Romancing the Seas

by Cait O'Sullivan

But the beat of the drum didn’t allow her to disappear into her thoughts, pulling her back instead to the here and now. Maori dancers encircled their group, whooping and calling to each other in their strange sounding dialect. How did Fiona describe them? Strong, capable, handsome. She sure had that one right. They came closer. One of them, strange and fierce looking with dark makeup streaking his face, threw out a hand and pulled her up to dance. Pippa wanted to yank herself out of his grasp, but he wouldn’t let her go without a struggle. Her heart in her mouth, she gave herself up to the music.

  A celebratory dance, it was one performed throughout the centuries when the hunters returned victorious. In the midst of all the swirling, bowing, and whooping, Pippa’s hair freed itself from the constricting tie and she shook her head in sheer light-headiness. The beat of her heart matched the beat of the drums. She followed her partner and swooped down to the earth, swung back to the sky, flung her arms open toward the sea, and again. The repetition made it into one fluid motion down, back, open. Time stood still while Pippa’s veins flooded with dissolved stardust, bringing exhilaration coursing through her. The primal movement came naturally to her and she lost herself.

  Her eyes opened of their own accord to fall onto a single standing shadow. The fire leapt higher, and a face was etched in light for a flickering second, showing tawny eyes watching her steadily with a dark look of desire. Pippa felt a lightning shaft of energy run through her body — Jonathon was watching — and she danced with revamped energy, her body moving for him, and him only. The beat of the drums found an answer in the throbbing in her pelvis, a liquid, warm pulsing. Her eyes closed, and her head filled with shadows and light and longing. The drums went faster, faster still, until the moon, stars, fire, light merged into a swirling spinning top, round and round. A final loud beat and the drums fell silent, allowing the dancers to fall, spent, onto the ground.

  “Wasn’t that just the best feeling ever?” Fiona collapsed beside her, panting and red faced from her exertions.

  Pippa turned her head to look at her. “It certainly is up there, all right,” she managed to get out between gasps, struggling to sit up to see to where she had seen Jonathon standing. There was no one there. Her heart slowed — had she seen him there at all? Or had she just conjured it up herself in all the excitement? Whatever it had been, she had known on some level that if she opened her eyes, he would be there, watching her. She had felt no surprise, only confirmation of something she always carried within her.

  “You’re great, Pippa,” Fiona carried on. “It took me until this third visit to be able to join in with this dance. I always wanted to, but thought I would make a total twit out of myself. But you, you just got straight on up there.”

  Pippa shrugged, the chill of the night air now getting to her. “I didn’t have much choice, to be honest. The guy who dragged me up there wasn’t taking no for an answer.”

  “What guy?”

  “You know, one of the leaders. I can’t really describe him as they are all dressed the same. But he seemed bigger and stronger than the others.”

  Fiona looked at her with bemusement. “But I saw you get up! You were looking at the stars, smiling, then you looked at the dancers and virtually lurched to your feet to throw yourself into the beat!”

  “Wh … what?”

  “Nobody dragged you up, Pippa honey. The sea air must be getting to you. That’s what I was saying, you’re great to have joined straight in.”

  Pippa lay back on the ground, looking at the stars but not seeing them this time. What had happened? Had the alcohol been more potent than she had thought? Had Jonathon been watching her at all? Casting her mind back, she found she couldn’t get a clear grasp, and what was more, she didn’t really mind. It had been an amazing experience, a clashing kaleidoscope of feelings, and really, wasn’t that all that counted?

  • • •

  Jonathon put out a hand over Juliet’s cup to stop the waiter refilling it. Honestly, it was just like being in charge of a child. She was dressed in deeply unsuitable clothes for an evening on the beach, the filmy gauze of her purple shift affording her little protection from the elements. The strappy sandals were equally ridiculous. Yet it didn’t seem to perturb her at all — instead, she seemed glad to cling onto Jonathon’s arm. Perhaps that was why she had worn such high heels — it gave her a good excuse not to leave his side.

