Warren’s Peace Read online

  Fletcher was having so much fun with Warren on this trip, it was hard to critique. He had to finally confess he needed some time alone to write.

  “Fletch. You have a job to do. Please don’t feel bad if you need to be alone. I’ll find something to do.” He gave him a wink.

  “Thanks, babe.”

  “No, thank you.” Fletcher knew he was sincere. He’d never met a man like Warren. He was a family man who loved his kids. Fletcher realized that with all of his gallivanting, he never stopped to think about settling down. Alex hadn’t made him want that at all. He had no idea what the future held for them, but he was ready to explore the possibilities.

  NEW YEAR’S Eve morning arrived, and the ship was in full party mode. The upper deck with the water slides and swimming pools was lit up with twinkling lights, and glittery silver trees decorated every empty space on the ship. They had a quick breakfast and then changed into their suits.

  Fletcher and Warren swam a few laps, and then they ran into Jack and his daughter on the deck. “Good to see you again, Warren,” Sam said, smiling. “And who is this?”

  “Jack, Samantha, this is Fletcher.”

  “Nice meeting you. I guess you’re the reason for this guy’s perpetual grin over the last few days, huh?”

  Fletcher actually blushed, and it was beautiful. “It’s nice meeting you both.” After handshakes, Jack invited them to sit with them. He flagged down a waiter and ordered a round of mimosas.

  “Are you going to the party tonight?” Jack asked them.

  “Yes, but not sure which one yet,” Fletcher said.

  “I think they’ll all sort of blend together. And it looks as though it’s already started.” They all looked in the direction of the walkway to find three guys on stilts, wearing a rainbow of colors and juggling wooden bottles. They circled the swimming area, hooting and wishing everyone a “Happy New Year.”

  Following the jugglers, a group of hula dancers arrived, shaking their hips to a catchy beat by a gentleman wearing an entire drum set around his waist. They wore shiny costumes in bright shades of red, green, and purple.

  Over the next hour, nonstop entertainment trickled in and out around the deck, from dancers to clowns to two-piece bands. Warren was starting to get hungry, but he didn’t want to miss anything, and Fletcher seemed content to watch as well. Fortunately, the next group entering the pool deck was waiters carrying a variety of hors d’oeuvres. The group of new friends feasted on minimushroom quiches, coconut shrimp, and beef wellington bites.

  A couple of barmaids walked around with trays of margaritas. “We’d better pace ourselves, or we won’t make it to midnight,” Fletcher whispered in Warren’s ear.

  “I can think of something else we can do to work off these drinks.”

  “What did you have in mind?” The twinkle in Fletcher’s eyes told Warren he knew exactly what he was getting at and had the same idea. So when Fletcher said, “Gym?” Warren couldn’t keep the shock off his face. Until Fletcher started laughing.

  “You’re evil.”

  “Just wait and see how evil I can be.” His low growl sent sparks to Warren’s groin. He wanted to lean over and kiss the man right there, but instead he took his hand and stood.

  “We’ll see you later?” Warren squeaked.

  Jack and Sam waved them off. “Have fun, you two.”

  They scurried back to Fletcher’s cabin and ripped each other’s clothing off as soon as the door shut behind them. “That was fun.”

  “Uh-huh,” Fletcher said, pawing the belt to Warren’s khakis and then sliding the material down his legs. Warren shivered. The things this man did to him.

  Once naked, Warren shimmied up to the pillow and lay down with his hands behind his head, his cock bouncing freely. “So, Mr. Man of Mystery, how do you rate this cruise so far?”

  Smiling, Fletcher crawled onto the bed and kissed his way up Warren’s body, leaving goose bumps in his wake. Warren shuddered. When he skipped over Warren’s cock and began kissing his stomach and then his chest, Warren snorted. “You are evil.”

  “Best—trip—ever,” Fletcher said as he lowered himself and swallowed Warren’s cock, causing Warren to groan.

  THEY REJOINED their friends on the pool deck and ordered sandwiches. With reservations for dinner that night at the steakhouse, they didn’t want to fill up too much now.

