Page 102 of Risky Match
He grins. “Okay, but it’s optional. If you don’t like the idea, we’ll do something else. Your parents offered us the royal superyacht if you would like to cruise to Catalinius rather than fly back. They thought it would give us a break from the press and everyone. Then you can show me around your country. How does that sound?”
My parents know how much I love time on the ocean to clear my head. It’s a rare treat for me with such a packed schedule. Their offer also means they must approve of Blake and want us to have time together. That alone makes me burst with happiness.
“That sounds perfect. The yacht is beautiful, and it would be so relaxing not to have to deal with crowds and the press for a few days. Do you like the idea?”
“Absolutely. As long as we’re together, I’ll be ecstatic.” He beams.
Mentally, I start calculating how long it will take to pack, arrange transportation, and notify everyone of my change in plans. Then I slap my forehead.
“Wait a minute. We’ll need to wait for the yacht to arrive here from Catalinius. That will take at least eight days.”
A sparkle of delight dances in his eyes, “Relax, love. We can start our adventure today, if you want. Your parents arrived on the yacht. Apparently, they were cruising nearby when they found out we were in the finals, so they docked it in London.”
Mmm-hmm. More likely my parents found an excuse to be nearby in case something went wrong with my mission. They are a tad—actually much more than a tad—overprotective of their only daughter. Regardless, Blake and I can reap the benefits and enjoy the cruise home.
“That’s lucky. It’ll also give you a chance to get to know them.”
I’m also thinking it’s another way for them to keep an eye on Blake until they’re sure they trust him.
“Apparently not. They’re staying in London for some event. They said we shouldn’t wait for them. They plan to fly home.”
“Interesting. I guess that means we’ll have plenty of alone time,” I muse, snuggling in for a hug.
“That’s what I was thinking. How soon can we leave?”
“If we pack quickly and Erin can make arrangements, we should be there in no more than three hours, maybe a little sooner.”
“Let’s make it sooner, I can’t wait much longer to show you exactly how much I love you.”
“Just how do you plan to do that?” I tease with a playful smile.
“I’m going to worship every inch of your perfect body until you beg me to stop.”
EPILOGUE – BLAKE
We arrive at St. Katharine Docks, the marina in central London where the Catalinius royal yacht is docked. Bri’s parents weren’t exaggerating when they called it a superyacht. If anything, that was an understatement.
It’s a small cruise ship! And a beautiful one at that. The hull is midnight blue and glistens against the water. The deck is pristine white with gleaming stainless steel and glass railings.
Bri is all smiles as we walk toward the boarding area, where the crew awaits our arrival. “Isn’t she magnificent?” she asks, gesturing toward the vessel.
“Definitely.”
The captain greets us, “Welcome aboard, Your Royal Highness and Mr. Knight. We’re pleased to have you sailing on our return voyage to Catalinius.”
“Thank you, captain. We’re looking forward to it as well.”
“Would you like us to give Mr. Knight a tour of the ship before we leave port?”
Bri turns to me with a gleam of mischief. “I’d like to rest before the tour. Blake, you’re welcome to take the tour though.”
Message received. And if I’ve interpreted it correctly, we won’t be resting if my answer is the right one.
“Captain, I’d love a tour a little later. I’m also exhausted after the two-week tournament.”
The captain nods. “Your luggage is being delivered to your suite now. Let the crew know if there is anything you need.”
I’m wealthy and enjoy a high-end lifestyle when I’m not playing tennis, but it’s nothing like this. Other than the crew and Erin, Bri and I are the only passengers. This is wild. And it’s giving me some incredibly vivid ideas for how we can spend our time onboard.
