Page 20 of Not that Sea-Rious

Beau

T hree condoms down, and Beau wasn’t sure how many remained. He definitely would take steps to make sure they didn’t run out. They might only have two more days left on the ship, but if they kept at this pace, they might want to invest in Trojan.

Waking up to a naked Marissa had definitely inspired him. As did the suds gliding down her back as he worked the shampoo through her hair. The shower was tight, and physics said having sex in such a cramped space was impossible, but somehow, they made it work.

After tugging board shorts up his legs and tossing a rash guard over his head, Beau popped a bucket hat on his head and stepped into his REEF sandals. Marissa wiggled her hips as she dragged her dress from the previous night up her body.

Despite having gone two rounds this morning with her, the familiar stirring in his shorts made him grin. This woman was delicious. If he didn’t control himself, they might actually miss their opportunity to enjoy Cozumel—the only port of call on their cruise.

“Allow me,” he offered as he stepped up behind her.

She glanced over her shoulder with deep chocolate eyes as he took hold of her zipper.

“Thank you,” she mewed.

Slowly, he dragged it up her back. “I feel like this may be a bit too formal for dolphins.”

Snickering, she turned. “Funny.” She playfully slapped at his chest.

No one had ever vibed with him this effortlessly. There was just something about her. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but her presence soothed him. She was uncomplicated and easy to be around.

He gave her a quick peck on the lips before twisting to reach his bedside table.

Grabbing his drawstring bag from the drawer, he surveyed what items he’d need with him.

His towel and sunscreen went in first. Considering his skin was fair, he was nearly translucent—if he wanted to avoid looking like a lobster later, this was essential.

His wallet, with his room key, went in next, and last, a bottle of water. That should do it.

As he slung the sack over his shoulder, he shifted his attention to Marissa. “You ready for breakfast?”

Her gaze swept over him. “All you need is the zinc on your nose and you’d fit in a nineties rom-com perfectly.” She giggled.

Striking his best model pose, Beau lifted his chin and shook his head as though a strong wind were blowing through his imaginary mane. “Are you saying I have leading man energy?”

Rolling her eyes and still sniggering, she strolled toward the door. “Sure. Let’s go with that, Fabio.”

He chuckled and followed behind her as they exited his cabin together.

He’d known Marissa for two days and had already settled into her presence. It felt natural to be around her constantly. With her in his bed, he slept soundly. He smiled effortlessly and couldn’t get enough of her.

If he wasn’t careful, he might become addicted to her.

Shaking his head, he sighed to himself. He put the cart before the horse with that thought.

It’d been two days. She was a fantastic human.

Of course, he enjoyed her company. It didn’t have to be anything.

Hanging out with her and her friends was a thousand times better than enduring this cruise on his own. There was no need to overthink this.

He stared at her butt as she slid her key card into the slot, and a sudden wave of nervousness rattled within him. Furrowing his brows, he smirked at himself. This was ridiculous. He’d been around her friends before. Obviously, he had their support—Tina had essentially told him that at the bar.

Why did he feel like he was about to meet her parents ?

His brows flew up. Wait. Was her mother on the other side of that door?

It wouldn’t be too strange for the parents to attend bachelorette parties, right? His buddy’s dad went to his bachelor party a few years ago. Why would it be different for women?

Holy shit. He wasn’t ready for that.

Panic gripped his throat as she pushed the door open. “Good morning,” Marissa sang as she entered.

The urge to flee crossed his mind, but he couldn’t do that. This had been his idea. He was the one who suggested they all have breakfast and discuss it.

Shit.

He really was asking her family for permission.

What was he thinking?

Marissa’s hand found his as she looked over her shoulder and gave him a wink. There was no backing out now. Throwing on a smile, he took a deep breath. Had she sensed his anxiety?

She led him into the massive room where the three women were buzzing about in their bathing suits.

Carolyn wore a white one-piece that mimicked a bikini, exposing her stomach, but the top and bottom were connected at the sides.

Tina sported what looked like a sports bra and board shorts, and Joyce styled a floral one-piece with a straw hat.

The moment the women realized Marissa wasn’t alone, the chatter stopped. His heart jumped in his throat when their eyes locked in on him. He’d never felt more like a condemned man facing a firing squad than he did in that moment.

Why the hell was he so goddamn nervous? Perhaps because this wasn’t just her friends supporting Marissa having a one-night stand with the drunk guy at the roulette table. This was something more. He was basically asking her on a date .

Jesus. What was he even doing? He was engaged to someone else days ago.

“Beau is going to join us for breakfast,” Marissa informed them.

Us. The word had him in a cold sweat. Could she feel how clammy his palms had become?

There was no stopping things now. He took a deep breath and swallowed down the rock of anxiety lodged in his throat. In for a penny, in for a pound.

Carolyn grinned.

Joyce glanced between Marissa and Beau.

Tina arched a brow. “Oh?” She smirked.

Marissa squeezed his hand as her shoulder brushed against his arm. Okay, no doubt about it. She definitely sensed his anxiety, and that ever so slight offer of reassurance washed over him, calming him instantly. He could do this.

Beau rubbed his freshly shaven chin before he spoke. “I figured it would be nice to share a meal, considering I am here to formally request Marissa’s company for a swimming with dolphins excursion.”