The Cruise - Part 4
Last Time:
Nora, Colin and Bo all board the same cruise ship. Each, however, for their own reasons.
*********
The ship left port promptly at 8:00 a.m. Everyone on-board was busy settling into their cabins. Nora found her's moderately spacious. She had a small window that allowed some sun to seep through. After a couple of hours out at sea there was a noticeable climate change. The air became significantly warmer and Nora really started to relax as she walked around the deck breathing in the salt air.
Nora: (To herself, sighing while she looked out over the ocean) Just what I needed (smiling to herself) I'm gonna have to give Kay a raise when I get home.
As she walked along the deck enjoying all the activity, she didn't notice the Captain talking with one of his assistants. He, however, immediately noticed her. She was beautiful, the sun shinning in her hair made it look like it was on fire. She walked with such self-confidence. She was elegant. He would have to get to know her. He turned back to his staff and continued giving orders.
Nora continued strolling along the deck. What a huge ship. She could walk forever and still not see everything. She suddenly felt a slight chill, yet the air was warm. The hair on her arms stood on end. She glanced around behind her. There was that feeling again that she was being followed. She didn't see anyone she recognized. Continuing to glance behind her, she caught the Captain's eye. He smiled. What a handsome man, Nora thought. She shyly smiled in return, turned around, crossing and rubbing her arms to get rid of the goosebumps and continued walking.
Stepping out of the exercise room, Colin continued to follow
Nora
Colin: (To himself) Whew, that was close. I can't wait until this
evening. This will be our night. (He watches her as she disappears
through a set of doors which lead to the restraunts. Tipping his
head in a slight nod) Until tonight Scarlett. (Turning, He decides
to go check out the women at the swimming pools.)
Bo decides to let Colin go on alone and continue following Nora. Watching her walk was a lot more entertaining than watching Colin.
Around 3:00 Nora decided to head back to her cabin to get
a little nap before the 6:00 Captain's dinner. She wanted to be
well rested. She was really looking forward to enjoying a good
dinner and some 50's tunes. Nora awoke from her nap around 4:30.
She jumped in the shower. After her shower she pulled her gown
down from the closet and caressed it with her hand. A smile crossed
her face. Perfect, she thought. Busily getting dressed she looked
at her watch.
Nora: Oh, shoot! It's 5:45. I need to hurry. (She rushes over
to the closet, slips on her heals and grabs her evening bag. She
takes one last look in the mirror, turning slightly from side
to side. She smiles, holds up a thumb and leaves her room.)
Nora walked along the corridor toward the dining hall. Before she reached the door she could hear the music. From the song being played it sounded like it might be a Nat King Cole medley. Nora smiled feeling like she was being transported back in time. She stepped through the double doors and stood at the hostess stand. Just about every man in the room stopped talking to appreciate the vision that was standing there. Nora was totally oblivious to the affect she was having on everyone. There were wives and girlfriends smacking their dates. Those without companionship just continued to stare.
Bo was floored. He was seated at a table with several couples and a young woman named Marcy. She was trying very hard to keep Bo's attention but he wasn't listening. He was trying to get his heart to beat normally again, but he couldn't, there stood Nora! Her gown was drop-dead gorgeous. It was all black. It was extremely low cut with spagetti straps. The bodice was form fitting. It was beaded with black pearls and sequens. The base of the bodice was scalloped just below the waist. The skirt was slightly flared satin with a covering of black chifon. It flowed like black clouds. Her hair was down and just pulled back slightly behind the ears. She wore diamond teardrop earrings that sparkled in the candle light of the room.
Nora stood, waiting to be seated. She gave her name to the
hostess who looked briefly at the Captain's table. Nora saw the
Captain smile and nod to the hostess.
Hostess: (Smiling) This way Ms. Buchanan.
Nora followed behind the hostess. Enjoying the ambiance of the room. When she walked past the area of the dining room where Bo was seated, she didn't notice him or the fact that his jaw dropped. The front of Nora's dress was stunningly sexy but the back was breath-taking. The spagetti straps crossed in the middle of her shoulder blades and connected to the back of the dress just below the arms. The rest of the back was open to the waist. What power this woman possessed. Bo could not regulate his breathing and he dared not try to talk.
Colin sat at a table in the corner of the room on the otherside of the dance floor. He was seated with a couple women he met at the swimming pool. It took awhile for all the whispering to make it back to his table. By the time he looked up he saw Nora being escorted to the Captain's table. He ordered another drink.
