Page 75

“Come as you’re dressed now.”
Alice chuckled. “That’s silly, she’s in her PJs, Daddy.”
Beck shook his head, as if the little innocent voice had pulled him out from his dangerous thoughts. Thoughts I wanted to explore.
“It’s a surprise. Let yourself be surprised.” The man held the door open for Alice to slip through. She ducked under his arm and mouthed the word “boat” and then made a motion with her hands indicating waves.
Aha.
“A surprise sounds great.” I waved my goodbye, turning my heel to get back inside and get some work done before our date. Luckily, I knew exactly what to wear.
* * *
“A boat on the marina? How amazing.” I'd tried infusing surprise into my voice, and it fell flat, even to my ears.
Beck crossed his arms over his chest, causing the fabric in his suit jacket to pull taut. I rarely saw him out of his usual uniform of a black t-shirt, dark-wash jeans, and black leather jacket, so this little ensemble had been the surprise of the day.
While I normally loathed surprises, I didn't mind this one. Beck was handsome as ever, the sun shining on his face and the city lights behind him. Without second guessing I wove my hands over his shoulders.
He peered at me, taking in my outfit. The striped, boat neck shirt and wide legged jeans were a far cry from my usual wears.
“How did you know?” he asked.
“I don't know what you're talking about,” I deadpanned.
He tugged me closer to him, then assessed me closely, again making sure he had permission to touch me. I knew if I so much as gave one indication that touching wasn't okay, that he'd back the fuck off.
I sidled even closer, so close I could feel his cock hardening against my stomach. He captured my mouth with his, and the heat of his lips on mine sent energy skittering through my body.
My body melted into his, and then suddenly Beck pulled back and adjusted his sleeves. “We should probably board. The chef is scheduled to bring our plates out at one. You turn into a pumpkin at four, so we should get going.”
We walked the long plank that connected the shore to the fancy yacht, Beck's hand on my lower back the entire way. I relished in the warmth of it, and the safety I felt from the simple act.
The captain and crew welcomed us with flair. The crew waved and the chief steward carefully balanced a tray of cocktails.
“Oh, I don't—” I said, trying to decline the outstretched drink when Beck leaned down and whispered. “They’re virgin daiquiris.”
Something close to contentment bloomed in my chest.
I nodded and took a sip of the drink. Sure enough, I couldn't taste any alcohol, but the burst of coconut and pineapple was a refreshing treat. “Thanks.”
He pointed to the front of the boat where there was a comfortable lounge area set up.
Before I let him lead me over, I skimmed my fingers along his jawline. “Thank you.”
He tilted his head. “For what?”
“Today. This.” I did my Vanna White wave, and we took in the waves around us. There was a handful of other vessels in the water, including some brave kayakers.
“You're thanking me for taking you out?”
He was going to make a big deal of this wasn't he? “Accept the thank you.”
Beck tugged me even closer, his hands skimming the flair of my hips. The movement stole the oxygen from my lungs.
I backed up until my legs hit the double wide lounge area. I sank back on to the plush cushions, careful not to spill my drink.
Beck placed his glass on the small ledge on either side of the lounge area and began shucking off his jacket. A crew member swept in to grab it from him and stow it away somewhere safe. But he didn’t stop there. No, Beck began unbuttoning his shirt.