Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 22540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Unsure what else to do with my time, I decided to go explore the ship. But before I could leave my cabin, an announcement came through the overhead speakers, urging everyone to watch a safety training video on the televisions in their rooms.
So, I sat on the bed and flipped on the TV, finding the safety video. It gave information on where to meet in an emergency situation, how to put on a life jacket, and how to board a lifeboat. It was important information, but not very stimulating, although I imagined that Hayes would be glued to the screen, soaking in every word just as he’d done on the plane. I couldn’t get him out of my thoughts, and I didn’t mind one bit.
Unlike Hayes, I was not enthralled by the speech. I rested back on the pillows and closed my eyes as I listened. The monotone, robotic voice giving instructions lulled me to sleep.
*****
I jerked awake and pulled my phone out of my pocket to check the time, terrified that I’d missed my dinner date with Hayes. But, I sighed in relief when I saw that it was only a few minutes after four o’clock.
I couldn’t remember the last time I took a nap. I usually had something from work claiming my attention and keeping me busy. But maybe this little snooze was a clue that my body needed rest; especially given how easily and quickly I fell asleep. Maybe Sarah had a good point.
But for the moment, I was done resting. I felt rejuvenated, and decided to finally go explore the ship, which, I noticed, was already in motion on the water. When I stepped out into the hallway, my first thought was that I wished I’d made plans with Hayes for earlier than six, which was a scary yet welcome realization. But, seeing as I had no way to get ahold of him, I went on with my exploration.
Even the hallways were classy; they were covered in plush red carpet, and the walls were adorned with modern art. I passed several bars, where the alcohol was freely flowing, and a few lounges, which held stages and comfortable-looking leather seats. There were stores selling souvenirs, jewelry, and candy.
I soon found the casino, which was overflowing with noise; music blasted from slot machines, where seated people either cheered or booed, depending on which way their winnings were going. There was a thick cloud of smoke overhanging the entire area, making my nose burn, so I quickly moved on.
I stumbled upon a huge buffet, which held a vast variety of foods in every direction I looked. I didn’t want to spoil my appetite for dinner, but I was pretty hungry, so I snacked on an apple and some cheese cubes to hold me over.
Lastly, I discovered the outdoor ship decks. I was surprised to find a basketball court, along with a putt-putt golf course. Kids were already splashing in the pools and zooming down the water slides, having the time of their life. While I was thrilled the children were having fun, I didn’t necessarily want to be in the middle of the noise and chaos of it all, so I found my way to an adults-only deck, filled with lounge chairs to soak up some rays.
When I stepped onto the private deck, my jaw dropped at what I saw; Hayes was relaxing in one of the chairs. While I was surprised to see him, what had me drooling was his outfit; he was wearing only a pair of light blue swim trunks which fell mid-thigh.
His legs, abdomen, and chest were tight and toned, but not defined with muscle. He had a small patch of brown hair between his pecs and beneath his belly button, which led to the promised land beneath his shorts. He was so damn beautiful.
But he wasn’t sitting alone. I wouldn’t have noticed a single other soul, except I heard Hayes laughing, and realized that he was chatting to the man seated next to him.
Not wanting to interrupt but definitely wanting to eavesdrop, I decided to sneak in closer to hear what they were talking about. I tiptoed across the wooden deck, trying to be stealthy, but surely looking creepy as I ducked unseen into a row of chairs behind the duo.
My brows furrowed when I got a good look at the mystery man; he was young, tall, tanned, and had a perfectly defined six pack. He was only wearing a bright yellow Speedo, giving a whole new meaning to the word banana-hammock.
I looked down at my own outfit; I hadn’t changed into swim gear, and was still dressed in olive green cargo shorts and a white Hawaiian-style shirt printed with palm trees. I looked like a middle aged man on a forced vacation. How appropriate.