Page 21 of The Admiral's Daughter

Calling me captain really turned her on, and I was okay with it. But that’s when it started going wrong. We were kissing, my hands happily tracing her curves. She was soaking by the time I reached inside her underwear, andhell if she wasn’t responsive to every touch. Her moans echoed through the stall, and that’s when it happened. A voice in my head questioning if her cries were as real as they sounded. I got in my head about every move I made. The wordsfineandnicecircled on repeat, causing me the worst case of performance anxiety I’ve ever experienced.

To top it off, Cleo’s face swam in front of my inner eye and that ended that. I couldn’t continue. So, my last perfect night on shore ended in embarrassment and confusion.

None of which I want to share with my crewmates as we pass the MPs and head toward the ship, especially since Cleo is still here with us. Seems that Cheddar is having better luck, though.

“I can’t believe you struck out.” Kit laughs for the millionth time.

I can’t even summon a smirk. “Yeah.”

Kit side-eyes me but doesn’t say anything else as we board the ship.

I can’t remember a time where I didn’t want to get to our bunk and fuck about with my friends, laughing about the night. Until now. I’d kill for some alone time.

Boot and Kit know something is wrong. Hell, even Cleo is giving me a weird look.

“Anyone up for one more drink? We’ve got a nice bottle of whiskey in the mess,” Boot asks.

Kit nods, then looks at me. This is the perfect opportunity to get some space. Obviously, they expect me to say yes. I’m always up for another drink.

“Nah, I’m gonna grab a shower and hit the sack.”

Sending a quick smile to them all, I peel off in the direction of our bunk. I just need to grab my toiletry kit. As I leave, I can feel their eyes on my back, but resist the urge to look back at them.

The ship is quiet and I’m able to enter the showers without seeing another soul. Breathing out a frustrated sigh, I let the hot water sluice over me, burning away my frustration. It works for all of two seconds before thosetwo fucking wordsenter my mindagain.

What the hell is wrong with me? Cleo was a fleeting moment in my life. Her assessment of our night together should not be having this effect. I shouldn’t even be thinking about it at all. Not once have I revisited a one-night stand. Not. Once!

Growling, I can’t keep it in any longer. “Argh, for fuck’s sake!”

My voice echoes around the room, as does the wet slap of my palm against the shower tiles.

“Erm, everything okay in there?”

My voice leaves my throat. Every muscle in my body goes rigid. Of all the people on this ship, of course it’s her.

Cleo is in the shower room. For the love of God!

Clearing my throat, I shove my head through the curtain. “All good. I…stubbed my toe.”

Averting my eyes, because Cleo is in a silk robe holding a small toiletry bag, I curl the curtain tightly around my head. I’m not entirely sure why the hell I’m still sticking my neck out instead of getting back to my shower. Seems I’m doing a lot of things recently that are out of character.

“Having a shower?” I feel my face heat because I can’t believe I just asked that.

Cleo cocks an eyebrow. “That was the plan.”

“The water’s hot.”

“Um, great.”

She’s looking at me like I’ve lost the plot. Which, to be fair, I have.

Oh good, it’s super awkward.

“I’m just…” She points to the stall next to me.

“Have fun!” Oh boy. Yup, time to wind my neck in and pretend none of this happened. If that’s possible. My brain seems to want to hold on to shit at the minute.

Ducking back into my stall, I set about washing my hair and body. The club left me feeling gross, and as hard as I try I can’t forget that Cleo is next door, naked and wet.