Learning To Love E-Book

Mary E. Thompson

• Herausgeber: BluEyed Press
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Beschreibung

Tiffany has a career she loves, a life she’s happy with, and friends she wouldn’t trade for anything. On a wedding cruise for one of her friends, she starts to feel something is missing. She wants to find love like her best friends have with a person who makes her feel alive. 
Craig has never been good with women. He stumbles over his words and feels foolish trying to flirt. It doesn’t help that he’s ready to settle down and all the women he knows are either looking for a fling or willing to marry anyone who asks. 
A vacation with friends shows Tiffany and Craig that love and romance really do exist, even though distance makes it impossible. Until an unexpected job change brings them back together. Tiffany isn’t sure if they can get back what they had on the cruise, but Craig knows Tiffany is the only one he wants.

Leseprobe

LEARNING TO LOVE

LOVE ON DECK

BOOK THREE

MARY E THOMPSON

Learning To Love

Love On Deck, book 3

Copyright © 2013 Mary E Thompson

Cover Copyright © 2020 Mary E Thompson

Cover Photo from depositphotos, Copyright © michaeljung

Published by BluEyed Press, All Rights Reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This is a work of fiction. All characters, businesses, locations, and events are either products of the author’s creative imagination or are used in a fictitious sense. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

ISBN-13: 978-0-9899954-2-9

Created with Vellum

CONTENTS

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

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

About the Author

1

TIFFANY

“I can’t do it, it’s just too much for me. I really thought I could handle all of it, but I’m done. This way is so much better, and it’s such a weight off my mind. Plus, it’s really like me and Dante, right? I mean, we met on a cruise ship, it only makes sense that we get married on one.”

Paige Stack, one of my two best friends, rambles on. I love Paige, but she’s been stressing over her wedding, flipping out because of all the plans. She calls me constantly since I’m the planner of the group, but being 800 miles away I haven’t been much help.

If I could have been there for her maybe she wouldn’t have given up on having a traditional wedding. But, Paige and Dante are not really traditional people. Oh, what the hell, another cruise will be fun.

I mentally return to the conversation as I hear Paige saying, “So Brooke and Tyler will be in one suite, you and Dante’s best man, Craig, will be in another one. We want to pay for y’all since we’re springing this on you. But the cruise ship won’t let anyone be in a room alone so you and Craig have to share. Is that okay?”

The hopeful tone of her voice tells me how important this is to her, but seriously? Five days in a room with a complete stranger. Oh, man, what choice do I have?

“Does it matter if it’s okay?” I ask Paige, knowing I’m at risk of pissing off a very anxious bride who’s already cancelled one wedding. I’m on thin ice asking her anything. She and Dante got engaged eight months ago and were going to get married on New Year’s Eve in Charleston, South Carolina. Paige has obviously lost it, but the date never changed. I knew something was up when I hadn’t received an invitation by Thanksgiving.

Paige and Dante wanted to talk to their families in person. At Thanksgiving dinner last week, they sprung the change on them. Dante’s parents were thrilled about going on another cruise. They were cruising to celebrate Dante’s sister, Mikaela’s, high school graduation when Paige and Dante met. We had just graduated college and were celebrating on our own.

His parents are excited about the cruise wedding, and happy to be going to some new ports for this trip. Paige’s parents were a different story. Her mom and dad divorced when Paige was in elementary school. She and her two sisters stayed with their mom, but their dad remarried and has two boys. Her dad was all for the trip and so was his family. Paige’s mom is unsure about being on a boat for days.

Dante talked Ronnie, Paige’s mom, into coming onboard, telling her it’s a lot of fun and that she’ll love it. I guess he channeled his inner planner and told her about all the activities onboard and the different shore excursions. She finally agreed and their plans were set.

They obviously weren’t worried about me when they decided on this whole plan. Why in the world am I stuck with someone I’ve never met?

“Craig is a good guy, Tiff. I know this isn’t really a great situation for you, but we’ll keep you busy with wedding stuff and y’all will barely have to spend any time together. I promise. It’ll be fun.”

“Okay. I know how important this is to you. I’ll be a good sport about it,” I give in, but don’t bother to keep the irritation from my voice.

Paige doesn’t notice because she’s too busy squealing in my ear. I pull the phone away from my head but not before my ear drum protests the intrusion. I smile in spite of the pain, knowing my decision is probably the biggest thing weighing on her at this point. It’ll be fine. I know it.

