From the jaw-dropping tour I’d just been given, Dean’s yacht has quickly revealed itself to be quite the floating palace. The expansive saloon features a sweeping U-shaped sofa, a generous dining area, and a galley outfitted with sleek, state-of-the-art appliances. The master suite and VIP staterooms—all with ensuite bathrooms—are enough to make anyone feel envious.
Outside, the cockpit is just as impressive, with ample seating, another flashy dining area, a bar, and a hidden TV lift for added entertainment. For a fleeting moment, it feels like I’ve stepped into the life of the rich and famous—something Sofia would kill for a chance to experience.
After a day of cruising along the harbour, admiring Dean’s expert handling of the vessel, we finally anchored the yacht at Castle Rock Beach. We’re now lounging on the sunbed, soaking up the 32°C summer heat as we gaze out over the ocean. The view is simply mesmerising... and I’m not just referring to the water.
Dean, lounging in his designer navy swim shorts and sunglasses, is a sight to behold.
His smooth, golden-tinted skin—untouched by tattoos—glistens under the bright sunlight. A sheen of sweat and tanning oil highlights his chiseled, lean frame as he reclines on his back, fully relaxed. I find myself stealing glances at him every two seconds or so.
We’ve been dating for a few weeks now and have seen each other a total of five times, yet he’s always the first to text or call and seizes every opportunity to kiss me. Our connection is steadily growing, and tonight I’m hoping we can take our relationship to the next level. I mean, I appreciate his patience and all, but a girl’s got needs too.
I sneak another quick glance at Dean, only to catch him already watching me. His lips curve into a tantalising grin, and a wave of heat rushes to my cheeks.
“How are you feeling over there?” he asks in his deep, sexy voice.
“I feel like an oven-baked potato,” I reply, using my hand to shade my eyes from the blaring sun. “I think I might go for another dip in the water soon.”
Even behind his sunglasses, I can sense his eyes on me, slowly tracing over my bikini-clad body. “I’ll join you,” he says, springing to his feet and extending his finely manicured hand towards me. I take his hand, and he carefully pulls me up on my feet.
For the next hour, we alternate between swimming in the refreshing water and tanning on the sunbed. It isn’t until the air cools and our stomachs begin to growl that we head inside for a quick shower and a change, before preparing something to eat.
After we’re freshly showered and dressed, we meet at the galley to start on our dinner.
Dean cooks his signature seafood pasta, while I whip us up a fresh, crisp salad and uncork a ridiculously expensive bottle of French wine. I was pretty impressed by how organised Dean wasfor our date, having everything stocked up and ready for us on the boat. I, on the other hand, did literally nothing but show up. I even forgot to bring my own sunscreen for crying out loud.
Once our meals are prepared, we move into the dining area, where we sit in quiet contentment for a short while, savouring the authentic flavours of our food and wine, all while taking in the breathtaking view of the sunset.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” Dean asks, his voice cutting through the peaceful sound of the soft ocean waves.
With a gentle dab of my napkin on my lips—because, after all, I am a lady—I offer him a tender smile. “This has been such a great day. Thank you for taking me out on your yacht. It’s gorgeous.”
“My pleasure, beautiful. Thank you for agreeing to come along with me. Honestly, I’ve been looking forward to seeing you all week,” he confesses, a shy smile playing on his lips.
I feel my cheeks blush as I stare into his hypnotising blue eyes. Dean is a hopeless romantic through and through. In the brief time we’ve spent together I’ve learned that he’s not only confident in his emotions but also completely open and unreserved in expressing them. He’s a true gentleman who knows exactly what he wants and is not afraid to go after it.
With a warm, captivating smile, Dean raises his wineglass for a toast. “To another unforgettable date with the most beautiful woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.”
I clink my glass to his before taking a long, generous sip.
During the rest of our dinner, we chat casually about the past week, our plans for Christmas and New Year’s, and the various places he’s cruised to on his yacht. The conversation stays light and easy, flowing effortlessly, until that is, he brings up Jason’s name.
“Can I ask you something?”
I nod, my fingers slowly twirling the stem of my wineglass. “Sure.”
“What’s the go with you and your boss?”
Furrowing my brows in confusion, I ask, “What do you mean?”
“I mean, you both seem so... I don’t know... comfortable around each other. I was just wondering if there’s ever been anything more between you two in the past?”
I take another sip of my wine, then draw in a steady breath. “No, we’ve only ever been friends,” I reply, my voice calm and even. “I may have had a little crush on him when I was younger, but that’s all there ever was. If anything, he sees me more like a little sister than anything else.”
“Do youstill have a crush on him?” he asks as he watches me intently.
I shake my head slowly. “No, I don’t. There’s only one man I’m interested in now.”
A few moments pass before a wide smile spread across his face. “I’m really glad to hear that, Mila,” he says. “I like you a lot, and it would be a shame if you didn’t feel the same way.” He reaches across the table, his fingers gently intertwining with mine as our eyes lock. “I really want to keep seeing you, and when you’re ready, I’d love for us to be exclusive.”
