“Just follow my lead, babe.” He takes my left hand in his right, puts his left hand at the small of my back, then leads me elegantly around the dance floor while I follow the best I can. He moves confidently, like he’s done this a million times, his strong arms nearly carrying me. “Dad insisted I learn this shit growing up. Never thought it’d actually come in handy.”
Gavin laughs while doing his best to make me look graceful. It’s like I’m floating when I’m in his arms, my head swimming and it’s not just from the alcohol. Twinkling stars spin above as he twirls me, the wrap floating around my thighs, and when he pulls me back in, I melt into him. I think I’m pretending, but honestly I can’t even tell anymore.
The first number ends, and after a round of applause that he receives gracefully and I receive by burying my face against his chest to hide my blush, the other partiers join in.
I try to head back to the table, but Gavin stops me with a tight grip on my arm. He shakes his head, a playful pout on his full lips. “Tell me you are not leaving me on the dance floor after only one dance. On our wedding night, no less.”
“I’m not much of a dancer.” Other than alone in my bedroom, I add silently. But he doesn’t need to know that.
He pulls me right back into his grip, holding me so close I can hear his heartbeat thundering in my ear. “Don’t care. Dance with me.” Then with one hand holding me close, and the other sliding down onto my ass, he leans into the crook of my neck and kisses it while we sway to the slow number the band is playing. For a second I tense, but something gives. Instead of pushing away, I press closer to him, even putting a soft kiss or two on his chest.
All the fight has gone out of me, and I can’t seem to find it again. I’ve no idea how long we dance, but I’m snapped out of the moment when there’s a bright explosion on night sky, illuminating us in reds and blues. My first thought is the Captain’s tall pirate story, but it’s only fireworks.
We look up, still standing close and swaying gently. Flash after flash lights up the deck, spraying every color imaginable into the air. The fireworks reflect in the crystal clear waters, making it seem like we’re completely surrounded. It’s magical. Something tells me that I need to remember this, because I can’t imagine a more beautiful wedding, and no matter what happens afterwards, for right now, it’s mine.
Captain Chuck comes by with fresh champagne flutes, giving us one each with a wink before returning to mingle with the other passengers. He’s got the sense to leave us alone. Gavin downs his in one long gulp and then throws the glass overboard. “We’re going upstairs.”
I open my mouth to protest, but my body betrays me. I shiver in anticipation, and when I speak it’s not the oh my God, no that I was thinking. Instead, I just say, “Okay.” Grinning mischievously, I throw my glass like he did, watching it arc through the air until it disappears into the inky blackness surrounding the ship. I giggle like I’ve just done something ridiculously naughty.
Who are you and what have you done with Angie?
With a laugh, Gavin scoops me up in his powerful arms, carrying me easily. Instead of fighting him, I nuzzle my face against his broad chest and wrap my arms around his neck. My new husband might be an asshole, but there’s still a stupid smile on my face.
The crowd cheers and claps as he carries me past them. I burst out laughing, and I can’t stop it, burying my face in the crook of his neck in embarrassment. Everyone knows where we’re heading, and why.
I’ve just gotten married to a guy who confuses, infuriates and tempts me like no other.
And it’s time for the wedding night.
Chapter 22: Angie
We burst in through the door to our suite, him carrying me over the doorstep, true to tradition. Sort of, anyway. I suppose most brides are carried over in more than a bikini, but at least it’s white. I giggle, getting a look from Gavin. The champagne’s still bubbling in my blood.
He kicks the door shut behind him, not bothering with the lights. Outside, the fireworks are still going off, throwing showers of colorful light spattering across our bedroom. I hardly notice. His eyes are locked to mine, gazing at me so intensely. My world narrows until it’s just the two of us while he carries me to the bed.
It’s going to happen. I should be scared, or angry, or at least push him away, but I don’t want to. What I want is him, at least for tonight.
He lowers me gently onto the white satin sheets, then follows until he covers me. His lips trail kisses along my shoulder and collarbone, as he pulls the flimsy wrap aside. It’s like I’m viewing myself from the outside in, watching as I give myself to him. I don’t know if the haze is alcohol or lust, but I can’t stop touching him. I explore him with my hands, running them all over his muscular back, tracing his shoulder blades with my fingertips.