Free Pleasure Cruise by Mandy M. Roth, Michelle M. Pillow Page B

enough to expose her collarbone. The slinky material clung close to her body, swishing tantalizingly against each and every curve as she moved, molding like a second skin.
    “I don’t think this qualifies as a dress,” she muttered. “I’ve seen bathing suits with more material—not your bathing suits, but bathing suits in general.”
    Kira grinned.
    “It’s perfect! It’s exactly what I would’ve picked out for you, well, almost what I would’ve picked out for you. The skirt would’ve been shorter with me in charge but it’ll do nicely. So, you want me to send Dominik back in here to see what he thinks of it? Bet ya ten bucks he gives it a standing ovation ,” Kira said, laughing.
    “No thanks,” Clare mumbled. “And you’re still babbling. Stop it. If you keep it up, I’ll assume you’re in love with that man in your room.”
    Kira made a choking sound but was quiet.
    Clare had seen quite enough of Dominik to last her a lifetime—or, more correctly, he’d seen quite enough of her. Even if he was the first man she found herself potently attracted to in eons, it wasn’t like she could ever look him in the dark, penetrating eyes again. She shivered. “Now go get dressed and try not to come on to anyone until after orientation.”
    Kira saluted naughtily and giggled. “Okay, fine! I can’t make you any promises but I will try my best. You’re always sucking the joy out of all my well-laid plans. I swear, Clare, you missed your calling as a nun.”
         “And you’re lucky tonight is designated as one of the formal nights on this ship,” Clare said. “If I have to dress up, so do you.”
     
     

Chapter Three
     
    Clare cringed in horror seconds before the hailstorm of camera flashes blinded her. Photographers gathered around them like paparazzi, snapping their mandatory fifteen shots before thrusting tiny scraps of paper in their direction so they could purchase copies later. The luxury ship’s ballroom was an overdone, gaudily romantic affair of gold statues and cherubs, crimson red and gold velvet curtains. Where the deep red carpet filled with dinner tables left off, a long dance floor and stage began. Instruments for an orchestra were set up in the corner, but there were no musicians that she could see. She’d be surprised if they had actual musicians. The soft pop music playing overhead came from a loudspeaker system run by an excitable twenty-something in a short baby-doll dress and insanely high-heeled shoes.
    Thankfully, Dominik had not thrown her cosmetic bag overboard and she was able to find a couple of Asian-style sticks to pull her hair back off her neck. The red silk wisped as she walked, making her a little self-conscious. She was aware that gazes turned to her and watched. At first, she thought they were staring at someone walking behind her, until she looked back to see that no one else was there. It took her a minute to realize she’d been the one they were focused on. It made her feel sexy and a bit empowered. She wondered if Kira was always on a natural high because of the amount of heads she turned.
    As usual, Kira had been running late and Clare had gone ahead without her. Clare suddenly wished she’d waited for her friend. They could have brought the house down with a grand entrance. But, in truth, she’d gone ahead because she didn’t want to chance running into Dominik in the hallway.
    “I absolutely love this ship!” Kira exclaimed, sprinting up and placing her hand on Clare’s arm. She nearly jumped in excitement. “It reminds me of Vegas! I so want to quit the boardroom and move here. What do you say? Should we quit our jobs and become deckhands?” Kira paused and made a very serious face. “Or we could live on cruise ships. We’d just book them back-to-back and jump on a new boat every month. I was talking to someone in the elevator who does that. So they only have to pay for flights once and can take several trips right in a row. Think about how cool