Free Finding Justus by Amanda Bretz Page A

cheeseburgers for the second time, when we can get any type of food we want on this cruise? I think it’s just the idea of eating comfort food.”
    “Yes, that’s exactly what I was going to say. I guess great minds think alike, huh? Let’s go, I’ve got to get back to the room to finish getting ready for my date, I don’t want to have pepperoni breath.”
    “You know I hate to sound like a schoolgirl with a crush…and don’t take this the wrong way or anything…”
    “What?” Justus interrupted.
    “Well, I was going to say I think Miguel always looks so good. I mean he’s obviously hot, but he’s a great dresser and he just has an air of mystique about him, you know?”
    Justus felt her face flush and butterflies in her stomach. Yes, she knew exactly what Krystal was saying. He was an awesome dresser and an all-around beautiful man. A beautiful man? Take it easy, she told herself. Justus couldn’t get completely sucked into the sensual pull that seemed to radiate around Miguel.
    “I understand what you’re saying. It’s a big switch from Alex, huh? His idea of dressing snazzy was a pair of khakis and a button-down shirt, oh and I can’t forget the all-important, ever-present, tasseled loafers!” Justus laughed and said, “God, what did I ever see in him?”
    “I don’t know, but that’s over now. Considering what we are comparing him with, no wonder we’re so impressed with Miguel’s sense of style.”
    “Yeah, so are you finished stuffing your face or what?” Justus asked jokingly.
    “Well I guess I am, if you’re finished stuffing yours, and since you’re just d ying to get ready for your date,” Krystal countered back.
    They gathered their things and headed for their room. As soon as they were inside, Justus went into the bathroom. She emerged with touched up hair and makeup and she had liberally reapplied her perfume.
    “You look very pretty,” Krystal said.
    “Thanks.” Justus whirled around in her yellow sundress, letting the skirt twirl about her legs. Both women smiled when they heard a knock on the cabin door.
    “At least I’m not going to be in suspense much longer,” Justus called teasingly over her shoulder. “Hi,” she greeted Miguel cheerily.
    “Hello, Justus.  Hi, Krystal,” he said with a wave as he saw Krystal move closer to the door.
    “Well, I’m ready if you are,” Justus said. Miguel nodded his head and Justus eased out the open door. As she was closing it behind her she turned and gave Krystal a smile, she got one in return.
     
    ***
    “So, where are we going? I can’t take the suspense any longer.”
    “Sorry, you’re going to have to find a way to take it, because I’m not telling you. I plan on making you sweat it out as long as possible.”
    For some reason his choice of words made Justus’ mind leap into the gutter and imagine the two of them in sordid ways. Justus shook her head slightly as though to clear her mind of such thoughts. She needed to at least try to keep her cool.
    “I plan on just showing you, hopefully.”
    “Showing me what?”
    “You’ll see when we get there. It has to do with nature, so let’s hope it works out like I’ve planned.”
    Justus’ curiosity was piqued, and as Miguel took her hand and led her toward the lower decks, she realized he was taking her off the boat. They walked along the docks for what seemed like an eternity before they met up with a small stretch of beach.
    “Wow, it’s so pretty, the way the water picks up the reflection of the sky like that. I’m sorry, it’s probably not a big deal to you, but I don’t see many oceans back in St. Louis.” From her vantage point, Justus c ould see the sun setting in front of the small island.
    “Here, this way,” Miguel said, taking her by the hand. They walked down to the water until they were in about calf deep.
    “We’re watching the sunset, that’s my surprise.”
    “You’re worse than a small child, no patience! No, there will be more,