Page 49 of Sailor's Delight
But all’s well that ends well.He rubbed his leg where Jenn had rubbed it. There’d been a lot of promise in that squeeze. Things were looking better than they had for days. He opened his phone and pulled up the cruise line app, clicking on the text group with Chloe and Desire.
We’re back. Long story short, Jenn’s fine, we’re back on.
He waited a minute after hitting send, hoping they would see it and respond quickly. His hope was rewarded.
OMG, What a relief! Glad you’re both okay, would love to hear the story later. Do we have a location?
Trey sighed, grinding his teeth. He had one last Hail Mary to try to make this work. He opened the door and stepped out into the hall.
Jenn wasn’t expecting the knock on her door that woke her from her nap. She pushed herself up off the bed, where she’d been lying down since they’d boarded again.
She peered out the peephole. Trey, wearing a black tuxedo with a white bow tie, hair slicked back pristinely, everyhair in place, was standing a half step back from her door, a gentle half smile on his lips.
What is he doing here?Maybe the handjob and squeeze were a little much?Jenn acknowledged that, for all her grinding on his hand and moaning in the cab, she was still upset with Trey. She looked out again.God, he looks good in that tux.Jenn sighed and opened the door.
“Yes?” she asked, trying to exercise patience and kindness.
Trey folded both his hands in front of him. “Jenn, I’d like to talk to you; I have something to say, and something to ask.”
She folded her arms across her chest. “Okay,” she said stiffly.
Trey blinked, then looked up and down the hallway. A few passengers walked by and stepped in and out of cabins down the way. “Do you want to do this inside or outside?”
“Here’s fine.”
Trey blinked again but nodded his understanding. “Okay.” He took a deep breath. “I acknowledge that it looks like there’s been something going on with me and Chloe. I don’t know exactly how you know, or what exactly you’ve seen or heard, but I’d like to offer a complete explanation that I think will help clear everything up and help make things right between us.”
Jenn waited for him to continue. When he didn’t, she shrugged in confusion. “Isn’t there more?”
Trey smiled apologetically. “Yes. Just not here. Will you get dressed?” He gestured down at himself. “This is the recommended dress code, if you’re willing.”
Jenn scowled, but it was her thinking scowl.
Trey held both hands out in front of him. “I know things have been tense between us recently. I’d like to make up for all of it, if you’ll let me. I’m asking, if you think I’ve earned any of your trust, for you to trust me.”
Having said his piece, Trey dropped his hands and stood with them clasped lightly behind his back, ready to wait as long as Jenn needed.
Jenn looked at him, taking in every line of his face, every carefully combed hair on his head, each precisely trimmed hair in his beard. She did trust this man. Implicitly. She nodded. “I’ll get dressed. How long do I have?”
Trey fought to tamp down his smile. “As long as you need.”
Jenn laughed. “If I’m going to outdo you, I’m going to need at least forty-five minutes.”
Trey let the smile have his face. “You’re worth the wait.”
Jenn smiled. “Are you waiting in your room, or mine?” She stepped aside, extending the invitation to come in.
Trey breathed out heavily. He shook his head slowly. “I would love nothing more than to watch you getting ready. But I think, if this is going to happen the way I want it to, I better wait in mine.” The disappointment in his voice was palpable. “Text me when you’re ready.”
“‘Kay,” Jenn closed the door. “See you in a bit, then.”
“See you in a bit,” Trey said, grinning.
As soon as the door closed, Trey stepped back across the hall and opened his phone.
Roughly 45 minutes. Be ready!
He beeped himself into his room, turned on a single lamp, and sat down in the chair in front of the vanity, preparing to wait for the longest 45 minutes of his life.