You and I

“Carrie told me that they had to have at least eight staying in there to book the suite. It can hold fourteen people. She and Ray have the three kids, and then Laine and Regis have their two, so that’s nine. Garrette’s kids are staying in there, too, so they almost have fourteen.”

Elle and her family were in the owner’s suite, while Jillian and Kaitlin and their families shared the Ruby family suite, which featured a loft. The other family members were in staterooms along the ninth and tenth floors.

“I don’t know why I agreed to come on this cruise this year,” Ivy complained as they waited for the elevator. “You should have talked me out of it. The last thing I want is to be around a bunch of lovers.”

“This is what you need, what we both need,” Cherise assured Ivy. The doors to the elevator opened and she was struck speechless by the sight of the handsome, dark-skinned brother inside. He smiled, then stepped out of the way to let them enter.

They took the elevator to deck nine.

Cherise noted that he got off on the same floor, following behind them.

When they arrived at the suite, Cherise waited until they were inside before asking, “Did you happen to get a good look at that fine hunk on the elevator with us? He got off on this floor.”

Ivy shrugged nonchalantly. “He looked like any other man.”

Cherise’s eyes opened wide in response to her cousin’s comment. “Ivy, have you gone blind? That man was gorgeous.”

“Well, he just didn’t look that hot to me, that’s all.”

“If you say so…” Cherise muttered, almost to herself.

Inside their suite, Ivy turned to Cherise and said, “It’s not that I hate men or anything like that. I’m just not in the mood for games or trying to figure out if I’m being played. I have two small daughters to worry about, and I have to protect them. They are my first priority.”

Cherise nodded in understanding. “I know Charles didn’t do right by you, but just don’t forget that there are still some nice men out there, Ivy.”

Ivy pulled a stack of clothes from the suitcase and placed them in a drawer. “I actually had a nice guy a long time ago, but I was foolish. I dumped him to be with Charles. I’ve learned that everything that glitters ain’t gold. That’s for sure.”

“You’re talking about Michael Stanley?” Cherise asked from the doorway. “Coco’s brother? I remember when you two were dating.”

Ivy nodded. “He’s a sweetheart. Back then, nice guys seemed so boring.”

Cherise went to her room and put away her clothing. When she finished, she walked into Ivy’s room, asking, “Have you looked at our itinerary yet?”

“We’re at sea all day tomorrow, and on Friday we’ll be in Malta,” Ivy responded. “On Saturday we go to Tunisia, and then on to Naples. I really want to see the ruins of Pompeii.”

“I promised Jazz I’d get lots of pictures for her,” Cherise said as she helped Ivy put away the children’s clothing. “I wish that she could’ve come with us.”

Ivy wanted to lie down with her daughters, so Cherise decided to check on her brother. She walked out of her suite and bumped into something muscular and solid.

“I’m so sorry,” she murmured, looking up. Cherise straightened and tried to act normal when she recognized that the fine piece of chocolate standing outside her suite was the man from the elevator.

“No problem.” He flashed a big smile that warmed her all over.

Their eyes met and held.

He’s fine…ooh this man is so fine…those big strong arms and his lips…

Cherise pushed away her lustful thoughts lest she actually verbalize what she was thinking. She cleared her throat awkwardly.

“My name is Steven Chambers,” he told her, holding out his hand. “It looks like we’re going to be neighbors for the next ten days.”

Grinning, she shook his hand. “I’m Cherise Ransom. It’s really nice to meet you, Steven.”

“I’m in the room right there,” he said, pointing.

God was really testing her by putting this man right across from her room. If Ivy and the children weren’t in the suite with her…

Cherise burst into a short laugh, then said, “I’m sorry. I think I’m a little giddy from jet lag.” She wasn’t about to tell him what she’d really been thinking about.

“It’s fine. I love to laugh myself.”

“Well, I guess I’ll be seeing you around,” Cherise said, then groaned inwardly. She hoped she didn’t sound like she was coming on to him.

“I hope so,” Steven responded. He gave her one last look of admiration before walking away.

This cruise was off to a great start, she decided with a grin.

He loved the sound of her laughter.

So far, so good, Steven thought to himself as he watched Cherise walk down the hallway away from the suites. He’d noticed her earlier on the elevator with another woman, and wondered if she was sailing with a friend or relative.