* * *

What was I thinking? I must have been drunk when Paige convinced me to share a room with a complete stranger for five days. Too late now.

Paige and Dante were supposed to wait for me in the terminal, but they ended up with priority boarding because of the wedding. All their guests were given the same so everyone went on without me. My flight was late landing in Miami so I’m stuck boarding with all the other happy travelers in pairs and groups. And then there’s me, alone and looking pretty sad.

I finally make it through the check-in process and board the ship. I want to go find my room, drop off my bag, and find my friends. A rest wouldn’t be so bad either, but I’m not sure I’ll get the chance today.

I climb the stairs to the Verandah deck to my room. It’s easy to find, but the door is closed. That means Craig is either inside or has the keys and left the room. I am not prepared for an introduction right now.

I knock on the door anyway, part of me hoping he’s there so I can get in the room and part of me hoping he’s not. After a minute, I realize it doesn’t matter what I want, he’s not here. I pull my phone out of my pocket and call Paige. Hopefully Craig is with her and I can get into my room.

Paige’s voicemail clicks in saying she’s away getting married and she’ll return calls when she gets home. Maybe Brooke will answer me.

Brooke Jeffries is the third part of our trio. We all met in college at University of South Carolina - that’s USC to us, or just Carolina. We stayed close friends throughout our four years, but I moved back home to Buffalo, New York after graduation.

The distance never separated us much though. Even being hundreds of miles from my best friends, I’ve still found ways to be there for them. Last summer Brooke had a meltdown when she found out her boyfriend got his ex-girlfriend pregnant (don’t get me started) and came to visit me. And Brooke and I were there for Paige when she was flipping out over Dante the year before. Now we’re all here together for the wedding.

I’m really excited to see my friends. I missed my family during college and was excited to move back home. Plus, I wanted to experience four seasons again. I’ve been home for 18 months and a part of me misses South Carolina. I also miss college life, but I know there’s no going back.

Brooke is in grad school at Carolina, getting her master’s in psychology. She and Tyler, her boyfriend (yeah, she stayed with him after the pregnancy thing, long story), are in school together. They graduate this spring and already have jobs in Charleston near Paige and Dante.

Brooke is great, and, despite the whole pregnancy issue, she and Tyler are perfect together. He is really good to her and she adores him. My first impression of Tyler was anything but good, but he’s shown that he’s really a great guy and that he deserves to be loved by a woman like Brooke.

In some ways, I’m jealous of my best friends. I’ve never felt that having a man in my life would bring it any sort of additional meaning, but I’ve also never been in love. I tried a few times, but it wasn’t ever right. And now my two best friends are basically settled, and there’s single me, stuck in a room for five days with a stranger.

Brooke’s phone rings and I wait for her to answer. A wash of relief comes over me when I hear, “Hi, Tiff! Where are you?”

I hear Tyler’s voice in the background, telling her to tell me to get over there. “I’m outside my room. The door is locked and I can’t get in because no one is here. Are you with Paige? I need to find Craig.”

Brooke fills Tyler in on what’s going on and tells me they’ll be right here.

I drop my bags to the floor and lean against the wall next to my door. I hear Brooke laughing before she rounds the corner. She runs to me, her long blonde hair bouncing with each step, and pulls me into a tight hug while Tyler crosses the distance to our sides. When Brooke lets go Tyler drops a kiss on my cheek and we say hello.

Brooke produces a key and hands it to me. I slide the card in the door and hear the click of the lock releasing. I look to Brooke and Tyler. Brooke says, “We came onboard with Craig and he gave me the extra key. He said you’ve never met and wouldn’t know who he was but figured you’d call me. I guess he was right.”

I push into the room and Brooke and Tyler follow me in. I see a black backpack on the floor next to the closet, but no other sign that anyone has been here. Brooke drops to one of the beds while I look through the room.

This suite is similar to the one Brooke, Paige, and I shared on our last cruise. We went away for spring break last year, almost ten months ago. The suite is amazing. Each bed is covered in a fluffy white tufted comforter, crisp white sheets, and endless white pillows. The towels in the bathroom are the same crisp white and the matching bathrobes look as comfortable as the bed.

I cross the soft blue carpet to the balcony and open the door. I step out onto it and let the breeze of the ocean pass over me. We haven’t left the dock yet, but we’re on the outside of the port, away from the dock, and the ocean breeze is refreshing.

