All of Me

“Okay.” They retrieved their belongings from the locker and headed to the changing facilities.

“I’ll wait for you over by the lockers,” Damian said.

She nodded and watched his sexy stroll until he disappeared. “Mmm, mmm, mmm.”

Inside, Karen stripped off her soaked bathing suit, dried off and dressed in shorts and a tank top. She combed out her wet hair and secured it back into a ponytail. She met Damian, and they returned the water shoes, paid for the pictures and boarded the van taking them to the restaurant.

“You didn’t have to pay for the pictures, Damian,” she said once the van pulled off.

“Think of it as my way of saying thank you. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed myself so much. I’ll never forget it,” he said, holding her eyes with an intensity that made her insides tremble.

“Neither will I.” She stared down at the picture of them in her hands. At least she would have something to remember him by when the cruise ended. But for some reason, the thought of never seeing him again caused a churning in her stomach.

Chapter 5

Karen and Damian entered the open-air restaurant known for its jerk chicken and placed their order. They laughed and talked about everything from the Jamaican sights and weather to music and politics—everything except themselves—while waiting for their food. It took a while for it to arrive, but it was well worth the wait. She bit into the spicy, crispy chicken, and an involuntary moan slipped from her lips.

Damian lifted an eyebrow and chuckled. “Good?”

“Oh, yes. Don’t take my word for it. Try it yourself.”

He picked up a piece of chicken from his plate and tried it. Nodding, he finished chewing. “Mmm, it is good.”

They ate in silence for several minutes. She scooped up some of the rice and peas, loving the subtle peppery flavor.

“Did you enjoy climbing the falls?” he asked between bites.

“Loved it.”

“Are you always this adventurous?”

She shrugged. “I’ll try anything once. Well, except bungee jumping. That will not be happening.”

He threw his head back and roared with laughter.

“What? All I can think about is that cord snapping, along with my neck.”

Still chuckling, Damian picked up his drink and took a sip. “That’s not on my list, either, though I never quite thought about it like that.”

“What about you? Do you like adventure?”

“I used to,” he answered softly. His voice held a hint of sadness.

“Any reason why you don’t anymore?”

He smiled faintly. “Working too hard, I guess.”

“Well, I’m glad you decided to join me,” she said, trying to lift his mood. “Sounds like you need to get out more.”

Holding her gaze, he said, “Maybe. I haven’t had this much fun in ages.” He covered her hand. “I’m looking forward to much more.”

“So am I.”

They continued eating, and then he asked, “So, Karen, what do you do?”

She paused with the fork in her hand. The last man she had dated didn’t think teaching met the standards of a successful career. What would Damian think? Karen halted her thoughts. She didn’t care what anyone thought—she loved teaching. “I teach.”

“Really?”

She stilled. “Is there something wrong with teaching?”

“Not at all. I think teachers are hardworking, dedicated and severely underpaid.”

Relaxing, she laughed. “Me, too.”

“What grade do you teach?”

“Fourth.”

He shook his head. “You must have the patience of a saint.”

“Some days it’s a struggle, but I love it.”

“I’m sure you’re a phenomenal educator.”

“Thanks. What about you?”

“I work for a consulting firm.”

Before she could question him further, the driver indicated it was time to leave. They discarded the remnants of their lunch, followed their group out and rode the short distance back to the ship. As they boarded and made their way to the elevators, Karen tried to cover a yawn.

“Tired?”

“A little.” She checked her watch—two-thirty. “Oh, by the way, you’re good to go on the concert tonight if you still want to.”

“You still offering?” Damian pushed the elevator button.