Gold looked at himself in the mirror and touched his cheek. Belle had kissed him again. She'd kissed him last night in his room and now she'd kissed him after their day together. And she'd called him sexy… very sexy. She said she'd run her fingers through his hair because she wanted to… it hadn't been part of the headache massage. And it had aroused him to a point of embarrassment. He wasn't sure what to think. He just knew that he couldn't wait to be in her presence again. This young woman seemed to have cast a spell over him and he was happy to be completely under her control.

Belle was smiling to herself. Rum was so adorable. The way he reacted when she called him sexy… his uncertainty about her attraction to him… she just wanted to hug him. And she wanted him to put his arms around her. Her heart began to race at the thought of it. She was attracted to him in a way that was unfamiliar to her. She wanted to be with him… she wanted to know everything about him… she couldn't really explain it, but she felt as though they belonged together. It was a feeling that surprised her, but that she didn't want to shake.

Gold straightened his bow tie one last time. He was as ready as he was going to be. It was a formal evening so he felt completely in his element. He didn't need to second guess himself about what to wear or how to act. He walked out to the main living area a few minutes before they were due to meet.

"There you are, old man." Moe was there to greet him. "Looking good. This sea air seems to agree with you." He slapped him on the back. "So what were you up to all day? I hope you got out and about."

Gold was about to respond when they heard Belle emerge from her room. They both looked up to see the most beautiful sight either had ever seen. Belle was dressed in a blue gown that had what Gold would describe as an ethereal quality to it. Her hair was up on one side and her lipstick and makeup highlighted her already gorgeous features. Gold was already taken with her natural beauty, but the makeup made her stunning.

For the first time in Gold's recollection, Moe was almost speechless for a moment. "Look at her Gold. Have you ever seen anyone as beautiful as my daughter?"

Gold had already locked eyes with Belle. "No, never. She's breathtakingly beautiful." He approached the steps and extended his hand to her. She kept her eyes locked with his as he drew her hand to his lips and kissed it. They smiled at each other. "You look so handsome, Rum."

Moe cleared his throat and they both seemed to realize that they weren't alone. "I'm afraid Gold and I are a sorry excuse as your escorts tonight, Belle. Your beauty needs to be matched with someone young and handsome. And I have a few young men who fit that bill." Moe laughed at his own cleverness and Belle squeezed Gold's hand.

"I'll have to respectfully disagree, Dad. I think I'm paired with the two most handsome men on this ship." She smiled briefly at her father and then once again locked eyes with Gold. He could feel his heart beating.

"Shall we?" She hooked her arm in her father's and continued to hold Gold's hand. She liked the feeling of his hand in hers. They linked their fingers together and Belle felt a shiver run up her spine. Gold felt the same sensation.

"So what were you two kids up to today?" Moe laughed. "Did you help Gold find something to do, Belle?"

Belle tightened her grip on Gold. "Yes, I did."

"Excellent!" Moe cut her off. "What about you? I was disappointed that you weren't with Ruby. I thought I'd see you up on the sports deck. Gaston and Jefferson were there. You would have had a great time."

"I actually had the perfect day." She squeezed Gold's hand again and his heart beat faster.

"Well, you'll make up for it tonight. By the way, rumor has it that the ship's captain is a real heartthrob. The women on the ship are swooning over him. And you, Belle, will be one of the lucky ones having dinner with him." Moe chuckled. He'd get Belle to show an interest in one of these men by the end of the trip.

They were suddenly stopped in their tracks by a long line of people. They were taking photos of each couple or family with the captain on the way into the reception.

"I think you should take a photo of just you and the captain, Belle. No need to have me and Gold in there breaking the camera." He guffawed.

Gold had to agree.

"Absolutely not. I want both of you in the photo with me." Belle was adamant. "You know how I hate taking photos. If I have to do it, then you do too."

Moe laughed. "Can you believe her, Gold? She's gorgeous and she hates to have her photo taken. I'll never understand it." Moe put his arm around his daughter's shoulders. "OK, sweetheart. We'll do whatever you want."

"Thank you." Belle was relieved. She really hated being the center of attention.

The line moved faster than expected and before they knew it they were meeting the captain. The rumors had been right. He was extremely good-looking… he was also extremely flirtatious. There was something about him that rubbed Gold the wrong way.