I turn back and watch as Brooke bounces on the bed. “You should take this one, it’s comfy.”

The corner of my mouth turns up and I consider my options. I’ve lived alone for 18 months, but I still don’t like to sleep next to the door. Taking the bed Brooke is bouncing on would mean I’m closer to the door. If I take the other bed, I’ll be next to the balcony, which could be nice, especially if we ever leave it open at night.

“I think I’ll take the one near the balcony, bounce on this one a few times and see if it passes the butt test,” I tell her. Brooke laughs at me but tries the bed out.

Tyler watches us, his eyes following Brooke. The amusement is clear on his face, and he absorbs the scene in front of him. Brooke looks at me and gives me approval for the second bed and I smile at her. Tyler shakes his head, but smiles when Brooke meets his eyes.

This is going to be a lonely trip.

I follow Brooke and Tyler from the room back to the pool where they agreed to meet Paige and Dante after the wedding arrangements were set. Brooke pulls her cover-up dress over her head and drops it on a chair. Tyler strips his t-shirt off and follows her to the pool. I slip my dress off to reveal my wasabi green tankini.

I settle into my chair and watch Brooke and Tyler in the pool. She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him sweetly. Their faces are millimeters apart, but I can tell they’re talking. The smile on Brooke’s face makes me wonder what the conversation is about, but very happy I decided to stay here instead of getting in the pool with them.

My eyes shut against the blinding light and the endless sea of couples. Why am I starting to feel like something is missing? I’m happy with my life. There isn’t anything missing except someone to share it with.

When I went home after graduation, I was so happy to be with my family. My three brothers, Tom, Tim, and Travis, are all still living at home with mom and dad. I got my own apartment, but it was nice to be around them all. I love having people to spend time with. And I still have my friends from high school and my new teacher friends.

But none of it feels the same as being with Brooke and Paige. Being with them is like having sisters. Paige is the only one of us who actually has sisters, but we all agreed our friendship is like that, but better since we choose to be friends. I love them, and I’d do anything for my friends. It’s getting hard to relate to them though as they get more and more involved in their relationships. Paige is getting married, and I’m sure Brooke isn’t far behind. I’ll be alone in a whole new way.

Paige’s voice drifts to me before I open my eyes. She and Dante are talking about something with the wedding, but I’m not sure what. Then I hear the third voice. I guess it’s time to meet my roommate.

I look around and see them coming toward me. Paige is adorable as ever in her white cotton dress, but the tie of her lavender bikini top is sticking out. Her long brown hair is dangling down her back, loose and free. The expression on her face is relaxed, and I’m happy I came on this trip. This cruise will be great for my friends.

I stand up and wrap Paige in a hug. She’s beaming like the blushing bride she is. Dante leans in for a hug when Paige lets go of me. Paige catches me up quickly on the wedding arrangements. She says the cruise ship has it all organized, but if she needs someone to take care of anything, she asked them to get in touch with me.

A part of me wants to feel annoyed that she offered me up without asking first. In reality, I’m thrilled that she trusts me and values my opinion and assistance so much. It’s refreshing to know someone needs me.

“Oh,” Paige gasps, “I completely forgot. Tiffany, this is Craig.” She gestures toward the man standing next to Dante. I didn’t even notice him until now. He turns when he hears his name and I’m met with green eyes that match my bathing suit. His blonde hair is cut close enough to make me wonder if he’s in the military.

My eyes travel down his body, taking in my new roommate. He’s definitely attractive, but he’s not at all my type. If it turns out he is in the military, it will be a big step up from the frat boy he looks like. His bare chest is strong and sexy. I’m a sucker for defined arms and his easily fit that category. Even his legs are lean and muscular. He’s gorgeous, if you like that strong, muscular, sexy look. My eyes travel back up to his face and I notice him watching me. A sly smile is on his lips, letting me know he appreciates that I’m checking him out.

What a jerk! He actually thinks I like him. And here I’m thinking he looks exactly like he’s acting. This trip just got much worse.

2

CRAIG

This trip just got much better. I extend my hand to Tiffany and take her in. She’s stunning, but either doesn’t know it or doesn’t accept it. Her green bathing suit covers her up like a one piece, but the apple green color and the tie around her neck tell me there is a playful side just dying to come out.

