8. Leo
Leo
Rachel's voice cuts through the tension between Emma and me."Alright everyone, I'm going to lead a short nature walk down this trail. If anyone wants to join me, you're more than welcome. But if you'd prefer to stay and swim in the cenote, feel free to do so."
Rachel catches my eye with a knowing wink and turns to the photographer, who has been snapping more pictures of the scenic location."Why don’t you come with me on the nature walk?"she suggests. Rachel deserves a raise.
The group murmurs with excitement, and I watch as they all eagerly follow Rachel down the trail. But Emma lingers, observing the crystal-clear water of the cenote. She's biting her lower lip, a look of longing in her eyes.
I step closer to her, my heartbeat thundering in my ears."Emma, if you'd like to swim, I can stay with you. I don't mind."
She turns to me, her green eyes wide with surprise."Are you sure? I don't want to keep you from the nature walk."
"I've seen the trail before. And besides, someone should stay with you. For safety reasons, of course."
Emma smiles,"Of course. Safety first."
The ride into the jungle with Emma had been pure torture, but the sweetest kind. Her body was pressed against mine, every curve molding to me as we navigated the rough terrain. Her large breasts flattened against my back with each jostle of the ATV, and it took every ounce of self-control not to react. I struggled to keep my focus on the jungle trail ahead, but it was damn near impossible with her hands clutching my waist, her fingers grazing my stomach with every jolt. If her hands were to slip any lower, she'd feel the effect she was having on me. I tried to will away my raging boner, but it was a losing battle.
Now as Emma starts to strip down to her swimsuit, it's no wonder I can't help but steal glances. Her voluptuous figure is finally free from the constraints of her clothes, and she's even more stunning than I imagined. Her navy blue bikini hugs her figure in all the right places. The top has formed cups that hold her heavy breasts up into two perfect mounds that threaten to spill out over the top. The bottoms are high cut and accentuate the contour of her stomach and hips. My hands ache to be on her skin squeezing, kneading, and dimpling those delicious curves that don't quit.
I look away, heat creeping up my neck at the thought of being caught. But the image of her is burned into my mind, fueling the desire that's been building inside me since the moment I first saw her. What is this woman doing to me?
I busy myself with taking off my shirt and shimmying out of my shorts, leaving me in only my black boxer briefs. Emma raises an eyebrow at me, a playful smirk on her lips.
"I didn't know I should bring a swimsuit,"I say with a shrug, trying to play it cool.
Her eyes widen as they rake over my body, and her breath hitches. Satisfaction rushes through me, knowing that she likes what she sees. I've had to work hard to maintain my physique now that my job isn't as physical and her appreciation is a delicious boost to my ego.
"I'll race you to the other side,"Emma challenges, a competitive glint in her eye.
"You're on,"I grin, stepping closer to the edge of the cenote.
"I was on the swim team in college, you know,"she says casually, stretching her arms above her head.
"Is that so?"I quirk an eyebrow, intrigued."You're just full of surprises and secrets, aren't you?"
For a moment, something flashes across Emma's face. But it's gone before I can decipher it.
"On your mark, get set, go!"I shout.
We dive into the cool water, the refreshing sensation enveloping our bodies. The water is so transparent that I can see the intricate rock formations at the bottom. The sound of our splashes echo, mingling with the distant chirping of exotic birds and the gentle rustling of the surrounding jungle foliage.
We race across the cenote, our strokes cutting through the water with powerful precision. Emma is fast, her strong arms propelling her forward with impressive speed. But I have a slight edge with my longer, larger frame. She may have been on the swim team but I've lived my entire adult life on the ocean. I'm no landlubber. We near the other side and I can't resist the urge to play a little dirty. I reach out and grab her ankle, pulling her backward.
Emma lets out a surprised yelp, her momentum halted by my mischievous move. She turns to face me, and lets out a whine,"Heyyyyy! That's cheating!"
I grin at her, unapologetic."All's fair in love and war, Emma."
She splashes water at me in retaliation, laughing as I duck to avoid the spray."Oh, it's on now, Captain."
