Cinderella at Sea (Launching Love Book 2)

by Ellen Wilder

  “I can’t believe they made my hair look this good,” Manda said with awe in her voice.

  “Oh honey, this is just the beginning.” Diana pointed to the room where the costumes were stored. “Let’s go find something for you to wear.”

  The women walked into the room and began to scan through the racks. Almost immediately, Diana found hers as if she’d placed it there herself. A gorgeous, pewter, toga-like dress was clutched between her fingers.

  “It’s beautiful.” Manda smiled as she looked through the options.

  Diana searched another rack. “Who’d have thought it would be so hard to find a blue dress?”

  Manda bit her lip and thought back to the Facebook debacle. “Hunter posted on Facebook about me losing my shoe like Cinderella. I wonder if anyone on the ship saw it.”

  Diana laughed. “Very well could be. I guess we’ll find out if we see a lot of Cinderellas there.”

  The door opened, and a crew member stepped inside. “Are either of you Manda Reilly?”

  Manda smiled at him. “I am.”

  “I believe you’ll find what you’re looking for in dressing room one. Everything has been prepared for you.”

  Manda glanced at Diana and hurried out of the costume room and into the large dressing area.

  “Someone chose it for you.” The crew member gestured to the first door. “Enjoy.”

  Manda opened the door and gaped at the azure blue dress in front of her. There was a metallic tint to the sleeveless, fitted bodice and princess skirt. She turned to Diana. “It’s stunning. Was this you?”

  Diana shook her head. “I didn’t do this.”

  “Really? Then who?”

  “I’d say Prince Charming.” She walked into the neighboring dressing room. “I’m going to change. If you need help, yell.”

  “I don’t even know where to begin.” Manda stared at the dress. Had Hunter really picked this dress out for her? Manda touched the soft fabric and carefully loosened the lacing on the back. She would definitely need help lacing it back up.

  Stepping into it would be the easiest way to put it on. She should have asked Diana to stay until she got into the dress. Or at the very least, make her promise to come back. Manda skittered out of her clothes and adjusted her strapless bra. She took the dress off the hanger and carefully stepped into it, trying not to snag any of the material. She caught sight of herself in the mirror and stopped. Never had she looked as beautiful as she did now.

  “Diana?” Manda hollered.

  There was no reply.

  She opened the door and stepped into the main area, holding the dress tight against her chest. Fingers touched her bare arms. She smiled. “Can you help me lace up the back?” Diana must have heard her after all.

  “Gladly.” Hunter’s voice sounded behind her.

  She spun around, her eyes widened as she saw him. “I thought you were Diana.”

  “Not quite.” He touched her arm again. “You look stunning. May I?”

  She took a deep breath and nodded. His fingers were hot against her skin, almost burning. She turned around slowly.

  Hunter took his time pulling the laces, letting his fingers trail over any exposed skin.

  She glanced over her shoulder and smiled.

  He pulled the final lace tight and tied it. Hunter turned her around. “I’m glad I decided on dress pants rather than the pants that went with this costume.”

  “Why?” She ran her fingers over the embroidered white jacket that made him the spitting image of Prince Charming. His collar was high, and the coat had long tails in the back. It looked good with his black suit pants and black patent leather dress shoes.

  Hunter lowered his head, his lips nearly touching her ear. “Because that was one of the most erotic things I’ve ever done.”

  Manda’s face reddened, and she buried her head against his chest allowing her to feel and hear his racing heartbeat. She looked up to the longing that showed in Hunter’s eyes.

  Hunter cleared his throat and took a step back. “I-I, um.” He picked up a shoe box from a nearby chair. “I had your other shoe delivered to your room. I was hoping you’d wear these.” He took her hand and helped her sit, causing the dress to poof up around her.

  Manda attempted to raise the skirts to reveal her feet.

  Hunter took the first shoe out of the box and held it up for her.

  The pointy-toed, four-inch heels were covered in smaller crystals with a large crystal flower the same azure as the dress. “I-I don’t know what to say.”