After a moment’s pause, she extends her hand to meet mine. Our hands touch and I look into her eyes. The deep brown draws me in like the chocolate brownies my grandma used to make when I was a kid. I feel lost for a second when her soft skin brushes mine. She releases my hand and my skin tingles, already missing her touch.

It’s clear that she’s not enamored with me. She’s looking at me like she stepped in dog shit. This is going to be an interesting few days. Dante Bradford, my closest friend, picks up on the tension and shifts the conversation to the wedding. Paige is more than happy to grab onto the topic and shake it to death. Dante gently encourages the ladies to go for a swim, giving he and I a chance to talk.

Dante and I have gotten close over the last few years, the main reason he asked me to be his best man. His journey into self-employment has taken a toll on him this past year, and he’s turned to me for a lot of help. Of course I don’t know anything about being your own boss, but I’m good at balancing priorities.

The ladies walk away and Dante sucks in a breath through his teeth. He turns to me and asks if I’m going to be okay with Tiffany for five days. I watch her walk away, thinking about how gorgeous she is. She’s definitely the last person I need to be worried about, but man, she did something to me.

I look at Dante and see an amused look on his face. “She’s so not interested.”

I shove him, knowing he’s right, but not wanting to hear it. “Whatever, man. I’m not into her either. She’ll be gone in five days, and I’ll probably never see her again. And anyway, you know I’m giving up women. They’re too complicated. The women that give me the time of day are looking for a quick fling, and I’m done with that. The ones that want to settle down are either tied to men like you or so desperate for a wedding they’ll marry anyone.”

Dante laughs, the humor sparking in his eyes. “Men like me, huh? What... you mean better personality, rich, and totally hot?”

“You spend way too many hours admiring yourself. And, no, I mean men like you in the figurative sense - as in anyone other than me.” I sigh, defeated with my lack of skills with women.

“Don’t worry about Tiffany. Paige has always said she’s great but focused on work. It sounds like she doesn’t know how to act around guys either. On second thought, maybe you two would make the perfect awkward pair.”

Dante laughs again, happily enjoying my misery. My eyes wander back to Tiffany. She’s standing in the shallow end talking to Paige, Brooke, and Tyler. She looks very comfortable with them, but Tyler is her best friend’s boyfriend. Just like Dante. These guys are people she can be comfortable around because they’re extensions of her best friends.

But me, I’m different. And Dante’s right. She didn’t seem interested in me. In fact, she seemed a little annoyed by my existence. I need to find some way to make this week decent, even if it’s staying out of her way.

I head back to the room as Dante joins the others in the pool. If I get ready for dinner now and then disappear for a few hours, Tiffany will have a chance to enjoy the afternoon with her friends and then shower in peace. Hopefully my bags are in the room.

* * *

The cruise ship arranged for all of us to sit together, or at least close, for dinner. I find my table at dinner and sit drinking my water waiting for the others to arrive. The waiter comes over and I ask for three bottles of wine for our table and a few bottles for the family tables next to us. I know Tiffany will be sitting with me, and so will Dante, Paige, Tyler, and Brooke. The surrounding tables are for the rest of the family that’s here for the celebration.

Four women walk toward me, eyeing me as if trying to figure out who I am. Two men trail, looking like the husbands of the younger two women. This must be Paige’s mom and best friend with her sisters. I stand when they get closer and introduce myself. Paige’s mom, Ronnie, introduces everyone and they settle into their table next to mine.

Dante’s parents come into the dining room next, followed by Mikaela and her boyfriend, Josh. I’ve met his family a few times, but don’t know them well. It’s a little strange being so close with someone and not knowing his family, but I guess that happens when you move away from home.

Tiffany walks in while I’m talking to Dante’s family. I introduce them to her, indicating the important role she plays in Paige’s life and her involvement in the wedding. Paige has been going on and on lately about how she couldn’t do all of this without Tiffany’s advice and organization.

I notice Tiffany watching me as I tell Dante’s mom, Rebecca, “Paige said the only thing that calms her down is talking to Tiffany about the wedding. Tiffany is a meticulous planner and handles Paige well, making her remember what’s important about the wedding instead of getting lost in the silly details. Paige said none of this would have been possible without Tiffany.”

Tiffany’s mouth is gaping, leaving me to wonder if she ever knew how much Paige appreciates her, or if she’s surprised I pay attention. Rebecca thanks Tiffany for all she’s done and I take my seat so they can talk.

