Fated Encounter

by Lesia Reid

  The four stood on the deck looking out. Deana was looking for signs of motion or sea sickness. Trevor and Joey were caught up in the scene before them.

  A gentle wave hit against the yacht, and Deana felt it move underneath her. She was overcome by nausea and a queasiness that rose from her belly. She tried to rein in the feeling, but the more she concentrated on holding it at bay, the more she wanted to throw up. Sebastian saw her from the corner of his eyes. He was standing just inside the cockpit area when she fled the deck. He started in the direction she’d taken.

  He found her in the game room reclined in a chair, head back with her eyes closed.

  “Take these.”

  He pressed two tablets in her palm.

  “I’ll be fine.”

  Her eyes flew open at the sound of his voice and another wave of nausea hit her.

  “These will help you.”

  “I’m okay,” she insisted.

  “Deana,” Sebastian said. “It will go away in a while or get worse. Take the tablets. They will help, and keep this on.” He placed a band on her hand that looked like a watch. “It’s a motion sickness band. It helps.”

  She swallowed the tablets without water and sat up trying to control the queasiness that overcame her.

  “There’s a bathroom through there if you need it.” He pointed to a small door on the left beyond the stairs. “As soon as it passes, I’ll show you around. Good thing the kids had a little adventure of their own. You wouldn’t know where to go.”

  “I’m okay,” Deana said.

  “Sit and relax for five minutes. I’ll get a nurse if you don’t feel any better. I’ll check on the kids for you. Just stay here.”

  “It’s passing. I’ll be fine if I don’t think about it.”

  She was up and moving towards the stairs. Sebastian didn’t try to stop her. If she was determined to tough it out, that was best. He followed her to the deck where she was already with the three children. Bridget and Jaime were not in sight. They had been on the yacht often enough to know that the crew’s number one priority was the safety of any minor onboard. Sebastian suspected they had taken off somewhere to recreate their honeymoon. He wished Deana would eventually feel as relaxed as they did about allowing the crew to take responsibility of the children.

  “I can’t believe this,” Trevor said. “Aunt Deana your boyfriend is the coolest.”

  “I’m glad at least one person thinks so.” Sebastian joined them on the starboard side of the deck. “Who would like a tour?”

  “Me!” the two boys shouted and Britney joined in for the fun. “Are you ready for this?” Sebastian whispered to Deana.

  “Yes.”

  He walked them through the yacht, showing them everything from the dining rooms to the bedrooms. He took them up to the pilot’s cockpit and promised Trevor and Joey they would have a go at the controls eventually. He also introduced them to the fifteen man crew on the boat. He took no chances with three children. Britney left them early in the tour to go with her nanny.

  “This will be your room.” He showed the boys a guest room with bunk twin beds on one side and a single bed on the next.

  “Cool, where’s Mom’s room going to be?”

  “I’m staying with you guys,” Deana said.

  “Jeez, Mom,” Joey said. “You don’t have to stay.”

  “I have to make sure you don’t get into any problems.”

  “Britney is a girl and she sleeps by herself,” Joey said.

  “She sleeps with a nanny,” Deana corrected.

  “Mom, I promise not to go on the deck, and everything we need is down here anyway, even the game room. Sebastian, you could get Britney to sleep here and we all get the same nanny, nuh?”

  “This is not Sebastian’s decision,” Deana said.

  Anger flared in him. She was pulling the you-are-myresponsibility-and-mine-alone card. He cared about Joey as much as she did and he would not risk the boy’s life for anything.

  “This is a big boat.” Sometimes she hated this stubborn streak in her child, but had he not inherited it from her. “You should enjoy yourself, Mom. We will be okay by ourselves.”

  “It’s not a debate.”

  “Aunt Deana, I am nine years old already, we will be okay. And if anything happens, we know how to swim.”

  “Okay boys.” Sebastian was angry but he would discuss that with Deana later. “We have half an hour to dinner, you can wash up a bit and Misty, you remember her?” They nodded in unison. “She will come to get you for dinner. Deana and I will be waiting.”

