Demi forced herself not to laugh in the Spaniard’s round, fleshy face. He was old enough to be her father and although his salt-and-pepper goatee gave him a distinguished look, Demi didn’t want to meet up with the aging captain after dark. Everything about him screamed sugar daddy and she had no desire to be his plaything of the week. “What kind of boat is this?”
His face lit up. “I’m glad you asked. It’s a Sunseeker 60 Predator.”
What a fitting name! It was a challenge but Demi listened to what Captain Teo was saying about his beloved yacht, even though she’d rather hear more about his celebrity clients. His enthusiasm was contagious and his stories about Ibiza Town were fascinating. He pushed a cocktail glass into her hands, said it was his signature drink, and winked. “Drink up. It’s called the Great Escape. I created it myself.”
Tossing her head back, Demi burst out laughing. Couldn’t stop. As if, she thought, putting the peach-colored cocktail on the side table. I’d rather drink squid broth!
“I’m back,” Chase said, entering the command center. “What did I miss?”
Eager to share what she’d learned, Demi gestured to the window with her hand and spoke with excitement. “Did you know that the Phoenician settlers who founded the island originally named it Ibozzim and dedicated the land to the god of music and dance?”
“Yeah, I did. I’ve always been a history buff and I did a paper about the Balearic Islands in high school. In case you’re wondering, I got an A plus.”
“Of course you did! I was right. You are a nerd. A fine one, but a nerd nonetheless.”
“And proud of it. Intelligence is sexy.”
“Tell it! I’ll take brains over brawn any day, but both would be nice.”
“Then look no further. I’m the total package,” Chase boasted, stretching his hands out at his sides. “I’m single, successful and incredibly sexy, and if I were you, I’d kiss me.”
Captain Teo coughed as if he’d just come down with bronchitis and rubbed his chest. He reviewed the route they were taking, explained all safety measures and advised them of what to do during an emergency. Wanting to be alone with Chase, she grabbed his hand, climbed the steps and entered the seating area. It had wooden floors, lounge chairs and potted candles. Chase dropped his mouth to her ear and wrapped his arms around her waist.
At his touch, her breath caught in her throat. If y
our erection was any closer to my thighs, it would be between my legs! They danced on the deck, flirted and laughed for so long that Demi lost track of the time.
The evening breeze felt warm against her skin, rippled through her hair and across her flesh. Peering over his shoulder, her eyes widened in surprise. The sky was a striking shade of pink, as vibrant as pastel paints, and watching the sun melt into the Mediterranean Sea was one of the most beautiful things she’d ever seen. “I’m all danced out,” Demi panted. “I need a break and a cold drink.”
Taking a seat on the plush, wraparound bench, she kicked off her shoes and made herself comfortable. Her feet ached, but Demi was having a great time and enjoyed having Chase all to herself. He’d turned off his cell and now she didn’t have to worry about one of his employees or family members blowing up his phone during their romantic boat ride.
“It looks like you could use some more Cristal. Allow me.” The steward filled Chase’s empty glass with more champagne and flipped her curls over her shoulder. She was pleasant and professional, but Demi noticed the brunette making eyes at Chase and wondered if the steward had slipped him her number when they were alone. All afternoon, women had been ogling him, but he was either oblivious to it or didn’t care because he hadn’t acknowledged any of his female admirers.
“Thanks, Miss that will be all.” Feeling jealous and territorial, Demi rested a hand on Chase’s thigh. She wanted the brunette to know he was taken—at least for the night—and snuggled against him on the bench to prove it. Sure, they’d only met twenty-four hours earlier, but Chase was a catch and she didn’t want to compete with the tanned beauty for his attention.
The light in her eyes dimmed but she spoke in a cheerful voice. “Very well. I’ll be below deck, but if you need anything, press the call button on the remote control and I’ll be right up.”
“She definitely likes you,” Demi said, watching the steward leave. “Did you guys exchange numbers while Captain Teo was holding me hostage in the command center?”
“No.” Chase took her hand in his and slowly drew his fingers against her skin. “I have my eye on someone else. She’s a feisty, tell-it-like-it-is beauty from North Philly and I’m attracted to her mind, body and soul.”
“Good one, especially the part about you being attracted to my mind. Very smooth.”
His gaze dropped to her mouth. Demi tried to slow her heavy breathing, but the longer he stared at her the faster her pulse raced. Move south! she urged, wishing he could read her mind. Her nipples strained against her bra and lust coursed through her veins, making her feel desperate. South is where all the action is! So move your hands south!
“Can I kiss you?”
Her heart leaped inside her chest and a smile curled her lips. “I thought you’d never ask.”
Cupping her face in his hands, Chase kissed her passionately, with such fire and desire that she sank against his chest. Seconds morphed into minutes, but instead of being mollified by his kiss, Demi needed more. Her desire grew to dangerous heights, threatened to consume her. Their tongues teased and tickled, sending bolts of electricity through her body.
The breeze swept over her sweat-drenched skin, but it didn’t cool her down. Caught in the moment, Demi climbed onto his lap and draped her arms around his neck, pulling him close. Eager to please, she trailed her tongue along his earlobe, his jawline and over his lips. His groans proved he liked her bold, take-charge attitude. She wanted to rip his clothes off, but she remembered they were on a private yacht not inside her hotel suite and curbed her desires.
“Finally,” she teased, snuggling against him. “I thought you’d never kiss me.”
Chase raised his hands in the air. “Don’t blame me for being a gentleman. My dad is old school and he taught me to be patient with the opposite sex.”
“That’s nonsense. Women have desires and urges and needs, just like men.”