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"How exciting it must be to write a book, and congratulations," she beamed, lifting her glass. "Surely you didn't write the entire thing since you came on board."
"No, I'm not that fast," he said with a chuckle "but these last few days have been extremely productive."
"I'm so honored to be sharing this with you," she said happily, clinking his glass and sipping the fizzy drink. "I really am very complimented."
"I'm honored that you accepted, and I'm curious. Did you have an opportunity to read Educating Emily?"
Feeling a hot blush move across her face, Brittany lowered her eyes and spooned scrambled eggs on to her plate.
"Quite a few chapters," she replied, wishing she had the courage to tell him she couldn't put it down, and the story was the sexiest she'd ever read. "You're such a good writer. It was a real pager-turner."
"I'm glad you think so."
"Duncan, the book you just finished. Is it the same, uh, subject matter?"
"I don't write about anything else."
Lifting her gaze, she caught his intense, brown flecked, blue eyes across the table.
"I hope you don't mind me asking this, but are you like your hero?"
"Your courage is to be commended. I'm surprised."
"Why?"
"It's not a question I'm often asked. The answer is yes, I'm very much like Jonas. Now it's my turn. Why are you on this cruise by yourself?"
Brittany's heart skipped.
"I was bored. I wanted an adventure."
"Your honesty is so refreshing," he remarked, smiling at her. "You'd be amazed at how many times a simple question produces a flurry of white lies."
"I've been told my candor is unsettling, but I don't know how to be any other way."
"I'm sure it can be, but don't change," he said approvingly. "But on another matter, now my book is finished I have some time to enjoy myself. Would you care to have dinner with me this evening?"
"I would, very much."
"I prefer dining away from the thundering hordes. Would you mind eating here, perhaps on my deck if the weather permits?"
"I wouldn't mind a bit."
"Good, then it's settled. If you don't have other plans, would you like to take a walk when we finish breakfast? Though I suppose, considering the time, it's brunch."
"No, I don't have other plans and I'd love to hear what your new book is about. The story, I mean."
"If you're a good girl I might email you the manuscript."
"What does that mean? How can I be a good girl?"
"That's easy," he said, lowering his voice and fixing her with a steady gaze. "Just do as you're told. You've read the book. You know what happens to bad girls."
* * * * * * * * * *
Both Brittany and Duncan knew why they were strolling the length of the deck. He hadn't used the word, but his comment had made his thoughts abundantly clear. He wanted to spank her, and she wanted him to. Whether a one-time event, or the beginning of something more, her potential trip over his knee loomed like a huge, white fluffy cloud. The promise shone through their eyes when they shared a look, and tingled through his fingers as he gently wrapped his hand around hers. By the time they were back in the thickly carpeted corridor, the erotic energy crackled between them. Standing next to her as she fumbled with her key, he finally took it from her hand and slid it in the lock.
"When should I be ready for dinner?" she asked, wondering how she'd survive the day.
