Well, Jeeves, I would like to see the best of the island,” she says in a hoity tone.

I chuckle. “Your wish is my command. Would you like to see what the other peasants are doing?”

She bites her lip as if she’s contemplating. I know she doesn’t want to see Barrett, but the others are her friends. They are our friends.

“Let’s go see,” she says after a moment.

I carefully bring us up to the group. Nessa moves her jet ski closer to us.

“I can’t believe he got you out here, Kit Kat,” she calls to Katie.

Katie giggles. “He’s persuasive. Besides, I know he will keep me safe.”

My chest fills with pride at her words. She trusts me to keep her safe, and I will.

I see movement beside us. I glance over to find Barrett sneering at us.

“Such a child. Can’t even drive her own jet ski. Pathetic,” he spews.

I go to respond, but Katie beats me to it. “I mean I could, but then I wouldn’t get to press myself up against Dom. Trust me, I think I chose right.”

Nessa snorts. “You’re right. What was I thinking? Babe, I should have made you drive.”

Grant shakes his head. “Nope. Last time we did that, you got bored and jumped off the back. I had to circle back and save you. It was a pain in the ass.”

“You were driving like my grandma,” Nessa shoots back at him.

“I had precious cargo,” he responds easily.

Nessa softens. “I like it fast though.”

“Fast and hard. I know, baby. Not in public, though.” Grant winks at her.

“Incorrigible,” Nessa mutters.

“Anyway, so what are we doing?” I ask, changing the topic.

“That’s why we stopped. We don’t have enough time to go too far, but we can circle around and hit some waves.”

Usually I’d be down for that, but I don’t want to risk Katie falling off. The rest of the group quickly agrees though, so I decide to keep my spot at the back and take it slow. The worst possible outcome is that they leave us behind. I know my way back, though.

After a few minutes, everyone is proceeding full speed ahead. Grant is out front making waves so the others can use them to jump. I stay far away, happy to cruise with my girl.

My girl.

God, I wish she were mine for real. I could do shit like this with her all the time. I can imagine it now. Us staying together back home. Going out to dinner. Hosting parties like Nessa and Grant do.

Maybe we would even be engaged in a couple of years. Going on our own little trip before the wedding.

Seeing her in a white dress heading down the aisle toward me.

I can see it all.

Suddenly, Barrett slows in front of me. I swerved to the side, barely missing hitting him since he let off the throttle, stopping suddenly.

“What the fuck?” I call over to him.

Katie is holding on tighter. I can feel her body tense.

He just shrugs, acting like he’s checking something on the jet ski. I shake my head and continue on.

A few minutes later, I hear his jet ski coming up beside us. I move over, giving him plenty of room to pass us, but the asshole doesn’t. Not right away. He keeps speed with me, glancing over.

I go to slow down, but before I can, he guns it, cutting in front of me. I immediately let off the throttle and turn sharp, making the jet ski almost tip over.

I hear Katie let out a gasp. Then she’s gone. I turn immediately, finding her in the water.

“Fuck.”

I dive in, not caring about the stupid jet ski, and swim to her. By the time I get to her, she’s shivering, but it’s not from the cold.

It’s fear.

“I’m here. I’m so fucking sorry. Are you okay?”

My hand reaches up to find her face. She nods, her lips quivering as she looks like she’s about to cry.

“Oh, baby doll. I’ve got you. Let’s get you back on the jet ski.”

I turn, looping her arms around my neck before I start swimming. At this point, the others have turned around to come back to us.

“What happened?” Grant asks.

I glare at Barrett, who is hiding behind a couple of the others.

“Your asshole brother cut in front of me. When I jerked to the side to miss hitting him, Katie fell off.”

Grant looks over his shoulder. “Barrett, what the fuck were you thinking, man? She could have been seriously hurt.”

“It was an accident. I didn’t see them there.”

I want to argue with him, but the shaking female on my back keeps me from doing so. When I finally get to the jet ski, Grant moves to the other side, trying to hold it steady with his own.

It takes me a second to get on, but once I do, I reach down and pluck Katie from the water completely. Once up in my arms, I hug her to me.

“Are you okay, babe? What can I do?”

She’s been so quiet. She hasn’t said a word. She still doesn’t. She tucks her head into my neck.

“We are going to head back,” I tell the others.

“We will go with you,” Nessa calls.

“No. It’s okay. I’m going to take her back to the boat so we can rest,” I tell her.