As the hostess escorted Nora to the table, she introduced
her to the Captain.
Hostess: Captain, may I introduce to you Ms. Nora Buchanan.
The Captain stands, smiling broadly and extends his hand.
Captain: Ms. Buchanan, how nice to meet you.
Nora: (Smiling brightly) No, the honor is mine Captain (noding
her head).
Captain: (Clicking his heels in mock military style) Captain John
Stamos at your service.
Nora: (Laughing) How very noble.
The Captain was incredibly handsome. He was tanned and dark. He
had dark black eyes that were bright and pleasant. He was probably
in his early fifties (if she had to guess) He stood about 6 ft
6 in. and Nora had to tilt her head back slightly to look him
in his face. His shoulders were broad and obviously muscular.
He was a man who exuded confidence.
The Captain pulls out the chair next to his and helps Nora be seated. His hand briefly touched her back as he helped her slide her chair. The reaction for the Captain was immediate. He would have loved to have his hand linger, but he resisted. The Captain made the introductions to the others at the table.
The conversation at the table was light and enjoyable and Nora found herself enjoying the Captain's company. He had a wonderful sense of humor and he laughed at her jokes.
The Captain was mesmerized. Nora was so charming. She was witty and intelligent and possibly the most stunning woman he had ever met. Dinner passed in a flash and as the dessert dishes were being removed, the band began to play. Soon they were playing "For Sentimental Reasons."
Captain: (Sliding his chair back and standing, he extended
his hand toward Nora. She looked up with a question in her eyes)
Ms. Buchanan it is customary for the Captain to lead the first
dance, would you do me the honor?
Nora: (Blushing slightly because all eyes seemed to be on her)
I....ah.... (looking around).
Captain: (Flashing a sparkling smile that made her knees go weak)
Please?
Nora went to stand and the Captain pulled out her chair.
Captain: (Quietly) Whew, I thought I was going to have to go solo.
Nora: (Laughing and taking his arm) The women here would probably
enjoy that very much Captain (He laughs at her quick wit).
The lights in the ballroom were dimmed and the dance floor
was softly lit. The Captain led Nora to the center of the dance
floor and took her in his strong arms. Initially Nora tried to
keep a respectable distance. He took her hand in his and held
it tightly. His right hand, he slid around her waist to her back.
He placed his hand warmly on the small of her back. The contact
caused Nora to look into his eyes. He gave her a warm smile.
Captain: (Leaning down slightly and whispering) You need to move
your feet.
Nora forgot that she was just standing there staring at him. When
he spoke to her she began laughing slightly.
Nora: (Smiling shyly) I new that.
They began to move around the dance floor. All eyes in the
room were transfixed on this stunning couple.
Bo sat with his jaw clinched tightly. A little twitch appearing
at his temples. His eyes were boring holes through the Captain's
back.
BO: (Thinking to himself) Who the he!! does he think he is. What
is he doing with his hands on MY wife!
Marcy: (Looking away from the dance floor toward Bo) Don't they
make a stunning couple? (No response from Bo) The Captain is quite
the dancer.
Bo: (Still staring at Nora) Hmmm
Marcy: I wonder if they are in love?
Bo: (Glaring) I don't think he is her type.
Marcy: (Looking surprised) Are you kidding! He's any woman's type.
Bo looked away from the dance floor to see Colin leave the dining room. It appeared the two women on his arms were helping to support him. At least he wouldn't have to worry with him tonight.
The Captain and Nora are truly enjoying each others company.
Nora: (Smiling) Why Captain, you are quite the dancer.
Captain: Ms. Buchanan...
Nora: Nora
Captain: (Smiling) Nora (noding his head) You make this all very
effortless. I have never had such a graceful dance partner, not
to mention one more beautiful.
Nora: (Laughing and leaning in to him) Oh Yes, don't forget beautiful.
The Captain pulled her closer and she didn't resist. They
had danced through several songs and "My Girl" was beginning
to play. Nora had just decided to sit the song out when there
was a tap on the Captain's shoulder.
Captain: (Annoyed that someone would interfer with his dance,
turned around quickly with a scowl)
When Nora looked up she was shocked. Bo stood there just looking
at her, their eyes locked.
Bo: (Never looking away from Nora) Excuse me Captain, but I would
like to cut in now.
The Captain looked back at Nora and saw that they were only looking
at one another. He noded in concession and took Nora's hand out
of his.
Bo: (Still looking at Nora, his face expressionless, held out
his hand) May I have this dance?
To be continued . .
|
|
|
|