  They sat at the banquet tables sheltered by the dunes, the first-class dining experience for the Princess Coral’s guests having been exemplary. The only problem he had was Juliet. George and Nina had stayed aboard the ship, and Jonathon got the impression that they were looking forward to a break from their demanding, often petulant daughter. To compound matters, George had put Juliet into Jonathon’s care, asking him to look after her.

  Juliet aside, he had enjoyed the Maori experience but had quickly understood that the show put on for the guests and the one for the staff and the locals were two different things. As the evening wore on, he found it harder and harder to resist the drum call from the beach. When Juliet went to the bathroom, he made his escape, ensuring the Bradleys would look after her when she returned.

  As his eyes adjusted to the star and firelight, only by a flare of his nostrils would anybody have known that he was taken aback by what he saw. Pippa. Hair sparkling and shining as though on fire. Her body, stretched to the stars, showing her slim belly as her top rode up. Arms outstretched to the sea, breasts high and firm, pressed against the thin silk of her shirt, then crouched to the ground, butt straining against the combat trousers she wore, riding low on her shapely hips. Then moving fluidly up to the stars again, down and around. She was part of the beat.

  He willed her to open her eyes.

  To feel his stare.

  To connect to him, in her tribal moment.

  Her eyes opened and fell directly upon his. The fire cackled, throwing her face into relief. Clearly lost in the music, her soul stretched out of her eyes and into his. The sparks hissed, bringing shadows. Jonathon stepped out of the circle of light to seek refuge in the dark.

  He couldn’t peel his gaze from her as she danced with renewed vigour. My God, she was simply amazing. Was she dancing like that for him? His body tightened involuntarily, as he wished it were simply the two of them with this beat on the beach by the fire. A groan escaped his lips as his imagination had him running his hands up her bare sides to her arms and cupping her full breasts, savouring their weight in his hands, trailing kisses up her soft neck to taste her rosebud lips, the heat of the fire allowing them to lose their clothes, the beat of the drums picking up pace as …

  Rubbing his hands through his hair, he bit his lip hard to drag his thoughts back from dangerous territory. Wasn’t he supposed to be controlling these thoughts? How could he, when he couldn’t get her out of his head? But it couldn’t lead anywhere. He ran down the list of why again. She was the head chef, he the CEO, and he was out to prove all CEOs weren’t soul destroying philanderers. Thinking of Mulberry and Pippa together had the same freezing effect on his blood as a cold shower would have. He left the beach without a last look and found his way back to his insipid date.

  “Oh Jon-hic-athon, I’m so happy you’re back.” Juliet teetered toward him, arms outstretched for him to catch her. Barney and Della Bradley cast an apologetic look at Jonathon before heading down to catch the Xplorer back to the ship.

  “Where are the lovely Bradleys going?” Juliet slurred her words. “Come back, Darney and Bella! We were just beginning to enjoy ourselves!” There was no response from the pair as they scuttled away. “Well, they sure ain’t no fun!”

  “Have you chased them away?” Jonathon put the last five minutes away for safekeeping, and concentrated on being the CEO of Queen Cruises. The most important thing now was to keep happy the daughter of his most important client.

  A pout appeared on Juliet’s face. “I on
ly asked whether they would be up for a threesome.” Jonathon stared at her. Had he heard right? “Oh, not you too. I was only teasing dear Darney and his mouse-like wife. I would never have gone through with it. And it’s had the advantage of chasing them away so we two can be alone.” Juliet leaned in to kiss Jonathon, whose delayed shock reaction allowed her to land her lips on his cheek.

  “Juliet, I think you have had quite enough to drink.” How many times had he said this to her, and he only met her yesterday? He steered her toward the bay. The last boat of the night was due to depart in ten minutes. It had been made clear to everyone on the way out that if they missed this boat, they would have to sleep in Whangara and get the first boat out in the morning before the ship departed at six A.M. No one wanted to miss this last boat. The last vestiges of the staff were making their way there, and against his will, Jonathon felt himself searching for Pippa.

  “Did you hear me, Jonashon?” Juliet looked as though her eyes were going to fall out of her head as she swayed dangerously.