He had noticed that she wore no wedding ring on her left hand, but after what happened before, he wasn’t just going to assume she was single. However, Steven intended to find out the next chance he got. One thing for certain, he would be sure to run into Cherise on several occasions over the next ten days.

He had debated whether or not to take a cruise this year and was glad that he’d decided to do it. He had enjoyed his time in Barcelona, taking in the rich tapestry of the city where the past blended with the future. He found La Sagrada Família, the most ambitious work of Barcelona’s Antoni Gaudí, truly awe-inspiring. Steven had also visited Jean Nouvel’s luminous Torre Agbar, which was considered the most daring addition to Barcelona’s skyline since the first towers of La Sagrada Família went up.

Steven returned to his suite after a short stroll to locate the basketball court and the gym. He stifled a yawn and considered lying down for an hour before going down to the pool for a swim, but then remembered the emergency drill they were required to attend.

Steven picked up the novel he’d brought along with him and settled down on the sofa to read until it was time for the drill.

His mind drifted back to Cherise. He really wanted to have another conversation with her. Steven couldn’t put his finger on it, but there was something special about her.

“You look great, Cherise, so stop worrying,” Elle said, leaning against the rail. “C’mon, everyone is waiting for us at the pool.”

“Where is the baby?”

“With Daisi,” Elle responded, referring to her sister-in-law. “She can’t swim, so she said she’d watch Briana. Kaitlin’s going to take Chandler to her as well.”

As they stepped outside, Cherise beheld her surroundings. It was so amazing the way the sun seemed to wash the ocean in brilliant waves of color.

“Cherise, we haven’t been out here more than five minutes and you’re already getting stares from all of the men out here.”

Laughing, she shook her head. “You’re crazy, Elle. You know you’re the one they’re looking at.”

“I think it’s you.” She stopped walking. “Oh my goodness, I don’t believe it.”

Shading her eyes, Cherise followed Elle’s gaze. Standing nearby was a tall, slender man with a clean-shaven head and dark skin that seemed to glisten in the July sun. Even on his slim frame, muscles bulged everywhere. His swim trunks hung low on his hips. The effect was so devastating—so sexual. It didn’t seem fair. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on Steven’s body, and muscles rippled in all the right places. Her skin began to tingle.

“You know him?”

“Yeah. He did some architecture work for Brennen,” Elle responded. “I’ve only been around Steven a couple of times, but he seems really nice.”

“Elle, he’s the guy I was just telling you about,” Cherise told her. “The one I met in the hallway. His suite is across from mine.”

“He’s the sexy guy you were talking about? It’s a small world.” Grinning from ear to ear, Elle waved. “I guess he is nice-looking. I never really noticed before.”

Steven waved back.

Cherise ran her fingers through her hair. The thought of seeing Steven again made her nervous. “Well, you’re married to Brennen Cunningham—it’s probably hard to see beyond that man. He’s not exactly hard on the eyes.”

Elle cut her eyes at Cherise. “Have you been eyeing my man?”

“Only when you weren’t looking,” Cherise responded with a chuckle.

“Hello, ladies.” Steven’s deep, sexy voice greeted them as they walked up to him.

Elle reached up and hugged him. “I can’t believe you’re here. Talk about a small world. I was just telling my cousin that you and Brennen have worked together in the past.”

Never taking his eyes off of Cherise, he murmured, “It is a small world. Is Brennen here with you?”

“He should be down here shortly,” Elle responded. “Steven, would you like to join us? We’re going to spend some time around the pool. Oh, I’m sorry. You might be with someone.”

Cherise held her breath awaiting his response. She hadn’t seen him with anyone, but that didn’t mean he was vacationing alone.

Steven dropped down to sit beside Elle. “I’m here by my lonesome, I’m afraid.”

Elle nodded. “Well, how have you been?”

“Busy working.” He turned to face Cherise. “What about you, Cherise? Are you traveling with someone?”

Cherise shook her head. “Nope. Outside of my family here on the ship, I’m solo.”

He had the prettiest brown eyes she’d ever seen. They were a mixture of various shades of earth-born colors that had been warmed by the sun. Those gorgeous eyes were now gazing at her left hand.

