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"Well, I hope you change your mind and figure out how to make it work. The man sounds too luscious to throw away."
"I'm not throwing him away. I'm being realistic. Anyway, I need to get off the phone. I want to take my laptop to the sundeck and get some fresh air while I work on my article."
"Sweetie, you're doing it again. You'll have plenty of time to write the article when you return. Put it aside, forget about work for once, and enjoy the cruise and that decadent man of yours. You need to learn to relax."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know. I'll talk to you later."
"Fine," Romeo sighs. "Bye."
I hang up and grab my laptop. We've left Krems and are cruising the Wachau Valley. Figuring I can work on my article while catching glimpses of the scenery, I head to the sundeck, settling at a table for four near the ship's stern.
Opening my laptop, I click on my file and skim my draft to familiarize myself with where I left off. Then, I stop and stare across the shimmering water as we cruise towards Passau, Germany. The gently sloping hills are covered in vineyards and look breathtakingly beautiful. The water feels calm, and the small red-roofed villages and towns we pass are wonderfully idyllic. The valley is stunning, the atmosphere serene, and the air crisp and fresh but not uncomfortably cold as long as I wear my jacket.
I shake my head. Maybe I am as crazy as everyone says—never taking the time to enjoy my life. I put my job first and always have. Shoot! Look at where I am. It couldn't be more gorgeous, and I'm trying to work rather than appreciate the relaxing atmosphere and scenery. Romeo is right. I'll have time to write the article when I return home. So what am I doing?
I close my file, shut down my laptop, and push it toward the center of the table. I'm not going to work on it today. Maybe noteven for the rest of the cruise. I'm going to enjoy what's blatantly in front of my eyes for once.
Satisfied with my decision, I lean back in my chair and smile.
Then someone calls my name.
I twist in my chair, spotting Dane watching me from the crew's section as he leans against the ship's railing. My breath catches in my throat like it always does when I see him. I try to still the thumping in my chest as I join him at the railing on the passenger side of the barrier.
"What are you doing up here?" I ask, surprised to see him on the deck.
"I'm taking a break before the lunch service starts." He runs his hand through his hair and eyes me strangely. "I heard there was an accident on the dock with the electric bikes. One woman was hurt, and another had one of the bikes plow into her. It was you, wasn't it?"
"What makes you say that?"
"It doesn't take long to realize that if anything happens and you're nearby, a good possibility exists that you're somehow involved."
"Yeah, well, it's my inherent good luck," I joke. "And you're right. It was me the bike slammed into. I took it as an omen and walked around town instead."
"Since you don't look hurt, I take it you're all right?" Dane's gaze rakes over me as he slowly checks me out.
"I am. I wasn't sure about my ankle at first, but whatever was happening cleared itself up."
"If your ankle bothers you again, promise me you'll have it checked out."
"I promise. Anyway, enough of my embarrassing debacle. I have some good news."
"What's that?" Dane cocks his head, a wary look directed at me as he narrows his eyes.
"I found a drugstore when I was walking around town. I bought some condoms, so I expect hot and heavy sex tonight."
Dane bursts out laughing. "You're being a bit demanding, don't you think?"
"Not at all."
"Well, I guess I'll have to make sure I perform up to your standards, then, won't I?" Dane suddenly scowls. "Great. Here comes that complainer guy."
"Jerry?"
"Yep. He's walking around the deck with his wife. He's coming up behind us right now."
I steel myself, waiting for something negative or stupid to shoot from the guy's mouth. I cringe when I peek over my shoulder and see him glaring at us.
"There are rules about fraternizing with the guests, and you're violating them," Jerry snaps, his voice as irritating as ever. "You're too friendly with each other, and you're not even supposed to be together outside the dining room or the lounge. I'll make a complaint if you don't stop." His facial flush deepens as he talks, finally stopping at a breathtaking crimson.