  The holiday festivities were going strong, and it seemed someone was always handing them a drink. It would be a long night.

  They swam in the afternoon, and then Warren agreed that a trip to the gym would be a perfect way to break up the day.

  After their workout, they returned to Fletcher’s suite. “How about a shower?” Fletcher asked, already stripping off his sweaty T-shirt. Warren couldn’t get enough of that chest. He nodded.

  The warm jets hit their exhausted bodies. “Feels so good.” Warren didn’t have the energy to wash himself.

  “Here, let me.” Fletcher washed his back, massaging the soap into his body. They did nothing more than kiss, but it was the most erotic experience of Warren’s entire life. How far he’d come in just a few days. What would happen when they returned to Chicago? Would he ever see Fletcher again?

  They dried off, and Fletcher led him over to the bed. “Get some rest. We’ve got a long night ahead of us.”

  “What about you?” Warren asked, as Fletcher leaned over and kissed him.

  “I have a little work to catch up on. I’ll join you shortly.”

  Warren nodded, feeling sleep taking over him. He curled up in the Fletcher-scented sheets and closed his eyes to thoughts of Fletcher, his kids, and Sarah smiling from above.

  FLETCHER PULLED on a clean pair of sweats and sat at the table with his laptop. He’d gotten to experience so much more on the ship than he would have alone. He saw everything from Warren’s eyes, giving him an additional perspective.

  He typed up his notes from yesterday and this morning, and stole glances at Warren, sleeping peacefully with his lips curled in a smile. He hadn’t planned on meeting anyone on the cruise. At least not anyone he wanted to see after the trip was over. But watching Warren’s chest rise and fall and eyelids flutter as he dreamed, Fletcher couldn’t imagine not seeing him again. His heart hurt from that thought.

  But this was a shipboard romance. Could anything actually come of it? Fletcher thought of Alex, bitterly. He deserved someone like Warren, didn’t he? He didn’t want to spoil the rest of the trip, but they should probably talk tomorrow.

  After he finished writing his notes, Fletcher took off his pants and crawled into the bed next to Warren. He briefly stirred and wrapped his arms around Fletcher, who kissed him on the head. “I think I’m falling for you,” Fletcher whispered and thought he saw a smile on Warren’s lips, but then a soft snore escaped. He was still asleep. It was too soon to tell him that. They’d just met, and Warren had said he needed to take it slow. But they hadn’t spent hardly any time apart since the first night they slept together. Warren didn’t seem to have any regrets.

  He snuggled against the man he couldn’t get enough of and fell asleep.

  THE STEAKHOUSE was decorated in black and silver with white tablecloths and fancy china. The waiters wore a sort of tuxedo uniform in black and white and donned sparkly hats that flashed “Happy New Year.” It was cheesy, in a spectacular way.

  Warren also looked amazing in black dress pants and a cerulean-blue shirt that brought out the hue in his eyes. “I’m with the most handsome man on this ship,” Fletcher told a blushing Warren, who took his hand and kissed it.

  “Nah, that’s you, gorgeous.” Warren had a difficult time with compliments, Fletcher noticed. He’d have to get used to it. Fletcher found nothing wrong with him, at all.

  Fletcher had reserved a table for two by the window. Warren looked incredible against the moonlight and Fletcher couldn’t tear his gaze from him.

  The first course was a small dinner salad with a creamy wine-vinaigrette dressing and a cup of lobster
bisque soup. They opted for water until the main course, for which they’d ordered petit filet mignon and lobster tails with a side of sweet potato fries and broccoli spears.

  The waiter suggested a pairing of red and white wine to complement both the surf and the turf, so they ordered a small carafe each of the ship’s chardonnay and merlot.

  Their dinner arrived steaming, and the aroma of the steak mixed with the lobster was divine. Fletcher poured them each a glass of the white wine first as they dug into their seafood. Warren cut off a bite and dipped it into the melted butter. He smiled at Fletcher before putting it into his mouth. He moaned. “This is delicious.”

