Page 48 of Not that Sea-Rious
“You can at least give her until eleven,” Joyce said.
Shaking his head, he glanced toward the now ruby-red-cheeked Marissa.He’d miss these women when the cruise ended.Their levity had worked wonders on him.
“I’m so sorry,” she mumbled.
“Don’t worry about it,” he assured her.
“No, seriously,” Carolyn said from behind them.“I want you two at karaoke tonight in the piano bar.”
Tina bumped the bride-to-be’s shoulder.
“What?”Carolyn glared at her.“I do.”
“Let them have their night,” Tina insisted.
“We’ll be there,” Marissa assured as she pulled open the door.
“But don’t wait up.”Beau winked.
Marissa shook her head, but she laughed.When would he ever have this much lighthearted fun again?
On the highest deck of the ship, in a secluded area, accessible by a lone elevator, Beau escorted Marissa to the fancy steakhouse on board.This was the finest restaurant available to the passengers.It was a step above the main dining room, and so he’d been told, about five leaps and bounds from the food available at the buffet.
There was no one he’d rather enjoy this experience with than Marissa.
The maître d’ greeted them with a warm smile before escorting them to their small table against the wall of windows overlooking the expansive ocean.A large full moon reflected over the sea.The sparse clouds added to the ambiance and didn’t take away from the exquisite view.
The room was dimly lit with what Beau supposed was to be romantic lighting.An electric faux candle flickered on their table beside a small floral arrangement.
The hostess pulled out Marissa’s chair for her and then offered the menus.She reviewed where the wine list was and explained their server would be by shortly.When she left, Beau licked his bottom lip and peered over his menu at his date.
She skimmed her options, seemingly oblivious to his appreciation of her.She was absolutely radiant.The view of her, with the glow of the moon in her hair, had him captivated.His chest pinched because this was the final occasion where they’d see each other.
“Are you in the mood for a cocktail or wine?”she asked as her soft chestnut eyes glittered in his direction.
For their last night, he wanted to have all his faculties.They’d drunk themselves stupid this past weekend.While he’d had the most fantastic vacation of his life, tonight was different—special.He wanted to remember every moment.
“I dunno.”He shrugged, skimming the list of wines.
Not having something to drink would seem off, considering their history.He’d have to control himself.Beau was a grown-ass man, and despite the previous evenings with Marissa, he was sure he could show some restraint when necessary.One drink should be fine.He could totally do that.
“I’m probably going to have steak tonight, so maybe a merlot or cabernet sauvignon,” he said.
She lifted her brows and grinned.“Oh, Mr.Fancy Pants.”
He grinned, enjoying the effortless banter.“What about you?”
She hummed and pursed her lips.“I don’t know.The martinis we had the other night were pretty good, but if you’re going to be all prim and proper…”
“Get what you want,” he reassured.“We’re celebrating.”
She arched a brow and lowered her menu.“What exactly are we rejoicing about?”
“The best vacation of my life.”
31
Marissa
