Sea Breeze Read Online Free PDF Page A

keep my eyes on the ocean as we both lean against the railing. “Thanks for showing me around. I wish we had a little more time in Puerto Rico. I would’ve liked to spend a few days there.”
    “You’re welcome. I know, it’s hard trying to get to know a place in only a few hours. Most people are left wanting more.”
    I look up at Eric. “I definitely was.”
    “Yeah. Me too.” His gaze turns serious and I automatically lick my lips, just in case. Keeping his eyes on mine, he brings his cigarette up to his lips for a drag. In the brief second his lips wrap around the filter, I can’t help but imagine his lips wrapping around my nipple. He raises an eyebrow at me and I realize my lips are slightly parted. We’re only about two feet apart, standing side-by-side against the railing, facing the ocean. He leans toward me and my breath hitches, anticipating the taste of him, but right before our lips touch, a voice calls out from behind us.
    “Hey, Eric, sorry to interrupt, but we need you back here.”
    I turn to see the guy walk back through the door in the same black T-shirt uniform Eric has on, and I clear my throat.
    “Sorry. I have to get back to work. Hang out for a while?”
    “Maybe. Buy me another drink?”
    “Absolutely.” He stubs his cigarette out in the receptacle, smiles, and jogs inside.
    That was a close one. I shouldn’t have, but I wanted him to kiss me. I take my time outside, gazing at the stars while I light up a second cigarette. Out here, away from the city lights, the stars illuminate the sky. It’s like that in the desert too. When you drive out of the city, away from the strip, stars as far as the eye can see. That’s one thing I love about Vegas. That might be the only thing. The only thing left.
    After a few more drags, I stub my cigarette out and head back into the club. Instead of heading back to Eric’s bar, I return downstairs to check on Kim and her friends.
    They’re dancing in a circle, laughing, taking turns moving in the center, as they all cheer each other on. I scoot in next to Kim and move my hips to the beat.
    She notices and bumps my shoulder. “Hey. Where have you been?”
    “I was upstairs, having a drink. It’s less crowded up there and they’re playing reggaeton.”
    “Sweet. Hey guys, let’s go upstairs for a bit.”
    Kim’s friends all trail behind her as she leads the way. Following the group, I make eye contact with Eric as soon as the bar comes into view and head out to the dance floor. This is the first time Kim and I have actually spent any time together on the cruise, except for sleeping.
    Of the five women with Kim, I’m probably the most conservative in my dance moves. They’re all going for pole dancer, “drop it like it’s hot” status, whereas I’m conservatively swaying to the beat. But it’s all fun, and I laugh, watching as each woman tries to outdo the last. Getting caught up in the music, I let go and close my eyes. Dipping my hips to the sultry rhythm, I imagine dancing with Eric in a small Puerto Rican bar, as the crowd pushes us closer together, sweat dripping, breath mingling, gripping his taut shoulders as his strong arms encircle my waist...
    My eyes open and immediately find Eric behind the bar. He watches me intently on the dance floor, lips parted, and my body flushes with arousal. Body language is easy to read. Bartenders are freaking experts at it. Nothing short of screaming “come take me” would be any more obvious to him at this point as I keep my gaze locked on his while rocking my hips side to side. He knows it. I know it. He could crook his finger and I’d be over there in a second, or he could come out here and join me for a grind.
    Our gazes remain locked a few more beats, but when a customer approaches him and breaks the connection, I come to my senses, duck out and run back to my room before he has a chance to accept my body’s invitation. I may want him, but I also want what’s best for me. Better to be safe