  Fletcher found it difficult to tear his gaze from Warren. They sipped wine as they worked through their meal. The meat melted in his mouth as Fletcher chased it with the red wine.

  After dinner, they had coffee and crème brûlée for dessert. They didn’t want anything too rich, as they were sure the appetizer-carrying waiters would make another appearance this evening. The creamy custard melted in his mouth, and the crunch of the burned caramel topping burst with flavor. It was one of Fletcher’s favorite desserts, and from the orgasmic expression on Warren’s face, he was enjoying it as well.

  “How about a stroll around the upper deck? I think I need to walk off this food,” Warren said, patting his belly. They had a couple of hours before the actual party started.

  Fletcher had reserved a spot poolside, which was their favorite part of the ship, besides Fletcher’s hot tub.

  After their walk, they returned to their rooms to dress for the party. It was casual, and the pool would be open until 11:45 p.m.

  Warren emerged fifteen minutes later in his whale swim trunks with a T-shirt and a button-down shirt on top. He hurried over to Fletcher’s cabin, hoping to catch him half-dressed like the first night.

  But when Warren knocked on the door, Fletcher opened it, fully clothed. He must have looked disappointed because Fletcher chuckled. “Should I change?”

  Warren shook his head. “You’re perfect.”

  The pool bar was open and as expected; waiters wearing tuxedo shorts ambled around serving appetizers. A few people were swimming in the pool, but most mingled on the deck. Warren spotted Jack and Samantha. “We saved you a spot,” Jack said, patting the lounge chair next to theirs.

  A full band had set up next to the bar, and people were beginning to dance. Twinkling lights sparkled in contrast to the moonlight, which reflected off the water. It was a sight.

  “Dance with me?” Fletcher asked.

  “Excuse us,” Warren said, then followed Fletcher over to the makeshift floor in front of the band. The band played eighties pop music, so they danced to Madonna, Prince, and Michael Jackson. A young woman dressed like a circus trapeze artist handed them Mardi Gras beads, glittery hats, and noisemakers for later.

  During a slower number, Fletcher put his arms around Warren’s waist. Warren leaned over, and they kissed. He broke the kiss and stared at the beautiful man in his arms. “I think I’m falling for you too.”

  Fletcher widened his eyes and opened his mouth in surprise. Warren pulled him closer, letting it sink in that he had heard Fletcher earlier today say those words to him. He didn’t want to have a deep conversation tonight, but he did want Fletcher to know how he felt.

  After the dance, they rejoined their friends who had also acquired party hats and noisemakers. A few people were already blowing, shaking, and rattling around the deck.

  At eleven forty-five, the band stopped playing, and the waiters brought around trays filled with flutes of champagne. Fletcher took two and handed one to Warren. Jack and Sam had grabbed glasses as well. After toasting each other, they waited for the countdown as a large screen behind the band was tuned into New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, so everyone could see the ball drop in New York City.

  Everyone chanted along. “Ten, nine… four, three, two, one. Happy New Year!”

  “Happy New Year, Fletcher,” Warren said, clinking their glasses together. They took a sip and then kissed at the stroke of midnight.

  “Happy New Year, Warren.” They kissed again.

  Everyone on deck cheered, made toasts, and drank in the New Year. The band returned, and they opened the pool again. “Feel like a swim?”

  Warren nodded, glad that he’d worn his trunks. Fletcher peeled off his shirt to reveal his muscular chest. “So sexy.”

  “Last one in,” Fletcher yelled, before plummeting into the pool, jackknife style. Warren followed suit, and shortly after came an impromptu game of water volleyball, where Fletcher and Warren found themselves on opposite teams. It wasn’t half bad, as Warren got to stare at Fletcher as he jumped to volley the ball across the net that had suddenly appeared—or had Warren just never noticed it before?

  After Fletcher spiked the winning point, Warren swam over to congratulate him. “Nice play.”

  Fletcher shrugged. “Played a little in college.”

  “Ah.”

  “Ready to continue this party in my suite?”

  “Hot tub?”

  “You read my mind.”

  They waved to Jack and Sam, sitting on the deck, and headed back to Fletcher’s cabin.

