Dark Times in Still Waters
Chapter 11
By Dottie
Copyright 2013
Kevin spends a long time on the Serenity Deck thinking. He knows sleep will be elusive. When he finally decides to leave the deck, instead of going to his cabin, he makes a detour to Teagan’s. He needs to apologize…for what he doesn’t know. He just knows he upset her and that’s not what he wanted.
When he knocks on the door, he’s surprised when Natalie answers. Even more surprised to see Brian in her room. “Oh, sorry, I just wanted to check on Teagan.”
Natalie blushes and smiles. “She hasn’t come back yet. She must still be enjoying the party.”
Kevin nods. “I guess so. Well, I won’t bother you again. See you later, Brian.”
After he leaves, Natalie turns to Brian, who is still lounging on her bed. “I wonder what that was all about.”
Brian pats the bed beside him. “I don’t. Come here.”
She shoots him a sultry look. “What if Teagan comes back?”
He sighs loudly. “Then come to my cabin. I want to spend time with you.”
She shakes her head. “Brian, I should be here when she gets back. Find out if she’s ok.”
He stands quickly and grabs her arm. “You’re not making this easy.” He pulls her into the tiny cubicle of a bathroom and shuts the door. “Fine, how’s this?” Before she can answer, his lips once again fall on hers and she’s powerless to stop him.
He presses her into the door and slides his hands up her sides, letting his thumbs tease her breasts. He’s never had a woman crawl under his skin so fast…or make him want her so much. Her hands in his hair, pulling his head closer gives him a sense of power. Parting her legs with his knee, thanking God she’s got on a short skirt, he presses upward until he reaches the juncture of her thighs. He feels her heat…her dampness. He really must remember to thank the guys for voting for him to be the cop, because his tight, white pants allow him to feel everything at once. His straining manhood aches to feel more and he thrusts against her, eliciting a moan from her lips.
They slowly part, gasping for breath. Her eyes mirror his passion. She whispers quietly, “What’s happening?”
He smiles slowly, making her tingle in anticipation. “The prelude to what’s going to happen when we reach land. I know I can’t make love to you here, but God I want you. I want every part of you.”
She slides her hands down to his shoulders, down his sides, and around to his back, letting them drop to rub his buttocks through the tight material covering them. “How can we…I mean, we only just met.”
He leans forward, lazily nuzzling her hair from her neck. “Doesn’t take a lifetime, Darling. Just an instant attraction, followed by getting to know you…which we’re getting along famously doing. Even if I didn’t know you’re name was Natalie Giselle Byron, or that you’re a fourth grade teacher who likes fresh fruit, reading, and music, I would still want you just by looking at you.”
She shivers in his arms. “I should warn you Brian…I’m not that easy.”
He laughs against her skin. “I don’t consider you easy, Nat. I consider you a hot, smoldering woman with untapped passion bubbling under the surface. You’re complex, tender-hearted and deeply loyal to those you love. I consider you perfection…and I want you. Make no mistake Baby; I do NOT consider you easy. I consider you a prize.”
His words make her melt. She sighs and whispers, “You silver-tongued devil.”
He pulls back and smirks. “Let me show you what my tongue can do.” He captures her mouth for another heated kiss and Natalie loses herself in him once more.
Kevin goes to his cabin, but he can’t sleep for worrying about Teagan. He goes back to the Serenity deck hoping she’s still there. Just as he opens the door to step out into the quietness of the night, he hears someone behind him. “Kevin? Oh my God, it IS you!”
Pasting on a smile for the fans clamoring up the hallway, he turns. “Hi.”
The three girls giggle. “Wow, what are you doing up here? Thought this was off limits.”
He smiles patiently, still holding the door open but blocking it so they can’t go out. “It is closed…to passengers. I just come up here when I need time ALONE to think.”
One girl gets brave and walks her fingers up his chest. “Does that mean we can’t…join you?”
He takes her hand and removes it from his chest. “No, afraid not.”
She pouts. “Come on, just for a while. We can…talk.”
He shakes his head. “Look, I appreciate the gesture, but I really just want to be alone right now.”
The other two girls take the hint and walk away. The third stays where she is, determined to keep trying. “Come on, just one swim. What, do I have to be scarred up to get attention?”
Anger floods his body. Trying to keep his composure, he answers solemnly. “I didn’t pay attention to her because of the scars. I genuinely care about all my fans. You should know that.”
She pouts a little. “Then why don’t we spend some time together?”
He stops himself from snorting in an ungentlemanly like fashion. “Miss…I appreciate what you’re doing…your interest…but it’s not going to happen. As for…the other girl. When I know someone is hurting, I want to help them. She’s a fan and she’s had a raw deal. Instead of our family of fans caring and surrounding her with love, she’s been ridiculed. Now you aren’t one of those girls who did that, are you?” Before she can answer, he continues smoothly. “Of course you’re not. Because you know that what a person looks like doesn’t matter. It’s what’s on the inside that counts most. Now, why don’t you go get some sleep and get ready for the rest of the cruise? I’m going to sit out here and look forward to the bachelorette party. I hope you do too.”
