: A Nobody

Kenzie felt chills down her spine, seeing how the brunette was staring at her from the bar with laser beam eyes. If glares could kill, she knew she would already be dead by now.

She unwittingly moved closer to Andrew, her rebound guy, who had earlier dragged her to the center of the mini dance floor.

Yep! To her shock, somehow, her "IT" guy was "EASY."

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I got you,” she heard Andrew say, and Kenzie felt muscular arms wrapped around her waist. “Cruella won’t be hurting you. Let us relax and dance to the music.”

Kenzie started moving her body to the slow beat before she glanced back up at Andrew, and only then did she clearly notice his beautiful, light brown eyes. She gulped, studying his manly features; his chiseled jaws, the shape of his long nose, and the way his adams apple moved as he swallow his own spit.

'Who is sexy like that? I mean, he was just gulping,' she complained in silence.

Everything about the man added well, with his sensuous grin and his jet-black hair.

Just as she was in awe of him, she immediately brought herself back to her senses and cleared her throat. She asked, “So what’s the deal with you and… Cruella?”

He smiled, clearly amused at how fast she caught on, and Kenzie liked it.

“Errm… That girl is Madelyn Wilson. My grandmother apparently set me up on a two-week date with her on this cruise without me knowing. She told me I was going to meet an investor while getting a mandatory R and R.” Andrew revealed, shaking his head before sneering at the idea. “Can you imagine that? Being stuck with her for two weeks? Not happening. Not when I have free will.”

“Oooohhhh.” Kenzie’s lips formed into a perfect round before saying, “So that’s why you married me in a flash."

Earlier, Andrew claimed her as his secret wife, leaving Madelyn, the brunette, furious.

“Yes,” Andrew answered, taking her hand and allowing her to take a full turn, still dancing to the music. “And I’m sorry about the kiss. It had to be convincing, you know.”

'Ah, yeah. It sure convinced me.' She could not help but recall how intense she felt during her surprise kiss.

When Kenzie returned to his hold, he added, “I hope you don’t mind because I don’t mind… winning a wife like you, anyway. Thank you again for saving me back there.”

“I could have slapped you,” she pointed out.

“You could, but you did not. Besides, you came on to me first. I? Was a willing victim,” he answered, winking at her.

That was true. She meant to find someone who could be a good company while in her depressed state but did not expect a kiss outright.

“Willing, you say? That’s an understatement?” She scoffed. “Sorry to tell you though, I won’t be screaming your name later on.”

Andrew just laughed, flaunting the dimple on his right cheek. “I was just teasing.”

‘Arrgh. He looks even better with that dimple!’ She quietly observed.

Kenzie looked back at the angry Madelyn, still piercing knives with her eyes, and asked, “What’s wrong with her? She is beautiful and sexy?”

“I just don’t like her and I especially don’t like the fact that my grandmother set me up with her.” Andrew moved Kenzie closer to the band, and as the music shifted to a romantic tune, he said, “Besides, I don’t like brunettes. I’m more into blondes with long, wavy hair, cute face, beautiful blue eyes, wearing an elegant red dress and.” He paused for a second, looking down, before adding, “And blessed with a plum chest.”

Yet again, Kenzie’s mouth fell on the floor. She acted to free herself from Andrew, but he held on to her too tight. She warned, “Don’t be such a pervert or I’ll get a divorce.”

With Andrew laughing at her words, she let herself at ease. Somehow, her instincts were not being defensive, and she felt comfortable with the man.

“I like you... Let me guess, your name is gorgeous?” Andrew inquired.

Seeing Kenzie shake her head and smirking in amusement, he resumed, “No? Then your name must be Katniss… because you are starting an uprising… in my district.”

At that point, Kenzie chuckled. As she covered her mouth, she admitted, “You are a funny guy. I never would have guessed in your Armani suit and the way you carry yourself."

“Seriously, sweetheart. What’s your name?” Andrew asked again, grinning while looking more serious into Kenzie’s electric blue eyes.