“You’re not married, then?”

Cherise smiled. “No, I don’t have a husband.” She hoped he couldn’t hear the regret in her voice.

“I’m glad to hear that.”

Raising an eyebrow, Cherise asked, “Really?”

Elle removed her sarong. “Well, on that note, I think I’ll go for a swim. You two just stay here and chat.” She winked at Cherise. “Have fun.”

Wearing a swimsuit that featured bold lime-green flowers against a black background, Elle sashayed to the water’s edge.

“I’m afraid my cousin’s not very subtle,” Cherise said.

“Neither am I.” Steven’s dark brown eyes met hers. “The truth is that I was hoping to run into you again.”

“Really? Why is that?”

Steven inclined his head. “Cherise, I find you very beautiful and I’m intrigued. I want to know more about you.”

Cherise scanned his face to discern if he was running game, but he seemed sincere. She relaxed a bit.

Steven found a couple of empty lounge chairs for them to sit down and continue their conversation.

Members of Cherise’s family began drifting down to the pool area.

Brennen came and sat down beside Steven. While the two men talked, Cherise was joined by Ivy, who sat down on her other side. “You work fast,” Ivy whispered.

“Who’s the hunk?” Jillian asked, dropping down beside Ivy. They all spoke in hushed tones.

Ivy glanced at her sister. “Are you serious? He ain’t all that.”

“I guess you need glasses then,” Jillian retorted. “That man over there is fine.”

Laughing, Cherise agreed.

Jillian’s husband walked up and grabbed her by the hand. “Let’s test out the water.”

They left.

“You have a huge family,” Steven said, when Ivy disappeared with her daughters in tow.

“You have no idea. The others haven’t come down yet,” Cherise responded with a chuckle. “It’s a bunch of us.”

His eyes widened in surprise. “It’s a family reunion?”

She nodded. “In a way. It’s just mostly the siblings and cousins that go on the cruise. We leave the elders at home, but then they go on their own cruise as well. This year, they are sailing to Mexico in October.”

“That’s pretty cool,” he said.

“Elle has five—no—six brothers and four sisters. I have three brothers and one sister. She and Julian, my brother that’s here on the ship, are twins. He’s the only one who came this time.”

“Wow,” Steven murmured. “I always wanted siblings. I’m an only child.”

Cherise smiled. “There were times when I wanted to be the only child in the family.”

He laughed. “Well, it looks like you all are pretty close.”

“We are,” Cherise confirmed.

“Steven, why don’t you join us?” Brennen asked, when he climbed out of the pool. “We have dinner reservations at Torino’s.”

“I’d love to,” he answered.

Cherise rose to her feet. “I think I’m going to check out this pool. How about you?”

Steven shaded his eyes with his hand. “Is that an invitation?”

“Sure,” she responded.

Elle and Jillian watched in amusement as Cherise strolled toward them with Steven. They paused at the pool and Cherise stepped in, wading toward the middle.

He did a surface dive and sank into the water near her.

Cherise felt the water shift as he dove in. She pushed wet hair out of her eyes and moved away as he playfully splashed water in her direction.

“Two can play at this game, mister.” She burst into laughter.

After frolicking in the water with Cherise as if they were children, Steven climbed out to get something for them to drink.

“Looks like the two of you are getting along well,” Elle whispered in Cherise’s ear.

“We are,” she whispered back.

Elle pulled herself out of the water. “I’m going up to check on Briana and take a nap. I’ll see you all at dinner.”

“Your cousin’s leaving?” Steven asked.

She nodded. “She wants to go check on her baby.”

Cherise splashed water on Steven and swam away.

“Oh, you want to play games, huh?” Steven raced behind her. “Wait until I catch up with you…”

He left the threat floating on the wind.

Steven smiled to himself as he watched Cherise frolicking in the pool with her cousins. He still couldn’t get over how many Ransoms were on the ship. He liked that they were all so close.

As mesmerizing as the ocean surrounding them was, Steven couldn’t take his eyes off of her. He thought of her smooth, deep mahogany complexion, big brown eyes and the way her long hair waved up when wet. She was an extremely beautiful woman. Not thin but not too heavy either, curvy and thick. Just the right size.

Tapping him on the shoulder, Cherise asked, “What are you thinking about so hard?”

