“I wanted that, too. The thing is, we’re about to do it as adults. It’s not exactly the same, but it’s not altogether different either.”
“And you’re excited about it.” Rowan’s eyes sparkled. “You’re so excited about this you’re ready to burst.”
“I’m excited about a lot of things,” Quinn clarified. “I am excited about this, though. I’m also excited because we get to share it together.”
“So we get to be swashbucklers together?” Rowan was trying to tease him, but he was so earnest she couldn’t help but join in his enthusiasm. “Do you have books you can show me so I can learn something about The Conqueror, too?”
“Oh, now I think you’re trying to placate me.” Quinn poked her side. “You don’t like history books. You don’t have to pretend.”
“Honestly? It’s not that I don’t like history books. I could take them or leave them. I simply don’t care. You, though, you care. You get all fired up. I think that if we look at history books together and then … um, play another sort of swashbuckling game … it might work out to my advantage.”
Quinn was tickled by her playful attitude. “I’m open to finding out.”
“That goes for both of us.”
He lowered his mouth and pressed his lips to hers, the exchange soft and full of promise. “We need to hit a few stores before then, though. I need to do some shopping before we leave port.”
“Okay.”
“How about we make a day of it?” Quinn suggested, warming to the idea. “We can shop. Then I’ll take you to a nice dinner, something full of romance and candles. Then, when we get back to the ship, I’ll clobber you over the head with history and then ravish you like a proper pirate.”
Rowan couldn’t hide her delight. “Can we fit ice cream in there, too?”
“Absolutely.”
“Then that sounds like the perfect day.”
“That’s exactly what I was going for.”
2
Two
Rowan and Quinn’s afternoon of shopping turned into a delightful date.
Rowan amused herself watching Quinn as he pored through possibilities in the bookstore. Quinn was happy to watch Rowan try on three different dresses – and make his opinion known when she finally selected one.
They looked at new boat shoes for Quinn, new earrings for Rowan, and even spent a decent amount of time in an art gallery simply browsing because they both enjoyed the bright colors and nautical themes.
By the time dinner rolled around, they were both starving and ready to put an end to their day so they could return to the ship and start swashbuckling.
“This place looks nice,” Rowan noted as they passed a restaurant that had an expansive outdoor section. “They have open tables right on the water.”
Quinn stopped at the front of the restaurant to peruse the menu. “And they have lobster and crab legs on special tonight. I happen to know how you feel about crab legs so I think this is a good choice.”
Rowan arched a dubious eyebrow. “And how do I feel about crab legs?”
“Ro, if you could find a way to have sex with the crab legs instead of me, you would totally do it.”
“Uh-uh.” Rowan emphatically shook her head. “You would definitely win out over crab legs.”
“Oh, you’re so sweet.”
“If I could find a way to combine you with crab legs, though, I would never leave my cabin again.”
Quinn barked out a laugh as he held open the door and ushered Rowan inside. “Now that right there sounds like an experiment we should both get down with.”
The hostess was young and pretty, her eyes lighting up when she caught sight of Quinn. She tucked a strand of her dark hair behind her ear as he asked for an outdoor table, barely sparing Rowan a glance as they shuffled through the restaurant interior before hitting the waterfront.
“Will this do?” The hostess gestured toward a table that had a perfect view of the ocean.
“This is great.” Quinn smiled at her, although the expression was remote, and pulled out Rowan’s chair. “It’s romantic and everything. Thank you.”
The hostess stilled. “Romantic? Oh, right.” She cast Rowan an unreadable look. “Well, have fun with your romance.” She seemed to lose interest quickly as she put the menus in Quinn’s hands and hurried back to the front of the restaurant.
Rowan chuckled as Quinn got settled across from her. “You have a very strange effect on women.”
“Oh, yeah? What’s that?”
“They all want to jump you within seconds of meeting you.”
“I guess I just have one of those faces.”
“And bodies.”
Quinn pursed his lips. “Did you want to jump me within seconds of meeting me?”
