Free Voyage To Submission by Mlyn Hurn Page A

was
surprised to find it partially lit.
    “Oh! Hello!” A soft feminine voice called
out.
    Immediately, he recognized the voice as
belonging to Ms. Bond. Rick’s head turned and he saw her seated on a chair
she’d pulled to a few feet in front of the double doors, which led into the
suite. She stood though, as soon as she saw him.
    “I called room service because I didn’t
want to disturb you.” Andy smiled. “I figured you’d be sound asleep.”
    Rick smiled in return, shaking his head. “I
knew there was the reason,” he spoke half under his breath. Talking louder, he
continued. “Aboard ship your butler service, namely me, or the night staff if I
sign out to them, takes care of these things for you. I serve as your link to
the other services.”
    “Damn and I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t get
anyone in trouble.”
    “Not at all, Ms. Bond. Leave the chair,
miss and I’ll get it. Where would you like to eat this?”
    Andy sighed and crossed to the deep,
rounded sofa. She plopped down in the middle, crossing her legs Indian-style,
and then rearranging her robe to cover her legs.
    Rick set down the sterling silver tray and
then spread a large, crisply ironed and folded white linen napkin across her
lap. “I apologize we were unable to fulfill your request exactly, but I had
them put three large scoops of the best kinds of chocolate ice creams we have
into this bowl.” He handed her a shining silver bowl piled high, with one
spoon. “I’ll be happy to go back for more if you wish.”
    There was no missing the flush that flooded
the lovely woman’s cheeks. Dressed in the golden peignoir set, she was very
attractive. Straightening, he stepped a foot backwards, moving to the shorter
side of the coffee table. He was too much of a professional to ever become
involved with a passenger, but there was something about this one that was
different. The fact she so obviously was not used to this kind of living,
endeared her to him. She seemed fragile—
    “Why don’t you join me, Mr. Henderson? I
see you brought another spoon.”
    “I always bring an extra, in case the first
one is dropped.”
    Andy took a bite of the ice cream.
    He watched as she closed her eyes for a
moment, obviously savoring the taste.
    She then pointed the spoon at him. It moved
slightly with each word, as if to further enunciate her words. “Smart thinking,
Mr. Hen…uhm, Henderson. Can I call you by your first name, since I’m not
supposed to use mister?”
    “If you prefer, miss. My first name is
Richard, but I tend to answer better to Rick.”
    “Nice name and totally British. Actually, I
think it’s a good name for a hero. A good name is strong, short…two syllables
or less is preferred, with one being best and it should have a strong masculine
tone. So, you see Rick is good, as are John, Robert, or Mike.” She stopped and
pointed at the extra spoon. “Please join me or I’ll feel like such a glutton.”
    Reluctantly, Rick picked up the spoon and
took a small bite of the ice cream. Surprisingly, he found it pretty tasty.
When Andy patted the sofa, he perched on the edge and joined her in a second
spoonful.
    “Are you married? I didn’t see a ring.”
    He was swallowing when she spoke again.
Coughing, Rick recovered quickly. He’d never had a passenger inquire about his
personal life. Shaking his head a little, hopefully to get some sense into it,
he then answered. “No, I’m not married.”
    “You’ve got a fiancée, or you’re very close
to popping the question.”
    Rick sputtered this time. “How did you know
that?”
    Andy grinned and pointed the spoon again.
“Simple.” She passed the bowl to him to hold. One finger popped up as she
spoke. “You are a good-looking man. In most circles, I bet you’d pass for buff
and stud.”
    Rick watched as she wiggled her eyebrows at
him. He barely contained his laughter.
    “Two is you’re straight,” she finished.
    “Wait, how do you know that?”
    “Women know…unless they