Sea Breeze Read Online Free Page B

agenda tonight?”
    “We’re all going to meet up at Allure around ten. It’s the nightclub here on the ship. Are you in?”
    Allure… That’s where Eric works tonight. He said he’d buy me a drink. “Yeah. I’m in.”

Chapter Six
    A fter a shower and a quick bite to eat, I follow Kim to Allure on Deck Eight. We meet up with her friends, five other women who all squeal and bounce up and down when they see each other. Kim introduces me, but by the time we head inside I’ve forgotten all of their names, and I’m sure they’ve forgotten mine.
    The group heads toward the bar and my eyes immediately start scanning the staff. The women huddle together as I watch from behind, an outsider. I don’t begrudge them for being excited and happy. I’m not that cynical. But I don’t really have those kinds of friendships. I’ve always been too busy taking care of… I don’t want to think about that right now. The bar is packed and it’ll probably be a while before Kim and her friends are served.
    I tap Kim on the shoulder and try not to yell directly into her ear. “I’m going to take a look around. I’ll be back.”
    She nods her head in agreement and is back to her friends without another glance. They’re playing Top Forty, and the dance floor is packed. People bump and grind, hands in the air as hips sway provocatively to the beat. I’ve always loved watching people dance. It’s one of the best forms of entertainment; sexy, funny. At work, I’m usually too busy to pay attention. I watch as men and women seduce each other, or try to, and I laugh as the free spirits flail about without a care in the world.
    At the opposite end of the entrance there’s a stairway, and I wander up to see what’s happening. It’s another dance floor and bar, smaller than the one below, but still quite a big space. The bar lines the far wall, same as downstairs, but the music here is a mixture of Latin pop and reggaeton. The bar seems a little less busy, so I make my way over and stand behind a guy to wait my turn for a drink. This music is exactly what I want after my adventure in San Juan today. I really wish I had more time there. A few days maybe. I’d love to see what the nightlife is like.
    The man in front of me leaves with a shot and two beers in his hands, and I take my place at the bar, still keeping an eye on the dance floor. A clank next to where my hand rests alerts me when a tall glass filled with ice and pink liquid is set down. Looking up, I find Eric with a smile on his face.
    My cheeks burn as I smile up at him. “Thanks.” I take a sip of my Sea Breeze, extra grapefruity, exactly the way I like it.
    “Here for a little reggaeton?”
    “Yes, and that drink you offered.” Am I flirting? “Too bad you’re stuck behind the bar though.” W here did that come from?
    He grins back at me and winks, then helps the guy next to me who orders a Black and Coke, glancing at me every few seconds while he pours. He’s so handsome. Tall, great build. Brown hair, brown eyes. When he smiles, his whole face lights up.
    I gulp down my drink and leave my glass at the bar. I catch Eric’s gaze and motion that I’m going for a smoke. He nods and helps another customer as I try to find my way to an exit door. The smoking section is on the starboard side of Deck 9. Which side is starboard again?
    Once outside, I fill my lungs with fresh air and then proceed to fill my lungs with nicotine. I love smoking. I know it’s bad for me, and I don’t want to be a smoker all my life, but I do enjoy it. We’re on the move again, and the lights of Puerto Rico slowly fade into the distance.
    “Mind if I join you?”
    His voice startles me and I chuckle. “Not at all. Taking a break?” I hold out my pack and Eric takes one. I light his and take another drag of mine.
    “Thanks. Yeah, I’ve been here since five-thirty so it’s about time. I confess, I was waiting to see if you’d show up. I had a great time today.”
    “Me too.” I