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Because, of course, there’s a pool on the boat. It’s totally normal to have a pool on a boat.
I make it a point to introduce myself and try to remember the names of everyone on the crew. They’re all extremely warm and welcoming.
We head down to our room. It’s not really a room. It’s kind of like Beckett’s bedroom at the house. It’s a suite with several rooms.
Our luggage is delivered, and we get changed. I throw on a bikini with a cute pool dress, grab the latest Jade Dollston romance novel, and anxiously wait by the door.
Beckett walks out in his swimsuit. Man does he wear it well. I can’t take my eyes off his body. “Will you tell me about your tattoos?”
“I will. Let me show you something first.”
He takes my hand, and we head up a few flights of stairs. We emerge to a circular room surrounded by windows. The views are amazing.
I notice there’s a painting area set up with nearly as many supplies as he had at the house. I turn to him. “Is that for me?”
He smiles as I wrap my arms around his neck.
I run my fingers through his hair. “You’re so getting lucky tonight.”
He lets out a laugh. “It’s been a few hours, I’m more than ready.”
He kisses up my neck. “Are you ready for some food, sun, and piña coladas?”
“I am. I’ve been hearing about these special piña coladas for days. I hope they meet my very high expectations. I’m kind of a piña colada snob.”
He laughs again as he leads me to the pool area where lunch is waiting for us, along with two piña coladas, each with at least ten cherries.
The pool area is like a resort with two dozen lounge chairs, multiple tables, and a bar. Is this a private boat or a cruise ship?
We sit to eat, and I take in the majestic scenery. Theisland in front of us is small yet beautiful. It’s almost like a little mountain in the middle of the ocean. It looks like there’s a small town by the docks. “Where are we?”
He points to the land. “The small, mountain-looking island right there is Capri, it’s one of my favorites. We’ll take a boat ride around it tomorrow and then dock for lunch and shop all the way at the top. There are a few special places I want to take you. Things you can’t see anywhere else in the world.”
“I can’t wait.” I look up and down his body. “Tell me about the tattoos. When did you get them?”
“After Jenny died.”
I point to the bird-like creature that I’ve never seen before. It covers his entire chest and abdomen. “What’s that?”
“It’s a Griffin, which is a mythological creature, sort of like dragons and mermaids.”
“I’ve never seen or heard of it before. It’s so unique.”
He nods. “It’s a combination of a lion and an eagle. It was known to be the protector of treasure. It was my pledge to protect Andie at all costs. She’s the treasure of my life. My everything. There’s nothing I won’t do to make sure she’s happy and safe.”
I can’t help but smile at him feeling that way. “And what about the eyes? They’re big and open.”
He looks pained. “That’s what they are. Big and open.”
“Why?”
“Do we have to talk about this?”
“I want to understand you.”
“What about you? What caused you to spiral into addiction? We’ve talked a lot about our lives, but I don’t know that story.”
“Is this your way of deflecting?” I notice he does that when he gets uncomfortable. He lashes out too.