“Maybe someone else should take Katie. Since you threw her off and all.” I can hear Barrett make the comment low, as if he only meant for Grant to hear it.

I jerk my attention to him, narrowing my eyes. “I have her. You guys go.”

Nessa nods. It takes them a few minutes, but after assuring them we were fine, they take off.

I don’t miss the disappointed look from Barrett.

I wonder for a moment if he was hoping Katie would refuse to stay with me and ride with him instead. Even with his little girlfriend perched on her own jet ski next to him. What the fuck is his game?

I shake him from my thoughts, focusing on the girl in my arms.

“Are you ready, or do you need another moment?” I whisper to her.

“We can go.” Her voice is small, but sure.

She goes to move back behind me, but I hold her.

“I don’t want you back there. Wrap your legs around my waist and hug me like a koala.”

“What?” She looks surprised.

I’m happy to see some of her fear has dissipated.

“I don’t want to risk you falling off again. If you are strapped to my chest, you won’t. There would be no way for you to go without me.”

“I’m fine, Dominic.”

“I know, but do it anyway. For my peace of mind.”

She huffs, “Fine.”

As she settles, I grip the back of her head, holding her to me.

“I won’t let anything happen to you.” My voice is soft.

“I know. It wasn’t your fault.” She leans back to press a quick kiss to my lips.

“I’ll get us back. Hold on.”

DOMINIC

“Are you sure you’re okay?” I ask as I put my arm over Katie’s shoulders, pulling her in close.

I love being able to hold her close and show her affection.

“I’m fine, I promise.”

Leaning down, I kiss the top of her head.

“Just making sure.”

“And I appreciate it,” she says as we step into the elevator.

Katie pulls away and hits the button for our floor and to close the door.

“I’m surprised you wanted to take the elevator,” she says as she steps back into my arms.

Leaning against the wall, I brush a piece of hair out of her face. “Don’t get used to it.” I smirk.

“We could have taken the stairs,” she says softly with a small smile.

“We could have, but the sooner we get back up to the room, the sooner I have you to myself.”

“And what are you going to do when you have me all alone?” she asks, pressing a kiss to my neck.

“Depends on what you want to do,” I whisper before leaning down, kissing her.

I weave my hands into her hair as she runs her hands over my shoulders.

The elevator jolting under our feet has us breaking apart.

“What the hell,” Katie mumbles as the lights flicker. The elevator jolts one more time before coming to a stop.

“No fucking way,” I say under my breath as I watch the door, willing it to open.

Katie turns in my arms and stares at the door. “Did we…” She trails off.

I shake my head. “It’s just slow. It will open any time now.”

Katie steps away and goes back to the panel, opening the door that’s marked emergency. She pulls out the corded phone, bringing it to her ear.

“Hi, there seems to be a problem with the elevator.”

She pauses for a beat.

“Yeah, I believe we’re stuck. We were on level two and we’re on our way back to our room on floor four.” She pauses again. “Okay, thank you,” she says before hanging up the phone, turning back toward me. “So…”

“So?” I raise a brow. “What did they say?”

Katie steps forward, resting her hands on my chest. “It looks like we have to sit tight for a little bit. Someone will get us out of here shortly.”

I can feel my heart start to race. The elevator isn’t that small, but knowing I have no way to exit is starting to make me sweat. This is why I avoid them. Especially on a ship. I mean, getting stuck in an elevator, in general, is bad, but knowing if the boat goes down, you are going to drown? Yeah, it takes it to another level.

“Fuck,” I whisper.

“In the meantime, I have an idea.” Katie’s tone is light.

“What’s that?” I ask, grasping her hips.

“I read this book once where the guy stopped the elevator just so he could take his heroine right then and there.”

My cock twitches at the idea. “Oh really?”

“Mmhmm,” she says, running her finger down the center of my chest. “If you ask me, that sounds like a fantastic way to pass the time.”

Wasting no time, I reach around Katie, grabbing her ass and lift her. I turn and pin her between the elevator wall and myself.

“I take that as a yes,” she teases as she wraps her legs around my waist.

Leaning forward, I kiss her. Katie moans into my mouth as she runs her fingers into my hair, scraping her nails against my skin. We kiss and kiss some more until Katie places a hand on my chest, gently pushing me away.

“Are you okay?” I ask, placing my forehead against hers.