  “Okay.”

  He left them in the room and gently took Deana by the elbow forcing her out of the room. He opened the next guest room and shoved her inside. He was exploding with anger.

  “I thought we were in this together,” he said.

  “In what together?”

  “I understood and knew you had a son when I met you. He was your responsibility before me, but now we are together, he’s both our responsibility, so never play that ‘this-is-not-Sebastian’s-decision’ thing on me again.”

  “But it wasn’t your decision to make,” she said.

  “No, it was our decision. You have to get over this little hump you carry around that says he’s my kid and mine alone. As long as we are in a relationship he’s also my kid.”

  “He’s not the only child in that room. I have to look out for Trevor also.”

  “Yes, and this is my yacht, making everything and everyone on it my responsibility. I wanted you to take a break for the weekend. I just wanted to do something nice for the three of us. I never run a full crew with just four adults on board and damn it, I am because I care about everyone here. And you are not firing on all cylinders either.”

  “Look, I don’t care how Jaime and Bridget do their thing. I am responsible for my son and his best friend and I am going to make sure they are okay. Joey doesn’t make decisions on what is best for Joey, neither does Trevor. If you don’t like my decision, you can turn this yacht around and I’ll take them home.”

  No one has every infuriated him like this. He felt like kicking something, like punching something but he kept it all inside. He stormed out the cabin without another word to her.

  Thank heavens for the children, because without them, dinner would have been a sulky Deana, a pouting Sebastian and Jaime and Bridget too absorbed in each other.

  “I can’t believe you’ve never been on a boat before,” Britney said to Joey.

  “That’s because we never lived near the ocean,” Joey said. “I’ve lived in Chicago before, have you ever been to Chicago?”

  “No, where is it?”

  “North, it snowed for the whole Christmas we lived there.” “It snowed in New York when we went last December,” Trevor said.

  “I’ve never seen snow before,” Britney said. “Does it look white and fluffy like the clouds?”

  “No, it’s like little pieces of feather,” Trevor said. “It doesn’t even make a sound when it falls and it is white, sometimes a little yellow even. My mom said that’s because of pollution.”

  “I know,” Joey said. “It sure made it cold though, but it was pretty and Mom and I made a snowman. And Mom had the flu after that.”

  “We had a snowman for Christmas,” Britney said. “Dad bought him at Uncle Mack’s store.”

  “That’s not a real snowman,” Joey said.

  “I can’t believe we are moving,” Trevor said. “I can’t even feel it. The water looks pretty with the sun below it.”

  “That’s a horizontal,” Britney said.

  “You mean horizon,” Joey said.

  “No, horizontal.”

  “Horizon,” Joey insisted. “Mom made me look it up in the dictionary once.”

  “I don’t believe you. Uncle Sebastian, where does the sun go?” “Under the horizon, Brit,” Sebastian said.

  “Told you,” Joey said.

  “Doesn’t matter,” Britney said. “I’m only seven I can’t kno
w everything. But I know the sea looks black at nights.”

  “I know that too,” Joey said.

  “Me too,” Trevor said. “I want to have dessert. Aunt Deana makes the best dessert.”

  “I know,” Britney said.

  “You don’t know,” Trevor said.

  “I know. Aunt Deana made cookies for me and we had a pie at her house with Uncle Sebastian.” She stuck her tongue at them.

  “So why are you pouting?” Bridget asked Deana conspiratorially. Jaime had moved closer to Sebastian and the kids were left to their own conversation.

  “I’m not pouting.”

  “Oh Jeez, the kids are having a better time at this than you are.” “They should enjoy it,” Deana said.

  “And so should you,” Bridget said. “This is the safest place the kids can be if that’s what you’re worried about. Everywhere you go; there are cameras and at least three crew men within a few feet. And on deck, the few feet becomes a foot.”

  “Yes, but I have to make sure they are okay.”

  “Ah, now I get it. Sebastian dreams up Caribbean romance and Deana wants to stay with the kids. I was there too,” Bridget said.