"Well hello, Love. Aren't you a looker? Captain Killian Jones at your service." He took Belle's hand and brought it to his lips. Gold felt himself bristling. The captain now noticed Moe and Gold. "Let me guess. One of these gentlemen must be your father." Moe grabbed his hand and shook it enthusiastically. "I'm the father, Captain. Can't you tell by the good looks?" He laughed at his own joke. "Moe French. That's my daughter, Belle, and this here other old man is my business partner, Rumford Gold. We're eating with you at your table tonight."

"I'm happy to hear it." He looked Belle up and down as he said it. She ignored him and moved closer to Gold.

They took their photo and then entered the reception area. Everyone was dressed to kill and looked beautiful. Waiters were working the room with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. There was also a bars set up for other drinks. "Would you like a glass of champagne, Belle, or can I get you something else?" Gold's good manners immediately kicked in.

"Just a soda, Rum. I think I told you I'm not much of a drinker. I get dizzy very easily. I'd rather have wine with dinner. I can't have both."

Gold chuckled. "So you weren't drunk last night when you came to my room?"

"No. I think I might have kissed you on your lips instead of your cheek if I had been." She looked him directly in the eye and blushed slightly at her admission.

Gold froze again momentarily (god she had a way of throwing him off balance) and then a grin started playing at his lips. "Well then," he cleared his throat, "are you sure I can't tempt you with some champagne?"

Belle giggled as another tingle ran down her spine. "I'll have to pass." And then she ran her fingers through his hair. "But it doesn't mean I'm not tempted."

Gold's eyes focused on her lips and it took everything in his power not to lean forward to kiss her. His whole body wanted him to do it.

"OK, old man, let's give Belle a break from us." Moe walked over with Ruby in tow. "She needs to catch up with some of the young folk. We've monopolized her time long enough." Moe put his arm around Gold's shoulders and dragged him away. Belle gave him a sad smile and then bit her lower lip. Maybe it was just as well that Moe was pulling him away from her. He needed to regain control of his thoughts.

Ruby was happy to finally get Belle's ear again. "We missed you today. I hope you didn't spend the day alone."

"Thanks, Ruby. I actually had a great day." Her eyes wandered over to lock with Gold's who was looking in her direction.

Ruby followed her look. "You spent the day with Mr. Gold?" She sounded shocked.

"Yes. Rum… I mean Mr. Gold and I have a lot in common."

Ruby looked stunned and then she smiled a huge toothy grin. "Well, I'm happy to hear that the man can have some fun. He's not exactly the most approachable person. I never know if he's being serious or sarcastic when he talks to me."

Belle giggled when she thought about Rum's humor and his rather formal demeanor. She also thought about how nervous he seemed to get when she was flirting with him. It gave her goosebumps just thinking about it.

"He does have a unique sense of humor…" Belle laughed and then she whispered in Ruby's ear "…plus I think he's extremely attractive."

Ruby let out a squeal. "No! This keeps getting better and better." She was gleeful at the thought of this new piece of office gossip. Talk about juicy. Nobody would be expecting it. "Have you heard the stories about him?"

Belle looked puzzled. "I don't think so."

"You know he's divorced and has a son?"

"Well, I just assumed he was divorced from some casual conversation between him and my dad. I didn't know about the son." Belle didn't want to pry into his business behind his back. "I'm sure he'll tell me about it once he gets to know me better."

"Listen…" Ruby put her hand on Belle's arm. "I don't want to spread gossip, but it doesn't hurt to have a little backup info before you get too involved. Word is that his wife left him for a younger man and abandoned her son in the process. Mr. Gold raised him alone."

Belle's heart broke for Rum when she heard it. "How sad for him and his son."

"Yes. Supposedly he didn't have an involvement with another woman until about 5 years ago when he met a local attorney named Cora Mills. They had some mad, passionate, completely physical relationship that ended when he developed feelings for her. She didn't want the baggage of any emotional attachments."

Belle's heart broke again. "How terrible for him. It must be hard for him to form any attachments after going through something like that." She looked over at Rum and just wanted to give him a hug. No wonder he seemed so uncertain about her interest in him.

"The thing is that none of us can picture this mad passionate love affair. He's always so controlled." Ruby felt the need to add to the gossip.