“I need your shirt gone, then I’ll be perfect.”

“I’ll lose mine if you lose yours.”

Katie rolls her eyes and whips her shirt off as I drop mine to the floor.

My eyes take in her bathing suit-covered body. She’s starred in most of my wet dreams.

“Now where were we?” I murmur, leaning forward to kiss her again. Only to be stopped when the elevator jolts again, making Katie squeal. The light flickers once, twice, then off completely.

“Fan-fucking-tastic,” Katie groans.

I hear the sound of her head hitting the wall, making me laugh.

“First cock blocked by a glitter pussy and now a dark, cramped elevator.” I laugh as I pull her off the wall.

I slide Katie down my body until she’s standing on her own two feet. Then I take a seat on the floor before pulling her down to sit between my legs, her back to my front.

“We should probably put our shirts on.” She sighs. “That way, when someone does finally get the door open, we aren’t sitting here looking like we just fooled around.”

“But we were fooling around.” I feel around the floor and find both shirts. “Hold these for a second, please.”

I feel Katie take both pieces of fabric from my hand as I pull out my phone. Unlocking the screen, I turn on the flashlight and shine it on both shirts. Katie leans forward and slips her shirt on, and I do the same.

“You should shut off the light. Save the battery. Who knows how long we will be in here,” she says quietly.

“Smart and beautiful.” I shut off the light and slip the phone back into my pocket. “So what now?”

I try and keep my mind off the fact that it is pitch black. Keeping my eyes closed, I focus on the feel of Katie’s body against mine. About the fact that I could have fucked her in this elevator had the lights not gone out.

I don’t want that for our first time though. I want something more special than a quick fuck in a dirty public elevator. Not to mention, I think they have cameras in here anyway.

Come to think of it, maybe that’s why the lights went off.

“Now we wait. Maybe we could talk?” Her voice is quiet.

“Talking sounds good,” I grunt.

My breathing is accelerating. I know if I let my thoughts keep thinking about the fact that we are stuck inside a confined area, I’m going to freak out. I haven’t had an anxiety attack in a long time, but I’m going to if we don’t distract me.

“Are you doing okay?” she asks hesitantly.

“Right now, I’m not so bad.” I shrug even though she can’t see me. “I mean, I could be better, but it is what it is. Are you all right?”

“I mean, I could be blissed out right now, but it is what it is,” she teases, making us laugh.

“We’re a shit show.” I shake my head.

“But a fun one.”

“That we are. Tell me more about life outside the cruise ship. How are things back home?” I ask her.

I feel her tense. I start to rub her arms.

“Honestly? A mess. Things at the paper aren’t going great. Then this whole thing with Barrett. I feel like the whole world is against me.”

I swallow hard. “I understand that feeling. Are you planning to leave the paper?”

She’s quiet a moment before she responds, “Truthfully, they laid me off. I’m living off my savings.”

My heart is in my throat. I hate knowing that she’s struggling. I want to fix this for her. I have never wanted to flaunt my money or pay for others, but the fact that she would never want me to makes me want to pay all her bills.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” I manage.

“I didn’t tell you for pity.” Her voice holds a little of the old Katie.

The Katie before we started on this roller coaster ride.

“I don’t pity you.”

“Then why are you sorry?” she bites back.

I take a deep breath. “Sorry wasn’t the right word, I guess. I feel for you. It’s hard when life doesn’t go the way you want it. When things are hard and it feels like you are never going to get out of the hole you find yourself in.”

Her tone is gentle now. “You sound like you’ve been here before.”

“I have. When I started Price Security. At first, we only had these small jobs. I trusted someone I shouldn’t have. He ruined my reputation with the small group of clients I had formed. Back then, we only had business due to word of mouth. For months, I thought we would never recover. I even considered declaring bankruptcy.”

“What happened?” Her arms found their way to mine wrapped around her.

“Someone took a chance on me. He met me when I was valeting cars to make some extra money. He liked my attitude and asked me if I planned to be a valet my entire life. I told him no, that I planned to rebuild my security company, but that I was working there until I was able to do it. He handed me his card and told me to give him a call. I managed a couple of events for him, then next thing you know, I was installing systems at all his properties. He’s my biggest account now. From him, I have gained so many more though. He single-handedly saved my business.”

I feel a small smile on my face. Thinking about Reggie always makes me smile. He’s an older gentleman who has become like a grandfather figure to me. He changed my life.

