Dana.
The name rang in his ears already.
She stuck out her hand, still sporting that taunting look on her face. Rux took it gently, then turned it over, immediately bringing his lips to her skin. It was as soft as it looked, and the scent hit Rux like a tidal wave of sweet peppermint mixed with a calming sea breeze flavor.
He looked up at her as he let her hand go. She was still smiling sardonically, which was making him feel even more anxious.
“That’s a new one,” Dana said, bringing her drink to her mouth and toying with the straw with her tongue. “It’s great to meet you, Rux.”
Gerri moved away from them to join the others at the dinner table. Immediately, Rux felt like he was twelve years old, wanting to ask a girl at the local social to slow dance with him.
A chorus of violins began playing behind them. It whispered through the wind gently, helping ease his discomfort.
He held a finger in the air, listening for a hint of what song was being played.
“Hmm,” he said. “Nothing like Joseph Haydn to get your night going.”
Dana’s eyes lit up.
“I preferMysterium,” she said, her smile growing more genuine.
They walked around briefly before sitting for dinner. Rux had never felt so nervous around a woman, and she was so confident and knowledgeable about the classical music being played. Both his nerves and attraction were battling between his brain and his loins.
He couldn’t think of anything of substance to say beyond music. She seemed interested, but he felt relieved when he sat next to Nyssa for their meal. Nyssa was naturally sociable and could engage anyone she met.
Nyssa noticed a musical note bracelet that Dana wore and pointed at it as their dinner was brought to the table.
“Are you a musician, Dana?” Nyssa asked.
Rux was happy to take a break from the conversation. He hadn’t talked that much outside of work for years, and his throat was dry and gravelly.
Dana nodded, her face illuminating with intrigue.
“I am, yes,” she responded. “I work at the public school not far from here as a music teacher. And trying my best to make it on my own.”
Nyssa played with the pearls on her necklace as she eyed Dana happily.
“I’m a conductor at the Philharmonic Orchestra,” Nyssa said. “You look very familiar to me.”
Dana was fixated on Nyssa, nodding as her plate of food was placed in front of her.
“And you to me,” Dana said, picking up her utensils. “I know who you are, and I admire you greatly.”
Nyssa clapped her hands together.
“You’re a second in the Orchestra!” Nyssa exclaimed. “Now I know where I’ve seen your pretty face.”
Dana giggled, a delightful serenade within itself. Rux was watching her talk about her passion while something warm rose inside his stomach. It was different, so it scared him a little.
After dinner, they walked around the ship, talking about their favorite composers and his sister's musical career.
“So, can you play anything?” Dana asked directly.
Rux shook his head, smiling.
“My mother always said I wasn’t born with a single bit of rhythm in my body,” Rux said playfully. “But we all grew up adoring the arts. Being able to make money from my business helps me support that.”
Dana was leaning up against the railing while the water crashed up against the yacht. Her impeccable posture made her breasts stick out even more majestically. Her lips were darkened with blood-red lipstick making her moments of pouting even more irresistible.