He chuckled, then stepped out of his sandals and moved toward the pool to dive in. The water did feel good—it was the perfect temperature. He swam toward her. “I needed a moment. I like your swimsuit, by the way.”
“Thanks, and I like yours. Come on, let’s do a few more laps.”
Together, they did several and he couldn’t help but admire how easily her body glided through the water. She had the agility of a mermaid and the gracefulness of a swan. Time flew by, and he wasn’t sure how many laps they’d done before she switched directions and started toward the side of the pool.
“That was some workout for me. I haven’t been swimming in a while,” she said, pushing dripping water out of her face.
“You’re good,” he said.
“So are you,” she said, smiling at him. They both turned when they heard a huge splash and saw a few other people had found the pool. “Appears our privacy has ended.”
He nodded. “It was nice while it lasted.”
“Yeah, it was.”
“Are you thinking about having lunch out here?” he asked.
“No. I had a big breakfast. It should hold me for a while. I don’t want to ruin my dinner, after all.” She smiled, then added, “I’m looking forward to it.”
“So am I. And dancing afterward should be great. Hagia recommended a nightclub in downtown Brisbane that has a live band that plays all kinds of music.”
“Then by all means, let’s go there. You probably figured out from the other night that I enjoy dancing.”
Yes, he had. “Are you going back to your cabin now?”
“No, I think I’ll hang out here a while and try to get back into my book. If housekeeping kicked you out of your room, chances are mine is next.”
“Is it okay if I hang out here with you?”
“Of course.” They walked side by side back to the lounging chairs. He’d seen a group of guys—or more apt, a pack of wolves—standing near the bar. Their predatory eyes were watching every step Monica took. It was only when he stared hard at them that they stopped their ogling. It had been years since he’d felt territorial about a woman, but Monica was different. He would enjoy keeping her company…and keeping those hungry wolves at bay.
CHAPTER TWELVE
MONICA LOVED TO DRESS up, and her date with Landon was the perfect opportunity. One of the advantages of sharing a house with three other females was being on the receiving end of their beauty and dating tips.
She knew which lip color was perfect for her complexion, how to wash and blow dry her hair to get that salon look, even after a swim, and what outfit she should wear that was most likely to grab her date’s attention. Always one to pay it forward, she’d been sure to pass those tips on to Kelly. She’d need them, once she finally finished school.
Monica did a triple twirl in front of the full-length mirror. Landon had seemed to like the outfit she’d worn to dinner the other night, and she intended for the dress she’d chosen to wear tonight to have the same effect. There was nothing wrong with reminding herself that she was a woman—one who liked to be noticed and admired.
For tonight, she had selected a red dress she’d seen in a store window a couple of months ago. It had stopped her in her tracks—she’d had to go in and try it on. She hoped it had the same effect on Landon.
It was made of a mesh material that hugged her backside and curvy hips. And it was short, with a slit up the side that revealed a little thigh. The dress exuded elegance, romance and class. The sexy neckline was an eye-grabber, and the cold shoulder layered-ruffled sleeves gave it a stunning effect. She had paired it with dangling crystal earrings and her favorite pair of strappy black stilettos. Although she’d never worn this dress before tonight, she had modeled it a few weeks ago for her cousins and Sebrina. Everyone had raved about it.
Earlier today at the pool, it had been obvious that Landon had liked the way she looked in her bikini. Not only had he told her straight out, but she’d noticed him watching her when he didn’t think she was looking. Yeah, he’d like this dress.
She had just finished applying her lipstick when she heard the knock.
When she opened the door, her breath was all but sucked from her lungs. Standing before her in a pair of dress slacks and dinner jacket, Landon Chestnut looked too good for words—a mixture of handsome, dashing and debonair all rolled into one. And his scent was both masculine and sexy.
“You look absolutely stunning, Monica.”
His words snapped her out of her daze. “Thank you. And you look very nice yourself.”
He smiled and offered her his arm. “Thanks. And now, let our night begin.”
She took his arm, then closed the door behind her and they walked toward the bank of elevators. “Did you get much reading done after we left the pool?” she asked.
He nodded. “I finished the book I was reading. Now on to the next one in the series. What about you? Did you get pulled back into the story you were reading?” They reached the elevator, and he pushed the button to call it to their deck.
“No. I washed and styled my hair, then did a few other things to prepare for dinner.”
“Whatever you did, the results are astounding.”
She blushed. “Thank you.”
When the elevator door opened, they stepped on with a few other couples. The compartment wasn’t as crowded as it had been last night—people must still be in town. But at the next deck, a group of women got on and it was obvious they noticed Landon right away. They tried engaging him in private conversation, but he quickly shut them down.
Just before they disembarked, invisible ink was stamped on the back of their hands for access back on the ship later. Then, they walked down the plank and onto the dock, both very ready for their date to start.
“Do we need to catch a taxi?” she asked.
He glanced down at her and smiled. “No. I ordered us a limo for tonight.”
A limo? No sooner had her mind echoed his words, than a sleek black executive style sedan pulled up, and a uniformed chauffeur got out. “Here’s our ride,” Landon said. “We have the car for the rest of the night.”
Monica was truly impressed. As he led her over to the car, she smiled and said, “You’ve thought of everything, Landon.”
No, Landon thought, sitting beside Monica as their driver whisked them through the streets of Brisbane, he had not thought of everything. Until she had opened her cabin door, and he’d seen how breathtaking she looked in that red dress, he hadn’t given any thought as to the best way to get her out of that dress once they returned to the ship tonight. But he was definitely thinking about it now.
Sitting beside her, with privacy glass between them and the driver, Landon’s mind came up with a number of tantalizing ideas, most of which he had to shoot down. He knew he had to get his mind in check, but he was finding it hard to focus when her scent filled the car. She was everything he’d ever wanted in a woman.
She was beautiful, simply stunning. Everything about her was perfect—her hair, her makeup, her dress. She was the whole package. And she was still smiling. “I love it when you smile.”
She glanced over at him, her face half-illuminated by the lights shining off the buildings they passed. “Thank you. It’s been a while since a date has made me smile.”