“That’s sweet. I had no idea things were so rough for you. You always seem put together.”

“Cocky, you mean? Arrogant?” I tease.

I can hear the smile in her voice when she responds. “Those too. I would have never guessed you had any struggles.”

“We all have our secrets, Katie. Our insecurities that we don’t want to come to light. I never wanted Grant or anyone else in our circle to know I was facing such financial hardships. Grant would have wanted to invest money into me. One piece of advice, never mix money and friendship. It ruins it.”

“What happened to the guy you trusted?” she asks.

“Of course you caught on to that.” I let out a deep sigh. “I only hired him because of his family. I knew it was a bad idea, but I felt bad. His parents wanted him to get some responsibility and had cut him off. So I offered him a job. He made it through training fine, so I let him start taking assignments without me. On his third assignment, the client had hired us to monitor the house while he was at work due to some concerning threats made to his office. Somehow, he convinced the two employees on assignment with him that he was needed inside the home to ensure the place was safe. He was found fucking the client’s wife on their pool table. Not by my guys. No, the husband came home and caught him in the middle of the act.”

She gasps. “Who the fuck would do that?”

I wince. “Barrett.”

She hums. “That makes so much more sense now. Sometimes the things he would say didn’t make sense. Sounds like his hatred of you is by his own hand.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. He’s always been jealous of my relationship with Grant more than anything. Honestly, he probably only did that to get back at me anyway. It was my fault for trusting him.”

Katie turns in my arms, feeling my face before pressing her lips to mine. “You’re a good man, Dominic Price.”

I smile against her lips. “Only for you, baby doll.”

Before I can kiss her deep like I want, the elevator jerks and the lights come back on. Then the doors ding open.

I feel the tension seep from my body, seeing the escape.

“You guys okay?” an employee asks, holding his hand out for Katie.

Once she’s up, I pull myself up.

“We’re good. Thanks, man.”

Before they can ask me anything else, I pull Katie into my side as we head away from the elevator and back to our room.

KATIE

This afternoon was going so great. I loved riding around with Dominic. That is until my asshole ex decided to be a douche and try to sabotage us. He really doesn’t think. He could have hurt not only us, but himself had we actually hit him.

Thank God Dominic was paying attention. Sure, I was flung off the back and disoriented for a minute, but for the most part, I was unharmed.

Dominic didn’t waste any time getting me back to the ship. Once we got out of the elevator, he got me back into the room in no time before ushering me into the shower. After I was out, he tucked me into bed, demanding I take a nap. He insisted I may have injured my head being slammed against the water. Then he left.

When he finally came back, he had a taco bowl, a fresh soda, a bottle of water, a piece of orange cream cake, and some ibuprofen. After he fed me, he sat next to me in bed while we watched television.

While I was grateful for his care, I was also confused.

What does it mean? Is he feeling guilty? Or does he like taking care of me?

I won’t lie. I’m surprised he was even able to think about me that much after his near panic attack in the elevator. He will never admit it, but I felt the way his body was shaking against mine. He was frightened.

I think that only endeared me more to him. Same as him sitting here with me, caressing my hair as we watch television.

Still, when Nessa showed up demanding to see me, I was relieved. I needed some time away from him.

So that’s how we ended up with a drink sitting on her balcony.

“Are you sure you’re okay? You looked freaked out.”

I shrug. “It was a shock to be thrown into the water like that. You should’ve seen Dominic, though. He dove right in after me.”

“It took us a second to realize you had stopped. Barrett actually called out to get our attention. By the time we got there, Dominic was already swimming you back to the jet ski.”

“You would have swooned. It was a total hero move. He didn’t hesitate. He just dove. Then he pulled me into his arms and whispered reassuring words to me.”

She smiles. “Sounds like you have a little crush.”

I groan. “I mean, we were intimate, Nessa. Of course I like him. You know one-night stands were never my thing. Feelings are always involved.”

“So are you hoping for this to turn into more?”

I consider it for a moment.

“I don’t think it really can. We are too different. We want different things. I mean, he hasn’t had a single steady girlfriend the entire time we’ve known him.”

“True, but have you ever asked him why? I mean, I know I have and he blows me off and makes a joke of it, but maybe he has a real reason for it. And who knows, maybe you have more in common than you think.”

“Whatever. Changing the subject, why did Barrett call out to you guys when he caused me to be thrown?”

