Free Love Script by Tiffany Ashley Page A

business.
    There was no margin for error.
    Not feeling up to dealing with Laney, Nick decided to seek out the fitness center. He was tense with anticipation for tonight’s dinner. He needed to work off the apprehension, and putting distance between himself and Laney would be for the best.
    Since she was determined to live in the bathroom, he felt safe to change into a pair of gym shorts without scaring her to death.
    The journey to the fitness center was a workout in itself. Once there, Nick made for the treadmil . The room was virtual y empty. It was a state-of-the-art gym but it was clear this was a place often ignored by the general public. Nick supposed, unlike him, most people booked passage on a cruise for rest and relaxation. Retreating to a fitness center hours after boarding was not normal. The room was eerily quiet, but Nick didn’t mind the silence. He welcomed it. It would al ow him time to think. He ran a vigorous four miles, did several sets of reps with free weights, and was the only participant in a sixty-minute cycling class. He was exhausted when he finished, but he had managed to pass three hours. Not yet ready to deal with Laney, Nick returned to the treadmil , setting it at a light trot to slow his heartbeat. He linked his fingers together and placed them behind his head. The cycling class had been a kil er. He could feel a dul ache in his stomach muscles he hadn’t felt since he ran track in col ege.
    So focused was he on his workout he hadn’t immediately noticed the coy eyes of the women in the room. He had removed his shirt during the cycle class and tucked it in the back of his waistband.
    Bare-chested and sweaty, he was on ful exhibit for the women in the room. It was strange to see the women gawk at him. Nick worked hard to keep himself in shape, but he rarely displayed himself. He employed a personal trainer, so the only people who got to see his efforts were the casual bed partners he chose.
    He checked his watch. Shit. An hour longer and he would be late for dinner. To the whining of the women, he pul ed his shirt back on. As he crossed the gym, he heard one woman whisper loudly to another, “His wife is one lucky girl.” Nick looked down at his wedding band and gave an empty laugh.
    They had no idea how wrong they were.

    ❧ ❧ ❧

    When Nick entered the stateroom, Laney was sitting on the bed. She was wearing a white silk robe that clung to her body, parading the fact that she was only wearing a thin slip underneath. Her hair was pul ed up into a delicate twist on the top of her head.
    She wore diamond earrings that framed her face, giving her an elegant look. For a second, Nick was floored by her lovely image.
    Laney walked toward him, her hips making a delicate sway with every step. “When you didn’t come back, I thought you had changed your mind.” She waved her hand toward the bed. “I had the housekeeper steam your tuxedo just in case.” He forced himself to pul his gaze away from her and look toward the bed. His suit was laid out perfectly. That was definitely a wifely act on her part.
    He was impressed.
    “I’m finished with the bathroom,” she mumbled.
    “It’s al yours. If we hurry, we can stil make it in time.” He nodded and went to his bags to pul out his shaving kit. He showered and shaved. Wrapping a towel around his waist, he left the bathroom to retrieve his clothes. Laney avoided making eye contact with him. When he final y emerged, ful y dressed, he noticed Laney was dressed and waiting for him. She was wearing a form-fitting black dress.
    A shawl was draped across her shoulders, preventing him from seeing her neckline.
    He tried not to stare but felt he was coming up a little short. Reminding himself of their time constraint, he turned his attention to adjusting his bow tie. Lifting his chin, he did a rushed but adequate job of the task. Satisfied, he stepped away from the mirror, giving himself a brief once-over before turning to her.
    “Ready?” he