Bonnie nodded and he took her hand leading her outside and toward his car. The music dimmed as they approached the vehicle and when they got to it, David made no move to unlock it. Bonnie turned, her back pressed against the door of the car as she looked up at him.
He towered above her, and Bonnie wondered if he was going to kiss her. She knew that if he tried to, she wouldn’t stop him because she wanted him to. Her tummy did that strange little dance and her breath caught as the heat of him warmed her.
“What is going on?” she asked, and she hated the tremble in her voice because she was sure that he heard it too.
David smiled as he looked into her beautiful eyes. “I wanted to tell you… that I have an idea. And now I know that it is different from the plans you had, and it’s okay if you say no. But I just thought you’d like it”
Bonnie said nothing. She just stared at him and waited for him to speak while wondering what he had in mind. Since she met him, she had never seen him hesitate to say what he had in mind, but now he was and she had no idea how to feel about that.
“You said you wanted to travel…you want adventure and I have an idea” he began. When she nodded, he continued, “So, I have this boat…It’s not a new one, actually it’s far from that, but it’s one of the best things I have spent my money on. I still have to do some work on it, but it’s alright. Why don’t you come with me and see how you’ll like it?”
He paused, then lowered his eyes when she said nothing.”I know you have probably been on lots of boats…better ones even. So I will understand if you don’t want to. It was just an idea that I thought you might like.”
Bonnie’s hand closed around his and he jerked, but he didn’t break the contact. The simple action of just holding his hand felt so…intimate. He stared at her, and she gave him a small smile.
“I would love to come, David” she said softly, “And I think it sounds like a great idea. Spontaneous too… and that makes it awesome.”
He smiled then, and Bonnie melted. She found herself wishing he would smile more often…smile at her. She looked down at their hands, and she realized then that she wasn’t just holding his hands anymore, but their fingers were intertwined. He was also closer…. So close that his chest almost crushed against hers. Bonnie’s eyes drifted from his dark eyes and settled on his lips. She wanted him to kiss her so badly, and she was sure that he would, so she stretched out to meet him…but he withdrew from her, leaving her suddenly missing the warmth from his body.
“We should get you home,” he said without looking at her.
Bonnie nodded, trying hard not to let him see the disappointment on her face. He was right to pull away, she kept telling herself. She wasnt his type…and he was just doing his job. He was getting paid to hang out with her. No matter how charming he was, she had to try to remember that.
———————
Duffel slung over his shoulder, grocery bag in the other hand, David whistled his way down the path toward the marina that housed ‘Blue Blood’
It had taken him three months of negotiating the price to something he could afford-but the extra hassle had been worth it. This latest acquisition would be the perfect honeymoon rental once he knocked some shape into it. He could also book it for a college-buddies’ reunion or moms’ get-away. It would take time, and a boatload of cash he no longer had, but eventually she’d shine.
David paused on the dock, taking a moment to appreciate the worn fiberglass hull, faded padded seats and fraying lashings.
She’d had a good life prior to his purchase, the last ten years of which had been spent moored right here in this berth, but he was going to give her an even better life now. One where she was appreciated, cared for and, most of all, used.
Fifty-footers like Blue Blood weren’t meant to be stabled. They were meant to be out there on the water, riding the waves, steering into sunsets and dreams.
David tossed his bag onto the deck, but was more careful with the groceries, then he walked the width of the dock to give Blue Blood one last check. Tomorrow morning was the perfect time for them to head out, right when the sun was peeking over the horizon. A cup of hot coffee, some bagels and the wheel in his hand, there truly was no better way to start the day. Nor was there a better way to end a day than with a good eight to ten hours of shut-eye…After their journey, sleep was something they both needed… It would be much better with some cuddles involved, but he pushed the thought right out of his head. He had to at least try to keep his head straight.
He stretched his arms over his head, pulled off his jacket and threw it on top of his bag. He was tired and he was sure that Bonnie was too, so he’d gone out to get some things for them, while giving her the opportunity to freshen up.
He headed into the cabin below and knocked. He heard her small voice say ‘Come in’. He did and found her on the shelf in the closet. Surprised, he just stood there, staring into her stunning brown eyes. She stared back at him, unblinking and David couldn’t help but smile at her.
“Hey,” he said. “What are you up to?”
Careful, Bonnie warned herself. The last time she’d let herself be charmed by his smile she’d ended up craving a kiss that she didn’t get, and had almost died of embarrassment.
Finally, she managed to respond with a slightly strangled sound that had the color rushing to her cheeks. His smile faded and concern replaced the look on his face.
“Are you all right?” he asked, offering his hand to her.
“Mmm.” She nodded. “I was just going around and checking the boat out. Wanted to see what was up there so I climbed. Sorry about that”