Nessa looks thoughtful for a moment. “I think he wants you back.”

“What?” I screech.

“He was really worried about you. Even pissed Candice off because he wanted to come back and check on you. Grant told him Dominic had you. He didn’t like that.”

I scoff. “Barrett is a child. He’s like a toddler who was tired of playing with his toy, so he set it down, but as soon as someone else picks it up, he wants it back. He doesn’t actually want me. He just doesn’t want Dom to have me.”

“You may be right. Either way, seeing you with Dom has been making him jealous. Even after the stunt he pulled before dinner last night, he was still acting like a jealous ass throughout dinner. I think the only reason Candice has stuck with him at this point is because he’s been paying for her shit.”

“Dominic told me that Barrett used to always want the girls he would date in high school. Do you think that’s why Barrett’s acting like such a twerp?”

“Could be. Grant said something similar to me earlier. Whatever it is, do you even want Barrett back?”

“Fuck no. He’s a big child, not to mention the fact that I’m pretty sure he was stealing money from me.”

“What? You didn’t tell me that.” Nessa looks serious.

I wave her away. “Honestly, by the time we broke up, I wasn’t even that upset. I realized that maybe I was only with him because we had your wedding coming up. It wasn’t love. So if he was taking some cash from my wallet from time to time, it wasn’t that big of a deal. I can always make more. Besides, I had bigger worries, like losing my job and if he gave me an STD. But I got checked right after we broke up and I’m clean. So no harm, no foul.”

“What an asshole. I really hate that Grant’s mom guilted him into including him in the wedding. They aren’t even close.”

“The way Barrett makes it sound, they are the best of friends. When we were dating, he would always tell me he was headed over to visit Grant or that he had plans with him. It’s one of the reasons I suspect he was cheating to begin with. At the end, he had said he was going to your apartment to meet Grant for a guys night so I called you to ask if you wanted to go out with me, but you had told me you and Grant were out to dinner and you were planning to do a movie afterward. I didn’t confront him, but at that point, we were already booked on this cruise, so I was going to stick it out until after the wedding. Then I caught him in the act and couldn’t stay. No way could I let that stand.”

“Oh, Kit Kat. I wish you had told me. You shouldn’t have even considered staying with him, even if it was for this trip. We would have figured it out. I mean, look at you now. You’re staying with Dominic and things seem to be heating up. I saw the way he was kissing you.”

I frown. “Yeah, but this isn’t reality. It’s a vacation. Sure, things seem hot and heavy now, but who’s to say that when we get back home and all the excitement is gone? What if he only wants me because we are sharing a cabin and his options are limited?”

“I think you need to ask yourself why he bothered to tell Barrett you were dating in the first place.”

I shrug. “He has a hero complex?”

“I think you should have an actual conversation with him. Find out more about him. I think you’ll be surprised at who he is. I know you always avoided him before, but he’s a great guy, Katie.”

I think back to the elevator. He was open with me about everything that happened with Barrett and his business. I almost want to mention it, but I remember Grant telling me it was Dominic’s story to tell. Maybe I should keep it to myself.

I rub my hand down my face. “I know. He has been great so far. He refuses to let me pay him back for any of the excursions or for my part of the cabin and drink package. I mean, I still am going to pay him back somehow, but it’s sweet. Not only that, but he told me he was going to give me the girlfriend experience. I figured it would be some kisses and light touching, but he is legitimately doting on me. What if I’m falling for a facade he’s putting on and when we get back, he isn’t the same man I’ve gotten to know here?”

“Only one way to find out. You have to communicate.”

“Communication is key?” I tease her, knowing it’s something my mom always instilled in us.

“God, I sounded like Mom there, huh? Well, I hate to break it to you, Katie, but Mom was right. Grant and I haven’t always had it easy. We have our issues. The only way to get through them is to sit down and talk. It’s not always perfect. Sometimes we yell and things seem to get worse, but when we finally calm down and talk rationally? We figure it out. I know you and Dom aren’t a real couple, but maybe you could be. Talk to him. Isn’t it better to figure it out now rather than make assumptions and miss out on something great?”

I let what she said sink in. We sit in silence for several minutes. When I hear the door to her room open, I let out a sigh.

Grant is back.

Turning to her, I whisper, “I’ll think about it, but maybe not until the last day of the trip. I don’t want to have to bunk with you because I made things weird with Dom.”