Briefly, Kenzie ogled at his face. After a considerable amount of contemplating, she sighed and answered, “Kenzie. That’s my name.”

“Any last names, Kenzie?” Andrew probed further.

“Just Kenzie,” she replied.

“Err… Okay, just Kenzie. So what’s the deal with you? Where is your… boyfriend? I would not want to be caught by a jealous lover,” Andrew probed.

“I don’t have a boyfriend,” Kenzie revealed, her face frowning at the recollection of Brad and Alyssa. “In fact, I’ve recently been broken-hearted. That’s why I left for Europe and decided to take this two-week cruise. I’ve always wanted to go on these and this was one of the trips me and my.”

Her tone changed from neutral to resentful as she added, “My so-called boyfriend was planning.”

There was silence between them for a second before Andrew broke the ice. “I’m sorry to hear that. His loss, definitely… Sad eyes do not suit you.” He explained, “You are better off with your husband who can make you smile.”

Who was the husband? He was. Andrew.

With that, Kenzie did end up with an uncontrollable smile. Her eyes glistened as she said, “You are unbelievable.”

“What can I say, you married the right man,” he answered while tightening the hold around her waist.

“You are quite confident I’d really go with this married thing,” she retorted, rolling her eyes while she was at it.

“Well, sweetheart. You’d be pleased to know that I am quite the full package.” Andrew fixed his gaze on Kenzie’s eyes and said, “Winning your heart already?”

“I’m feeling comfortable, yeah, but don’t get too cocky. I might still change my mind and get that divorce,” she answered before throwing another set of giggles.

Kenzie and Andrew continued to dance to the music in the next half an hour, bantering and flirting. Only after seeing Madelyn leave did Andrew invite her to resume their chat over a drink at the bar.

A few glasses after, the two were engrossed in varied discussions, not necessarily relating to their personal lives.

“So you know, Kenzie. I am writing this book and I would really appreciate it if you could help me,” Andrew muttered out of nowhere.

With a face that had started to turn red from all the booze, Kenzie asked, “How can I help you? And what book?”

Andrews’s brows furrowed. He leaned back to his seat and took a sip of his wine before explaining, “I’m writing this phone directory and if I could just add your phone number to it, it would make my manuscript a lot more appealing – “

Before Andrew could proceed, throwing more into his lines, Kenzie laughed hysterically. She was at it so hard that she felt her eyes water and her stomach ache. She wound up snorting and replied, “You are a terrible flirt! You and your lines are hilarious!”

“Can you blame me? Look at you? You look like a goddess?” Andrew replied. “A man has got to try, you know.”

Well, Kenzie knew this about her already. That was why she could not accept the kind of game Brad played on her. Wasn’t she more of a catch than Alyssa?

‘Stop thinking this, Kenzie,’ She silently scolded. There was no point in trying to find answers, for Brad was not worth a second of her thought. She recognized this well.

She smiled at Andrew and said, “Thanks, you aren’t so bad yourself.”

Taking another sip of his drink, Andrew asked, “But seriously, can I have your number? I would probably need my wife to save me in the next two weeks while stuck on this cruise… And, I think I have already proven that I am a good company. Why not stick with each other? I mean, we already declared ourselves married, after all."

Kenzie was in deep thought, smiling while looking at Andrew’s athletic face. She emptied her glass of wine and answered, “I’ll think about it… If you make me laugh long enough, I might just throw away the divorce papers.”

“You’d be pleased to know divorce is not in my vocabulary. I’ve seen that happen to my parents. I’ll never make regrets the way my father does up until this day.” Andrew winked before adding, “I promise to make you laugh till death do us part.”

“Haha! Liking you already!” Kenzie replied, offering a toast.

Since Andrew could not get more info from Kenzie, he offered, “Look, I’m an open book. I figured if you are going to trust me with your name, I should show you mine.”

Andrew raised his chin once and suggested, “G****e me. Andrew Kentworthy. My father is William Kentworthy of KNW Lifestlyle Media.”

