Love Script (15 page)

“Now, I real y don’t believe you.”

“I forgot my name.”

“I’m sorry?”

“While I was having my massage, my masseur tried to get my attention several times, but I didn’t respond because I’m not used to being cal ed Mrs.

Sinclair. Vivian had to motion to me to get my attention.”

He looked somewhat irritated. “Did she say anything afterward?”

“No.”

“That’s the second time you’ve forgotten your married name.”

“I know. I’l have to work on that.”

“Yes, you wil . We can’t blow our cover now.”

“I know.” As if unnerved by his nearness, she nudged his arm out of the way. “I need to freshen up.”

He obliged her. Removing his arm, he watched her make a direct path to the bathroom. If he knew anything about Laney during the short time they had known each other, it was that she took her time when she was in the bathroom. He didn’t expect to see her for at least an hour, so he pul ed out his laptop and began checking his e-mails while he waited for her.

Half an hour later, he heard Laney’s voice cal out to him from the bathroom door. “I like Vi and Wil .”

Nick was surprised to see her reappear so soon. She had a bath towel wrapped around her, and her wet hair lay at her shoulders.

He gulped. “They seem to like you, too.”

“I feel bad for lying to them.”

He forced himself not to stare at her legs. “We have an agreement, Laney.”

“I know. I just don’t like deceiving people.” This was an important conversation, but he found it hard to concentrate with her wrapped in a towel.

“Are you finished showering?”

“Give me a minute.” She disappeared.

Another fifteen minutes passed before she reemerged from the bathroom. Relieved, Nick darted inside before she changed her mind. He washed the chlorine off his body and shaved. The room looked like a boutique explosion upon his return. There were several dresses laid out, and Laney paced back and forth, evaluating each article.

He towel dried his hair while she obsessed over which dress to wear to dinner.
“This is an art, Nick.

It’s my one-year wedding anniversary. There are
expectations involved.”
When he didn’t immediately respond, she frowned at him and began rearranging the dresses, in what he thought was in order of favor.

“Which do you like?” she asked.

If she was offended that he only wore a towel, she made no indication. He shrugged. “I’m sure they’l al look great on you.”

“You can’t get out of this that easily. Honestly, which one do you prefer?”

He stood behind her and viewed the items. He had trouble seeing the difference between them; they al looked alike when lined up. “That one.” He pointed to the first one.

“
That
one? Why?”

“Al right, that one.” He pointed to the one beside it.

“I hardly think that one is appropriate.” He sighed as he eased onto the bed. “Why did you ask me in the first place? I’m not good at women’s clothing.”

“What are you doing?”

Nick was splayed across the bed, his arms stretched out beside him. “I’m taking a nap.”

“But I wanted to lie back down.”

He patted the spot beside him. “Then come to daddy.”

“That’s not funny, Nick. You can’t sleep there.”

“Why not?”

“You’re naked.”

“No, I’m not.” He closed his eyes and gave a lazy yawn. “To be accurate, I’m wearing a towel, but I can get rid of it if you like.”

“No!” She shaded her eyes. “Put on some clothes.”

“I’m comfortable. I’l dress later.”

“But I’m tired.”

“Then stop whining and come to bed.” Again he patted the spot near him.

She crossed her arms, determined to stand her ground on the matter. But after long minutes passed, she seemed to realize he was just as resolute.

Huffing loudly, she eased herself onto the bed, muttering al the while. She tossed and turned several times before settling on her side. Her body went unnatural y stil . Had he the energy to tease her, he would have. Laney was doing a horrible job of pretending sudden slumber. She was practical y hanging off the edge of the bed in her efforts to keep as much room as possible between them. Honestly, the way she carried on, you’d think she’d never been alone with a man before. Which was a lie in itself, because he had glimpsed some the clothing she had packed for the trip. She was definitely no novice to the art of seduction. So why play the virgin with him?

Fine, he thought. If she wants to play these childish games, so be it. They both knew what this was leading up to. He would tel her this evening.