She rolls her eyes. “Whatever. Are you coming out with us tonight? With tomorrow being a sea day, we were thinking about hitting up the nightclub. It’ll start as a girls’ night while the guys go to the sports bar, but I’m sure they will join us eventually.”

“Sure. I wouldn’t miss it. I know I’ve been absent so far, but I’ll be there. I promise.”

“Good. I miss you, bitch.”

Getting up, I pull her from her chair, pulling her into a hug. “Miss you more, hooker.”

DOMINIC

As I sit watching the game on the screen above the bar, I wonder how much longer I have to make an appearance here.

It’s not that I don’t like these guys. With the exception of Barrett, the rest of the guys have been close friends with Grant and me for years. Usually I’d be partying it up right along with them.

The problem tonight is that I want to be with her.

When she left the room in that black mini-skirt with the red halter top, I knew I was in trouble.

What if she’s dancing with another man? She’s getting hit on for sure. Any idiot would be blind not to see how sexy she looks.

I’m still lost in my thoughts, barely paying attention when someone knocks into my shoulder. Glancing over, I find Grant.

“You aren’t being very fun, Best Man.”

“I think you’re having enough fun for the both of us,” I tell him without taking my eyes off the television.

I raise my beer bottle to my lips, but he grabs it from me.

“What the fuck, man?” I turn, giving him my full attention.

“There he is. What is going on with you, man? You’ve been distracted all night.”

I shrug. It’s true. When they wanted me to take shots, I took one then bowed out. I don’t want to ruin Grant’s fun, but I also want to stay somewhat sober. I know Katie is an adult and is probably managing fine on her own, but still some small part of me wants to go up there and make sure she’s okay.

The thought of her dancing two floors above me makes me grit my teeth. I could go to her right now.

Grant claps my shoulder before turning to the others. “How about we go see what kind of trouble my beautiful bride is getting up to?”

The men all shout their agreement as Grant turns to me. He gives me a knowing look.

“What?” I ask.

“Let’s go get our girls, shall we?”

I go to tell him she’s not really mine, and I’m not sure she even wants me up there, but I see Barrett lingering nearby, so I don’t.

Instead, I smile and say, “Let’s go get them. I miss her.”

Grant shakes his head before downing the rest of his drink. I don’t bother with my beer, leaving it on the counter where Grant abandoned it.

As we head up to the nightclub as a group, I feel a small ping of insecurity. I’ve never had to wonder where I stood with a girl in the past. I’m so used to them throwing themselves at me. They do whatever they could to get my attention, but it was never because of me really. It was either my body or bank account.

Not Katie. It was almost like she took one look at me and labeled me a player without even getting to know me. While at the same time, I looked at her and saw a woman I wanted to get to know.

Over the years we have had banter back and forth, but I really thought she hated me. Until this trip, at least.

So it’s hard for me to believe that she might actually like me now. Even if I feel the way her body melts into me every time I pull her close, her mind might not be on the same page.

When she came back from visiting her sister this afternoon, she was quiet. She kept to herself before locking herself in the bathroom to get ready. Then she barely said goodbye before heading out to meet the girls.

I didn’t like it.

I don’t know how she’s going to respond to us being at the nightclub. All I can hope is that she doesn’t blow our cover.

As soon as we walk into the club, it’s like my eyes are drawn to her. She’s in the middle of all the girls on the dance floor dancing. Her body is moving seductively to the music. I take a step toward her, needing to go to her.

I ignore Grant’s underhanded comment about me being whipped and head straight toward her.

Her eyes are closed as she moves her body, but the other girls see me.

Nessa sends me a wink, moving away, giving me room to slide behind Katie.

As soon as my hands land on her hips, she stiffens.

Then I lean down and whisper in her ear, “It’s driving me insane knowing every single guy in here has his eyes on you and is hoping to have a shot at taking you back to their room.”

She relaxes at the sound of my voice, moving against me. I move with her, keeping my hands on her body.

She arches back, threading her hands around my neck. I drop my face to her neck, kissing gently.

“They can look all they want. There’s only one man who is taking me back to his room, and it isn’t any of them.” Her voice is sultry.

I don’t know how much she’s had to drink, but I can tell she’s at least tipsy. She’s free in a way I’ve never seen her before.

“Oh yeah? You want me to take you back to our room?” I tease her.

She turns in my arms, wrapping hers back behind my neck again.

