I felt like I should be dancing to calypso music or braiding my hair as we unboarded our plane only to be driven to a port of call about an hour later. The ship was massive—something along the lines of a cruiser that you would see in a Carnival Cruise commercial. It was called the Helena and it catered to the wealthy. Obviously, Darius hadn't been stingy with the expenses. I gawked as we were led onto the first deck only to run into Tommy's back as he stopped suddenly to produce his boarding pass.
"Not planning on knocking me overboard, are you Harrison?" Tommy asked sweetly as I stomped onto his toe once I uprighted myself.
"Don't push it, Quincy." I stated simply as a woman dressed in a colorful flowing red dress smiled at us before motioning toward what I assumed were our quarters situated somewhere near the lower decks. I stalked down the stairs as she handed me a key to one of the rooms ceremoniously before pointing at one of the doors down the hall of the ship. I groaned when I noticed Tommy insert a key into the door next to mine. Just my luck. And then I gasped. Dear God, Darius was expecting miracles from his little crew—either that or this was one hell of a form of severance pay. He wasn't even making us bunk with anyone. I gaped at the small curtain lined bed and Jacuzzi tub in the corner—also surrounded by a small curtain as well as a mini bar, a vanity, and a nice cozy arm chair with lots of soft lighting. It was a small room mostly because it was on a ship but the amenities made up for it.
"Please tell me yours has a mini bar too." I stated wryly as I noticed Tommy's head sticking through my door. He just chuckled. I was in too much awe to even try to be angry at him at the moment.
"Jude Harrison speechless? I'll have to remember your penchant for luxury." He stated simply as I bounced onto the edge of the bed only to sink down into the soft mattress several inches before righting myself. Oh my God, it was like lying on a cloud!
"And the angels in heaven started to sing a chorus line of hallelujahs." I remarked with a sigh as Tommy shook his head before coming into the room warily—looking up as if he were afraid a bucket of mud would fall onto his head or something.
"I haven't had time to booby trap the place, Quincy, if that's what you're worried about. Although give me a couple of hours and you may have reason to fear for your life." I stated dryly as Tommy quirked a brow. I could tell he was almost amused by my anger. Strange how my triteness seemed to attract the man instead of dispel him. Maybe they should make a perfume called Outrage? I could just see myself rolling around in the sheets with some hot looking guy like Britney Spears did in that commercial for her line of fragrance. The bed suddenly felt like the last place I needed to be as that image assaulted me while looking over at Tom who happened to look up at me at the same moment. Our gazes collided, and fire ignited in his eyes.
"God, what I'd pay for the thought that just went through your head." Tommy said in a whisper as I realized my emotions had probably been written all over my face like the open cover of a book. I retreated back within myself as Tommy skirted the bed so that he stood in front of me. I almost cringed at the feelings that swept over me.
"Did you know that the city we just flew into is nicknamed the 'Island of love'?" Tommy asked in a low tone as I shrugged before edging past him toward the open door.
"You've been reading too many brochures." I stated numbly as I walked out into the hall to hear Tommy mumbling from behind me.
"Have I?" He asked.
Author's Note: Interesting fact. Papeete is nicknamed the Island of Love. I research all the locations thoroughly before using them in my stories. Lots of love to you guys and see you again tomorrow. Did I remember a disclaimer for this story? Oh well, I don't own Instant Star or the characters. Love to you all!