Alaskan Exposure Read Online Free PDF Page B

about sex.
You’re the one who mentioned affairs and sex.”
    Her eyebrows rose. “You don’t want to have sex with me?” She
sounded concerned.
    He almost laughed. “I didn’t say that. Any man would want to
have sex with you and I’m not a monk.”
    She burst out laughing. “I’m sure that you’re not. In fact
I’m sure you have a few women a day giving you their stateroom numbers.”
    As crazy as it was, he wished he could contradict her. “And
you assume that I always take them up on it.”
    She shook her head and looked up at the ceiling. “I don’t
assume anything.”
    “Okay, you don’t trust me. I get it. Let me earn your trust.
Meet me in the Constellation Lounge at ten thirty. If you don’t show, I’ll see
that any further tours you require are given by someone less likely to offend
you.”
    He couldn’t help being angry as he walked away. She acted as
if he was sleeping with half the ship. Not that he hadn’t had his share of
onboard flings—as he said, he was no monk. He had no idea why he was so intent
about getting to know Charley Ballantine. She was not at all his type. He knew
she wasn’t the kind of woman who he could sleep with for the length of the
cruise and then watch walk away. He also knew, that was the only way any kind
of relationship could end.
    * * * * *
    It was possibly the longest twelve-hour shift of his life.
By the time he got off duty, his concentration was completely screwed up with
wondering if Charley would show up or not. He showered, dressed and headed for
the lounge.
    He’d always liked this part of the cruise liner. It sat
forward, looking where they were going. At night, only darkness lay ahead, but
even then, the room held mystery in its soft jazz music and high backlit
ceiling. It was rarely crowded but had a nice bar and a comfortable feel to it.
    Kyle sat at one end of the bar. Since he was off duty, he
was not in uniform. It was a formal dinner night on the ship. He wore black
trousers and a blue shirt, no tie and no jacket. He was buttoned up in uniform
most of the time. It was nice, when off duty, to be comfortable.
    The bartender spoke with a thick Zimbabwean accent. “Hello,
Kyle. What can I get for you?”
    “Just a glass of water for now, John.” There was no sense in
getting comfortable if she didn’t show up.
    John returned a moment later with a bottle of water and a
glass with ice. He twisted the plastic cap and poured before setting it down.
    “Thanks,” Kyle said.
    John nodded and walked off to help another guest.
    At 10:35 p.m. he was sure she was not going to show up. He
got up from the barstool and was about to say goodnight to John, when he
spotted her. She’d just entered the room and scanned until her eyes lighted on
him. She didn’t smile but she didn’t look disappointed either. He waited and
watched as she crossed the room. The black dress clung to her gentle curves.
The halter top tied behind her neck and left a deep V between her breasts.
    Kyle’s mouth watered. He had to force himself to stay put
and not run across the room as if he were a schoolboy on his first date. She
passed the dance floor and climbed the three steps to the landing where he
waited. She didn’t meet his eyes.
    “I didn’t think you were going to come.”
    She looked around the room, anywhere but at him. “I wasn’t.”
    “So why did you?”
    Then those stunning eyes locked with his. “I don’t know.
Maybe curiosity. Plus, I seemed to insult you this morning and I didn’t mean
to.”
    He ignored her attempt at an apology. “Would you care for a
drink?”
    John was already standing and waiting for an order. She
smiled at the bartender. “Merlot?”
    “Very good, madam. Kyle?”
    “The same, John. Thanks.”
    Lightly taking her elbow, he led her to a low table and two
lounge chairs in the farthest forward arch of the glass wall. They were
surrounded by glass on two sides and could only see a slight glimmer of light
on the ocean. He slid his chair