‘G****e him?’ Kenzie thought silently. ‘He must be quite a personality.’

She tried acting lazy about it, slowly taking out her phone, but as soon as her search results came up, she pouted her lips and read, “Andrew Kentworthy, the first heir to the Kentworthy fortune may very well be the coming president of the biggest media company in England. At the age of twenty-seven, he holds the position as vice-chairman in the company’s board of directors.”

Kenzie went on, reading about Andrew, surprised at how publicized his professional life was on the internet. She compared various photos that were taken of him and pretty much confirmed she was sitting in front of the same man. At the end of the article which she was reading, she remarked, “Wow. You really are an open book.”

Caressing his chin, Andrew said, “Except for my private details.”

Andrew ordered another set of wine for them, including some food with their drinks, before he asked, “So… about you… just Kenzie. Since you already know me and know that I am not a serial killer. Why don’t you tell me about yourself.”

Kenzie pouted her lips at the question. Then she bit her lip. ‘Should I tell him the truth? No. I don’t want to be another means to an end.’

She glanced back at Andrew and said, “I’m… I’m just a nobody, Andrew.”

: Sound The Alarm

Kenzie felt like her head was about to explode. She sensed soft sheets beneath her frame, and her surroundings had a whiff of sandalwood. She fluttered her eyes open, realizing she was in someone else’s room, a huge and luxurious one at that.

Her nostrils picked up a scent of vanilla bean on her torso. When she sat up, she noticed how her shirt was hugging her loosely.

Then... the shock.

She was in someone else’s clothes. A man’s clothes!

In a split second, Kenzie felt her heart racing as panic struck her. She looked around and assumed the worst.

“Ahhhhh!” She screamed her loudest again and again. “Ahhhh!”

Seconds later, as she continued to scream in hysteria, she heard a loud set of banging against the door, and not a moment too soon, the door broke open with Andrew walking in, half-naked, wearing only his trousers. “What – what’s wrong, Kenzie? What happened?”

After a few more screams, Kenzie replied with tears in her eyes, “Oh, my God! Andrew? I - I lost my virginity and I don’t even know if it was any damn good!”

It took seconds for the words to sink into Andrew's head. "Jesus, you scared the hell out of me."

He placed both his hands behind his head and took a full turn, laughing unrestrained at Kenzie’s predicament. “You are something, alright, just Kenzie. You really are.”

***

“So.” With eyes wide open, Kenzie sipped on a cup of coffee and sighed with relief. “Nothing happened between us?”

“Nothing of that sort happened between us,” Andrew replied, also drinking his hot beverage from across the table. He flashed a killer smile in Kenzie’s way before adding, “By the way, I’m very relieved to know that my wife is still a virgin.”

While feeling her ears burn, Kenzie could not help but drop her mouth at his comments. After shutting them close, her lips twitched before warning, “Don’t be such a pervert – Ah.”

Kenzie massaged her temples, sensing the headache. She gasped and asked, “Um… So what exactly happened? Are you sure you did not take advantage of me?”

Andrew raised his hand and promised, “I swear to the heavens… Nothing happened between us.” Pausing only for a second, he smirked, leaned over, and continued, “Although, I must say, you seemed very disappointed, sweetheart.”

She unknowingly gawked at him for a moment, thinking quietly, ‘Was I disappointed?’ Her eyes landed on his muscled chest, which just happened to flex as soon as she studied his frame. ‘Oh, yeah. Sound the alarm. Damn! He is a work of art.’

Despite the crazy headache, she could still appreciate Andrew’s bodily features.

“Like what you see?” Andrew teased.

‘Oh, my god! Was I staring that long?’ She looked away and suggested, “Get a shirt, Andrew!”

While Andrew went back inside his room, Kenzie tried her best to recall what transpired the night before. She remembered how she had too much to drink and was feeling sick. The bar they were at was full of people, and Kenzie wanted to go back to her room.