  “Say you’ll wear them.” Hunter knelt in front of her and placed his hand on her ankle.

  Manda’s throat went dry. She swallowed and tried to speak, but all she could manage was a nod. Heat flowed through her body as he slipped the shoe on her foot. He lifted her other ankle, this time running his fingers down her calf as he did. Manda stared at the young boy she used to know, now a very sexy man, whose every touch caused waves of electricity to shoot through her body. Before she knew it, the second shoe was on.

  Hunter stood and held his hand out to her. “May I have this dance?”

  She took his hand and let him drag her to her feet. “There’s no music.”

  “Do we need music?” He rested his left hand on her back, took her right hand in his, and spun her off through the room.

  “You may have done that before.” Manda put her hand on his shoulder.

  “Once or twice. I think you may have had some training yourself.” His gaze never left hers, as if the single act of breaking eye contact would somehow ruin the magic of the moment.

  “My mother is a teacher. She teaches English during the day and dance at night.” Manda smiled.

  “I am looking forward to our moments where we can dance together.” Hunter brought her hand to his lips. “You really are stunning. I knew you’d look great, but I never imagined just how ravishing you’d look.”

  Diana came out of the dressing room, her dress sparkling from the overhead lights. “You two look so cute together.”

  “You look beautiful.” Manda smiled at Diana. “Your Phantom is going to be knocked out by your beauty.”

  “If he can look past yours.” Diana grinned.

  “If he can’t, he’ll be knocked out by me.” Hunter tugged Manda closer to him.

  “Too cute.” Diana shook her head. “Come on, let’s get to this costume ball so I can meet my mysterious Phantom.”

  Hunter stared out onto the dance floor as he finished his fourth song. His gaze barely left Manda sitting alone at one of the front tables. This wasn’t working for him. As he finished the last chord of his song, the band started playing the next one, but he drew a line with his hand signaling for them to stop. Everyone in the room turned their attention to him.

  “I’m going to let the band play for a bit. There’s a beautiful woman here tonight that I need to dance with. I’ll be back in a little bit.” Hunter turned to the band and nodded as he hopped off the stage and made a beeline for Manda. “I can’t keep my eyes off you.”

  The band started an instrumental version of John Michael Montgomery’s I Can Love You Like That.

  “Perfect.” He spun her in a circle and started to sing where the lyrics would be.

  Manda’s face reddened. “Everyone’s watching.”

  He pulled her closer. “There’s only one person in this room I care about, and that’s you. What everyone else is doing is of no consequence.”

  She took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and melted into his arms.

  Hunter smiled at her. “Are you doing okay? We can step outside of the ballroom if you want.”

  She shook her head. “No need. I’m fine for now.”

  “Good.”

  They danced through three songs before Hunter went back on stage. He brought Manda with him so she could sit in the curtains and avoid the crowd.

  Two more songs and he was more than ready to be done with his set. He motioned for Manda to come on stage with him, but she sh
ook her head in refusal.

  Hunter held the microphone to his lips. “Please?”

  She rolled her eyes, took a deep breath, and walked out on stage.

  He put his arm around her. “Who wants me to sing a song to this lovely lady here?”

  The crowd roared, and Manda blushed. “Please don’t,” she whispered, her breath escaping in gasps.

  Hunter leaned down and put his lips to her ear. “It will be all right. Let me do this for you?”

  A tear formed at the corner of her eye.

  Hunter finished the song, put the microphone back on the stand, and pulled her close to him. He lowered his lips to hers. “Manda, I’m going to kiss you.” His breath caressed her skin.

  Manda gasped, her pulse began to quicken, and the room started to spin.

  Hunter’s mouth came down on hers in a slow kiss. He traced her lips with his tongue, coaxing her to open for him. Her lips parted, and he flicked his tongue against hers as he deepened the kiss. Her eyes drifted closed, and her body relaxed, melting into his.

  The audience cheered.