The question was direct and Rowan was glad the outdoor ambiance was dark so Quinn wouldn’t be able to see her cheeks heating up. “Of course not.”
“Lies.” Quinn smirked. “I think you felt exactly what I did when I saw you for the first time.”
“Which was?”
“I kept thinking there had to be a way for me to get you naked without getting involved in a relationship.” Quinn refused to lie. “I was terrified to get involved with you.”
“How come?”
“Because I wasn’t in the mood to get attached to anyone. I was in the middle of a brooding session – one that seemed to last for years – and I kind of liked the idea of being the ship loner. Women hit on me all the time – and I do mean all the time – but I turned them down.”
Rowan frowned. “I don’t need to hear how many people hit on you.”
“Come on. It’s fun for both of us.”
Rowan rolled her eyes. “Your ego is out of control.”
“That’s one of the things you like best about me,” Quinn teased, easing back in his chair and extending his legs in front of him. “I was determined not to get involved with you and yet that only lasted for two days. I swear it’s true. Somehow, within two days, you had me completely rethinking my strategy. I think you must be magic.”
Rowan was chagrined. Technically she was magic, at least in a roundabout way. It was something she’d become more comfortable talking about – at least with Quinn – but she remained uneasy with other people.
Ever since she became interested in taking photographs as a youngster she’d been able to do something a bit odd. It wasn’t the camera. It wasn’t the film – which she obviously no longer used, although she did when she first started. It was her. Ultimately she deduced it didn’t matter which camera she utilized, when she snapped photographs a certain death omen popped up warning her when people were in danger of losing their lives.
Rowan was in the middle of her first shift on The Bounding Storm when the problem reared its ugly head. She thought she wouldn’t have to worry about it on a cruise ship – that was supposed to be a happy and safe place, after all – but she’d been wrong. She’d reluctantly told Quinn the truth, and instead of thinking she was crazy, he opted to help.
That started a slow burn that neither of them could fight and within a short amount of time Quinn was ready to try a relationship. His busy mind wouldn’t relent until he embraced the idea. Rowan was more reluctant, convinced he would change his mind after getting to know her. He hadn’t, though. They were still together weeks later and their relationship had only grown stronger.
Sure, the death omen had popped up a few more times, but they dealt with it together when it became an issue and Rowan was slowly coming to the realization that her relationship with Quinn wasn’t necessarily doomed from the start. That filled her with a different kind of anxiety – one she couldn’t possibly share with him – but she was genuinely happy with their status as The Bounding Storm’s new “it” couple.
Of course, the bulk of the female staff on the ship weren’t happy because Quinn was considered quite the catch, but Rowan wasn’t the type to feel guilty … especially because she was completely happy reveling in her victory.
Quinn snapped his fingers in front of Rowan’s face to get her attention. “Where did you just go?”
Rowan’s already red cheeks burned hotter. “I … was just thinking.”
“About what?”
Rowan sipped her water and swallowed hard. She decided not to avert or brush off the question. “How happy I am. I wasn’t sure it was possible for me because … well, just because … but apparently it is.”
Quinn’s smile was slow and deliberate. “Yeah, we definitely need to stuff your face with crab legs and then get out of here. I have some very definite plans for us tonight.”
Rowan snorted as she turned her full attention to her menu. “So I’m going to eat crab legs, you’re going to geek out with your new book, and then we’re going to swashbuckle each other. That sounds like a fun evening.”
“I think it will be one for the history books.”
QUINN AND ROWAN PLACED their orders and turned the conversation back to The Conqueror. Rowan was legitimately curious and Quinn was like a kid who discovered his favorite superhero movie was actually good. He couldn’t get enough of talking about the ship.
“So they wouldn’t have had any life rafts or anything to save the crew?” Rowan asked.
Quinn shook his head as he sipped his beer. “No. Back in those days, there was no point. If a big ship couldn’t make it to its destination, there was no way a little ship could. It would’ve simply been delaying the inevitable.”
