I was still staring at the yacht, which seemed like a more appropriate description, amazed that this was where I would be living for the next several days, when I heard Ryan ask, “Can you pass me the grocery bags?”
I followed him into the main cabin and then further into the kitchen area, placing one of the bags on top of the counter. I looked around with excitement; I was dying to inspect all the cabin compartments.
“Do you want a little tour?” he asked, mildly amused at my noticeable curiosity.
“Mmm hmm,” I admitted, nodding enthusiastically.
“You look like a kid in a candy store. Have you never been on a boat?”
“Well, not one like this one,” I said, arching an eyebrow.
“This is a 65’ Tollycraft, built back in ‘92. My dad bought it after he retired.”
I followed him as he walked me through the rooms and continued to explain some of the boat’s history and features. In the main salon, the coffee table and cabinets were built out of a beautiful, red tinted wood. There was a relatively large L-shaped sofa and a big flat screen TV that hung from one of the cabinets.
“When my dad died, I knew my mom wasn’t going to take it out on her own, but neither of us had the heart to sell it. My dad loved the boat so much and boating was one of his favorite things to do. Now, it’s sort of a family boat. Lauren and her husband take it out sometimes. I only use it a few times in the summer.”
As he spoke, I noticed a picture hanging from one of the walls. Looking closer, I recognized Ryan, another younger woman, and an older gentleman that looked like an older version of Ryan.
“Is this your dad?” I asked.
He nodded. “Yeah, and that’s my sister, Lauren, in the middle. The photo was taken on our first trip out on the boat together.”
I peered at the picture more closely and got a pretty good idea of what Ryan would look like in twenty years. He had his father’s coloring and the same strong nose, chin, and jawline. They looked about the same height in this picture. Ryan’s eyes were softer around the edges, making him appear more soulful and introspective. His father’s eyes were sharper and more catlike, like his sister’s. Their eyes were all the same color—an intense gray blue.
“It’s a lovely picture of all of you. You look so young.”
Ryan looked thoughtful. “I must’ve been twenty-three or twenty-four. It was only a couple of years before he died.” His mind seemed elsewhere, thinking of another time in the distant past.
I continued to explore the main cabin, admiring the craftsmanship and touching the wood with my fingertips. “This trim is beautiful. What is it?”
“It’s Brazilian teak. The doors and cabinets throughout the cabins and passageways, including the lower deck are all made of it. I love it. It’s what sold my mom.”
He grabbed my hand and led me to the master bedroom. There were cabinets made of the same teak wood lining a whole wall. Another flat screen TV hung off one of the cabinets. I poked my head into the bathroom, where there was a full shower, toilet, and mirrored vanity.
I then turned my attention to the lush queen bed. The thought of doing nasty things with Ryan on this bed made me blush. I looked up at him in embarrassment, hoping he didn’t notice my flushed cheeks.
He gave me a knowing look. “I can’t believe you still blush at the thought of us making love. After all that we’ve done to each other this past week?” he said with a smirk. “You’re adorable.”
I tried giving him a teasing shove, but he stopped my fruitless effort and pulled me onto the bed. I tumbled on top of him and he sealed his lips to mine. I found myself melting into his arms and wrapped my legs around him, greedily kissing him and running my fingers through his hair. After making out for a few more minutes, he reluctantly rolled out from under me and pulled away. I pouted at his withdrawal.
“I’m going to get the engine started and we’ll head out.” He pecked me again on the lips before I unwillingly let him go. “I want us to get there before dark.”
While Ryan was getting the boat ready to leave the harbor, I took several pictures with my smartphone for Anna. The last snapshot was one of Ryan in the pilot room.
Me: Ryan and I are getting ready to take off to San Juans
Only minutes after I sent the pictures over, Anna texted me back.
Anna: Nice! Lucky you. Give Ryan our best.
Attached to her text was a picture of the ocean view from their hotel room.
Me: Nice view. How’s the honeymoon?
Anna: Fabulous! We need to all come back here next year. U and R too :)
Me: :) Love u. Have fun!
Anna: U 2 – c u next week!