  He closed his eyes and relished in the softness of her lips. There was a touch of something sweet.

  Hunter pulled away from her. “You relaxed when I kissed you.”

  She blew out a deep breath. “I didn’t expect to.”

  “Has it ever happened before with a kiss?”

  Manda shook her head.

  “Maybe my kisses are special.” He gave her a wink and turned back to the audience. “Final song of the evening, folks. I hope everyone had a great time. I know I did.” He glanced back at Manda and lowered the microphone again. “Will you stay on stage with me?”

  She nodded.

  Hunter pulled a chair up on stage and motioned for her to sit.

  She took a deep breath and looked out over the audience.

  “You’ll never see most of these people again.” He whispered in her ear. He held the microphone to his lips, the band started behind him, and he sang.

  Manda’s gaze never left his.

  Hunter smiled at her as he ended the song and leaned down to give her a quick kiss. “Are you all right?”

  She nodded, stood, and stepped closer to him. “That was amazing.”

  “You better believe it.” Hunter smiled.

  “Encore, encore, encore.” The chant sounded throughout the crowd.

  Hunter loved encores, but tonight he just wanted to spend time with Manda.

  “Go sing another song or two. I’ll wait for you in the wings.” She touched her lips and giggled.

  He nodded. “Don’t run away. I’ll be done in a few minutes.”

  “I know.” She smiled and walked off the stage.

  He finished his three-song encore and ran off stage to meet his Cinderella.

  “You did wonderfully.”

  “I could have done better, but I had something else on my mind.” Hunter took her hand. “Care to go back to my dressing room with me?”

  “Sure.”

  He took her hand, and they walked along the corridor toward the dressing room. Hunter stopped suddenly.

  Manda bumped into him. “What?” She peered around him and saw the crowd gathered outside his dressing room.

  He backed up slowly. “Maybe we should go back to my cabin instead.”

  “These are your fans. They’re waiting for autographs. You should stay and sign some.”

  “And what are you going to be doing while I’m doing that?”

  “Hiding in the dressing room, hoping they’ll all go away soon?” Manda gave a slight smile.

  “Nope. I’m on this cruise all week. I can do autographs anytime. Right now, my attention is completely on you.” Hunter turned around, took her hand, and led her toward his cabin.

  Once inside, he sat down on the couch. “You’re the only thing I could think about all night.”

  Manda blushed. “I’m sure there were other things on your mind.”

  “No, just you. I had a hard time remembering my songs because I was couldn’t take my eyes off you.” Hunter laughed. “I think I messed up a couple times.”

  “You did, but I don’t think anyone else noticed. It was just a word or two.” Manda smoothed her dress in the back and sat down beside him.

  He strung his arm across her shoulders. “I’d planned to do a bunch of excursions with J.J., but now that you’re here, I would much rather spend time with you. I have a feeling he won’t mind.”

  “You did?”

  He nodded. “It’s you and me for the rest of the cruise.”

  “That could be fun.”

  “Could be?” He winked. “Are you planning on doing anything off the ship when we dock next?”

  “Tomorrow, probably not. I’ll be too tired to go. I figured I’d stay on the ship and relax in the pool with lots of sunscreen.” She smiled. “I was thinking about going into port in Belize and Cozumel, but haven’t decided about the others.”

  “I’ll take you if you want. I can get access to some of the more exclusive spots where we’ll be away from the rest of the people on the ship.”

  “And your fans.”

  Hunter chuckled. “Yes, and my fans. They’re great, but I want to spend time with you on this trip, not my fans.”

  “Technically, I am one of your fans.”

  “Okay, I want to spend time with one particular fan.”

  Manda laughed. “Thank you for keeping me distracted tonight.”

  “No problem. You looked beautiful.”

  “How’s the Prince Charming get-up in terms of comfort?”

  “It’s not terrible, but it’s really hot, and I’m drenched in sweat after being up on stage.”

  Manda laughed. “You can go change if you want.”

