His Curvy Ocean Maiden (Cruisin’ With Curves)
Chapter 1
CHAPTER ONE
Zariah
Some might say I was a tad crazy for going on a solo cruise trip, but at this point in my life, I no longer cared about what people thought.
I was thirty-five, ran my own successful online business, worked my ass off to get where I was, and decided what the hell, it was time to take a vacation.
When the Uber I took from the airport dropped me off at the cruise ship terminal, my eyes nearly bulged from their sockets. The massive vessel loomed before me, and I couldn’t believe the size.
The Infinity Voyager would be my home for the next two weeks, and my insides buzzed with excitement. I needed this vacation to get away from the small-town life in Appleridge. Don’t get me wrong, I loved where I lived. But sometimes a break was nice, too. Besides, I didn’t really feel like spending another Christmas alone, so I might as well escape the cold and embrace the warmth of paradise.
After checking in and grabbing my cruise card, I walked up the gangway toward the ship. My nose filled with the salty ocean air, and I already felt more relaxed than I had in weeks.
I tried to pay attention to the people walking in front of me, but I couldn’t stop looking at the ship. It was as if it hypnotized me.
“Welcome aboard the Infinity Voyager, ma’am! Be sure to double-check your room number. Your bags will be delivered to your room shortly. Enjoy your stay with us!” A security member smiled at me while checking my cruise card.
“Thank you,” I said as I slid my sunglasses on top of my head and walked onto the boat deck. I checked my card again- Room 7721, Sunset Balcony .
I couldn’t wait to see what the room looked like, and while I wanted to explore the ship right away, I knew there was plenty of time. As I walked along the exterior deck, I took in the lush greenery, endless lounge chairs, and cascading water fountains.
After following the signs for the elevator, I took it up to deck seven. When the doors opened, I was greeted with a breathtaking lounge area. People milled about with drinks in their hands and excitement on their faces.
“Champagne, miss? Compliments of the cruise line for your departure day.” A young server stepped up beside me with a tray of champagne flutes.
“Thank you.” I smiled big as I took the flute of bubbly. A little sip and I already felt giddy. I finished the drink quickly and was offered another, which I gladly accepted.
As I walked down the long corridor toward my room, I took in the beautiful art on the walls and the soft, ambient lighting.
I finally reached my door and pulled out my cruise card. I was about to swipe it when a booming voice echoed down the hallway.
“Watch out!”
I turned my head toward the sound and saw a large luggage cart barreling my way. What the hell?
Before I could react, a very tall, very large man jumped in front of me and stopped the cart. In his efforts to save me, my drink flew out of my hand and spilled onto the floor.
“Are you okay, ma’am?” His sexy Boston accent drew me in, and when he turned around, my heart leaped into my throat.
He was fucking gorgeous.
And a hell of a lot younger than I expected.
“Ma’am?”
I blinked a few times as my brain tried to catch up with my heart.
My cheeks flushed, and a weird sound emerged from my throat, as if I were laughing and clearing my throat at the same time. “Please don’t call me ma’am. I’m old enough.”
He threw his head back in laughter, and wow, did the sound make me tingle from head to toe. The man was drop-dead gorgeous. Tall, blond hair, blue eyes, muscles for days, and a sleeve of tats on both arms.
I clenched my thighs together as I ignored the rage of hormones coursing through me like a damn teenager in heat. It’d been way too long since I’d gotten laid.
“You’re not a day over twenty-five, and no one can tell me different.”
“Ha! Good one. Thank you for saving me from the runaway luggage cart.”
“You’re welcome. It’s kind of my cart anyway, considering it’s loaded with my family’s luggage. Leave it to me to lose control.” He laughed again, and his deep blue eyes shone. Goddammit, did he need to be so good-looking?
“But please, let me get you another drink.”
“That’s okay, thanks. See you around.” I slid my card in the door and waited for the beep before pushing it open.
“Oh, you will. I’m right across the hall.” He pointed at the door directly across from mine. “I’m Pierce, by the way.” He held out his hand.
When I placed my hand in his, my skin singed at the connection. My fingers were lost inside his large paw, and all I could manage was one quick shake before I pulled away.
What the hell was happening to me?
I didn’t feel things like this before. And certainly not with someone I just met or someone who looks like he’s at least ten years younger than me.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure how much I believed in love anymore. When you’ve been unlucky in it all your life, what other conclusion was there to draw?
“I’m Zariah. Nice to meet you.”
Before I said or did something I’d regret, I stepped inside my room and closed the door.
But I didn’t miss the wink he tossed my way or the sexy grin on his face.
Oh boy. This man was trouble.
I pushed him out of my head and focused on my gorgeous room. A door to the right led me to the bathroom with a stand-up shower. Along the left wall was a large queen-sized bed and a TV on the right wall across from it with a dresser beneath. I loved the rich wood accents, soft ambient lighting throughout, and the plush bedding and pillows adorning the bed.
There was also a small table with two chairs next to the dresser and a small futon across from it. Beyond that were the sliding glass doors leading out to the balcony and the stunning panoramic view of the ocean.
As I stepped onto the deck, I took in the sight before me and clapped my hands with glee. I couldn’t wait to sit out here and watch the sunrise and sunset, or with one of my meals and a glass of wine. I also brought a few books with me and planned on reading while sunbathing.
There was so much to look forward to.
Yet I couldn’t shake one nagging thought…
How gorgeous the man across the hall was.