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“It’s a conch shell,” he explained as I looked it over. “I’ve heard that you can hear the ocean inside. I wonder if it’s true.” Hayes put the shell up to his ear for a moment before smiling. “You can! Here; listen.”
He held it to my ear, and I heard a subtle whoosh noise coming from within. “That’s really cool.”
“I’m getting a nice little collection,” Hayes said as he put the conch in his swim trunk pocket with the other shell.
And none of them are from me. I had a feeling that was about to change when I spotted a white and yellow shell in front of me. I pounced on it, shook the sand away, and brought it to my face to inspect. It definitely wasn’t a rock, and it had no holes on its surface. Its center had a swirled pattern, like a cinnamon roll.
“What do you think?” I asked as I offered it to Hayes, hoping that he approved.
“It’s so pretty.” My heart warmed, knowing that I had found something he liked. I loved seeing him happy. “And you know what it reminds me of?” Hayes held the shell to his neck and sang a melodious tune.
“You’re a great singer,” I told him honestly. His voice was smooth and warm, and I could happily listen to him sing all day. “But I don’t recognize the song.”
“It’s from the Disney movie The Little Mermaid.” I blinked at him and he added, “You know, where Ariel sells her voice to the sea witch for legs?” That sounds seriously messed up for a kid’s movie. “I don’t only watch documentaries, you know,” he smirked. “I happen to be a Disney connoisseur.”
I admitted, “I don’t think I’ve ever watched a Disney movie.”
Hayes playfully propped his fists on his hips. “Well, that’s just unacceptable. When we get home, you and I are having a movie marathon. I’ve got to get you caught up on all of the classics.”
My stomach did a cartwheel at the suggestion. Hayes told me that he wanted a relationship, but having a plan to spend time together beyond the cruise made me ecstatic beyond measure. I wanted to do anything and everything with him, even if it involved demented sea witches.
“Sounds like a great plan,” I replied, and we exchanged smiles. For now, I had more shells to find for my man.
Chapter Six
By the time we got back on the ship, Hayes’ pocket was full to bursting with shells, and every time he took a step, it sounded like he was shaking a sack of nickels as they clacked together.
I had presented him with every pretty, colorful piece I found, and my sweet man didn’t turn down a single one. He smiled at each one, told me how much he liked it, and put it with the others. It was a small act on both of our parts, but it meant a lot to me.
“I need a shower before dinner,” Hayes commented as we rode the elevator up to the lobby.
“Me too.” My skin was tight from swimming in the salt water, and I wanted to freshen up, especially since it was the ‘elegant night’ of the cruise, when guests were encouraged to wear fancy attire for the evening. I didn’t feel very elegant when I had sand in cracks and crevices where it did not belong.
When the elevator doors opened, we stepped out and Hayes said, “All of my stuff is in my room. Why don’t we split up to get ready, and I’ll meet you back at your room so we can go to dinner together and-" he stopped talking and his feet came to a halt.
"Is something wrong?" I asked, stopping next to him.
"I never asked you if you wanted to go to dinner together. I'm sorry; if you want some time alone, I understand. I don't want you to feel like I'm up your butt the whole trip."
"I want you up my butt," I teased, making him chuckle and thankfully releasing the tension from his shoulders. But to let him know I was serious, I cupped his cheek in my hand and looked in his eyes when I told him, "I want to spend time with you, Hayes. You never have to question that. At the risk of sounding obsessive, I honestly can't get enough of you."
His answering smile took my breath away. "I guess I'm obsessed too, because I can't get enough of you either." I couldn't help myself, and stole a kiss.
I hated to even part long enough to get ready, but I supposed it made the most sense, instead of Hayes hauling his belongings all over the ship. It seemed that Hayes felt the same way, because he said, "I'll be as quick as possible," before stealing a kiss of his own and hurrying towards his cabin. I watched his ass as he swished away, and smiled at the noise coming from his pocket.
