Lucas stared down at Scarlet who was happily chatting away with his employees. She stood out amongst them not only because she was the tallest and the only one with red hair, but she was also the most vibrant and open person amongst them. He smiled at the way the day was progressing. She had kissed him. Although it was clearly her way to get him to stop talking about their past, she had clearly been affected by it. He shuddered inside as he thought of the way her body molded against him. His mind flashed to the images his mind had been conjuring and it made it harder for him to not want her.

“I can tell why you like her so much,” Melvin said,

“Why is that?” he asked not bothering to deny it.

“She’s like a beautiful flower.” Melvin said, “she’s bright even amongst these dark duds.”

Lucas laughed at the way Melvin described his colleagues. It was true they were pretty dull and they all flocked to her like moths to a flame.

Picking up two glasses of champagne he took the steps to the lower deck where the others had gathered. Their cruise was coming to an end and so was the day. The sunset just beyond the horizon was scattering shades of pink and purple all over the sky which seemed to only emphasize the beauty of the woman he was focused on. When she saw him, her eyes lit up and he felt a strangely pleasing sensation that he was the cause.

“Boss, you didn’t tell us you can’t ride a bicycle,” one of the women standing in the crowd said in a chiding tone.

He looked up at Scarlet who was grinning from ear to ear. She had been telling stories. He should have known that was what she would be doing. She had a way of humanizing him in such a way that others seemed to admire. He realized that he wanted to kiss her now more than ever.

“You’ve been telling stories about me.” He said in an accusatory tone.

“I did no such thing.” She replied, “I was only telling them how I tried to teach a certain boss of theirs to ride a bicycle, but he couldn’t learn.”

“I did learn.” He replied, “I can do it.”

“He learned years later.” She replied, “when he was forced to get rid of his training wheels. Seems like the story of his life maybe.”

Lucas didn’t miss the last part of her comment, but he chose to ignore it. She was smiling and engaging in meaningless banter.

“I bet she didn’t mention that she had to be thrown into the pool before she could learn to swim.” He said,

“I was three!” she insisted, “what three-year-old willingly jumps into water?”

“She does have a point,” someone said,

“I see you’re all turned against me.” He said jokingly, “you’ve picked the wrong team.”

“I think with all her beauty and charm, this woman could take over the world.” Melvin said walking up behind him, “I think they’ve picked the right team.”

Lucas was shocked when everyone agreed. He couldn’t blame them, he somehow wished he could leave his team and join hers.

“Well, we’re heading back now.” He said, “I hope everyone had a great time, tomorrow is the last day so make sure you get the most of it.”

At that, everyone took their hint to disperse and he was left alone with Scarlet. Her eyes twinkled as she looked up at him and he handed her the glass of champagne he had brought for her.

“Thanks,” she said taking a sip of the golden liquid.

“I’ve been thinking,” he began, “you should have dinner with me”

“I should?” she asked

“I think it would be a good way to end this weekend?” he said, “I can answer any questions you have, and we could catch up. I still don’t know how you’ve been all these years. “

She looked over at him thoughtfully.

“I’m very tired.” She said, “I don’t think I could keep up appearances for the restaurant scene.”

“Even better,” he said, “I could prepare a dinner in my room.”

She raised a brow and smile.

“Is this the proper way to wine and dine a lady?” she asked

He could tell she was slightly intoxicated by the way she slurred her words.

“I just want to spend a bit more time with you.” He said, “I can’t deny that there is still something between us, but I will respect your wishes and keep my hands to myself if that’s what you’d lie.”

“And what if that’s not what I’d like?” she asked biting her lip.

He swallowed hard at her suggestive tone. His mind began to race with ideas of what she would like and all of them involved the two of them naked in his bed writhing with pleasure.

“Well, let’s have dinner and see where it goes.” He said, “I don’t want to disappoint.”

“Yes,” she said, “I will have dinner with you.”

Lucas smiled, he felt a bit too excited for a simple dinner, but it was a small victory. He was on his way to getting their company and he would be spending more time with Scarlet. The thought that it could lead to something else was the only encouragement he needed. He would prepare her favorite meal and then he would see how the night went. If he was lucky, he would enjoy a night of passion with her and they would see how it went from there.