Chapter 20
CHAPTER TWENTY
Donovan
When I stroll into the piano bar, I spot Delia immediately. She’s wearing the very same dress she was the first night this ship set sail. Her hair is different, though. She’s pinned it up on top of her head. Several strands have fallen out of that and are resting against the side of her breathtaking face.
I stand in place, just fucking staring at the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.
I never imagined when I boarded this ship that I’d leave it a different man.
I can’t attribute that change to the sex, although it’s by far the best I’ve ever had. Even now, with people milling about, my cock is swelling beneath the dark pants I’m wearing.
I rub a hand over the back of my neck. Sweat peppers it. It’s not from the button-down shirt I’m wearing. I left the two top buttons open and the sleeves were rolled up to my elbows moments after I put it on.
I’m sweating because I’m feeling something I’ve never felt before. It’s regret. None of that is related to what Delia and I have done during this trip. It’s all on me for not telling her that I want more.
Jesus, do I want more.
I want days, weeks, months, hell… I want years more with her.
Her gaze travels the room until it lands on my face. I see joy there, or something akin to it.
She lifts a hand in greeting as if we’ve both noticed each other at the exact same moment. She has no idea that since I first spotted her on this ship, I seek her out every time I round a corner or enter a room.
“Delia!” I call out to her, grateful that my voice doesn’t crack.
She steps toward me wearing heels that are higher than anything she’s had on her feet to this point during the voyage.
I watch her walk. She turns every head in the room as she passes them. The men, in particular, are spellbound. I can’t blame them. She’s perfection personified and I wouldn’t be surprised if every straight male on this ship has fantasized about what a dream it would be to fuck her.
I’ve lived the dream. I crave more of that dream.
“You came,” she says with a genuine hint of surprise in her tone.
“You doubted I would?”
Her cheeks blush pink with embarrassment. “No, not really, but…”
The but lingers as if she’s trying to find words to add to it. But, I wasn’t sure you’d care enough to see me off. But, I know you’re committed to staying single and since the fun is over, why bother coming to see me one last time?
She doesn’t utter any of those words, but still, they play in my mind over and over again.
“Delia!”
I cringe when I hear that voice - Clever’s voice - calling out to her. I should have known he’d play a part in this moment.
“Hey,” she greets him with a lot less enthusiasm than he has for her.
He doesn’t bother to notice, instead taking her into his arms for a tight embrace.
Her arms don’t circle him. The most he gets from her is a simple pat on the middle of his back from her hand.
“Matt was hoping to run into you again,” he explains as he finally lets go of her. “I think he wants to meet up with you when you’re back in New York.”
I should have pressed that Matt on his last name so I could find a way to divert his attention away from her, but I was too focused on getting Delia into my bed.
“I have a lot going on,” she tells him. “I don’t have a lot of extra time for hanging out.”
“Where do you work?” he questions. “You never mentioned that.”
“I go to school,” she explains something I already know.
Her brother has filled me in on that without realizing how much I valued that information. Delia is a scholar of sorts. She’s earned multiple degrees in various disciplines as she searches for the right career path.
I’m amazed by her genuine thirst for knowledge. I barely had the stamina to earn the degree that afforded me the opportunity to work in veterinary medicine.
“So, you’re super smart?” he questions with perked eyebrows. “I love smart women.”
Something tells me this kid loves all women. I don’t blame him. In fact, I was him when I was around his age. I fucked like it was a competitive sport and I was in training for a gold medal.
She laughs off the compliment. “I love learning.”
He nods. “I need to get back to work. I’ll tell Matt to keep an eye out for you on the streets of Manhattan.”
The smile she offers him in response isn’t genuine. “All right.”
He leaves us with a wave that is directed solely at her.
“Am I invisible?” I ask once he’s out of earshot.
That sends her head back in laughter. “Hardly. Look around. You’ve got a lot of eyes on you.”
I don’t bother doing that because she’s mistaken. Anyone glancing in this direction, is focused solely on her.
An announcement fills the air to share the news that the ship has docked.
Her gaze finds mine. “I guess this is it.”
For now.
I have no doubt I’ll see her again. I pray it won’t be long before that happens, but regardless, I can’t wait to get back to Manhattan because I’ll be closer to her than I will be for the next thirty-six hours until I board a plane headed for New York.
I step closer and cradle my hands over her face. “Delia.”
She gazes up at me. “Donovan, thank you. For all of it. For everything.”
I stare into her beautiful brown eyes. “Thank you.”
She glances down briefly before she’s looking at me again. “It was the trip of a lifetime.”
“I agree.”
“I should go.” She shifts on her feet. “It’s time for me to go.”
Not wanting that to happen, I lean closer to her. “One last kiss?”
She nods softly. “One last kiss.”
I lower my mouth to hers and kiss her with all the emotion that is stirring within me.
When we part, her fingers dance over her lips. “I’ll remember that kiss for a long time.”
I’ll remember it forever. Just as I’ll remember every single moment of this trip until the day I die.