She recalled how Andrew offered to bring her to her cabin, but in the end, she was too drunk to make the long stroll to the other side of the vessel.

"Why did I book economy?" She groaned.

The only thing she could remember next was throwing up in Andrew’s bathroom. His suite was much closer to the bar and hence, the reason why they both found their way there.

Returning from his room, already in a white shirt, Andrew offered Kenzie an aspirin. As if he knew what Kenzie was thinking, he explained, “After you threw up in my bathroom, you asked if you could just stay in my bed since they were more comfortable than yours. You were very drunk, and I was exhausted.”

“I honestly did not have the energy to go looking for your room at three in the morning, plus economy rooms are way too far from my suite,” Andrew added. “You feared I would take advantage of you, so you locked yourself in my room.”

Looking at her clothes, he said, “I did not change you so you must have chosen to wear my clothes.” He winked at her and complimented, “You look good in my shirt… better than your red dress.”

Kenzie rolled her eyes before she studied the oversized shirt she was wearing. Thank goodness she wore cycling shorts beneath her dress; otherwise, her underwear was for Andrew to feast on… At least, that was what she was thinking he would do.

“And mind you, I did not even get to wash. Thank you very much for locking the doors of my own room. And FYI, the couch was not as comfortable as my king-size bed,” he revealed. “So you owe me.”

“Oops. Sorry. ” She shrugged and said, “I did not know I had it in me. It was the first time I got drunk. And I don’t owe you anything. You had a beautiful girl sleep in your bed. I’d say you got more than what you bargained for.”

Andrew first squinted at Kenzie’s words, but soon he answered, “Touché.”

The doorbell rang, interrupting the moment between them.

“That must be breakfast,” said Andrew before getting up from his seat.

***

“I’m just a nobody. I’m poor. I am very poor,” Kenzie revealed as she and Andrew were having breakfast.

“I heard you the first time around,” Andrew replied. “You’ve been saying that since last night.”

“Did I?” She asked, frowning.

Andrew nodded and replied, “Yes, like a broken record. It was as if you were scaring me about the hole in your wallet.”

The two ate silently for seconds before Andrew spoke again. “But don’t worry, sweetheart. I don’t care if you are poor or the fact that you are a nobody.” He pointed his fork at her and added, “I like this… Kenzie, nobody.”

'Yes, I'm a nobody... and he said he did not care.' The idea that someone may actually like her without being recognized as her father's daughter was starting to sound appealing to her. With that, Kenzie smiled.

“So… where do you live? I could tell you are American or maybe Canadian,” Andrew probed.

“American. I’m from Brae – Monroe City,” Kenzie said, quickly changing her hometown.

“What do you do for a living?” he inquired.

“Ummm.” There was a hint of hesitation coming from Kenzie. She took a bite on her toast and after chewing it down, she answered, “I’m into music. I – I wanted to be a singer, but… But I wasn’t any good at it so I figured, I’ll just write songs from now on. Hoping I could sell them for a good price or maybe, I could be a producer.”

Silence filled the air, and Kenzie was unsure why. It was as if Andrew did not like her answer.

After some time, Andrew asked, “So you don’t like to be a singer or a star? Because I could help you with that.”

“No.” She said outright. “I’ve already decided, I don’t want the limelight.”

“And as I said, I’m… I’m not good at singing,” she replied. Of course, two weeks ago, her answer would have been different. Thanks to her so-called friends and boyfriend, she easily had a change of heart.

To her surprise, though, she caught Andrew sighing in relief. She heard him say, “Well, I’m glad.”

“Nothing against singers and actresses or models. I have friends who are, and I manage an entertainment company, but I don’t think I’d want to be married to a woman who would constantly go on promotional tours, meet other vultures who prey on beautiful women, does kissing scenes, fake it so they can get what they want, worse, sleep with directors or producers to get on top of the game,” Andrew blurted out. His words clearly held a deeper meaning.

“You know, I know some people who say they were once in love but had to leave their partners for a chance at fame,” he added, speaking slowly this time, his voice sounding deeper.