“That’s kind of sad.” Rowan played with the condensation ring her piña colada left on the tabletop. “It sounds like they were close to El Demonio, though. Wouldn’t life rafts have helped in that case?”
“Actually, that’s not a bad point,” Quinn conceded. “No one survived the voyage, though. We have no idea exactly what happened, but apparently it wasn’t good.”
“You’re excited about this to the extreme.” Rowan’s eyes sparkled. “I’m kind of excited, too. It’s something I’ll be able to share with you.”
“That’s the plan.” Quinn snagged Rowan’s hand and linked his fingers with hers. “I hope they don’t take too long to cook the food. I really am excited to get back to the ship. I’m totally going to get you naked before we even look at the book.”
Rowan chuckled as a figure moved up to the side of the table and fixed Quinn with a humorous look.
“Oh, you’re a smooth talker, aren’t you?”
Sally Jenkins, the head of the culinary department on The Bounding Storm, planted her hands on her hips as she stared down Rowan and Quinn.
Quinn was genuinely fond of Sally, but he internally groaned when she made her presence known. “What are you doing here?”
“Having dinner.”
“This is a romantic restaurant,” Quinn pointed out. “Are you saying you’re in love with yourself and eating alone?”
Sally merely shrugged, unbothered by Quinn’s tone. “Would you have a problem with that?”
“No.”
“Well, I’m not eating alone.” Sally smirked at Quinn’s obvious discomfort. “I have a dinner date, although it’s not of the romantic variety.”
“Who?” Quinn craned his neck, his frown becoming more pronounced when he recognized the man walking in their direction. “Demarcus? He’s your date?”
Sally shrugged. “Sometimes the best dinner companions are also the best friends you have in your arsenal. Since I knew Rowan was busy tonight, that left Demarcus as my date.”
“Oh, you say the sweetest things, Sally.” Demarcus Johnson, The Bounding Storm’s head bartender and one of the closest people Quinn had to a confidant on the ship, sauntered to Sally’s side and scanned the table. “It looks like you guys have room for two more.”
Quinn immediately balked. “We’re having a private dinner.”
“You two have more private time than an army recruit,” Demarcus drawled, grinning at his lame joke. “You’ll live.” He rounded to the back of the table and took the spot between Quinn and Rowan, allowing Sally to take the spot across the way. “So, what did you two do today?”
Sally and Demarcus plastered bright smiles on their faces, refusing to let Quinn’s attitudinal shift affect them.
“We went shopping,” Rowan replied. She was torn between mirth and disappointment. She’d had a wonderful day with Quinn. Tomorrow they would set sail for a whole new type of adventure. She was looking forward to a quiet evening alone, just the two of them. On the other hand, of course, Sally and Demarcus were always entertaining. One meal couldn’t possibly hurt them. “I bought a new dress.”
“Oh, I can’t wait to see it.” Sally was enthusiastic. “What else did you do?”
“Quinn gave me a history lesson on the shipwreck we’re going to be seeing,” Rowan replied. “I found it fascinating.”
“Yeah, you guys need to drink more so the things you find fascinating are a little wilder than history lessons,” Demarcus drawled. “Speaking of that, though, look who’s over there.” He inclined his chin to the far corner of the patio, causing everyone to turn and stare in that direction.
“It’s Michael,” Quinn said after a beat, referring to The Bounding Storm’s captain. “You’ve seen him before.”
“I have, and he’s a total dreamboat,” Demarcus drawled, making a face. “I was talking about the person with Michael.”
Rowan stared at the man in question, something about his thinning hair and strong profile causing a jolt of recognition. “Who is that?”
Demarcus turned to her. “He’s the head of the group that will be exploring the wreckage of The Conqueror. I think it’s called Outer Boundaries or something. I forget his name, though.”
“Nicholas Green,” Sally supplied. “He came into the kitchen today to go over the menu options. For the first time in I don’t know how long, I found someone who wants fewer options when it comes to food choices.”