“Not yet, but yes. You’re the only man I want to spend time with. The only one I want to get naked.”

I swallow hard before leaning in closer to her. “Whatever you want, you get Katie. I’ll give you the world.”

Her cheeks are red, but I can’t tell if she’s blushing or if it’s the alcohol.

Either way, she presses her lips gently to mine before pulling back. “I want you to dance with me. Have a good time celebrating my sister and your best friend. Then I want you to take me back to our room and show me how good you can make me feel.”

She presses close, rubbing up against my erection.

I groan. “Are you sure we have to celebrate? Grant won’t mind us dipping out.”

Before she can answer, Nessa comes over, pulling Katie from my arms.

“Shots, bitch. Let’s go.”

Katie gives me an apologetic look as she lets her sister drag her to the bar. I follow behind slowly.

By the time I settle behind her, she’s handing me a shot. I go to reject it, but she shoves it in my hand.

Then she points to her neck. “Lick.”

Getting the picture, I lean in and swipe my tongue against her skin to wet the area. Then she hands me the salt.

I don’t need further instruction. I pour it on her neck. When she puts the lime between her lips, I salivate at the thought of tasting it on her lips.

Without further ado, I lean up, licking the salt from her neck. I don’t miss her moan as I nibble on her skin. Pulling back, I down the shot, feeling the burn down my throat. Then I lean in, taking the lime between my teeth and bite down. After a moment, I pull it from her mouth and spit it into the shot glass, slamming it down on the bar. Then I pull Katie into my arms and devour her mouth.

She doesn’t resist. Instead she pulls herself closer, her tongue meeting mine as we kiss like no one is watching.

It’s as if the entire world around us no longer exists. It’s just us two.

At least it is until someone bumps into me from behind.

I growl, pulling away to glance over my shoulder. I see Barrett retreating and want to go after him, but Katie pulls my face back.

“He’s jealous. You have what he will never have again. Let it go,” she tells me.

I don’t want to, but I do. Instead I focus back on her.

“How about this? I’m going to get you a drink and then I’m going to go back out on the dance floor with my sister while you and Grant sit here and watch our every move. Then maybe by the end of the night I might be willing to let you slip into bed with me.” She winks when she finishes speaking.

I chuckle. “I can get myself a beer, baby doll. I want you to have fun. Pretend I’m not here. I mean, unless you want a man pressed against you, then I’m the only one here.”

She shakes her head, turning to Nessa. Nessa hands her another shot, which she takes quickly.

“Let’s dance,” she yells at Nessa, grabbing her arm to pull her away.

I lean against the bar next to Grant.

“They are crazy.” Grant doesn’t take his eyes off of Nessa.

My eyes stay glued to Katie. “Yet we love them anyway.”

I don’t even think about my words until Grant turns to me. “Love?”

I clear my throat. “You know what I mean. Women in general. We love them even though every single one of them is crazy. Yet we find one that we can manage their crazy and settle. Like you did with Nessa.”

He smiles. “Like you’re doing with Katie?”

I scoff. “It’s not like that. She’s a great girl. The marrying type, but I’m not sure I’m the right type for her.”

He shakes his head. “Why? You’re not as bad as you make yourself out to be.”

“I’m the bachelor of our group. I don’t date and for good reason.”

I’m bluffing and he knows it. A woman like Katie is the reason I don’t date because I’ve been waiting on her.

“Katie isn’t like other women.”

Don’t I know it. The problem is if I open myself up to her too much, she will have the power to break me.

“No, she’s not,” I manage to say, taking a sip of my beer.

I see a man moving closer to the girls, so I turn to Grant. “Seems our territory is being encroached on.”

He eyes the two men getting closer and sets his drink down as well. As a pair, we move in and protect our women.

“Where are you taking me, Dom Dom?”

I snort. “Dom Dom? What is that?”

I should have cut her off sooner, but she kept drinking with her sister and I didn’t want to ruin that fun.

That is until they closed the club down. Now, Katie is stumbling as I keep her pulled tight against me. She’s no longer tipsy. She’s drunk.

That much is evident by the way she is slurring her words and the fact that she is walking with her eyes closed. I’m the only thing keeping her from running into anything.

Oh, and I’m carrying her shoes. I know if she were sober, she would not dare walk on these floors barefoot. She had told me before she couldn’t imagine the amount of germs that lived in the carpet.

“It’s your name. Did you forget your name?” she mumbles.