We engage in a splash battle, our laughter bouncing off the walls of the cenote. Nearer to the edge now, we can touch the ground. Our playful tussle has her retreating, and she startles when her back hits the wall of the cave. Our laughter subsides and is replaced with a charged tension filling the air between us. Emma's gaze locks with mine. My heart pounds and I'm acutely aware of how close we are, the full length of our bodies almost touching in the water. Sunlight filters through the opening in the cenote above us, casting a magical glow on and illuminating Emma's face. She looks radiant, her eyes sparkling with joy and her skin glistening with droplets of water.
I give in to my urges and pull Emma flush against me, her curves molding perfectly to my hard planes. Her breasts are pillowy and full, pressing deliciously into my chest. Her eyes lock with mine, and I can see the growing desire.
Her lips are plump and luscious, with a perfect cupid's bow that begs to be kissed. Before I can change my mind, I lean in and capture her lips with mine. They're soft and yielding, parting with a sigh of pleasure. She tastes like the water of the cenote mixed with a unique flavor that's all her own. It's intoxicating.
The kiss is electric, sending shockwaves through my body. Every nerve ending is alive and buzzing with desire. Emma responds with equal fervor, her hands grasping at the back of my neck as she presses herself even closer. I groan into her mouth, my hands roaming the smooth expanse of her back, trailing down to grab her round full ass.
We're a tangle of limbs in the water, our kisses growing more heated by the second. Emma's tongue slides along mine, teasing and stroking in a way that makes me see stars. My dick is hard against her soft stomach, but I can't bring myself to care. All I can focus on is the feel of her in my arms, the taste of her on my tongue.
Emma breaks the kiss, gasping for air. Her lips are swollen and her cheeks are flushed with desire. She looks thoroughly kissed, and it's the sexiest sight I've ever seen. I lean in for more but she places a hand on my chest, stopping me.
"Leo, wait,"she pants, her eyes clouded and downcast.
My heart sinks at her words, dread washing over me. What's wrong? I search her face for answers, but all I see is a conflicted expression. She opens her mouth to continue, but the sound of voices approaching interrupts her.
Worst. Timing. Ever.
"That's a wrap, everyone! Great job, thank you!"the photographer calls out, signaling the end of the photoshoot.
I let out a sigh of relief, my shoulders sagging as the tension of the past hour finally dissipates. Being in the spotlight, surrounded by photographers and public relations staff, is not my idea of a good time.
I make my way to the bar, eager to put some distance between myself and the chaos of the photoshoot. The bartender, Mark, gives me a nod of acknowledgment as I approach.
"Captain,"he greets me with a warm smile."Looks like they put you through the wringer out there."
I nod, rubbing my right temple."You know how it is. The life of 'Captain Dreamy' never ends."
Mark chuckles, sliding a double shot of whiskey my way."Who would've thought, eh? When we first met years ago, I never imagined you'd end up as the poster boy for this cruise line."
I smile at the memory. I was second officer on a ship repositioning to Europe for the summer. Mark and I met at the beginning of our transatlantic trek and bonded instantly, both of us ex-Navy men finding our way in the civilian world. He had retired from the service and decided that bartending on a cruise ship would be his second act. He'd joked that the crew cabins were spacious compared to some of the barracks and ships he'd lived in. The routine, he said, was a lot like the Navy, but with tropical stops and fancier food. The people watching, he'd confided, was his favorite part.
When I found out I was going to captain the shiny new mega-ship, the Celestial Odyssey, Mark was one of the first people I told.
"Congratulations, Captain!"he had said, clinking his glass against mine in celebration."I always knew you'd make it to the top."
I had asked him if he wanted to join me and try his hand bartending on a mega ship, and he had hastily agreed. Over the years, Mark had become a father figure to many of us on the crew, myself included. He always seemed to know when to offer a joke, a piece of advice, or just a listening ear.
As I take another sip of my drink, I sense someone approaching. I glance over my shoulder to see Trevor, my chief engineer and trusted friend, making his way towards the bar. He had been roped into the photoshoot as well, standing stoically in the background as I posed with the models.