Quinn knit his eyebrows. “Why would he want that?”
“He says that he doesn’t want to turn mealtime into a thing,” Sally explained. “The main reason they secured The Bounding Storm rather than simply finding private transportation and staying in a hotel is that the accommodations on El Demonio aren’t even two stars so they needed a place for the crew to stay that wasn’t a bug-infested rat hole. They decided renting an entire ship was the way to go.”
“I guess that makes sense in a weird way,” Quinn mused. “My understanding is that the wreck isn’t far offshore. We’ll dock at the island and then they’ll take smaller ships to the wreckage.”
Rowan was understandably disappointed. “Does that mean we won’t be able to see the wreckage?”
“I’ll figure a way to get us both out there. Don’t worry about that.”
“Yes, because there’s no way Quinn is going to miss seeing that ship,” Demarcus teased. “I haven’t seen him this excited for anything since he finally got up the courage to strip you naked, Rowan.”
Rowan’s cheeks were back to burning. “Um … .”
“Don’t say things like that to her,” Quinn chided. “She’s easily embarrassed.”
“You were telling her you wanted to get her naked when I walked up to the table,” Sally pointed out.
“Privately,” Quinn clarified. “I was telling her that privately. We were trying to have a romantic dinner.”
“You can still have a romantic dinner.” Demarcus was blasé. “Now you’re simply having it with two additional people instead of just Rowan.”
“Oh, well, that makes everything totally better.” Sarcasm practically dripped off Quinn’s tongue as he turned his full attention to Rowan. To his surprise, she remained focused on Michael’s table rather than the entertaining conversation flowing freely around her. “What are you looking at, Ro?”
“What?” Rowan shook herself out of her reverie as she turned back to Quinn. She’d been lost in thought and missed the bulk of the most recent chatter. “What did you say?”
“What are you looking at?” Quinn turned his full a
ttention back to Nicholas and Michael. “Do you know him?”
Rowan was sheepish. “I don’t think so. I was trying to figure that out myself. There’s something familiar about him, though. I can’t put my finger on it.”
“Maybe you read about him in the newspaper,” Quinn suggested. “This find has been all over the front page. I had a copy of the Herald out yesterday and I’m almost positive that guy was in the photo that accompanied the article.”
“That’s probably it.” Rowan forced a smile that didn’t quite make it to her eyes. “I’m sure it’s not important.”
“He was also on the news last night,” Sally offered helpfully. “I only know because I was watching it and was surprised when his face popped up.”
“You also could’ve seen him on board earlier today and not even realized it,” Demarcus added. “Sometimes you push things like that out of your head until you’re reminded of it later.”
“I’m sure that’s it.” Rowan felt a bit goofy for causing a fuss. “It’s not a big deal. It’s not as if I know him. He simply looked familiar and I couldn’t place him. It was like a weird case of déjà vu.”
“Well, don’t worry about it,” Quinn said. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out. As for you two … .” He pointedly shifted his gaze to Sally and Demarcus. “You’re ruining our dinner. Move to a different table.”
Instead of doing as he asked, Sally merely rolled her eyes. “No. I want to have dinner with Rowan.”
“I want to have dinner with her, too,” Quinn argued.
“You are having dinner with her. You’re just having it with us at the same time.”
Quinn made a disgusted sound in the back of his throat. “Why can’t you just leave us be?”
“Because you guys spend far too much time wrapped up in each other while shutting out the rest of the world,” Demarcus answered. “It was adorable for the first two weeks. It was mildly cute for the second two weeks. Now it’s just getting old.”
“You’re getting old,” Quinn shot back.
“You make me feel old,” Demarcus corrected. “Stop being an old man. Enjoy the night.”
“We were enjoying our night.”
Demarcus ignored Quinn’s tone. “I’ll teach you how to do it better.”
Sunken Seas (A Rowan Gray Mystery Book 4) Page 2