Kenzie was taken aback. She peered closely at Andrew as he ate. She asked, “Speaking from a personal experience?”

“Sort of. It was a long time ago, though. That’s why I made it a point never to date anyone in the entertainment industry,” he answered.

Kenzie did not know why, but she found herself smiling and said, “Andrew, I’m glad that she left you.”

“I mean, I’m glad you are single.”

“No! I mean, she does not deserve you!”

She cringed and muttered, “Arrgh. I don’t know what I am saying!”

“You mean, you are glad I got dumped so I’m free to marry you,” Andrew swiftly supplemented, smirking while he was at it.

“Yes. No! That’s not what I mean!” Kenzie countered, turning tomato red! Despite trying to take it all back, Andrew was already laughing at her admittance.

“You tricked me, for crying out loud!”

“It’s okay, sweetheart.” He winked and suggested, “I can take a hint.”

"If it makes you feel better, I'm glad that did happen and years passed. Here I am, meeting the woman who turns me on with her every move," Andrew added with a wink.

"Pervert!"

"Haha!"

: The Phone Number

Looking at herself in the mirror, Kenzie bit her lips before taking a full turn. The dress Andrew had delivered to his suite was exactly who she was.

It was a comfortable off-shoulder pink dress and almost hugged her frame. Its flowing skirt reached just an inch above her knees. It was simple yet brings out the beauty in her.

Kenzie was willing enough to wear her red dress again and walk to her own cabin, but Andrew insisted that she wore something else. He did not want her to look like; she slept in another man’s room… which really did happen.

Except nothing happened.

After a knock on the door, she opened it and Andrew took a peek, asking, “Are you ready?”

Andrew, wearing a plain white t-shirt that semi-hugged his muscular frame, looked terribly gorgeous and while Kenzie had seen him change into this shirt, she can’t help but complain, ‘How can he looks so good in a simple shirt!’

‘Good thing I’m also smoking hot. We just… compliment each other,’ she calmly convinced herself.

As the two walked to the other side of the ship, where Kenzie’s economy room was located, plus several stories below, Andrew’s attention was on her. As for everyone else around them, they could not help but stare at two beautiful people walking alongside each other.

Andrew’s hand was always behind her back or around her waist. He was always clearing the path for her, calling the attention of any passersby that blocked their way.

They both agreed, they could use a good afternoon rest after their drinking escapade last night and Kenzie was not about to sleep in Andrew’s bed, not even if he offered to sleep on the couch.

Arriving at Kenzie’s cabin, Andrew bid goodbye, “Well, I guess I’ll see you later tonight. Dinner?”

Kenzie smiled brightly and answered, “Yes, dinner is lovely. On you? You are the rich one here.”

She bit her lip, thinking, ‘I’m not necessarily taking advantage, right? The guy pays for dinner. It’s always been that way.’

“No problem,” he replied. “Rest well... Just Kenzie.”

Andrew leaned forward and pecked the side of Kenzie’s cheek. She flushed and felt a strange sensation in her abdomen at the feel of his lips.

When Andrew pulled away, their eyes met, and they stayed still for a second or two, just staring.

“I guess I better leave,” Andrew suggested under his breath. He grinned and added, “Unless you are up for a staring contest which I am absolutely up for."

Chuckling, Kenzie looked down and answered, “Yes, I need to get some sleep. Thank you for walking me to my cabin."

When Andrew’s tall and sexy figure slowly retreated, Kenzie somewhat felt disappointed. Then it hit her! How were they ever going to meet up?

“Andrew! Wait!” She called, walking fast to catch up with him.

‘Wait. I’ve never offered my number to a guy before, let alone ask for his number!’ She thought about how to say it casually.

Kenzie pursed her lips and looked up to his light brown eyes and inquired, holding back a giggle, “Did I ever… did I ever help you with that phone book you are writing?”

Andrew chuckled, flaunting his sexy dimples, and replied, “Yes, you did, sweetheart. You willingly gave me your number.”

