Free Artful Love: A Short Summer Love Story (new adult/contemporary romance) by Jillian Leeson Page B

 
    “Don’t worry, I’ll help you out. I’m Captain Adams.”
    Offering a wide smile, he took my hand and shook it slowly.  
    “Jessica Miller. I’m looking for my cabin.” I fumbled with a stack of crumpled printouts, desperately trying to find the number. The captain calmly took the papers from my hands.  
    “Let me have a look. Ah, that’s just here. Just follow me.”
    I could only manage a nod. Flutters were tickling my insides, but I wasn’t sure if it was because the good-looking captain had been gazing at me with his teasing eyes, or because I was so excited about the trip.  
    The cabin was a lot more spacious than I expected, fitting a king-size bed, couch, and a bathtub. When the captain pulled away the sheer curtains, he revealed a sizable balcony with a view of the glittering cobalt ocean. Drawn by the inviting waters, I immediately stepped outside and leaned on the glass railing. I relished the warm sunrays on my face and the soft breeze caressing the length of my hair.  
    “You are so lucky to see this view every day. It sure beats my windowless office.” I looked up at the captain, who had joined me on the balcony.
    “I can never get enough of the view.” Instead of observing the water, he directed his gaze to my body, in a sweeping up-and-down motion. For once, I was thankful to Kate for sending me the elegant Prada sheath dress, which I hugged my curves in all the right places.
    The captain settled his gaze on my eyes. “You here alone?”
    “Yes. This was originally meant for two—my sister and her latest fling. But now it’s just me.”
    “You’re still going to have a great time. And I’m sure that bed,” he said, pointing to inside the cabin, “won’t be empty for very long.”
    I felt my face heat. I wasn’t used to getting much male attention, so I was rather shocked by his forward manner. Surely, it must be the designer dress that had made him show an interest in me.  
    “Well, let me know if you need anything. We will dock at Margarita Island tomorrow morning.”
    The captain started towards the door and was about to step out when he suddenly turned around. “If you’d like, I could show you around the island tomorrow. I’ve been there so many times now, I know all the best places to see.” His straight white teeth gleamed as he broke into a wide smile.  
    “I’d like that very much.”
    “I’ll see you in the morning then. If you need any help, call me on my direct line.” He walked over to the nightstand, scribbled a number on a notepad, and winked when he tore off the note and tossed it on the bed.

    The next morning was glorious. Not a single cloud was hanging in the deep-blue sky, and the gentle breeze hardly stirred the ship’s flags. In the distance stretched out a lush, tropical strip of land: Isla de Margarita, the Pearl of the Caribbean.  
    I had slept like a log, and was enjoying a delicious breakfast from the international buffet restaurant when an announcement came through the speakers: we would be docking at the island in half an hour.  
    As promised, the ship’s captain waited for me by the gangway, where hundreds of tourists were lining up to get off the ship. He approached me with a worried expression on his face. “Jessica, I’m so sorry. I know I promised I’d show you around, but I’ve got some business to attend to first. Will you wait for me? I’ll meet you in about half an hour.”  
    I felt a pang of disappointment, but made sure I didn’t show it. “Of course. I’ll stay around the wharf till you’re done.”  
    The lively atmosphere on the wharf lifted my spirits. I browsed the myriad of market stalls that put their wares on offer: mainly jewelry, wood carvings and other crafts. At the end of the row of stalls, next to the water, I spotted a painting on an easel. Although I could only see the broad back of the man who sat in front of it, the way he moved his paint brush on the canvas told me he was talented.  
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