  “You’re stuck in your dress until you go back to your room. I’ll stay in mine.”

  She picked up a large purse. “I brought clothes. I wasn’t sure if we’d go anywhere afterward, so I grabbed a bag.”

  “Smart. I’ll step outside if you want to change here. I doubt the bathroom is big enough for that dress.” Hunter turned toward the door.

  Manda stood and put her hand on his arm. He turned back toward her. She was beautiful. He fought the urge to kiss her again. Her face reddened.

  “What?”

  She bit her lip. “Could you untie me?”

  Hunter nodded. “Turn around.”

  She slowly turned in front of him. “Thank you.”

  His hands trembled as he reached for the tie. When had he gotten so awkward? He grasped the ends and loosened the laces, sparks flying every time his fingers grazed her skin.

  The dress slipped down her shoulders. “Ouch.” She grasped the dress and turned to face him.

  “Ouch?” White lace peeked out from the front of the dress. He swallowed hard and dropped his hands in front of his groin. His face reddened. “I suddenly feel like a teenager.”

  Manda took a step toward him. “But you’re not.”

  “Manda.” He touched her lips with his. His eyes drifted closed.

  She put her hands on his chest, and her dress shifted a bit more. She yelped in pain.

  “What’s wrong?”

  She turned around again. “The dress was bunching, and one of the crew helped me put garment tape on my back. I think it’s a little stuck.”

  Hunter gently moved the material to expose the offending tape. He pulled a little, and Manda cringed again. “Sorry. Let me get some alcohol, and I’ll see if I can get that to loosen up.”

  Manda sighed. “Thank you.”

  Hunter dashed to the bathroom and rifled through the medicine cabinet until he found a bottle of rubbing alcohol.

  "Hey Manda?" he called. "I've got some moisturizer here too. I thought it might help after we get that tape off." He came back with two bottles and some cotton balls.

  "Thank you. Sorry, this is not how I planned to spend the rest of the evening."

  Hunter touched a finger to her lips. "It's better. Now turn
around so I can get that tape off your back."

  She did as she was told. "Who knew some garment tape would cause so much trouble?"

  Hunter smiled and began applying the alcohol. "It’s not as bad as the stuff I used on my first tour."

  "Do I even want to know?"

  Hunter chuckled at the memory. "It was the first—and last—time I used a certain stylist. Let's just say the shirts he had me in were made of really strange material."

  "Oh? Sounds like a good thing you didn't hire him again." Manda laughed.

  Hunter began rubbing the alcohol on the tape, taking extra care not to tug on it. It was a slow process, and it gave him entirely too much time to notice the softness of her skin against his fingers. "Yeah, a good thing." Hunter removed the tape and tossed it in the trash. "Your skin's a little red. You want some of that lotion?" His mouth felt dry.

  Manda's eyes drifted closed. "If it means you touching me longer, yes."

  Hunter warmed the lotion between his palms and then began to massage her back in slow, delicious circles.

  She moaned. "Is it getting hot in here? Because I swear the temperature just rose ten degrees."

  "It's a little warm." Hunter found it hard to concentrate on anything other than touching the woman in front of him, the curve of her shoulders, the line of her spine sloping down toward her hips. He eased the now loosened material of the dress aside for better access.

  "Hunter," Manda groaned breathlessly. She straightened and turned around. One arm came around his neck causing the front of her dress to fall a little further and put more on display in the front.

  Hunter pulled her against him, and his lips found hers. He kissed her hungrily, his hands rubbing up and down her back.

  Her eyes closed, and she ran her hands up his chest. "Don't stop," she whispered against his lips.

  Hunter's right hand glided to her shoulder, then to her chin, while he kissed his way down her neck, his tongue teasing along her collarbone as he held her close.

  Manda’s head rolled back. "Your lips are magic."

  He kissed his way down her chest pushing the dress out of the way. "Your skin is addictive." His breath caressed her breasts as his mouth left a trail of soft kisses.