Page 9 of Kraken the Seal

He bustled around, turning off lights and turning one on over the bed. Board shorts still on, he pulled back the sheets and crawled into the bed and sat up against the headboard that was actually the front of the ship.

Grinning, he patted the mattress. “Hop in!”

I hesitated for a moment, debating how many clothes I wanted to take off. I decided a bra and shoes would be enough. My leggings were soft, and my blouse was comfortable. I unclasped and pulled the bra off under my shirt and then toed out of my shoes.

He watched me with a happy expression, patiently waiting for me.

“I want the right side,” I said with a grin. He was quick to move over, and I climbed in after him.

He laid down as I did, both of us on our backs. He turned off the light, and we lay in the dark. The boat rocked gently, and I could hear the sounds of the water outside. I couldn't believe I was sleeping on a boat!

I sat up. “I’m an idiot. I should go.”

“What? Why?” Delmar asked, sounding mildly panicked.

“I can’t swim. If anything happened to this boat I’d drown!”

Delmar made a soothing sound and urged me to lay back down. “I’m obsessive about maintaining this boat. It’s my home. We’re also docked. If anything happened, I’d simply pick you up and rush us to solid land.”

“That’s true,” I said, flopping back down on the bed. Not that I needed him to carry me anywhere, because Delmar’s boat was right near the rocky area that separated land from the marina. One jump and I’d be on those rocks.

“I’d never let anything bad happen to you,” Delmar whispered. His voice was full of conviction and confidence. “I swear.”

That helped, but I still didn't feel right.

“I have a request.”

“Anything,” he agreed.

“I want to snuggle, but I don't want you grinding your dick against my ass,” I whispered. I hated it when guys woke me up doing that, especially when I asked them not to.

“I promise to keep all my appendages in check,” he said. I could tell by his tone of voice that he was smiling. It was an odd way to phrase his response, but it made me smile.

Reaching over his body, I found Delmar's hand and rolled over, taking him with me. He curled his body around mine. God, he felt good; warm and solid.

“Goodnight,” I whispered, my eyes falling shut. I don't think I could've opened them even if I wanted to.

“Goodnight,” he whispered back. He murmured something else, but I was already asleep.

Chapter 4

Nina

I woke up to bright light coming in through the windows of the cabin. I couldn't believe how well I'd slept!

Sliding out from under Delmar's arm, I half climbed, half dropped out of the bed. Or did you call them bunks if they were on a boat?

Delmar made a sleepy, grumpy sound, found the pillow I'd been using, and tucked it close with a smile. I grinned down at him, tempted to climb back under the covers. Unfortunately, I was fully awake and a morning person. I wanted to move around, not lay back down.

The morning air was cold, making me shiver despite my leggings and blouse. I grabbed the hoodie from the hook and slipped it on. I was delighted to find that it covered me to mid-thigh. It was thick, warm, and smelled like Delmar. Perfect!

I didn't want to disturb Delmar, and I didn't want to leave, so I tugged the curtain to the little bed area shut. It wouldn't muffle much sound, but it would keep the area dark and cozy for him.

I looked around the cabin in the light of day. Except for the mess we'd left on the little table, everything was still as tidy as I’d remembered from last night. I was clear how much care Delmar put into his boat, just like he’d claimed last night.

It was clearly old, but there wasn’t any peeling paint. The cushions on the bench seats were a soft gray and looked almost new. The kitchenette had recently been refurbished judging by the lack of wear on the small countertop.

Wait, was there a bathroom? I was suddenly very aware of my overly full bladder.