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Chase turns his attention back to me. “I thought we’d head out to the ocean and cruise around for a bit if that’s okay with you,” he says cautiously.

“Won’t the ocean be too rough?” I ask.

“Not in this.” He smiles like a little kid running loose in a candy store, and I can’t help but to smile back.

“Okay,” I say. “It’s not like I have much choice. I’m trapped.”

“You aren’t trapped. You don’t have to go anywhere you don’t want to,” he says with a nervous edge to his voice.

“No, I’m kidding,” I say with alarm. I see I hit a nerve. I try a distraction tactic. “Can I see the rest of the boat?”

“Of course.” His eyes soften with relief, his shoulders visibly relax. And he’s back. He stands up and holds out his hand. “I don’t want you falling. It gets a little bumpy.” I take his hand, and we head forward. “I’m going to show her below. Let me know when we get to the inlet,” he yells up to Paul.

“Sure thing.”

We head down a few steep steps into what appears to be the salon / galley combo. It’s a large space with a full width skylight. Comfortable dining area that I’m told converts into a double berth. Why don’t they just call them beds? Dark cushions and chrome. Very modern. It even comes complete with an iPod docking station that’s hooked up to the speaker system. On the opposite side of the dining area is the galley kitchen. Full height fridge and freezer, electric range, oven, dishwasher, the works. It’s bigger than most apartments.

The aft cabin that is behind the stairs has a versatile layout to sleep three. There’s a bathroom across on the other side.

We continue walking forward through the galley into the master suite. It’s a double berth, sort of round. There is storage on either side with shelves that go almost all the way around. Attached is a separate shower and toilet. I just stare.

“This is a lot to take in.” My voice is soft and hesitant.

“What do you mean?” he asks, his head cocked to one side. He looks so sexy when he does that. I take a seat on the edge of the bed.

“This.” I wave my arm at the grandeur.

“It’s just a boat,” he says regarding me warmly. He saunters forward so he is standing right in front of me.

“It’s a yacht. I’ve never been on such an extravagant boat.”

He tilts my head up so I am looking at him. “It’s just a boat,” he repeats. Just a boat that must have cost at least half a million dollars. He tucks a stray hair behind my ear and strokes my cheek. My breath hitches. I close my eyes and savor the feeling. His hands are so soft. When I open my eyes, he is regarding me with admiration. His eyes are blazing. Kneeling down, Chase kisses me gently. I close my eyes and kiss him back. His lips molding mine, our tongues caressing each other. His hand travels up my arm to the back of my neck. His fingers splayed out in my hair. I tenderly hold either side of his face.

He tugs on my hair so my head tilts up. His lips travel from my lips to my earlobe, nipping. His breath is like a caress against my skin. I moan. He rains kisses down my neck, across to my shoulder. His hand still in my hair, he comes back up to my neck, to my mouth. Firmer this time, demanding. I clamp down on his lower lip and pull. A guttural moan comes from deep in his throat.

My fingers run through his unruly hair, pulling as I go. He loops his arms around my back and draws me close. I can feel his muscles rippling against my breasts, pressing against me. His kiss deepens, more passionate. His heartbeat is racing underneath his shirt, matching mine. He cups my face with both hands, gazing down at me. I’m panting, trying to catch my breath. “You are so beautiful.” His voice is raspy and low, struggling for control.

Chase closes his eyes briefly, then stands up and holds out his hands. “We’re near the inlet. Let’s go back up top,” he says with a tinge of melancholy. Wait, what? I just sit there staring at him. We were . . . he was so . . . gah! What happened? That was the most sensual kiss I have ever experienced. Even more so than the one we shared at my cottage.

He continues to stand in front of me with his proffered hand out, waiting. I look up at him a bit disconcerted. I place my hand in his, and he pulls me close so I am right up against him. His lips quirk up into a half smile. He kisses me on the forehead, then still holding my hand, turns back toward the galley. As we headed toward the stairs, Paul peeks his head down.

“Perfect timing, Mr. Remington, I was about to yell down. We’re about at the inlet.”

He nods, and we head back up top.

There are four wide forward facing seats at the helm, two on each side. Paul is sitting on the right steering the boat. We take the two seats on the left. I sit on the outside by the window so Chase can talk to Paul.

“The wind has picked up, looks pretty choppy,” Paul says. Chase runs a hand through his hair, looking deep in thought. Suddenly, he turns to me.

“Are you hungry?”

“I don’t know, I guess.” Chase moves over toward Paul and whispers something into his ear. Paul gives him a conspiratorial nod. Chase smiles, gives me a wink, and heads downstairs. Paul passes Moriches inlet and keeps heading east.

A few minutes later, Chase appears from below deck and sits down next to me. “Change of plans.” I look at him dumbfounded. His smile gets broader. “We’re going to one of my favorite restaurants,” he states cryptically.

“Okay,” I reply, albeit still confused.

Paul continues through Shinnecock Bay and continues heading east. “Where exactly are we going?” My curiosity is piqued.

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