  “Did Jaime understand?”

  “He’s got two balls, of course not. He thought I was overprotective, and you know what, he was right.”

  “It’s not Joey alone,” Deana said.

  “That’s why he has a full crew and not the usual six or seven. He’s paying for it, enjoy it.”

  “Sebastian Torrance party pooper,” Jaime said to his friend. “Somehow that doesn’t sound right. You’re usually the life of the party, even though our young guests seem to be doing a better job than us.”

  “I’m just tired,” Sebastian lied.

  “Liar, liar pants on fire.”

  “She doesn’t understand that I love her kid with all my heart. I may not have been there from the start, but I love him like a son,” Sebastian said.

  “It’s always hard for them to let go, let anyone in, and especially single mothers. I was there with Bridget too, no? Fortunately, I was there from the beginning so I didn’t have nine years of bonds to weave through. It’s going to be tough.”

  “The problem is not Joey,” Sebastian said. “He accepts me, but Deana, she’s so afraid. We just had this thing with Anna and it seems it’s one thing after the next.”

  “Sixteen is a tough age to have a kid, and to be where she is right now must have been tougher. She’s a freaking diamond in the rough, and it’s going to take a lot of polishing to remove some of that build up. Talk to her, be patient. Hey, I never thought I would see you in love, and she’s good for you. Don’t let your temper blow it. As for Anna, just explain that she’s totally out of the picture.”

  “It’s not like I haven’t tried. Love’s not supposed to be this tough.” “If it was easy, it wouldn’t be worth it.”

  “Uncle Sebastian,” Britney was calling his name, “can we go watch the horizon in the cockpit?”

  “You mean the sunset,” Sebastian said. “Sure.”

  Four crew members came towards the table as the children got up to leave. Sebastian watched to see what Deana would do, but she didn’t get up, even though she sat up straighter in her chair. With the kids gone, Jaime and Bridget wandered away and they were left alone poking the food around in their plate. He was sitting at the head of the table and her at the end.

  “We meet half way?” Sebastian asked.

  “Sure.”

  They met at the middle of the table and sat down. Their servers came and removed the plates. Sebastian waved them off. He needed to talk to her and he wanted no distractions.

  “I’m sorry about getting angry earlier,” Sebastian said.

  “I’m sorry if you felt I was shutting you out. I’m used to being the only caregiver.”

  “I know,” he said. “Look, you don’t have to lose that protectiveness. All I wanted was for us to have a private weekend together and for the kids to have fun. I should have asked you about the nurse before or how you wanted the sleeping arrangements, but I thought we were there. I thought you wanted that private time with me and not having to explain strange sounds from Mom’s room.”

  “Ah,” Deana smiled. “To be wined, dined and romanced on the open sea.”

  “Something like that. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anyone and I know you are still a little jittery about us being together around Joey, so this was a good option.”

  “I knew you’d be a distraction,” Deana said. “See, I’m not even thinking about the three kids in the cockpit trying to steer this yacht.”

  “Good, then you’ll stay with me?”

  “How much do you know about this crew?” Deana asked.

  “They’ve worked for Torrance Construction on and off for the past five years. The yacht doesn’t always sit in port. Are you running from somebody?” Sebastian asked.

  “No,” but he saw fear etched across her face for a few moments. “I’m just curious.”

  “Deana, if something is bothering you or someone is bothering you, let me know. I can keep both you and Joey safe.”

  “I was curious,” Deana insisted.

  “Is that why you meticulously check the doors and windows five hundred times every night?”

  “I don’t,” she protested.

  “Deana, I don’t want any secrets between us, but know that whatever is bothering you I want to know. I’m not going to press for answers. I am here when you need me. I love you.”

  “Thanks for insisting we come,” Deana said. “I know Joey will enjoy this, and I’m already enjoying myself despite my earlier condition. Thanks for the tablets, the band and thinking up everything to make this easier.”

  “Getting over it?” Sebastian asked.

