Cruise with Me

Lawyer Sasha Carson is reluctantly on a cruise with her best friend. She hates being on a floating city with no land in sight. The last thing she expects to find is Manuel Alfonso. When she meets him at the elevator, she can barely control herself, but knows Manuel is the kind of man who can break her heart, body and soul.

Manuel Alfonso is on the cruise with his little brother to get away from home and his responsibilities. When he sees Sasha, he wants her. He knows Sasha feels something for him, too, but there’s something in her fighting their attraction. To make matters worse, he has a secret that threatens to end their little love games before it gets good.

What will it take for Sasha to let Manuel in, and to let love reign?

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Cruise With Me

Copyright © 2011 Kendra Mei Chailyn

ISBN: 978-1-55487-909-0

Cover art by Martine Jardin

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Published by Devine Destinies

An imprint of eXtasy Books

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www.devinedestinies.com

Smashwords Edition

Cruise With Me

By

Kendra Mei Chailyn

Dedication

To SC,

Sorry I thought you were stuck up. I hope this makes you smile and here’s to all the places we can go.

Chapter One

Sasha Carson suddenly didn’t feel so well. The more she thought about what she was about to do, the more she felt ill. She exited the shuttle bus with her purse clutched to her side and peered at the giant ship across the way. She knew she needed a vacation, but damn it, Anna could have picked something a little less—floating. She couldn’t swim and the last thing she wanted was to be on board a floating city in the middle of the ocean with no land in sight. Who came up with that bright idea? That wasn’t vacation at all—a cruise was more like attempted suicide. Sasha knew precisely what Anna would say to that thought. Ugh, Sash, stop being such a drama queen!

She swallowed and allowed her best friend to take her hand. Breathe, Sash. You’ve prosecuted some of most dangerous criminals in the country without batting an eyelid. Surely, you can conquer a stupid cruise.

She hauled in a breath, lifted her chin and took the first step toward what was no doubt going to be a terrifying experience. This was all because she had made a stupid promise. Sasha had promised Anna that as soon as she could get her practice up and running, they would go on a trip that Anna would pick. Sasha should have known the blonde walking beside her with the grin on her face would choose a cruise. Anna had only been obsessed with ships since…well as long as they’d known each other. The only good thing about the cruise idea was that their luggage would be waiting for them in their suite and they didn’t have to lug suitcases around.

You don’t have to be so nervous, Anna chided. It’s only a ship.

Easy for you to say, Sasha muttered. You can swim.

They crossed the parking lot and headed into the small building to be checked in before they were even allowed anywhere near the floating city. Sasha’s heart slammed against her chest and she visibly winced.

I can do this. I can do this.

After the crew checked their papers, the two were allowed in through a set of turnstiles, down a small, flower-lined walkway and then were stopped once more to check their tickets and finally, allowed to board the ship. Sasha gripped the rail because her knees were shaking too badly. Her stomach did a slight heave and she held her breath, hoping to settle it before anything happened.

Can we find our room? I’m suddenly not feeling so well, Sasha admitted.

It wasn’t to be rude or a stick in the mud—she really did feel like her breakfast was about to make a second appearance. Anna must have seen the look on her face because her friend nodded and quickly consulted a map, then a porter and soon they were on their way, up a glass elevator toward their room.

What is it with you people and heights? Sasha muttered. She had been terrified of heights ever since she was a child. If she was going up and couldn’t watch things below her get smaller and smaller, she was fine. But a glass elevator left nothing to the imagination. Turning her face away from the view, she watched the door until she felt the elevator stop. As soon as the doors opened, she was the first person out. She peered at her ticket and looked up at the numbers, grabbed Anna’s hand and yanked in the direction of their room.

She burst into their room, skidded to a stop, and arched a brow. Did you order a condo?

Lovely, isn’t it? Anna smirked. I asked them for one of the best suites they had. They didn’t spare anything. Is that a bottle of champagne?

Anna rushed forward to the silver tub of ice with a bottle sticking out. She pulled it from the container and waved it at Sasha happily.

Lovely wasn’t the word Sasha would use. She grinned at her happy friend and looked around the room once more. She removed her shoes, almost afraid of tracking dirt in. The moment the door had opened, they were in a wonderfully decorated living room. The walls had beautiful, abstract art. The floor was heated, and the lights dimmed, giving the room a sexy, romantic feel. It was the kind of place she should be bringing a lover not her best friend. Unfortunately, she didn’t have anyone.

She walked further into the room, passed a centre table behind a wonderful, white leather sofa and to the window. She looked down and her stomach did a slight summersault. They were up—high. Below her, she could see people already gathering at the sides for departure.

I thought people only waved goodbye in the movies, she called. Some people are just walking movie fodder.

But wouldn’t it be something to do it in real life? I wish I had one of those large brimmed hats—you know the ones.

Sasha turned to see her friend flailing happily.

So? Did you wanna use the bathroom or not?

The truth was, the moment she stepped in and saw where they would be staying, she suddenly didn’t feel sick anymore. She shrugged. Not really. I feel better. Let’s check the bedrooms and then we can go back for your movie-esque departure.

They darted in opposite directions, then, as if on cue, both women screamed excitedly. Sasha could not believe her room—a beautiful bed adorned in red and black. On the centre of the bed was a basket filled with chocolate and a card. She picked up the card and read it before unwrapping one of the chocolates and stuffing it into her mouth. Then, with utmost care, she removed the basket from the bed and flopped backward against it. She bounced perfectly with a smile on her face.

Now this is the life.

Sash! Come on!

Anna’s voice interrupted her peace. With a frown, she reluctantly peeled herself from the bed. I’ll see you later. She stopped and offered the bed a corny gun salute and a wink. With a giggle,