  “Hm?” Jonathon held her up as he looked around for Pippa, wishing he could just brush Juliet away like the irritating creature she was.

  “I cantch walk ‘nmore.” She stumbled against him. “And I feel very shi … ick!” The last syllable was forced out of her by a retch as she stumbled to her knees and promptly returned all the hospitality she had received at Whangara, inevitably splashing Jonathon’s brown Timberlands.

  Great. Just great. He hunkered down beside her. “Are you all right?”

  “Nooooooooooooooooo.” The wail that came back at him was nearly as strong as the stench of sick. “Do I look — hic — alright? I can’t walk … ” Her voice started to fade. “I can’t even … even … get up.” She lay down fully on the beach, eyes closing in a stupor. Damnation, could this night get any worse? This silly twit of a girl was in a heap at his feet. He weighed up his options, and recognised that there was only one. Bending down to her, he reached his hands under her arms.

  “Come on, old girl, I’ll have to carry you.” Stifling a groan, he heaved her to her feet, swung his arm under her knees, and lifted her up. Staggering, he eventually found his balance and made his way with great care to the boat.

  “Ooooh, Jonashon, you’re the besht. I love you so.” Juliet snuggled her head under his chin, and with her hand started playing with the buttons of his white cotton open neck shirt.

  “Juliet, stop that right now.” This was the last thing he needed. After all his thoughts about Pippa, Juliet’s hand inside his shirt left him a feeling a little bit nauseous.

  “Mashterful,” sighed Juliet before closing her eyes and plastering a big happy smile on her face. Had she planned this to get into his arms? Perhaps he was crediting her with a few too many brain cells.

  As they neared the boat, more people joined them, mainly staff. He saw a few fingers pointed, heard a few giggles and some “ahoy there Mr. Eagletons,” but it was Pippa he was looking for, and he soon enough caught sight of her. She was talking to one of the Maori leaders, and his dark complexion provided the perfect contrast for her fiery colouring. As ever, she was laughing. Why did she never laugh with him? He would give anything to be that Maori leader right now, smiling down into her upturned, beautifully sweet face. To her side, he spotted Rob watching him with a dark look. He breathed deeply to help carry Juliet’s dead weight and tried to think straight. Juliet snuggled closer.

  “Jonathon darling,” she breathed.

  Of course. The answer was right here in his arms. All he had to do was give the impression that he was looking after Juliet. Obviously, he couldn’t let people think he was in a relationship with a guest, but he could certainly use a deflection and Juliet, who was such an attention seeker, would provide the perfect cover. Surely then no one would believe anything of himself and Pippa. He could keep his reputation intact and maybe, just maybe, Juliet may stop him thinking of Pippa. He had no other answers for now; this would have to do.

  He was just boarding the boat when he felt someone fall against him.

  “Sorry, oh I am sorry.”

  A bolt of lightning went through him as he recognised Pippa’s dulcet tones. If he was going to put a barrier up between them, he may as well start now. His heart sank to his boots at the thought, but so be it. He could never do anything with his attraction for Pippa.

  “Watch where you are going, please.”

  Pippa looked at him with sparkling eyes, then looked at Juliet in his arms. Her green gaze clouded over. A little frown appeared on her face, before total incomprehension blanketed her features.

  “But … ” She stopped there, as her hand flew to her mouth. She glanced down to the floor, but not before Jonathon could see confusion, which turned her eyes luminescent. “Nothing.” She muttered the word at him, turned her back, and marched on board.

  Jonathon watched her go with a deep ache in his belly. His gut twisted, his heart fractured, but his mind was calm. The die was cast.

  • • •

  After the gentle light of the stars, Pippa now felt naked under the florescent lights, with the plastic seating of the boat providing no hiding place for her. She had to quell the rising desire to race back to the beach. Run away from Jonathon and the jumble of emotions shaking their way through her, each one vying with her for the most attention, like small children. Seeing a window seat free, she collapsed into it gratefully, staring unseeingly out into the dark night.

