Free Kisses and Revenge by Cherron Riser Page A

packing, she wheeled her suitcase out to Adam who was already loading up the last of their things. He took the case from her and put it into the back seat. Leslie slid into the passenger side, and a moment later they were off.
    The roads twisted and turned as they cut across to where the docks were. Living on the ocean didn't mean they were always close to the cruise lines, but it did mean it wouldn't be difficult to get to where they were headed. Adam flirted with her like he did when they were young, petting her leg and teasing her thigh. It was an innocent sort of flirting that had her blushing and squirming in a matter of moments.
    By the time they pulled into the restaurant parking lot, she was throbbing with need and giddy with excitement. The smile on her face nearly hurt, but she couldn't make herself stop. Adam was smiling pretty widely as well, and there was a wicked gleam in his eyes that kept Leslie's temperature climbing.
    "I love this place. We haven't been here in a long time, but I remember when I brought you here just after we graduated. It was really nice." The way he looked at her sent a shiver down her spine.
    The waitress sat them at a table, which overlooked the ocean, and took their drink order. The sight of the waves crashing over the sand was captivating and made Leslie smile as she reached across the table to hold his hand. Adam was right. It had been one of her favorite dates when they had come out to this restaurant, and she was glad he had remembered.
    Breathing out, she looked up at Adam and his wicked grin. "You are so good to me. I am glad we decided to come on this trip."
    "I think we both needed it. Things have been crazy since, well, and I know I have been taking you for granted. It isn't fair to you that you have been having to take care of me and all of my social obligations, on top of listening to me bitch about Warren all the time. I honestly don't know how you put up with me so much." Adam chuckled, but there was sincerity in his voice as well. It was the way he dealt with his issues. Adam was not good at admitting his problems, but he always handled them.
    "I know you needed me to be there for you. You didn't mean for all of this to happen. You had a lot dropped on your plate all at once. I understand that, but it is time for things to get back to normal. We can't keep living like it just happened." Leslie was very passive and understanding maybe to a fault. She was sure she let Adam get away with more than she should, but she did it out of love.
    "Yes, I did need you, but I think I took advantage of it. You should smack me when you see me doing that. I get caught up in life and work and stuff, and I don't think sometimes. I know I'm stupid, but I love you and want you happy too. I didn't realize you were so unhappy before." The food came quickly, and they got lost in memories of so many years ago. It was a good time and made her relax even more.
    Once they had finished their meals, they got back in the car and finished heading toward the docks. The ship was beautiful, and Leslie was overwhelmed at how beautiful it was. Adam took care of getting them checked in and their bags taken by hospitality. Walking hand in hand, Adam took her up to the deck. Before long, they were on their way.
     
    ***
     
    Their launch had gone smoothly, and the day was nice. Once dinner was finished, he took them to their suite. He had gone all out, making sure they had a sizable room with a balcony. Adam set about making them drinks and starting some music. With the light rocking of the boat and the setting sun, everything was beautiful and perfect. Leslie found herself sitting on the balcony, looking out at the ocean as the sky turned an array of reds, pinks, oranges, and purples. Her breath was deep as a relaxing sensation washed over her. She had not realized just how much she needed to get away from everything in her normal life.
    Adam came to join her, two glasses of some fruity drink in his hand. He