Read Docked for Free Online Page B

sleep with him.”
    “And how do you figure that?”
    “Any man that would take a woman like that in broad daylight, in a public place, is a man who knows exactly what he wants. You need that—a man with guts.”
    “Did you not just hear what I said?”
    “Anya.”
    “He’s clearly involved with someone else. Or maybe a few someone elses, I don’t know. He said she wasn’t his girlfriend.”
    “He told you that?”
    “It came up in conversation.”
    “Then he just gave you a massive green light!”
    “You’re crazy.”
    “I speak the truth. He wouldn’t have told you that if he didn’t want you to know he wasn’t taken.”
    “Whatever. Do you promise to stay out of this? No meddling, I mean it.”
    “Ha!” Lana puckers her lips and blows me a kiss, then turns for the bathroom. “I will promise no such thing.” She slams the door and I stomp my foot like a three-year-old.
    It is not a proud moment.
    “I have to go out,” I call out after taking a deep breath. “I’ll be back in an hour or two.”
    “Where’re you going?” Lana asks from behind the bathroom door.
    “I have some business to take care of. I’ll be back in time for dinner.”
    “Okay, fine. Have fun!”
    “See ya.” I snatch up my bag and stop in front of the dresser to check my hair and make-up. I look entirely nautical today, in an ivory boatneck sweater and a navy pencil skirt, complete with red and navy striped scarf and cream heels. My brown hair is down and styled in its natural waves, and my eyes and cheeks are bright. Hopefully this is casual yet sophisticated enough for my little business meeting. Forget running it by Lana. That will only encourage her.
    A light, sweet aroma greets me when I step off the elevator onto Deck 10 Aft. Like freshly baked sugar cookies. Whatever it is, it’s heavenly. I stroll forward through an elaborate set of golden-arched doors and come face to face with a young, elegant woman in black, trendy glasses.
    “Hello,” she says, smiling up at me sweetly. She sits behind a wide, spacious desk with three telephones and three different computer screens. Good Lord, what kind of security fortress is this? “How can I help you?”
    “Hi, I’m here to see Mr. Christensen. He told me to ask for Heidi and to let her know he was expecting me.” I extend a hand over the desktop and give the woman a cordial shake. “My name’s Anya Banks and I’m with Four Corners Elite.”
    “Ah yes, Miss Banks. I’m Heidi. Mr. Christensen mentioned you might be coming by. He’s actually out at the moment, but he should be back shortly. Please take a seat in his office and he’ll be right with you.” She smiles politely and points to the double doors to the left. I quickly thank her and retreat through the doors, knowing Lana would be cheering me on if she were here to see this. I’m not sure what compels me forward, what brings me to accept Tanner’s invitation, but my curiosity sizzles. The fodder for Lana’s feature resides behind these doors, and I’m determined to dig up the dirt.
    The doors click behind me as I shut myself into the office. The room feels more like a library, with floor-to-ceiling shelving that wraps around the entire space. The shelves match the desk, a regal and rich chestnut brown wood with ornate, beveled edges. The view that lies just beyond the desk is astonishing. Wide, clear picture windows curve around, framing the office in a bright blue backdrop, where the sky meets the ocean. A tall-back leather swivel chair faces outward, toward the spectacular view, and I can’t help but wonder what it must be like to sit there day after day, staring out, knowing you own this ship. Feeling like you own the sea itself.
    I set my bag down on one of the chairs and veer around the desk, admiring the set-up. The chair taunts me. I glance at the double doors. My body swiftly melds into the leather as I give in, resting my forearms on the plush armrests. I tilt my head back and cross my