“I did?” She asked, panning her eyes from left to right, suprrised. “Hmmm… I just don’t remember I guess.”

“But I’m glad you helped me out with my manuscript! You were a big help,” he teased. “It’s going to be a best seller.”

“Haha! Whatever, Andrew. I guess I’ll see you later,” she said, finally waving goodbye.

*** FLASHBACK FROM LAST NIGHT ***

Andrew was getting nowhere with his phone book. No, sir. Kenzie was not giving him her number anytime soon, even with her already turning red from all the drinks she had consumed at two in the morning.

Kenzie just kept babbling about him, possibly turning to be another guy who might just hurt her. He recognized how she was badly hurt from whatever breakup she went through that she spoke of it in her drunkenness.

That was not important, however. Right now, he needed to get her number.

While he was confident they had formed a certain connection, there was always that possibility that she would hide from him for the entire two-week cruise after that night.

He certainly would not want that. He had to act fast.

Like on cue, a commotion starts distracting them, especially Kenzie, coming from the other side of the bar.

“Looks like a lover’s quarrel,” Kenzie remarked, directing her gaze at another couple, squinting.

“We should never quarrel,” she suggested before giggling.

“Never,” Andrew acknowledged, while he purposely placed his phone at the bartender’s countertop.

The bartender was left puzzled, but Andrew just silently gave him the “Work with me lad, look” and the guy did not object.

Just when the commotion was over, Andrew started looking around the back of his seat and searching from inside his pockets. He hissed, and it caught Kenzie’s attention.

“What’s up with you?” Kenzie asked with a frown.

“Erm… I can’t find my fucking phone,” he answered, getting up and looking down at the floor.

While already tipsy, Kenzie helped with the search and looked at the distant seats.

“Can you maybe ring my mobile for me, Kenzie? That would be a lot easier,” Andrew suggested while still feeling his clothes for any sign of his mobile. “You have W******p? There is no cellular service out here, but you can connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi.”

“Ah.” Kenzie paused for a second, barely able to hold her stance. “Gosh, I’m feeling dizzy.”

“Yeah, I have W******p.” When she finally caught up with what Andrew was asking, she asked for his number and she carelessly dialed it. “Opps! Opps! There you go. Haha! Ringing!”

They both turned to the left at the same time where, not very far, the bartender was shaking his head, realizing what Andrew was up to.

“Oh, my god! You could have said something. It was in front of you the whole time! I’m pretty sure you saw us and heard us, looking for his phone,” Kenzie berated at the bartender, and the guy glared at Andrew.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. Honest mistake. The man is busy. My mistake mostly for putting it there.” Andrew quickly grabbed his phone and gave the bartender an apologetic stare. He knew he was bound to give the lad a big tip for keeping his mouth shut.

He helped Kenzie settle back into her seat and placed back his mobile inside his jacket pocket. He then suggested, “One more drink before we call it a night? How about a hard one, this time?”

“Huh?” Kenzie asked, bemused. She rested her cheek against her fist, leaning against the bar.

“Two vodka shots,” Andrew ordered, and handed one to Kenzie.

She was clearly having second thoughts, pouting her lips as she studied the drink. She took it anyway and grimaced dramatically at the end. It was clear to Andrew how she was not good at holding her drinks.

“That was nasty,” she remarked, sticking her tongue out before asking for water. "I guess... I'm just a wine person."

He watched as Kenzie drink a glass of water and then he playfully asked, “So, Kenzie… How about that phone number. Are you ever going to give me yours?”

Kenzie laughed. Her face was red as a tomato before answering, “Not a chance, buddy! You’ll have to try harder!”

With a smirk on his face, Andrew answered, “I knew you would say that.”

From the corner of his eye, Andrew saw how the bartender rolled his eyes at him, but he did not care. He still got her number either way. Besides, what were the chances that Kenzie might not remember it the next day? He was banking that she would not.

Still, it was better than letting Kenzie slip through his fingers... the second time around.