Before she can comment, he steps through the door, allowing it to close between them. He sighs deeply, closing his eyes. “Bitch.” He shakes his head as he looks around the deck. Deserted. He lifts his gaze skyward and whispers, “God please take care of Teagan.” He leaves the deck slowly, wishing he could have found her and made sure she was ok.
Teagan stays curled up in her hiding spot, fearful he’ll come back. She’s still amazed at what he said to that girl. He really surprised her when he came on so forceful about the attitude on the ship. Until now, she truly thought it was all an act to keep her from killing herself.
When she’s assured she’s alone, she pulls back the curtain on the round, covered lounger and once again stares at the stars. She wishes she was beautiful for Kevin. She wishes she could catch his eye, not for the scars, but for who she is. Oh, sure, he says that’s why he likes her, but Teagan doesn’t believe it. She believes he pities her and at the moment, nothing he says can change it.
She thinks about when they lay in the hammock together and he kissed her. Oh how she wishes he was still holding her. It felt good to lie in his strong arms and feel his heart beat under her hand. She licks her lips remembering how he tasted.
She feels tears welling up in her eyes and she whispers softly, “Why can’t things be different? Why did it have to be me?”
When the horizon starts to lighten, Teagan finds her veil and pins it in place. She cautiously makes her way to her cabin, virtually ignored by those few who are still awake roaming the halls.
When she walks into her room, she gets the shock of her life. Brian and Natalie cuddled up on Natalie’s bed. Both still in costumes. Both snoring softly. Teagan has to smile. But this makes going to bed even more difficult for her.
She decides to just sit on her bunk and close her eyes. Maybe Nat will wake up soon and send Brian on his way so she can get some sleep.
Instead of Natalie waking up, though, Brian does. When he sees Teagan, he smiles. “Hey, nice costume. You been here long?”
She shakes her head. “No, just got in. I’m sorry if I woke you.”
Natalie starts coming to life. “What’s going on?” When she sees Teagan, she jerks awake. “Teag? You ok?”
Teagan nods. “I’m fine. I’m sorry if I worried you. I found a quiet place and was…star gazing most of the night.”
Natalie smiles completely convinced she spent the night with Kevin. “Well, good for you.”
Teagan shakes her head. She knows what Natalie is thinking. “I’m glad the Serenity deck was closed. It was so peaceful being up there…ALONE.”
Natalie’s smile fades and Brian clears his throat. “Well, now that we know you’re ok, I’ll just go grab some sleep. We have photo shoots starting in a few hours. I need my beauty sleep.” He pulls Natalie in for a sultry kiss. Teagan looks away, blushing. When he stands, he whistles a short, happy tune. “See you lovely ladies at the photo shoot.”
After he leaves, Teagan looks at Natalie. “I’m sorry I disturbed you two.”
Natalie waves off her apology. “Nothing happened to disturb. Teagan, what happened with you? I thought you weren’t going to the party?”
Teagan shrugs, taking off the veil and headpiece to the costume. “Nick happened. He came and…well…you know how his smile does me in.”
Natalie laughs and Teagan joins her, giggling softly. Natalie flops down beside Teagan. “I’m so glad you were there. Did you have fun? Weren’t the guys hysterical as the Village People?”
Teagan chuckles. “Yes they were. And yeah, I’m glad I was there.” Fingering the veil, she mutters, “It was nice to not be noticed.”
Natalie leans over and hugs her gently. “Teagan, once the scars are fixed…”
Teagan cuts her off. “I’ll still be an out of work music teacher that sounds like she has permanent laryngitis.”
Natalie lays her head against Teagan’s shoulder. “I’m sorry Teag. I wish I could find a way to help you cope…help you…I don’t know, realize you’re so much more than a pretty face and a pretty voice. All the guys see it. Especially Kevin.”
At the mention of Kevin, Teagan feels her heart skip a beat. “Nat, when this cruise is over I’ll probably never see him again.”
Natalie shrugs. “I wouldn’t say that.” She stands up and starts to undress. “Brian says he’s never seen Kevin so smitten. He thinks it’s cute.”
Trying to change the subject, Teagan asks softly. “Speaking of Brian…it’s getting serious, isn’t it?”
Natalie spins around, gushing. “Oh my God, Teag, he’s wonderful! And sweet! And sexy!”
Teagan holds up a hand. “Don’t go there. Stay with wonderful and sweet.”
Natalie laughs. “Nothing happened. But it’s going to the minute we hit land.”
Teagan can’t stop smiling. “Natalie Giselle Byron, I thought you were a good girl. What would your students say?”
Natalie laughs gaily. “They are going to be thrilled that Miss Byron isn’t going to be such a bitch now that she’s getting laid.”
Teagan’s mouth drops open in shock. Then she falls over laughing. “Nat, you’re crazy.”
Natalie smiles through tears. “And it’s good to see you laugh again, Miss Michaels.”
Teagan smiles at her through tears of her own. “Am I finally healing, Nat?”
Natalie sits on her own bed. “I think so Teagan. I hope so. You deserve to be happy.”
Chapter End Notes:
Sorry I missed a day updating. Long holiday weekend at work. Let me know what you think! ~ D