"I guess that old saying is true… you can't judge a book by its cover." Belle felt uncomfortable discussing Rum's former love life. She felt as though she were prying into something that wasn't her business. She hoped that he'd share some of this with her when he thought it made sense to do so. And then her mind went in another direction… a mad, passionate love affair… she had sensed that there was unbridled passion buried beneath that cool controlled surface… what she'd give to have it directed toward her.

She bit her bottom lip and looked up to see Rum staring at her. She blushed slightly as though he could read her thoughts. She felt an urgent need to have physical contact with him.

As if in response, Rum walked over to join them. "Miss Lucas." He nodded at Ruby.

"Mr. Gold." Ruby responded in kind and then gave Belle a wink. "I'll leave the two of you alone."

She walked off and Gold looked questioningly at Belle. "What was that about?"

Belle blushed. "I think she's figured out how much I like you."

"Really?" Gold's heart leapt a little when she said it.

"Yes, really." She linked her arm in his. "And I wanted to remind you that you promised to spend the day with me. That includes this evening."

He grinned. "If you insist." As if there was anything he'd rather do.

She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek again. "Yes, I insist… and I promise you won't be disappointed." She gave him a rather naughty look.

"You two look awfully cozy." Mary Margaret was smiling as she and David walked up to greet them.

David moved close to Gold and uttered under his breath. "I see napkin-folding in your future."

Gold gave him a dirty look and David just laughed in return.

Belle smiled. "We were just discussing this evening. I think it's so exciting that we're going to be sitting at the Captain's Table. Did you get a chance to meet him?"

"Yes. I was surprised by how young and handsome he is. He looks like a movie star." Mary Margaret gushed.

David's face took on a sour expression. "He's handsome, I'll give him that, but I didn't care for all his flirting."

Gold chuckled. He didn't care for this captain either.

"I suppose he's handsome in that movie star type of way, but it barely registered with me. I'm more attracted to someone whose face says something about him. I like unique features. I find that much sexier." Belle voiced her opinion and Gold felt as though all eyes were on him.

Thankfully the dinner bell rang alerting everyone that it was time to proceed to the dining room.

David took the moment to get in his final word to Gold. "It's sooo happening." He laughed again and grabbed Mary Margaret by the waist. "Time to go."

"What's happening?" Belle looked quizzically at Gold.

He groaned. "Nothing. Mr. Nolan thinks he's a comedian."

She pursed her lips and gave him a look which he ignored. Instead he gave her his arm and then placed his hand over hers. "It's an inside joke between me and Mr. Nolan."

She smiled to herself. He really was cute… so cute.

They made their way to the main dining room and were escorted to a large table in the middle of the room. The table seated 13 people. The maitre d' informed them that the captain would be sitting at the head of the table and the staff captain would be seated at the other end. There were six places set on one side and five on the other. It was suggested that they alternate the seating male/female and that their most talkative or most important guests be seated next to the captain. Moe immediately offered to sit on one side of him and insisted that Belle sit next to him. "Gold, why don't you sit on the other side of the captain? He'll want to be seated next to someone important and you may be the best we can do." Moe laughed uncontrollably.

"I beg to differ. I think he'd prefer someone pretty. I don't think I'm his type." Gold said sarcastically.

Moe first looked taken aback and then guffawed. "Well if you put it that way, I'll have to agree. We'll give him plenty of pretty. Belle's right next to me and we'll have Emma sit next to you. She can handle both of you."

Gold chuckled. He was looking forward to Emma's interaction with the captain. She was the last person to put up with flirtatious innuendos. He would have preferred sitting next to Belle, but at least he'd be able to look across at her. That consoled him briefly until he realized that Gaston was sitting next to her. He didn't know why, but he felt a twinge of jealousy.

The captain arrived and everyone was re-introduced. Amazingly, he seemed to have remembered the names of every woman at the table… he called all of them "Love." He had no recollection of any of the men's names.

"He's a real charmer, isn't he?" Emma whispered to Gold.

Gold smirked. "He certainly thinks so."

The meal proceeded with the wine flowing and the usual five courses. Gold was surprised that the captain, when he could be distracted from his flirtations, was actually quite interesting and knowledgeable. It was pretty impressive that he was in his position at such a young age. He regaled them with some fascinating stories and even invited them to a private tour of the bridge on their next day at sea.

