: 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.

: Sad Blue Eyes

A week before the cruise.

"Are you sure we have everything ready, lad?" Andrew asked his assistant as they were picking up their belongings from inside the Starbucks Coffee shop of John F. Kennedy International Airport.

From the cafe, the two had reviewed the contract offer to the biggest production that may very well give him the CEO seat of his family's company, the KNW Lifestyle Media. They were planning on getting the rights to the series that had become popular in the US, hoping to bring it to England.

The comedy show was called "The Rich Asians." It featured several wealthy Asian families living in the US and their daily lives. The program was sassy, funny, and, surprisingly, included a lot of smart lessons in life. Which was exactly why it was a big hit.

The said series was so sensational in the US that Andrew was sure he would make serious money out of it if aired in Europe.

"Yes, Sir Andrew. We have it all here." Andrew's assistant, Wendell Reyes, clung to the documents and hugged them against his chest. "I'll keep them safe, Sir."

"Alright, Wendell." As Andrew put back his coat, he reminded, "We have one shot at this. We better get this right. Then you and I will both get promoted."

The two flew out to New York just so they could meet the sole producer of the show, Mr. Felix Song, and make a tempting offer.

They heard many stories of the said producer. They were told he was a traditional man, a man with honor and principles. They were told he and his family were not the kind to easily trust their money and hard work with just anyone. Thus, it required Andrew to be present himself, wanting to gain Mr. Song's trust.

He was the best man for the job.

Flying on a private jet, Andrew and Wendell purposely arrived two hours before their meeting so they could have ample time to compose themselves.

Nodding confidently, Andrew picked up his take-away coffee and said, "Let's go. Our limo should already be outside."

"Right," confirmed Wendell, as he placed the documents in his bag.

The two walked confidently, catching the eyes of many women as they made their way out, but just when Andrew thought everything was going according to plan, he bumped into a girl with blonde hair!

It was... a head-on collision.

"Bloody hell! Watch where you are going!" Andrew could not help but get annoyed, feeling the coffee spilled all over his extravagant suit. If that was not enough, he turned sideways and saw how some of his coffee had made their way to Wendell's clothes and bag.

Horror filled Andrew's eyes before turning to the girl who was responsible for all of this.

However, just as he was about ready to berate on her, he immediately caught sight of her wistful blue eyes.

It captured his attention in an instant.

It made him swallow his own spew.

His heart instantly clenched at the sorrow of her electric blue orbs.

Tears welled up in the girl's orbs as she attempted to apologize, "I'm - gosh, I'm terribly sorry. I - I wasn't thinking."

Her pointed nose was red, and her eyes were puffed. It was apparent to Andrew that she had been crying even before she bumped into him.

Almost immediately, his anger faded. "Are you - are you, okay?"

He realized the girl in front of him was in a state of turmoil, more than him... despite being soaked with coffee, and only an hour away from a very important appointment.

Andrew could not help but ponder what made this beautiful girl turn grim. From his point of view, sadness did not suit her eyes.

"It's her! I'm sure it's her!" He heard people say not too far that it made him look up.

He noticed how the girl looked away, hiding her face and covering them with her hands.

"I'm sorry. If I see you again, I'll make up for it, but... I really have to leave. I'm sorry, Mister." And before he knew it, the girl with blonde hair left him in the middle of JFK, stained with coffee all over.

Andrew Kentworthy never made it to his appointment. He couldn't make it in time to change clothes and get new copies of their company's offer to the show, "The Rich Asians."

He lost his big fat opportunity, but that did not bother him one bit. In the days that followed, his mind often drifted to the girl with blonde hair and sad blue eyes.

Somehow, he felt the dire need to make her smile and bring sparks to her eyes, but it was too late. He did not run after her. To him, it was a far worse of a lost cost than the contract for the famous TV series.

Little did he know, fate had it made. They were bound to meet on a two-week cruise... thanks to his grandmother.

When Andrew realized his grandmother had set him up on a date with Madelyn Wilson, he was determined to get off the cruise at one of its island stops. He did not care where or how, but he was banking on returning to work immediately.

However, on the night where he had spent at the bar, he met the same woman who spilled coffee all over him at JFK airport.

Slender hands grabbed his arm and forced him to look at her. She said, "Hi there, sweetie, there you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.”

When she called him sweetie, he was ready to lash at her, but to his shock, that familiar electric blue eyes made his heart stop for a second.

'It's her.'

'It's definitely her.'

'And she doesn't remember.'

Then, in no time, he brought back a skill he once knew in college, one that he had not practiced for a very... very long time; flirting.

A smirk easily formed on his face as he answered, “Well, if it isn’t my lovely wife. I knew you could not get out of bed after what we did last night.”

Andrew figured, whatever game this girl was playing, he was in it to win it!

More than just practicing his humor and his pickup lines, he wanted to make her smile.

When he brought her to the dance floor and had a glimpse of her predicament, he learned she was heartbroken. He stared directly into her expressive orbs and said, “I’m sorry to hear that. His loss, definitely… Sad eyes do not suit you.”