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Chapter Twenty-one
While they were traversing the different areas on board the large cruise liner with the Staff Captain, Rylee sussed out Jake’s mood and relaxed. He appeared to be no worse for wear after last night’s excitement, so she decided to wait until they returned to his suite before mentioning Miguel.
Visiting the engine room seemed to cast a spell on the man, he had a lot of very pertinent questions about the running of the ship and the Chief Engineer was in his glory discussing all the areas in his large space.
Being a normal woman, it was all ho-hum to her. Of course, the first glance was interesting, seeing all the huge machinery in such good condition, but it got old very fast.
What didn’t get old was the way both men had turned on the charm in her presence. Especially Rob, the Staff Captain. He’d opted to be their host during the tour and would pass them off to the Captain once they reached the bridge.
Considering the man wore a wedding ring on his left hand, he was smooth as Teflon and just a tiny bit cheesy. She enjoyed the flirtation, something she never allowed herself in her role as kickass Special Agent Rylee James. In fact, it was almost comical the way both men seemed to hang on her every word.
Playing the empty-headed tourist gave her a challenge. As the morning wore on, she found it easier to fill the role and realized just how gullible some men could be – ridiculously easy. Endorsing her belief that most males thought with their pricks rather than their brains, she got a secret high from watching them swallow the bait.
Glad she’d chosen a summer dress of yellow, lightweight cotton that flared out with a gentle tug of a breeze, she knew her legs were one of her best features and it seemed the men were in agreement.
Traversing the many staircases around the engine areas and travelling from one end of the ship to the other, there were plenty of occasions where she saw heads swivel, eyes dilate and appreciative leering grins.
The only man who didn’t seem to enjoy the spectacle was Jake and at one point, he’d even pushed her dress down himself, and then narrowed his eyes warningly at the Staff Officer.What a hoot!I’m liking this attention far too much. Time to behave.
Finally, they headed in the opposite direction to the sophisticated navigational bridge where large windows overlooked the area. The room was full of monitors everywhere, up above and on each station. All were being reviewed by specialized technicians having a job to do, and with everyone working in tandem. This is where Rylee became fascinated.
First the Staff Officer introduced them to his superior. “Please meet Captain Vince Low. He’ll look after you from now on.” Then he held Rylee’s hand, looking deeply into her eyes as he spoke, “I do hope you’ll join us at the Captain’s table for a meal soon.” Finally, with a nod and a brisk goodbye to Jake, he left.
Rylee turned to the man at her right and opened the discussion. “So, Captain Low, where’s the famous wheel we all believe steers the ship?”
The handsome Italian captain tore his wandering gaze away from the smooth skin showing above her low-cut dress long enough to gaze into her eyes with an adoring puppy-love expression. “You’re very observant Miss James.”
“Oh, please, call me Rylee.”
“Such a pretty name for a beautiful woman.”
Jake’s hiss was low, but she heard it clearly. “The wheel. You were telling us about the steering, Captain.” His voice seemed lower than usual and if she wasn’t mistaken it held a warning.
Hmmm… interesting!
“Yes, yes I was. Come, look here from my binoculars.” He put himself between Jake and Rylee and then circled her with his arm as he held the item to her face.
Hearing what sounded like a growl from Jake’s direction, she quickly took the binoculars herself, stepped away from the hovering male and aimed them towards the front of the ship where the captain was pointing. She saw clearly another working station.
“See, Rylee, that’s where the helmsman has all his instrumentation to steer the ship. He’s very good at his job and is in constant contact with me and the others on the bridge.”
Rylee passed the binoculars to Jake with a smile. He hesitated, searching her innocent expression for a response. Mischievously, she sent him a small wink as if to say, you gotta be enjoying this performance, and it was then that he relaxed and winked back at her.
Reclaiming her attention, the captain moved to another station just behind the others but with a good view from the windows. He pointed at the monitors. “Here is my comfortable seat with my radar and electronic charting system.”
Turning in a circle and taking it all in, seeing many of the men in the room were quick to glance away, she had to admit to the boost in her self-confidence. After a number of pertinent questions from both her and Jake, they were finally escorted to and left in the dining room for lunch.
Since Jake had thawed from his earlier mood of icy irritation, she suggested, “Could we have lunch on your balcony? It’s too beautiful to eat inside and most of the tables on the deck are full.”
“If you’d like.” He seemed pleased with her suggestion but added teasingly, “How did you know I’d have a balcony?”
“Come on, Jake. A guy like you wouldn’t be travelling without some comforts.”
“A guy like me?”
“Sure. One wearing a top of the line Tag Heuer watch and shoes that would likely cost me a week’s salary.”
“Oh, that guy!” He nodded and grinned. “I see what you mean.”