When the captain wasn't talking, Moe kept the conversation flowing. Gold noted that Belle attempted to have conversation with Gaston that seemed to fall flat. Why did that make him so happy? Almost as happy as the constant smiles she gave him when they made eye contact.

"Has Moe figured out that his daughter's interested in you?" Emma's question irked and pleased Gold at the same time.

"What makes you think she's interested in me?" Gold tried to sound incredulous.

"Gold." Emma used her no nonsense tone. "She's been looking at you and smiling at you during this whole meal. Plus, in case you've forgotten, I saw the two of you together today. You know as well as I do that she's interested… and vice versa." She stared straight into his eyes.

"Things are not always as they appear, Miss Swan. You, more than anyone, should know that." He hedged her question.

"And sometimes they're exactly what they appear to be." She gave him a knowing smile and he laughed.

"I think the captain is trying to get your attention, Miss Swan. I just heard him call your name, Love." He turned away from her and looked across at Belle. She gave him a huge smile and he returned it.

The meal finally ended. The captain departed and they all began to rise from the table. Belle rushed over to Gold. "Did you have anything special in mind for tonight?"

"Just spending time with you." He took her hand.

"I was hoping to see the ice show that they're putting on. It's going to be based on 'Beauty & the Beast'. What do you think?"

"I'd love to accompany you, Belle. I've been wondering how they can ice skate and execute difficult moves and jumps while the ship is in motion. It has to be pretty difficult."

"Great! We should start over there so that we can get a seat."

Moe tried to get everyone's attention. "Some of us are heading over to the casino. Everyone's welcome to join us." He looked at Belle.

"Sorry, Dad. I've had my heart set on the ice show. Rum's coming with me." Gold felt his heart skip a beat when she said it. He wasn't sure how Moe would react.

"We're going too." Mary Margaret announced.

Moe seemed pleased. "Wonderful! Glad to see that everyone's getting to know each other." He addressed Gold. "I would have never pegged you for one to go for something like that, Gold. It's amazing what we're finding out about each other on this trip."

Gold felt as though he'd dodged a bullet. He wasn't trying to hide what was happening from Moe, but he wasn't anxious for him to find out that he was forging a relationship with his daughter. He didn't expect him to be happy about it.

They all parted ways. Gold, Belle, Mary Margaret and David set off to the ice show together. David kept grinning inanely at Gold. "What's the problem, Nolan? Spit it out." Gold was getting annoyed.

"There's no problem, Mr. Gold. It's just that I never pegged you as the ice show type." David echoed Moe's words.

"For your information, Mr. Nolan, I'm quite interested in seeing this show. I've been curious to see how they can perform on a moving ship."

"And you'll be spending more time with Belle." David hoped he wasn't pushing him too far.

Gold tried to give him a withering look but ending up chuckling. "And I'll be spending more time with Belle."

They arrived at the show and found good seats. The show began and they all fell under its spell. It was something none of them had ever expected to witness at sea and they were very impressed. Belle and Mary Margaret couldn't say enough about it and David and Gold had to agree.

"Where are you two heading now?" Mary Margaret asked.

Belle looked at Rum. "We were going to wander around a bit before heading back to the suite."

"Well have a good night. We'll see you tomorrow."

They parted ways and Belle turned to Gold. "Alone at last." She took his hand. "Did you want to come for a walk with me on the upper deck? It's beautiful out tonight and the sky is clear. We'll be able to see all the stars." She'd always wanted to do this. To her it was one of the most romantic things she could imagine.

Gold brought her hand to his lips. "I'd like nothing more, Belle. I'm just happy to be spending time with you."

She smiled at him. "Good. I've wanted to do this forever." She held his hand and led him to the upper deck. There were several couples strolling along the deck or standing at the railing and looking out to sea. Belle and Gold had their fingers entwined as they walked slowly along.

Belle shivered a little. "Are you cold, Belle? The air seems to cool quickly at night."

"I'm OK. I just got a little chill."

Gold stopped walking and removed his jacket. "Put this over your shoulders. It will make you feel warmer." He draped it over her.

"Thanks, Rum." It gave her a tingly feeling to have his jacket on her.

He then put his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him as they continued their walk. A wave of electricity passed through her. He was holding her close and it thrilled her.

