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"Why? Tell me what you're thinking." Dane tilts his head, studying Brittany's face.
"Fine. I'll say it because I want to get this over with rather than beat around the bush. We're both workaholics, live on different continents, and have goals and plans—at least, I know I do. And with all that going on, it would be logical for us to return to our lives and not see each other again. That might even bewhat you prefer, and I get that. It's what I wanted—until now. You've…wow…this is uncomfortable." Brittany pauses and takes a deep breath. "You've become important to me, far more than I thought you would." She pauses again and shifts in her chair. Then she lifts her chin and meets Dane's gaze. "I've fallen for you…hard. I don't want you to disappear from my life."
Dane pulls his hand away and leans back in his chair, digesting what Brittany said. He can feel the relief washing over him as he realizes they want the same thing.
"Are you going to say anything?" she whispers. "If you're trying to figure out how to tell me this isn't what you want or how you feel, and you're done with me, just say it. I've got my big girl panties on. I can take it. I think. I mean, at least let me leave with my dignity. Devastation doesn't look that good on me, and I don't slink out of places well. But—"
"Britt, stop talking."
"Fine, but—"
"Stop. Talking."
Brittany looks down in her lap again and closes her eyes. When she raises her head, she's teary-eyed and looks upset.
"I didn't say anything because I was surprised by what you said—and relieved. I was worried you would tell me you enjoyed our time together, but it was time to move on. And that's not what I want. I want the same thing as you. I simply don't know how to make it work. I suppose we could take it one day at a time and figure out what works and what doesn't as we muddle through it."
"I'd like that. I'd like to try and make something work."
"I'm glad. Now, why don't we finish our beer and walk around town? I can't touch you while we're here, and that's what I'm dying to do."
Brittany finishes her beer, the worry on her face replaced with happiness and relief. "I'm ready," she says, setting her napkin on the table.
Dane asks for the check and pays the bill. Once outside, he leads Brittany toward a dark corner of the parking lot, away from the foot traffic and prying eyes. Dane wraps her in his arms, pressing his body into hers. His kiss is so full of emotion that Brittany appears shaken and breathless when he pulls away.
Dane tenderly brushes a wayward strand of hair from Brittany's face and tucks it behind her ear. "We have so much to work out and discuss. I'm not sure where to begin. But we'll get through it."
Brittany turns her head, brushing her cheek against his hand. Her palms slide up his chest. "I know we will."
Dane drops his hand to his side and steps back, his body reacting to Brittany's touch and the softness in her voice. "Since you've never been here before, and I need to get my libido under control before I go further than is appropriate in a parking lot, I suggest we take a walk. With tonight being the last night of the cruise, there'll be too much activity in the passenger corridors right now to sneak me into your cabin."
"Getting your libido in check? Is there a problem?" Brittany steps forward, her hand reaching toward Dane's crotch.
He groans as she cups the bulge straining against his zipper, sucking in his breath when she strokes it.
"Oh, my. I like this problem." She leans forward and kisses his neck, her hand still gently stroking his cock.
"Stop that," Dane groans. He grabs her wrist and pulls her hand away. "Don't forget. A tease earns a tease; if you keep it up, you might not like what you'll get."
Brittany giggles. "Fine. I'll stop. But so you know, my mouth is watering, and I might even have some drool on my lip."
"Fuck." Now even more frustrated, Dane turns and pulls her across the parking lot. "I swear. You'll pay for this later when we get to your cabin."
"I hope so," Brittany laughs from behind him.
Dane growls as he leads her down the street, trying to quell the urge to bend her over a car and take her from behind. With his hard-on and arousal finally dissipated, he slows down so they can enjoy a casual stroll. It isn't long before they find themselves standing with several strangers, gazing at a towering fresco of two people on the side of a building. The man in the painting looks like an armored giant holding a spear. The other figure is a crouching boy with a slingshot in his hand.
Brittany stares up at the fresco, her expression one of wonder. "Who are they supposed to be?"
"David and Goliath. I don't know the date, but the original fresco was painted centuries ago. I'm sure it's been touched up multiple times since then."
"Oh, how funny. Look at that." Brittany points to the giant. "The way the artist painted it, Goliath's arm rests on one of the windows, and David is crouching below another window."
"I hadn't noticed. That's pretty cool. If you're ready to go, why don't we head down the side street toward the river?"
"I'm ready." Brittany takes Dane's arm as they continue their stroll.
The sound of music suddenly fills the air, getting progressively louder as they walk up the street. Reaching the corner, they discover they're standing in front of an Irish pub.
