He reached for her pointing finger and guided her arm back to her side. "Can your feet get swept, or are you always looking for a way to stay firmly planted on the ground?"
Her feet ached to move, but she held her jittery body together. "I don't know. I've never been asked."
"I find that hard to believe."
"I always get in my own way, Peter. I don't want to spend my life frivolously doing whatever pops in my head next."
His eyes widened as he stared at her. "So you are serious all the time and never venture into the unknown?"
"No. I'm here, aren't I?"
She glanced at his shiny black shoes. “So I’m the fun.”
“Let’s not go that far.” Flames grew inside her.
“You said you’d never see me again, once morning came.”
“Yeah, you’re not the type to call and check on me later type.” She tried to water that thought and told herself Valentino or whoever the latest designer was must have made them custom ordered for him.
“Guess we’ll see.”
Her face was hot as she glanced into his brown eyes. "Tonight I was supposed to blend into a crowd, wish Colt well and drink beer with friends."
"You intended to hide."
"Not exactly."
“I don’t see you as someone who hides from anything.”
“That’s probably true.”
He shook his head. "Belle Jordan, you need to experience more of life and indulge in champagne."
“Oh good. Flirting again.” She placed her hand on her hip and shrugged, "I’m game for now. Suggestions on how to indulge in this fantasy life?"
He stood in front of her again. Her heartbeat grew erratic as he then whispered in her ear, "First let the wonder of the moment into your heart."
She sucked on her bottom lip. "What?"
"You asked for a suggestion.” He stepped and sipped his drink. She did the same, but once her glass was empty, he placed both of the stems on the table.
“Do you even have a heart that you recognize Peter?”
“Most people would say no.” He returned to stand in front of her. “I'm the biggest jerk around most of the time, but even I let myself feel. You seem closed.”
“I don’t have time for frivolous men.”
“And I don't have time for every woman on the planet. Life is about moderation. My suggestion is to close your eyes, feel your heartbeat and then, when you count to ten, do something completely unexpected."
Her skin was electric as she inhaled. "I won't kiss you."
His eyes widened as she closed her eyes. "I didn't ask you to."
"Okay." Her cheeks prickled like she'd grow a blush. Her thermostat lowered fast. There was a chill in the air.
He then reached for her chin. "If we are to kiss, you'll have to tell me to do it."
Absolutely not. She pushed his hand away, though her skin ached for more of him. "Won't happen."
He shrugged but stayed so close that the breeze dissipated as her temperature climbed again. "I hope it will. Now close your eyes."
She followed orders for a moment, though her shoulders stayed tight. "This is a stupid idea."
Her eyes widened, and she shook her head.
"No comments to stop yourself. Do it, soldier."
She inhaled and oak mixed with the salt water as she closed her eyes, again. She licked her lips. "Yes, sir."
This time she swayed with the boat but didn't open her eyes. Her mind raced. This was a stupid idea, but she held together.
He whispered again, "Feel your heartbeat."
There were two heartbeats. One in her chest. The other was definitely his. Her pulse grew faster.
"I feel yours too. You're right with me and beating at the same time."
His breaths were heavy. "Should I step away?"
Her toes curled as her lips tingled for a kiss. She sighed and didn't move. "No."
"Now do something unexpected that will make you smile."
His warm breaths mixed with hers in the small space between them. Her lips quirked and puckered to beg for that kiss.
Then she stepped on his toes. She swallowed hard. With an intake of breath, she reached out for his hand and spun herself around.
She laughed and twirled again, in a dance.
A moment later, he wrapped his arms around her waist and led her in a ballroom dance.
Clearly he'd had lessons. She held onto him and followed his steps, but her head spun as she did. No other man ever tried to dance with her.
Chapter Six
The next morning, birds chirped outside a window. They echoed in her brain as if they were drilling holes in her head. Belle swallowed and tried to ignore how her body swayed. She rubbed her temples and then winced at her morning breath.
The bed rocked. She'd never drink that much champagne and she never would ever again. She sat straight and stared out the windows around her and into the beautiful blue ocean. No buildings were anywhere. The ship gently swayed in calm waters.
She turned around in her bunk and saw she was alone. Her clothes were all still on, though her bra pressed into her breasts like the metal was tangled. The last thing she remembered was Peter holding her in his strong arms. He must not have taken her home, not that she had told him her hotel. She massaged her temples as her bed bobbed with the current.
Peter Morgan had them sailing someplace last night. She had no idea where they might be now. She stood and turned around to stare out the huge windows. The Miami skyline or any land was missing. As she stood, her stomach churned as she stumbled. She held onto the wall and made her way toward the bathroom.
She flipped on the light, and it burned her eyes. Her head throbbed. She held onto the sink and let the wave that gently passed under the ship calm her. She glanced toward the sink again. A supply of small bottles and a new toothbrush were lined up to help her clean up.
A few minutes later, something splashed in the water. Her head throbbed less, though her stomach begged for something to eat. The engines weren't on. She crossed her arms and stepped out into the blazing sun.
There was no shade anywhere. The brightness again almost blinded her, but she covered her face and saluted the ocean. Clearly the ocean won against her today. Another splash echoed from the water. She covered her forehead so she might see what was in the water as she gazed.
Then a pair of dolphins bobbed their heads next to the ship. She fell to her knees and reached out like she might pet them. The two passed gracefully and sang. Her fingers ached to feel what a dolphin must be like, but nothing brushed against her. She closed her fingers, but then a strong pair of hands caught her wrist and yanked.
She tugged out of his strong grip but failed. So she yelled, "Hey."
Peter's brown hair and eyes came out of the water. Her mouth fell open as she stared at his chiseled, naked chest. His white teeth shone as he lightly pulled on her wrist.
"Come swim."
Belle pressed her lips together. She shook her head. "Are you mad? I don't have a suit."
His wet fingers held onto her wrist as her heartbeat grew faster. "When's the last time dolphins came this close to you?"
"Never." She gulped. His brown eyes were as mesmerizing as the dolphins that circled him. This wasn't fair. She licked her lips. "But I'm in my fancy dress."