Rock the Boat (35 page)
“Here I thought you were cheating on me, and you were planning something to make me crazy, stupid happy.”
He pulls me into his lap like a child, so I’m straddling him. “I love you, baby. I’m sorry I’ve been all over the place, but you have me. I promise.” He kisses my lips, deepening it with his tongue. When he pulls away, his face is serious. “Don’t give me that look,” he warns.
“What look?”
“Your smile. It’s sexy and sweet—your deadly combination that usually ends up with my pants around my ankles and you underneath me.”
“If I didn’t have so much to do, there’s no place I’d rather be.”
“Take a break,” he whispers. His eyes fall to the top of my shirt that’s dangerously close to exposing more than just a little cleavage. I try to pull it back up, but he hisses the second my fingers touch the fabric. “Leave it.”
“Easton, I can’t take a break. I didn’t even start yet. We have so much to do, especially if we’re going away.” I glance at the tickets and realize they’re for tonight. “What were you thinking leaving tonight? I need time to get everything together. My shit’s all over the place.”
Easton takes my hands, linking his fingers with mine. “I was
thinking
how good you felt wrapped around me. How we fit together perfectly no matter where we are.”
“Like last night against the back of the bus? I’m still sore, you know. I’m not sure why we thought that was a good idea.”
“I do,” he says, as he runs his finger from my neck to the center of my cleavage, pulling my shirt down far enough to expose my bra. “It’s because we have to, Lark. Because if I didn’t touch you right then, right there, it would have physically hurt. I’ll never apologize for the way you make me feel or the way you make me lose control. You’re my favorite addiction, baby, but believe me when I say, I will fuck you so hard on the ship, the boat will be rockin’.”
His words bounce around in my head. While I try to put each one into an organized compartment where it belongs—to try to make sense of what we have, I can’t. There’s nothing typical about us and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me crave even more of Easton. I like that we aren’t conventional. That we’re not on some predictable path that will lead to predictable problems—I just have to learn how to handle the shifts and wobbles along the way.
It’s funny how things work out. I waited years to live with Grant, always wondering what it would be like to fall asleep next to him and wake up with him in the morning. When it came down to it, I knew very little about us as a couple. And I knew even less about him as a person. I had it all wrong for a good portion of my life.
But hell if I didn’t get it right when I agreed to come on this wild ride with Easton. We may still be trying to figure each other out despite being thrown on this bus together, but life isn’t easy. Why would life on the road be any easier? It may challenge my sanity, but one thing’s for sure, there’s no place else I would rather be. “I guess we have some packing to do.”
Easton smiles, kissing my lips and laying me in the center of the bed. “But first, I have a few things I want to take care of.” He reaches his arm out, slamming the door closed with a little more effort than necessary. “Let me love you, baby.”
I push him back with my hand. “Wait a minute, what else was holding you up. Besides planning this trip?”
He smirks, reaching into his bag on the floor. “You can’t wait for surprises can you?”
“Nope. Never could.”
“Get naked and close your eyes.”
“What?”
“Just do it. Stop asking questions. This is my surprise.”
I sit up on the bed and take off all my clothes. He watches the entire time, a thin sheen of sweat breaking out on his forehead. When I’m how he wants me, I lie back down on the bed and close my eyes. I can feel him in front of me, but I wait for my cue to open my eyes. When it doesn’t come, I ask him, “Now?”
“Now, Lark. Look at me, baby.”
I expect him to be equally as naked, but he’s exactly the way I left him. Only this time, he’s on one knee in front of me, holding a small blue box in his hand. “What are you doing?”
“I’m asking you to be my wife, Lark. I had plans to do this on the ship in front of everyone, but my girl is demanding. It’s okay though because I want the world to know you’re mine for the rest of my life. I don’t want to wait to ask you to marry me because once we get on the ship, I’m making you my wife.”
“Wait, what?” I hear what he’s saying, and from the sound of it, he’s both asking me to marry him, and telling me I’m marrying him. “Why am I naked for this?”
