Page 34 of The Tryst List
In all honesty, spending the night on the water, adrift yet safe, is a Tryst List-level adventure. In fact, we’re stranded, aren’t we? It's the first item on my list. Maybe this is one more sign from the universe. “Staying the night doesn’t sound too bad, actually. It’s kind of thrilling, in a way.”
Peter’s head snaps up, seemingly surprised by my response. “You’re sure? I don’t want to do anything that will screw things up with you.”
“Let’s call it fate.” I pull the blanket around me. “Besides, we have hot chocolate.”
Peter smiles and relaxes a bit, the tension easing from his shoulders. “Alright. An unplanned night at sea it is. Let me get us anchored.”
Though I offer to help, the boat is pretty high-tech. Within fifteen minutes, Peter's navigated us into a quiet cove and secured the vessel. He approaches, breath visible in the winter air. Cheeks and nose are red from exertion. He’s still the most handsome man I’ve ever laid eyes on.
I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement. This unexpected turn of events, being alone with Peter after a day of confessions and revelations, feels like a new chapter in our complicated story. A new beginning, maybe.
We descend to the cabin, take off our coats and recline side by side on the galley bench cuddled under a blanket. The boat rocks in the quiet of the night. We sip the hot chocolate I made earlier, though now it’s more like warm chocolate. Through the window, city lights shimmer in the distance and the stars above us are a brilliant tapestry in the clear night sky.
“So, this is quite the New Year’s Day adventure.” I settle against the cushion and gaze at Peter.
His arm finds its way around my shoulders. “Definitely not how I expected to start the year, but it’s hard for me to complain. I've wanted to spend time with you for a long time.”
In this moment, all misunderstandings between us fade away. We’re two people, adrift yet connected, sharing another unexpected night. I lean into him. “Who knew running out of fuel could lead to this?”
“Life’s full of surprises.” Peter’s voice is quiet as his forehead touches mine.
I pull off his hat and comb the top of his hair with my fingers. “You’re cold.”
“Warm me up?” He cups my face, eyes searching mine.
I don’t answer.
My lips are too busy kissing him.
Chapter thirteen
Peter
A Few Minutes Later
Is this really happening?
Do I really have the woman of my dreams in my arms again?
Jordan presses into my side as we make out. She smells delicious, like wildflowers and sea air. She tastes sweet and chocolatey. She moans and mewls as our mouths reacquaint for the second time today.
In every dream I’ve had of a romantic reunion, it certainly didn’t go like this.
What a whirlwind. From talking about our past to her kissing me to us being stranded for the night. I wonder if she realizes this exact scenario is on her Tryst List?
It’s Jordan's fantasy come true and I’m going to give her anything she wants.
Scooping my arm under her, I maneuver us on the bench seating until she’s straddling me. “The moment I laid eyes on you in Vegas, I felt you were made for me, Jordan.” I drive my hips up so she can feel how affected I am by her. “It isn’t that you’re beautiful, because you are. You’re also strong. Sweet. Feisty. Funny. God, baby, I’ve dreamt of this moment for years. I’d almost lost hope.”
“Peter. I’ve thought terrible things about you. Said terrible things about you. I haven’t even begun to process everything but…” She presses her palm on my heart. Leans forward and tenderly brushes my lips with hers. “Please don’t hurt me.”
“Never.” I grip her face with my hands and see tears in her eyes, which breaks my heart. “Baby, don’t cry. We’ve found our way back to each other.”
She nods sadly. “So many things were said that night in Vegas and I…I…believed them. Peter is it real this time? Are you for real this time?”
Her words eviscerate me. My younger self couldn't have predicted how my stupidity in a moment of stress and weakness affected her. Today affirms one thing—she felt what I felt. We weren’t some random hookup.
We’re destined for each other.