Steven snapped out of his reverie. Standing waist deep in the water, he confessed, “I was thinking about you, actually.”

“You just don’t quit, do you?” Laughing, she playfully splashed water at him.

“I’m serious.”

Cherise shook her head. “Let’s not get serious about anything. We’re on vacation—let’s enjoy this time together. We should be having fun.”

Steven thought Cherise looked almost sad when she’d said that, but the expression quickly dissipated. He told himself that it was only his imagination.

Chapter 3

Cherise took digital photos of historic St. John’s Cathedral in Valletta, Malta, stepping gently over the engraved marble tombstones covering the cathedral’s floor, marking the final resting places of knights.

Steven was following behind her, taking pictures with his camera. Every now and then, he would open a sketchbook and start drawing with intensity, absorbed by his vision.

He was clearly an art lover. Cherise soon discovered that they both shared a love for art history. They toured the Grand Master’s Palace, which served as the office of the president and the seat of the Maltese Parliament.

“Are you interested in seeing the Auberge de Castille?” Steven asked Cherise. “I read that it’s one of the finest architectural works here in Malta.”

“Sure, I’d like to check it out,” she responded. “You’re an architect, so you definitely can’t leave Malta without seeing it.”

“According to the guide, the building houses the office of the Prime Minister.”

Steven pulled Cherise closer to him as they neared a group of seedy-looking guys standing near an alley. He didn’t release her until they were back with other passengers from the ship.

When he placed his muscled arms around her, Cherise could only define it as feeling as if she’d come home. She felt safe with him.

Cherise received a text from Elle and said, “My cousins have had enough of history. They are going to Ta’Qali Handicrafts Village. They want to see the glass-blowing factory.”

“You’re sure you wouldn’t rather go with them?” Steven asked.

Cherise planted her hands on her hips. “Are you implying that since I’m a woman, I want to spend my day shopping?”

He laughed and held up his hands in defense of an attack. “Not at all. I just know that you’re on a family vacation, and I don’t want to keep you from spending time with them.”

“No, we’re going to the Auberge de Castille,” Cherise stated in a tone that brooked no argument. “They’re planning to spend the rest of afternoon soaking up the sun on the beach. I’ll meet them then.” She was enjoying her time with Steven. She could see her family anytime.

After touring the Auberge de Castille, they visited a nearby art gallery.

Cherise and Steven grabbed a bite to eat. After they finished, they strolled along the cobblestone streets toward the port.

“Malta is absolutely beautiful,” Cherise murmured. “The buildings here are nothing like I’ve seen before.”

Steven agreed as he finished off his drink. “This is more of an Arabic architecture. You need more than one day to really explore the city. I wish I could see more of the architectural design.”

“I think I’d like to come back here one day, but not on a cruise.” Cherise checked her watch. “I guess I need to head down to the beach for some family time. What are you getting ready to do?” She silently hoped that he would be willing to join her.

“I don’t have any plans,” Steven responded. “If I’m not imposing, I’d like to spend the rest of my day with you.”

She grinned. “I’m so glad you said that. Did you bring a swimsuit?”

He nodded. “I have one in my backpack. I’m always prepared.”

Cherise warmed beneath his gaze. Steven seemed almost too perfect, but then she had only known him for a couple of days. She knew that he lived in Los Angeles, too, and wondered briefly if they would stay in touch once they got home. She hoped so.

Cherise tried not to let the rivulets of water streaming down Steven’s face to his hairy chest distract her from all the beauty around her. He was a very sexy man indeed, she had to admit. When he caught her staring at him, he grinned knowingly.

Clearing her throat, she turned away.

“It looks like you two are really clicking,” Elle whispered in her ear.

“We’re enjoying ourselves, but I have no expectations beyond this cruise. We have a good time together, but it’s not like he wants a relationship.”

“Are you open to it, if he does?” Elle asked.

Cherise smiled. “I’ll take it day by day.”

Elle swam over to her husband while Cherise sought out Steven.

They got out of the water and sat down on towels.

Cherise and Steven talked about the new project he was working on and her desire to land the position as a senior counselor at the center.

“Watching you with your little cousins, I can tell you’re good with young people,” Steven said. “I think what you’re doing is great, Cherise.”