He chuckles, moving closer to me. “Because I like you naked best. I’d marry you naked if I could, but I’m a jealous fuck and don’t want anyone else to see this beautiful body. Now, are you going to make me the happiest asshole on the planet or not? I kind of want you to be my wife, if you haven’t figured it out yet.”
This time I’m the one laughing. “That’s the shittiest proposal I’ve ever heard in my life. But it’s perfect. Naked and all, I will marry you. I love you so much, Easton.”
Never in a million years did I expect to find my husband on a cruise. Sure, this particular one promised I’d meet my perfect match, but there was no guarantee we would fall for one another. Part of me fought the idea of being in love again, especially since my heart was still healing. But if I’ve learned anything from this experience, it’s that love will find you when you least expect it. It will knock you on your ass and show no mercy. Most importantly, it will rock you to your core. Without a shadow of a doubt, I’ve been rocked.
Gia Riley is from the small, but mighty state of Delaware. She’s a lover of all things romance—a firm believer that everyone deserves their happily ever after.
When she’s not writing, you can find her roaming the aisles of Kirkland’s, up to her elbows in Play-doh, or trying to hunt down spoilers for her favorite TV shows. She loves reality TV almost as much as she loves a good chick flick. She’s newly addicted to Starbucks and the revolving menu of specialty drinks.
You can connect with Gia on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. She also has a website for you to keep up to date on appearances and projects. If you’re on Facebook, feel free to join her reader group, Gia Riley Book’s. Stop by anytime, she loves hearing from readers!
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THE BEGIN AGAIN DUET (NEW ADULT ROMANCE)
Lighter (The Begin Again Series Book 1)
Weightless (The Begin Again Series Book 2)
YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE STANDALONE
In Pieces
First of all, I want to thank you for taking a chance on a girl from the country with a dream to write. Without you, none of this would be possible. I’ve had a chance to meet some of you at various signings, and your enthusiasm is what fuels me.
To the creative forces behind Rock the Boat:
Sommer Stein of Perfect Pear Creative Covers, this book came to life as soon as I saw the design. I get these wild ideas sometimes and you always manage to create the most beautiful art. I can’t thank you enough for your impeccable style and for framing my words so perfectly.
Christine Borgford of Perfectly Publishable, no matter what my concept may be, you manage to create it visually, always blowing me away with your special touch. Thank you for your attention to detail and amazing eye.
Sassy Savvy PR & Marketing—Linda, you get me. That in itself is worth every penny. But most importantly, you’re a wonderful person with a giving heart. Thank you for sending gifs to make me laugh and for being so enthusiastic about my books. Not only are you my PR goddess, you’re my friend. Here’s to never ending shenanigans.
To every blogger who has supported me—thank you for taking the time to promote my work. A simple post or shout out makes my entire day. Always remember, no matter how big or small you are, your voice matters! Thank you for all you do.
To my Bitchesnachos—thank you for pushing me to find my inner dirty bird. Without your encouragement, I’m positive P4D wouldn’t have turned out the way it did. Most importantly, thank you for being the best friends a girl could ask for.
My betas:
Tina, you’ve been with me since the very beginning, pushing me to keep going after my dreams. I can’t thank you enough for your friendship and your support. Whether it’s about books or life, I can always count on you. Thank you.
Kelly, thank you for your brain storm sessions at all hours of the day. I can’t thank you enough for taking time out of your busy day to help me. Your honesty is appreciated and your laughter much needed.
Ladies, what I’m trying to say is, some people come into your life for a reason. I’m blessed to have met you both.
To my parents—thank you for always believing in me. Ever since I was little, coming up with crazy ideas, you’ve never once told me my dream was too big. Whether I was sucking it up in the outfield or succeeding on the infield, you’ve always been my biggest cheerleaders. You gave me the belief in myself.
And finally, my husband and son. Our journey is different than most, but it’s ours. Thank you for supporting me when I have a deadline and I’m cranky. Thank you for ordering take-out when I’m stressed. It’s knowing you’re proud of me that makes what I do so much fun. I love you both.