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“Would you like to come to my suite?” I ask as we step back aboard. “No expectations, just... I’m not ready for the night to end.”
She hesitates, then nods. “Neither am I.”
In my suite, Harper kicks off her shoes and curls up on the sofa while I pour us each a nightcap.
“What time is the inspection tomorrow?” she asks, accepting the glass of whiskey I offer.
“0600, Chen said. Early.”
“I should try to get some sleep, then.” She takes a sip of her drink, making no move to leave.
“Probably,” I agree, sitting beside her. “We both should.”
Instead, she sets her glass down and turns toward me. “Ethan.”
“Yes?”
“I don’t want to overthink this. Whatever happens when the cruise ends... I’m not denying what I want right now.”
“And what do you want right now?” I ask, my voice low.
In answer, she leans forward and kisses me, her lips taste like whiskey and desire. I respond, pulling her closer, one hand in her hair as the kiss deepens.
She climbs onto my lap, straddling me as she pulls at the buttons of my shirt. I slide my hands under her sweater, finding warm skin and the delicate lace of her bra.
“Wait,” I say breathlessly as she grinds against me. “Are you sure? Earlier today?—”
“I’m sure,” she interrupts, pulling her sweater over her head in one fluid motion. “Less talking, more action, Cole.”
I laugh at the commanding tone, so perfectly Harper. “Yes, Doctor.”
I stand, lifting her with me, her legs wrapping around my waist as I carry her to the bedroom. She loosens my belt as I walk.
“This is research,” she murmurs as I lay her on the bed. “I need all the information.”
“Happy to contribute to your research,” I reply, shrugging off my shirt and joining her on the bed.
When she comes apart beneath me, calling my name in a breathless chant, I feel like I have won.
Later, tangled in sheets and each other, Harper traces patterns on my chest with her fingertip.
“What are you thinking about?” I ask, brushing a strand of auburn hair from her face.
“Tomorrow’s inspection,” she admits. “And what happens if we find evidence of environmental violations.”
“We deal with them,” I say. “Transparency and immediate action.”
She props herself up on one elbow, studying me. “Just like that?”
“Just like that.”
“And if it affects the company’s bottom line?”
“Some things are more important than profit margins.” I pull her closer. “I meant what I said earlier, Harper. We’re on the same side.”
She settles against me, her head resting on my chest. “I want to believe that.”
“Then believe it. I haven’t lied to you yet, have I?”