  What had just happened when she was dancing? When she’d seen Jonathon, her body froze, her soul soared. Surely he must have felt something. The incredible feeling of looking in at someone — of baring her soul and allowing that someone to see in to her — rocked her to the very centre of her being, and she was damned if she could make sense of it.

  And then … then! She discovers him with Juliet in his arms. The irony of the situation didn’t escape her either. She had been dumped by her boss whom she thought she loved and who loved her, and had ran away from London because she didn’t want to see him with the latest it girls. Now here she was, harbouring feelings for her CEO, who had the ultimate it girl in his arms.

  Jeez. A girl could get a complex.

  They obviously enjoyed flirting with her until it was time for them to get serious about another girl. Fine, she could handle that. Just keep a grip on her imagination, which was travelling farther and wider than her physical body, thinking Jonathon cared about her. Forget about men, focus on her career and who knows, maybe the next few days would fly past and then she wouldn’t have to be in such close proximity with Jonathon.

  Men schmen, who needed them.

  Refusing to hear a small voice deep within her, she stared gloomily at her reflection of the window. She wouldn’t fancy her either — her nose was too small, her hair a total state, her mascara never seemed to stay on …

  Fiona and David, gabbling away furiously, sat down beside her. She turned from her naval gazing and smiled over at them.

  “Did you see Mr. Eagleton and Juliet Stevenson?” Fiona looked at her with excitement dancing in her eyes. “How exciting! Do you think they’ll get married? Will we all be invited? Will Having It All magazine be there to take photos? Oh, I can’t believe this, it’s so romantic. Wait ’til I tell my friends back home, they’ll think I’m making it up!”

  David laughed at her infectious chattering. “He only carried her back to the boat. She must be very drunk, judging by the look of her. And a dickie bird told me that she puked everywhere, including on Mr. Eagleton’s shoes.”

  Fiona’s peals of laughter rang through the boat. “Exchanging bodily fluids already!”

  David gave her a mock frown. “Not quite exchanging, love. And no need to be crude.”

  Fiona leaned into Pippa’s shoulder. “What’s up? You’ve gone all quiet.”

  “Oh nothing, I’m fine.” Pippa plastered a smile on her
face. She was fine, really. She knew what she had to do.

  “Come on, what’s up? I don’t know you all that long, but I do know when someone isn’t happy. You looked as though you were having a whale of a time, until now.” David groaned at her pun and she cast him a sideways look. “Not my best, I admit, but I am trying to get a smile here!”

  Pippa chewed on her bottom lip. She had another ten days left — would she go stark raving bonkers if she didn’t have someone to confide in? Calling anyone back home was hardly an option. And she trusted Fiona and David. What the hell. She leaned back in to them. “I know you’re going to think I’m a complete twit, and sorry for that. But — ” Fiona interrupted her.

  “Hang on, I get the feeling this is about a man?”

  Pippa lifted her chin with a rueful smile. “Am I so transparent?”

  Both David and Fiona grinned and spoke together. “Yup.”

  “Great. That’s all I need. Anyway, this bloke — ”

  Again Fiona cut in. “It’s Jonathon Eagleton, isn’t it?”

  Pippa stared at Fiona. How on earth had she pieced that together? Was the girl psychic or what?

  “You’re upset at having to share with your CEO.”

  Pippa sat back in her seat, a wry twist in her tummy.

  “Fiona, why don’t you tell the story?” David rolled his eyes at Pippa, mouthing “sorry” at her. “Will you ever be quiet and let Pippa speak?”

  “Yes, yes, sorry Pippa. Go on. I’m right though, aren’t I??”

  “Keep your voice down, for Pete’s sake. Yes, you are. I don’t know how I can share the same suite as him until the end of the cruise.”

  “It must be tough, all right.”

  Pippa smiled at her. “I can spot the sarcasm a mile away. I don’t need David’s help for that.”

  “Look,” Fiona gestured apologetically, “you have no idea how good your situation is. You have your own room and en-suite — have you even seen our accommodations?”

  “No.”