  “HAPPY NEW Year,” Fletcher said as he kissed Warren the next morning. They had spent the wee hours kissing and exploring each other’s bodies in the hot tub, before moving inside and making love again.

  It was nearly eight thirty in the morning. “How about room service?”

  “Sounds perfect.” Warren wasn’t sure he could get out of bed.

  “Shower first?” Well, he could get up for a shower with Fletcher anytime.

  They dressed and had breakfast out on the balcony. Fletcher ordered eggs, bacon, and a bowl of fresh berries. Room service also brought a pot of steaming coffee and a plate of pastries.

  Warren swore that if he ever went on another cruise, he was definitely getting a room with a balcony hot tub. Hell, he might have to have one put in his house back in Chicago. His kids would love it.

  The last full day was spent cruising. They’d docked twice on this trip. Once in Nassau where Fletcher took Warren shopping for souvenirs for his kids. They went to the straw market where Warren found a cool straw handbag and conch shell necklace for Stephanie, and he found Dan a replica steel drum and a statue holding a wooden guitar. The second excursion was the private island where they spent the day swimming and bike riding.

  Today, however, they had appointments for massages, lunch by the pool, and then dinner in the dining room. And tonight they were going dancing again. This felt like a real date. Fletcher picked Warren up from his cabin, wearing a dark suit. The man could wear anything and look gorgeous. Warren especially liked him naked, but this was a strong second. Early that morning and wrapped in each other’s arms, they’d watched the dolphins swim in the ocean while the warm jets of Fletcher’s private hot tub pulsated over their naked bodies.

  They were seated at a table for two by the window, a perk of VIP status, which Warren was beginning to appreciate. He looked out over the water churning alongside the boat, then back at Fletcher, sipping a glass of red wine. “I can’t believe it’s almost over.”

  Fletcher smiled at him across the table. “Thank you, Warren. I’ve had an amazing time this week.”

  Warren laughed. “No, thank you. I lived a sad existence for the past two years, and I think I met you at the right time. I hope this isn’t the end for us.”

  Fletcher reached for Warren’s hand. “Babe, this isn’t the end.”

  After dinner, they went dancing, but Warren couldn’t wait to get back to the suite so they could be alone. Fletcher had ordered cocktails, which arrived at the same time as they did. While he tipped the steward, Warren brought their drinks outside on the balcony. Fletcher joined him a few minutes later, and they toasted. Warren stared out at the dark ocean. “It’s beautiful.”

  “So are you.” Fletcher took Warren in his arms, and they kissed while the world went by. “Hot tub?”


  Warren nodded. They set down their drinks and undressed. Fletcher took their clothes inside and returned with two robes and laid them on the chair before joining Warren in the hot jets. “Come here,” Warren said, and they embraced, their lips locking, as their bodies came together. Warren had gathered so many good memories in here. And Fletcher’s bed. He let the hot water relax his muscles. Fletcher handed him his drink, and they leaned against the edge of the tub. “I haven’t felt this amazing in such a long time.” Warren sighed. “I feel—at peace.”

  After they’d finished their drinks and explored each other’s bodies, they climbed out of the tub and put on their robes. Warren couldn’t help the yawn that surfaced.

  “Too tired?” Fletcher asked him, carding his hand through Warren’s hair.

  Warren felt so good. “I’m delightfully relaxed, but no. I’m not tired. I don’t want to waste a minute of our last night together, Fletch. Take me to bed.”

  Fletcher flashed him his award-winning smile.

  THEY SPENT the last morning of the cruise making love to each other. Then they went down to the dining room for breakfast. The ship would arrive in Miami in a few hours. They needed to finish packing and get ready to disembark.

  Warren’s flight wasn’t until four o’clock, and Fletcher was staying in Miami for a few days to finish writing his report. “When will I see you again?” Warren asked when they were back at the airport. Fletcher stayed with him until he boarded.

  “I’ll be home in three days.” That seemed like an eternity. Warren wished he could stay in Miami with Fletcher, but he had a job and his kids to go home to.