“I know from experience what they’re going through, so it’s easy for me to relate.” She picked up a handful of sand, relishing the grainy texture as it slid through her fingers.

Elle and Brennen walked out of the water dripping wet, and joined them twenty minutes later.

“So what did you buy when you guys went shopping earlier?” Cherise asked Elle.

“Believe it or not, I didn’t get a thing. Jillian picked up some stuff though. She left one boutique with two bags of shoes.”

An hour later, Steven stretched and yawned. “I’m tired, so I think I’m going to head on back to the boat and take a nap.” Brushing sand off of his swim trunks, he added, “I’ll see y’all later tonight.”

Cherise stood up to give Steven a hug. “I’ll see you later.”

“I’d be careful if I were you,” Ivy muttered as she straightened her hat. “You and Steven have been spending a lot of time together.”

“He’s a nice guy, Ivy,” Elle interjected. “Let Cherise enjoy herself. You should be doing the same thing. That guy Montel has been trying to get your attention from the moment we stepped on the ship.”

“Hmph,” Ivy uttered. “He can keep right on trying, but I’m not interested.”

Picking up her tote, Cherise said, “Ivy, I’m just having fun with a handsome man. I don’t have any illusions about anything. I’m here to have a good time on my vacation. You should try it.”

Ivy groaned and walked away, shaking her head.

Elle and Cherise laughed.

It was time for them to head back to the boat, so they gathered up towels, totes and children.

Inside the ship, Cherise followed Ivy into the suite. She sank down on the edge of the king-size bed. “I am so tired.”

Ivy dropped down beside her. “Cherise, I’m really glad you and Steven are spending time together. He seems like a real nice guy. I just say the things I do so that I can keep my family from trying to set me up with a guy.”

“Steven and I have a good time together and I enjoy his company.” Cherise strolled into the bathroom and jumped into the shower.

Afterward, she climbed into bed and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the fluffy pillow. Cherise slept until Ivy woke her up an hour later. She and the girls were already dressed for dinner.

Later, Ivy stuck the last hairpin in Cherise’s upswept hairstyle. “You look gorgeous,” she told Cherise. “When Steven sees you tonight, I’m not sure you’ll be able to get rid of the man.”

Laughing, Cherise turned away from the mirror to face Ivy. “I don’t know about all that.” Deep down, she hoped her cousin was right, but she didn’t want to get her hopes up.

“Just wait until he sees you.”

Cherise stood up and took off her robe. Reaching for the magenta dress she was going to wear to dinner, she added, “Ivy, I have a confession to make. The truth is that I really like him. Steven and I seem to really click. I can’t explain it, but we have so much in common.”

“Steven seems like one heck of a catch,” Ivy said. “And from what I’ve heard about him, it sounds like he’s definitely husband material.”

As she zipped up her dress, Cherise broke into a smile. “You need to follow your own advice, Ivy. Have you even said more than two words to Montel?”

“I’m not interested in him. There is only one man I’d like to spend time with right now and he’s not on this boat.” Ivy headed to the mirror to inspect her appearance. “Montel is nice, but he comes with a lot of drama.”

Cherise folded her arms across her chest and asked, “So what’s up with him?” She watched Ivy apply her makeup like a pro.

Without missing a beat, she replied, “Oh, he has seven children by five different women for starters.”

Ivy applied her lipstick, and her look was completed.

“Oh, yeah, that’s straight crazy,” Cherise said. “You definitely don’t need that. As for Steven, I’m just going to see what happens, Ivy. I’m taking it one day at a time.” Cherise powdered her face and applied a clear gloss to her lips.

She stole a peek at the clock. It was almost time to head downstairs.

Some of their relatives were waiting in the lobby when they stepped off the elevator. Cherise spotted Steven among them.

“You ladies look beautiful,” he said.

“Thank you,” Ivy and Cherise chorused.

Steven placed Cherise’s hand on his arm and led her into the dining room. Speaking low enough for her ears only, he said, “Cherise, you are truly a sight. Your dress looks like it was inspired by the South Seas.”

Cherise smiled. “Thank you,” she murmured softly. She had never met a man who was able to find beauty in almost everything. Even me, she mused silently, and the thought pleased her immensely.