Paige’s dad and his family walk in with Brooke and Tyler. Brooke and Tiffany say hello to them and introduce Tyler and I. They are seated with Dante’s family at their table. We’re all one big happy family. As long as you don’t count Tiffany not speaking to me.

Paige and Dante are the last ones to join us, looking flushed and guilty. We all know what they were doing. They quickly say hello to their families, trading hugs and kisses with everyone. The wine I ordered arrives when they get seated and I raise my glass to offer a toast to them. Again I catch Tiffany watching me with a confused look on her face.

Dinner passes quickly. I get to know Brooke and Tyler a little better, finding out they are both in grad school studying psychology at USC, where the three women went to undergrad. Paige tells us about the wedding plans for tomorrow. Tiffany is nearly silent, but I try not to think too much of it.

Brooke suggests going to the show after dinner and everyone agrees. Tiffany watches me as we leave the dining room, but I keep my distance. She’s already made up her mind about me. I’m not going to put myself through anything hoping she might change her mind. I felt a spark when I touched her, but maybe it was just static or something. It’s pretty obvious she didn’t feel a thing.

Plus, she lives in New York,. It really doesn’t matter what she thinks of me. She’s not even a possibility.

I follow the others into the lounge. Brooke and Tyler lead the way, followed by Dante and Paige, leaving Tiffany for last. Meaning we end up next to each other.

I glance toward the couples and see them completely wrapped up in each other. Tiffany realizes the same thing and sighs loudly. I guess she thought this would be a good chance to hang out with her friends. Living so far away I know she doesn’t see them much and I feel bad for her that they’re distracted.

As I think about this situation, I have to laugh. Tiffany and I are the odd ones out, the two here without someone else to spend time with. And yet Tiffany is fighting it, dying to bond with her friends and ignoring me sitting right next to her. This trip would be much better if we could get along and maybe even be friends. Then again, something more than friends would be fun too.

Shit, no, I’m giving up women. Tiffany is just like the rest of them, making assumptions about me before she knows me. I’m not putting myself through all the crap again. It’s not worth it.

The house lights dim, and I push away my thoughts about Tiffany. It’s pointless to think about her anyway.

Tonight’s show is supposed to be some sort of musical, acrobatic show. It’s not usually my thing, but we’re enjoying everything the cruise ship has to offer. I sit back in my seat and decide to give it a shot.

I’m captivated. Completely. I seriously underestimated this show. It’s more like a Cirque du Soleil show than a musical. The performers are incredibly talented and do things that defy gravity and all laws of physics. It’s absolutely stunning. I glance over at the others and catch Tiffany watching me. I offer a tentative smile, which she returns. Her eyes soften a little, giving me hope that just maybe this trip will end up okay.

We leave the lounge and the two couples announce they are headed for the dance club. Tiffany glances toward me, trying to figure out what to do. I love dancing, but I don’t think she’s all that interested in being trapped with only me to dance with for the evening.

“I think I’ll just turn in for the night. It’s been a long day, traveling and all. I’m going to get some rest,” I tell the group. A hint of disappointment passes Tiffany’s eyes. My brow knits when I look at her, but she turns away instead of meeting my eyes. The others shrug and say goodnight. Paige reminds me that tomorrow is her wedding day and she will need me ready for the ceremony after lunch.

I agree and say goodnight, leaving the group to go to my room. I stop by the bar on the way and pick up three beers. When I get to the room, I strip out of my khakis and dress shirt and pull on a pair of basketball shorts and a t-shirt. I drop into a seat on the balcony and chug half of my first beer.

The sun has set, leaving the sky a deep midnight blue. The lights from the cruise ship reflect onto the water below my balcony casting a glow around the boat. It would be nice to have someone to share this with. A gorgeous cruise ship sailing into paradise, yeah, I’d like to be here with someone special. I don’t blame Dante and Tyler for being wrapped up in their women. This is going to be a lonely trip for me, especially if I have to spend it avoiding Tiffany and by extension the rest of the group.

My mind wanders through my life up to this point, trying to figure out how I’ve managed to become so incredibly uncomfortable around women. Once upon a time, I could have any woman I looked at, but now, the only ones who are interested see me as a prize. Not that I’m trophy husband material, but I guess my position has them seeing me as bragging rights.