Once Upon A Night At Sea by Barbara Longley Read Free Book Online Page A

Romance at Sea…
    The coral reefs off the coast of the island of Roat á n are part of t he Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, and they are the second largest barrier reef in the world. A favorite spot for divers and snorkelers, the Roatán reefs are home to an abundance of marine life. Snorkelers can expect to encounter turtles, rays, eels, sponges, lobsters, crabs and a variety of colorful reef fish— a veritable wonderland under the waves.
    Jason’s hair was crusty with salt. So was his sunburned skin. He’d just spent one of the best days of his life snorkeling the coral reefs off the coast of the island of Roatán, Honduras—above a shipwreck, no less! He settled back into the seat of the bus taking them back to port, enjoying the view. Roatán was beautiful, a rich green jewel set in crystal clear turquoise-blue water, and he wanted to come back and spend more than a day there.
    “This experience is going to influence a few new designs.” Marin yawned and laid her head against the seat rest. “Seeing the rays and sea turtles swimming around, the colorful reefs and the fish, everything… amazing. This has been my favorite excursion.”
    “Mine too. The beach was incredible and the snorkeling… fantastic. I’d like to go back to that resort sometime, stay on Roatán for a week or so.”
    “It is a pretty island.” She sighed. “I’m beat. I don’t think I’m up to another formal dinner tonight.”
    “Me neither. All the sun, swimming and fresh air has wiped me out.” Jason draped his arm over the back of the seat they shared and stared out at the rolling hills and lush tropical landscape.
    “Thanks for sticking by my side while we were snorkeling today. I was a little nervous, and having you there helped.”
    “My pleasure.” He glanced at her. Marin had no idea how hot she looked in her bathing suit, and since he wasn’t the only guy who’d noticed, he didn’t intend to leave her side. “Do you want to skip the formal, grab a few slices of pizza, a couple of beers and watch a movie under the stars tonight?”
    “Great idea.” She smiled at him. “Do you know what’s playing?”
    “Nope.” Her eyes were the same shade of blue as the deeper parts of the ocean today, and she had that dreamy expression on her face again—entirely kissable. The more time he spent with her, the more he wanted her. She was so sweet, quirky, interesting, not to mention gorgeous. Plus, they had a lot in common, and he genuinely enjoyed being with her. “It’s usually a recent blockbuster though.”
    “OK.” She yawned again. “It’s a date. I just need time to shower and change. The movie starts at seven. Should we meet on the lido deck at six?”
    “Um, no. Our rooms are right next to each other. Let’s walk there together this time.”
    She giggled. “I was wondering whether or not we’d get around to doing that.”
    “I didn’t want to push.” He dropped his hand to her shoulder and drew her close for a second. “Didn’t want to come across like I was hovering around your door.”
    The rest of their trip back to the ship was spent in companionable silence. He’d never felt quite this relaxed before. Maybe it was the cruise or the day’s exertion. Maybe it was Marin’s company. Whatever the cause, he savored the moment, the view and the delectable woman leaning against his side. Another irrepressible grin broke free. He must look like an idiot.

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    Showered, shaved and changed into clean shorts and a polo, Jason splashed a little aftershave on his cheeks and neck. He and Marin had only parted an hour ago, and already he missed her. He stepped into the hall. Marin’s door swung open the moment he knocked, and there she was. His breath caught.
    Her face was flushed from the sun, making her hair a brighter shade of gold and her eyes a deeper shade of blue. Was that his heart he heard beating so loudly? “Ready?”
    She nodded, stepped out and closed her door. Her hair was still damp from her shower, and