It was the last coherent thought he had before slipping into unconsciousness.

❧ ❧ ❧

Laney awoke to something hard prodding her backside. Slowly she blinked away her slumber, yawned and then froze. There was something holding her. Her eyes sprang open. She looked down to see a tanned arm wrapped around her stomach, leading up to a large hand that was firmly cupping her breast. Silently, she tried to move away, but he pul ed her back into his tight hold. She then concluded what was prodding her bottom. Nick and al his maleness had trapped her.

Her back was pressed against his chest, his hard cock blindly seeking solace between her thighs, now wet with desire. She did not have to look down to know his towel had come off. The man was
really
naked. His hand cupped her breast and slowly began to toy with her nipple. Even with his face tucked in the crook of her neck, she knew he was asleep. She groaned helplessly, embarrassed enough, but if she woke him she would be mortified.

Slowly, and ever so careful y, she tried to ease out of his reach, but with every move he pul ed her tighter against him, pressing his cock just beneath her buttocks. With the head of his penis now positioned against her sex, he began moving his hips in slow thrusts. If not for her thin cotton shorts, they
would
be having sex. Again she tried to inch away from him. He groaned roughly and opened his mouth to drop slow, seductive, open-mouthed kisses against her neck. She shivered at the feel of his tongue lapping at her sensitive skin.

She moaned, her eyes rol ing back into her head.

Her body couldn’t help reacting to him. He rol ed her pebbled nipple between his fingers. His cock throbbed as it pressed against her crotch. Trailing his hand slowly down her stomach, it slid effortlessly into the waistband of her shorts. His fingers instinctively knew where to go. She gasped when he slid his finger into her wet cunt.

“Nick! Nick! Wake up!” She could feel the brush of his eyelashes against her skin as he opened his eyes.

“Huh—what?” His head popped up. “What’s happening?” He seemed to know within seconds of asking exactly what was causing such alarm. “Damn, Laney, I—”

Laney rol ed away, turning her back on him. She couldn’t look at him, not the way he was, naked and outrageously aroused. “I’l get ready for dinner.” And off she was again, seeking haven in the bathroom.

❧ ❧ ❧

Laney had chosen a strapless peach dress with a flirty skirt. With every step a golden thigh snuck out from the soft fabric. The color complemented her complexion and highlighted her curves. They had not spoken about what had happened earlier; she’d made certain of that. She was a circus of activity, keeping herself busy by doing her hair and cleaning up the suite. Nick was frustrated with himself for making her feel uncomfortable, but he didn’t necessarily regret it. Her body felt wonderful against his. He could only imagine what it would be like to fuck her and was now freely al owing himself to entertain thoughts of sleeping with Laney. And it was damn arousing.

As Cooper had mentioned, she wasn’t his cookie-cutter type; however, she was electrifying to be around and he couldn’t help but be captivated by her. Perhaps because she didn’t wil ingly throw herself at him like other women. He knew she thought him to be easy on the eye, yet she gave no indicator she found him sexual y attractive. Not even remotely. The look on her face after their “nap” said it al .

He would have to confront her about it. Things could not continue the way they were. They’d either have to have sex immediately or scout out wil ing partners to entertain themselves with. There was too much sexual tension between them to not get laid.

Even as he thought the words, he did not put much strength in them. Sure, he could screw some random woman on the cruise and be content with the arrangement; however, he doubted he would al ow her to have such privileges. The idea of Laney fucking another guy pissed him off. More than that, it made him a little crazed. An image of Cooper Wright came to mind. He’d never cared much for Cooper, but envisioning him touching Laney sent him over the edge. No, Laney couldn’t hook up with anyone else on the ship. That only left him the option of sleeping with her himself. Somehow, he would have to convince Laney she wanted it just as badly as he did.

Wil iam and Vivian Zelman hugged Laney and shook Nick’s hand as they approached the dinner table. The Zelmans had dressed for the occasion.