"How do you put up with all this hoopla, Leo?"Trevor asks, sliding onto the stool next to me. He loosens his own collar, looking as uncomfortable as I feel.
"I’m a damn circus animal, performing tricks for the crowd,"I mutter, running a hand through my hair.
Trevor nods, his brow furrowed."It's a shame, that's what it is. You're one of the best captains I've ever served under, and they're reducing you to some kind of mascot."
Trevor’s bluntness has me chuckling. It's one of the things I appreciate most about him. He's never been one to mince words and social norms often escape him. Some say he's odd but I think his out-of-the-box thinking shines through in moments like these, his honesty is a refreshing change from the fake smiles and empty compliments I'm used to.
Mark leans against the bar,"But, hey…all part of the job, Leo."
I scoff."I didn't think it would be this bad. I'm a captain, not a goddamn model."
"True, but you're also the face of this ship. The higher-ups know what they're doing. They're selling a fantasy, and you're a big part of that."
"I just want to do my job, Mark."My frustration is getting the best of me.
Mark chuckles, wiping down the bar with a rag."I hear ya, Leo. But you gotta play the game. Give 'em what they want, and then you can focus on what really matters - running this ship and keeping everyone happy and safe."
I take another taste of my whiskey, savoring the smooth burn as it slides down my throat."You know, between the ATV excursion I was tasked with earlier and this ridiculous photoshoot, I've barely been on the bridge all day,"I grumble, setting my glass down on the bar with a little more force than necessary.
Mark is sympathetic."A man wants to do the job he's called to do. I can understand that."
Trevor chimes in, his curiosity piqued."Speaking of the ATV trip, how'd that go?"
A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth, and I know I'm probably blushing like a schoolboy."Actually, it was pretty nice,"I admit, trying to play it cool.
But Trevor and Mark aren't fooled. They exchange a knowing glance before turning back to me.
"Okay, spill it, Leo,"Mark prods, leaning forward on his elbows."What's got you grinning like the cat that got the cream?"
I hesitate for a moment, but I know there's no point in trying to hide it from these two. They know me too well."There's a woman,"I confess, my voice softening."She's... different. Not like the other women I've been surrounded with lately. She's genuine, you know? Real."
Trevor only nods, a rare smile gracing his usually stoic features.
I sigh,"She won the game show the other night. She was funny, smart, and didn't give in easily. And gorgeous, too. I'm falling for her, hard. And I barely know her. This is so unlike me."
I draw another swallow of whiskey from my glass, the memories of the day flooding back. We had both scurried out of the cenote when we heard the group returning and I hadn't gotten a chance to talk to her since. She sat with Beatrice on the shuttle, and when we arrived at the ship, she hurried through security ahead of me and disappeared without even a glance in my direction. Was I too forward? Had I read her wrong?
I had to rush back to my quarters to shower and get ready for this foolish photoshoot, so I couldn't seek her out to find out what was wrong. It's been eating at me ever since.
I take another sip of my whiskey, the warmth spreading through my chest and opening the floodgates of feelings and thoughts that I usually keep to myself."I don't know. Maybe she's not even really interested. She'll be gone in a few days, and then what? And she's younger, much younger."I pause, realizing I'm rambling, but I can't help myself. "I'm setting myself up for heartbreak. And is a relationship even appropriate for me right now? I'm the captain and a supposed player. And I don't want to just get this girl in my bed. I want more.
Mark leans forward,"Leo, you're a good man. Don't let your worries about age or the risk of heartbreak hold you back. You deserve happiness like anyone else."
"And forget about that playboy image,"Trevor adds."That's not who you are. It's a part you're playing and you won't have to play it forever. If she's as special as you say, she'll see the real you."
Mark starts to speak again."Leo, listen to me. If you feel for this girl, you owe it to yourself to explore that. Don't waste time worrying about what might happen. Focus on getting to know her better, and see where it leads."
I nod slowly, letting Mark's words sink in. He's right. I do feel something for Emma and I want to get to know her better. And for her to know me, the real me. But how am I going to make that happen in such a short period?
I need a plan.