I chuckle, pulling her up as she starts to slouch.

“Come on, baby doll. Only a couple steps farther, and I’ll get you in our room.”

She straightens, then looks at me through squinted eyes. “Then you’ll fuck me, right? I have been imagining what it would feel like to have you inside me for a long time. Much longer than I would actually admit to you.”

I shake my head, amused. “Oh really? Are we talking about since the beginning of the trip?”

She shakes her head slowly. “Since we met, but then you turned out to be an asshole, so I pretended the thought never occurred to me.”

I swallow hard. I feel guilty that she revealed this to me in her intoxicated state. There’s no way she would have said this if she were sober. I was only teasing, thinking that after that first day when I kissed her, she thought about what it would be like. I had no idea that she might have had any kind of sexual thoughts when she met me.

Ignoring her words and my sudden guilt, I slide my key into the door. Once I get her inside, I set her on the edge of the bed, smiling when she leans over, hugging the pillow.

Getting up, I go back to the door, turning all the lights on. Then I grab the ibuprofen and a bottle of water.

Moving to her, I gently shake her awake.

“What?” she mumbles.

“Baby doll, I need you to wake up and take these pills. Maybe drink some of this water. I don’t want you to get sick.”

She groans but lets me help her up, taking the pills and drinking a quarter of the water.

“Do you want to change out of those clothes?”

She doesn’t speak, but she sits up, tearing her top off before struggling to undo her strapless bra.

“Here, let me help,” I say softly.

She turns, her eyes still closed, letting me unsnap it. At the sight of her breasts, my dick grows hard, but I avert my gaze quickly.

Going to my bag, I grab a T-shirt, bringing it back to her. Once I manage to get it on her, she shimmies out of her skirt. Then she cuddles into the bed.

“Katie, sweetheart. Let’s get you under the blanket.”

She makes a noise, but allows me to move her body until she’s tucked in.

I move around the room, undressing for bed before I grab the garbage can from below the vanity and set it beside her.

I shake her once more. “I put a garbage can here in case you feel sick.”

“Thank you, Dom. Will you sleep with me?”

Her voice is soft and filled with sleep. I consider ignoring her request. She’s drunk. She doesn’t know what she wants. But I don’t. Instead, I climb into bed behind her, pulling her to my chest as my front presses against her back.

I lie like that a long while, enjoying the feel of her against me.

An hour must pass when I feel her stir. She throws the blanket off, which makes me cold, but I let her do it.

Then she starts to move restlessly.

When she groans, I jump up, grabbing the trash can.

“I don’t feel good,” she whispers.

I move to her side, helping her sit up. She leans her head against my shoulder.

“The room is moving. Why is it moving?” She’s crying now.

Her tears are falling down her face fast as her breathing increases.

“What do you need, baby doll?”

“Bathroom.”

I help her stand, moving her quickly to the bathroom. As soon as we are there, she falls to her knees in front of the toilet. I pull her hair back, squatting next to her.

For several minutes, nothing happens.

Then she makes an odd noise before she throws up into the toilet.

She keeps puking, groaning in between bouts of heaving.

I move onto my knees, using one hand to keep her hair from her face while my other rubs her back.

“It’s okay. Let it all out. You’ll feel better.”

When she calms down, her tears are back in full force.

“I’m puking in front of you. You’ll never want to have sex with me now. I’m so disgusting. How can you even look at me?”

“Hush now. I don’t care that you’re puking. You are still beautiful. Don’t you worry about me. Let me worry about you.”

Leaning up to the counter, I grab a hair tie she had left out. I quickly tie her hair back before moving to grab a washcloth. I run it under cold water before wringing it out. Then I move back to Katie, placing it on the back of her neck.

“That feels good,” she mumbles.

“I know. Let’s rest here a bit and then if you’re feeling better, I’ll help you back to bed.”

She nods, going to lie her head on the toilet, but I stop her.

I grab another washcloth and wipe her face down before turning her to rest against my shoulder.

“What if I throw up on you?” she asks, her eyes already closed again.

“Then I guess I’ll need to take a shower.”

She doesn’t answer and after I’m sure she’s fallen back asleep; I pick her up and carry her back to bed. Then I go and clean up the bathroom, making sure to wipe the toilet down before flushing.

When I settled back in bed, Katie turns toward me, resting her head on my chest.

Within minutes, I fall fast asleep.