  “Yeah, mind over matter or something like that.”

  “It will be a great weekend,” he assured her.

  “I am sorry if I’m being a fussy old hen.”

  “Depends on what you’re fussing about.”

  “Sebastian, I do want us to spend sometime together. I know I always push you away but this is new for Joey and me. We are used to just the two of us.”

  “I know, and I’m never going to hurt either one of you.” He took her hands in his and kissed them. “You have to trust me. Trust my love for you and Joey.”

  Chapter 12

  “Do you know what I’ve been thinking about for the past three weeks?” Sebastian asked as he kneaded her shoulders. She’s joined him in his cabin for wine after putting the kids to bed.

  “I’m sure you’re going to tell,” Deana said.

  “I’ve been thinking about you. I can’t stop thinking about you, and the more I try to control it, the more I want you.”

  “Stop it,” her voice sounded weak.

  “I want to touch you, to taste you to smell you. I want all of you.”

  “Sebastian.” She was standing with her back to him, looking out at the still dark ocean. It was as if the room closed in on her as he pulled her against his body. They fitted perfectly. One hand lay on the flat of her belly and the other sneaked across her chest and he kneaded her breast softly as he had her shoulders. His breath was warm against her neck. She felt the soft kisses on her shoulder. His chest expanded against her back as he inhaled.

  “I love the way you smell,” he said.

  His lips nipped at the soft spot of her neck and she shivered. Coils of desire unraveled in her. She felt the butterflies that long laid molting fluttering in her chest. She wanted him to touch to her make love to her, to stop this mad fountain ready to erupt. Making love to him before had left her wanting more and she had tried to keep those desires at bay. She leaned into his body, running her hands along his side. Her head tilted and she gave herself over to the pleasure of his kiss.

  The hand on her belly glided downwards; pass her navel, below the soft elastic waist of her underwear. She was on tip toes craving the touch of this man.

  He wanted to ravish her,
to feel her warmth against him, but there was more. And he didn’t want the quickness of a stolen night. He wanted the long slow, touches. He wanted to know her in every way possible tonight.

  In a soft fluid motion he turned her, his hands moving gently over her body, never losing contact. He moved forward and trapped her against the wall. He lifted her right leg as his lips captured hers. Her lips parted and she urged him even more into the kiss. His tongue stroked her lips softly. Their tongues met and he drank of her and her of him.

  He lifted her and her legs wrapped around his waist. Her back arched when he dipped his head and trailed a kiss down her neck.

  “Sebastian,” she whispered.

  Her hands clawed against his back as she pulled him even closer. He trembled under her touch. He managed to tear his mouth from hers and looked at her. He loved the way her eyes darkened and drooped heavily with desire. He gently eased her shirt over her head. Her nipples were hard and erect against her laced bra. He teased them between his fingers, watching her face knot in pleasure. He stopped teasing her enough to run his fingers under the straps of her bra, gently easing them from her shoulders.

  He held her in this position as his lips nuzzled the base of her neck and his hand slipped around her back and undid her bra.

  “Beautiful,” he said as hands caress her breast. “You are so beautiful. I want to see you naked. All of you.”

  He eased her from the wall. He knelt in front of her. Slowly, he unzipped her jeans. His hands brushed lightly against her skin. She stepped out of the jeans and stood in her laced thong. He gently removed those also. He stood up and moved away from her.

  Deana could feel his eyes caressing every inch of her body. Even without the immediate contact, she skin tingled everywhere he looked. When he reached for her, she stepped readily into his embrace.

  “Make love to me, Sebastian,” she said.

  He lifted her and took her to the bed. Deana surprised herself as she lay naked watching him removing his pants and his briefs. She had never been this open with anyone before. She’d never lain naked under a welcomed gaze.

  When he moved towards her on the bed, she reached for him. Their lips locked as she hugged him and pulled him into a long kiss. He supported his weight on his hands, as his palm lay flat on both side of her. Their mouths touch and their naked bodies moved over the other teasingly.