Sheryl Lister - All of Me

“My best friend got married before the ship left on Saturday. Her new husband is performing, so they decided to make it part of their honeymoon.”

“The woman you were with yesterday?” She nodded and he said, “I wish them many happy years together.” A memory of his wedding day flashed in his head. “Who’s the lucky guy?”

“Maybe you’ve heard of him. R & B singer and producer Monte.”

“Really? I know of him. I once heard he planned to never marry.”

“So did I. But Janae is the sweetest person I know, and I guess he couldn’t resist.”

“Is that why you were dressed up when I saw you?”

“Yes. What about you? Are you on vacation?”

“I guess you can say that.” He laughed. “Actually, my two friends guilt-tripped me into coming. They bought the ticket and then asked if I was going to waste their money and accused me of not being a good friend.” Karen laughed—a low, throaty sound that made his heart jump.

“That’s wrong.” She leaned forward with laughter shining in her eyes. “Were you being a bad friend?” she asked teasingly.

“Probably,” he admitted. “I’ve turned down every offer to take a trip together for the last several years.”

“Well, I’d say you redeemed yourself by coming on the cruise. You should be off the hook for at least a month .”

Damian laughed. “Good point. I’ll make sure to tell them that.” They laughed together again, and then silence fell over the table. He hadn’t laughed with a woman in a long time and enjoyed the easy rapport they seemed to be developing. He covered her hand with his. “I still wasn’t too keen on coming, even after we boarded...until I saw you. I’m looking forward to whatever this week brings.”

“So am I.”

They finished their drinks, both lost in thought.

He gestured toward the dance area. “Are you ready to hit the dance floor again?”

“Let’s do it.”

He rose, assisted Karen from the chair and trailed her as she dipped in time with the beat out to the dance floor. She raised her arms in the air and danced with reckless abandon, her sensual movements sending bolts of white-hot desire shooting through him. Damian sucked in a sharp breath and tried to will his body calm. They danced to a few more songs. Then he suggested taking a walk.

Karen fanned herself. “Whew. I haven’t danced like that in ages. And definitely not in these shoes.”

He glanced down at the sexy jeweled sandals and her red-painted toenails. “But they look amazing.”

“Thanks. Shoes are my weakness. I needed an extra bag just for them.”

He shook his head and chuckled. Come to think of it, the shoes she had had on that first day were just as sexy. “You have good taste.” They came to an exit. “Are you okay to walk on the deck for a little while? We won’t stay long.”

“Sure. I could use the fresh air.”

He held the door open and let her precede him, then led her over to an empty spot at the rail. Neither spoke for several minutes. Damian studied her as she stared out into the black night—the shimmering glow of her skin bathed in the moonlight, the serene expression on her face. Their attraction had been instant and strong. Why her? And why now? He didn’t think he would ever allow himself to get close to another woman, but in less than twenty-four hours, Karen had proven him wrong. She fascinated him. Called to him. Made him laugh and feel alive for the first time in years.

She looked up at him. “Penny for your thoughts.”

“I was just thinking about you. Us. How much I’m enjoying your company.”

She smiled. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

Damian reached up and stroked a finger down her cheek and lowered his head. He hovered close enough for their breaths to mingle, waiting, seeking permission. She hesitated for a brief moment, then tilted her head upward. He touched his mouth to hers, once, twice. Her lips parted beneath his, and he slid his tongue inside. He hadn’t kissed a woman like this in a while—five years to be exact—but it didn’t take long for him to catch up. She tangled her tongue with his, and he groaned deep in his throat. He turned, leaned against the rail, widened his stance and pulled her between his legs.

Karen wrapped her arms around his neck, grabbed the back of his head and held him in place. Damian had no problem with that. He had no intention of letting go—not until he got his fill—which in his estimation might take all night. He angled his head and deepened the kiss. His hands roamed down her back, cupped her bottom and brought her flush against his erection. He wanted her to feel what she was doing to him. They stood there with their mouths fused for who knows how long until she shivered. He gave her one last kiss, then lifted his head.

“Cold?”

“A little,” she said, shivering again.

He rubbed up and down her arms, leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “Let’s get you inside.”

She nodded.

Taking her hand, he led her back inside. “May I see you to your room?”

“I’d like that.”

Her swollen, moist lips and passion-filled eyes tempted him beyond reason. “Lead the way.” They walked to the elevator hand in hand. Luckily, no one else boarded, because he really needed to kiss her again, and he couldn’t wait one more second. As soon as the doors closed, he backed her against the wall and slanted his mouth over hers. All too soon the distinctive chime sounded, signaling the elevator had reached her floor. Reluctantly, Damian ended the kiss.

He followed her down the hall until she stopped at a door, unlocked it and pushed it open.

She stepped inside and stared up at him. “Would you like to come in for a few minutes?”

Hell yeah, I want to come in. Leaning against the door frame, he said, “I’d better not. What are your plans for tomorrow? Are you going into Jamaica?”

She nodded. “I’m taking one of the tours to Dunn’s River Falls, and it includes lunch afterward at a popular restaurant.”

“Mind if we spend the day together? I really enjoy being with you.”

“I don’t mind at all. I booked the tour at eleven. Tomorrow night I’m going to Monte’s show. He had seats reserved for us, but I can ask Janae to see if he can get another one, if you want to go.”

“If you won’t be tired of my company by then, I’d love to. How about we meet for breakfast in the morning?”

“Sure. I’ll wait for you by the buffet entrance at eight-thirty.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Damian wanted to kiss her again but didn’t trust himself to stay in control. He was having a hard enough time standing close to her without touching her. She took the decision out of his hands when she pulled him down for a kiss that stole his breath.

“Thanks for a wonderful evening, Damian. I’ll see you in the morning.”

He kissed her softly. “Good night, Karen. Sweet dreams.”

She backed into the room and closed the door softly. He stood with his hand on the door.

Damian wanted to make love to her.

The realization shook him to his core. Not so much that he had the urge, but how strongly he felt it. He had been celibate for five years by choice because he hadn’t found a woman who excited him. Karen more than excited him. She intrigued him like no other woman before. Including his late wife.

He hadn’t accepted her invitation tonight, but if she offered tomorrow, he wouldn’t turn her down. And he would be prepared.

Chapter 4 Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Epilogue Copyright To my Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love, mercy and grace. To my real-life hero, Lance Lister, I’ll love you to the end of time. To my girls, family and friends, thank you for your love and unwavering support. A special thank-you to Sharon Blount and Building Relationships Around Books book club. Thank you for your support and encouragement. You rock! Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Epilogue Copyright