Nick was irritated to see Cooper and Heidi had joined them, especial y considering where his mind had drifted recently. Seeing Cooper instantly put Nick in a bad mood. He tried to ignore Cooper’s ogling of Laney throughout dinner, but it was impossible. In retaliation, he played the territorial role to the hilt. His arm was planted behind her seat. He leaned over to kiss her often and just in case Coop did not get the point, Nick stroked her thigh in plain view of him but careful y concealed from the Zelmans.

Laney played the part of the giddy first-year bride quite wel . Her laugh was magnetic. She easily sparked with everyone while pretending not to notice Nick’s roaming hands. To her credit, she even amused Vivian by obliging her in an argument. To the delight of Wil iam Zelman, a photographer stopped by the table to take a picture of Nick and Laney. Their printout reading
Happy Anniversary
at the bottom of the photo.

Nick scored big points when he presented Laney with a slender velvet box as her “anniversary” present. Laney’s shock was genuine. Vivian and Heidi leaned forward to get a good look at what lay inside. When Laney opened the box to see a tennis bracelet dripping with diamonds, she was rendered speechless. The kiss she planted on his lips was soft and quick but it left him hungry for more. Vivian clapped excitedly while Nick clasped the bracelet around her wrist, thankful that it fit.

Then, they took to the dance floor. Nick had grudgingly al owed Wil iam to dance with Laney, but that was it; he refused to let Cooper within ten feet of her. When she was final y back in his arms, Nick held her tight, even though she would not look him in the eye. They swayed to the music slowly, ignoring the dancers around them.

“Are you upset with me?” she asked.

“No,” he grunted.

“You didn’t say much during dinner.” He didn’t respond, just lowered his hands to her waist.

“I think Wil and Vi are tired,” she said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they retire early. Do you want to meet up with John and Natalie in the casino?” He looked down at her, his eyes focused on her cleavage. “Put your arms around my neck.” She complied without argument. “Do you want to go to the casino tonight?”

Her movement brought her breasts closer to his face. He lowered his lips to her neck.

She pul ed her head back. “Don’t, Nick.” He dragged his tongue along her neck. “Stick to the script, Laney.”

“I am,” she whispered. “Please don’t do that.” He inhaled her scent as he trailed kisses along her jaw line toward her lips. “We’re supposed to be happily married. Married couples kiss, Laney.”

“Do we have to do this now?”

“Yes.” He captured her lips, lightly kissing her at first then drawing his kiss deeper. His hands stroked the top curvature of her round bottom. Laney opened her mouth to his insistent tongue, her hands ruffled through his hair as he lifted her off her feet and held her tight. Laney moaned into his mouth.

Digging her fingers into his hair, she pul ed his head back. “Nick, stop.” She looked over his shoulder to see if anyone was watching them. “I’m not going to let you shame me on the dance floor.” She unhooked her arms from around his neck. “Let’s go back to the table.”

He shook his head and guided her to the side of the dance floor, away from their party. “Not yet.” He pul ed her to him.

Laney tried to push away, but he had at least a hundred-pound advantage on her. “Let me go.”

“Wait, damn it,” he snapped. “I’m hard. I need to calm down.”

“Oh.” She felt herself blushing. “How long do you think—until you’l be okay?”

“It depends.”

She nibbled on her lower lip, deciding it was best to change the conversation. “What would you like to do after dinner?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

“Perhaps,” she continued, completely ignoring his comment, “we could convince the group—”

“Laney, we need to talk.”

“No, we don’t.”

“Yes, we do.” He grabbed her hand and placed it on his cock. “How long are you going to ignore that I have a hard-on?”

Laney tried to pul her hand away, but he wouldn’t al ow it. Instead, he tightened his hold and pul ed her closer. “This is going to keep happening unless we do something about it,” he said roughly.

“Exactly what do you expect
us
to do?” She gasped when he wiggled his eyebrows flirtatiously. “
I
don’t think so
.”