They walked for a while engaged in easy conversation with one another. Belle could sense Gold slowing down a bit and thought his leg might be bothering him. "Do you mind if we sit on one of the lounge chairs for a while? We can lie back and look at the stars."

"I'd like that."

They found a chair off in a quiet spot. They managed to squeeze into the same chair with Belle lying partially on Gold. He put his arm back around her as she cuddled next to him. She put one arm over his chest and he covered her with his jacket.

Gold felt the most unexpected sense of peacefulness as she lay against him. He caressed her cheek and kissed her on the top of her head. He couldn't get close enough to her. His body had already begun to respond to her and if she changed her position she'd become aware of it. He continued to gently caress her cheek. She sighed contentedly.

"Rum?"

"What is it, Belle?"

"Let's face one another." She switched her position and he followed suit so that they were lying face to face. She put her hand on his shoulder and he pulled her against him.

They looked in each other's eyes. "Kiss me, Rum."

He leaned forward and pressed his lips gently against hers. They kissed slowly and tenderly with no tongues, just lips caressing lips. Belle moaned and Gold felt himself getting harder. She pressed closer to him. Gold broke the kiss and looked into her eyes. "You're so beautiful, Belle."

"Mmmmm…" She leaned in to kiss him again. A radiating warmth had spread throughout her body and a throbbing heat had settled between her legs.

It was obvious to both of them that there was intense physical attraction between them. Gold felt an urge to make love to her, but he felt a stronger urge just to hold her close and feel her heart beating against him. There was something about this sweet simple kiss that he was sharing with Belle that was arousing him in ways that he felt certain he'd never been aroused before and he wanted to savor every minute of it.

"Rum." Belle pulled back and smiled at him.

"What is it, sweetheart?"

"I haven't felt this happy in a long time." She traced his lips with her finger and he felt himself get harder than he already was. He began to question just how long he was going to be able to hold back with her.

"Me neither." He could hear a huskiness in his voice.

They lay silent for a few minutes, each thinking their own thoughts.

Gold spoke first. "I suppose we should get back to the room. It's getting late and I think we can both use some rest. Neither one of us got much sleep last night."

Belle agreed. She helped him up off the lounge chair and they headed back to the room, his arm once again around her waist. He was thankful for the long walk on the darkened deck. He needed it while his body got back to at least a semi-normal state. He wasn't sure if it would ever be in a normal state again while he was in her presence.

"The ship will be docking in Cozumel tomorrow, Rum. Did you sign up for any shore excursions? I'm on an 8:00am tour to see the Mayan ruins at Tulum."

Gold grinned and pulled her closer. "I'm signed up for the same tour. Guess we'll be spending the day together again."

Belle's smile lit up her whole face. "I was hoping that we would, but I wasn't sure if you had made any plans."

"Do you know what the others are doing?" Gold was hoping they'd be alone.

"I think Dad is going snorkeling and on a boat tour with some of the others. He wasn't too happy when he saw the excursions I chose. He thought I'd be alone for all of them. He wanted me to switch them around but I had my heart set on seeing certain sights. I'm sure he'll be happy to know that I'll have company."

Gold supposed that Moe would feel better knowing that Belle wouldn't be alone. He wasn't sure that he'd be happy that she'd be with him.

"Do you want to have breakfast with me tomorrow? We can order in or go to the early buffet." Gold liked the idea of starting the day together again.

"Yes." Belle was pleased. "Let's go to the buffet since we both seem to be early risers. I'd like to try it."

Gold agreed and they made a plan to meet in the morning. They arrived at the suite and entered the main area. Gold felt less unsure of himself than he had that afternoon. He caressed Belle's cheek. "I had the perfect evening, Belle – thanks to you."

He leaned forward and gave her one last lingering kiss. Belle responded by running her fingers through his hair. He couldn't suppress a moan.

She smiled. "I thought you might like that."

He smiled wickedly at her. "Just for the record… the part of the headache massage that wasn't a part of the massage… you know, the part where you couldn't keep your hands off me?"

"Yes? What about it?" Belle asked innocently.

"I liked that part the best." He gave her a look that sent a wave of heat coursing through her body.

She giggled. "I know… I couldn't help noticing." And with that she turned and headed to her room. "I'll see you in the morning."

Gold just stood there staring after her. He couldn't have responded even if he'd wanted to.