The Best Thing Yet Page 5

  “Have you done this before?”

  “Nope. But I’ve heard about it from my friend Deyon. She’s done it before on another cruise. Sounded like fun. And we had planned to take the class so I could do it too.” Arissa shrugged, biting her tongue as she studied her cupcakes.

  Deiter resisted kissing her, instead focusing on his own cupcakes. “Deyon?”

  “Oh. I think I mentioned her to you when we met. She’s one of the friends who is probably freezing her ass off. We planned to go on this cruise together along with another friend but they both had to back out at the last moment.” Arissa made a noise, dismantled her cupcake then started over before she spoke again. “Deyon, Sarah and Jackie ganged up on me to make me come on the cruise. It’s a shame they couldn’t come.”

  “Why’d they have to gang up on you?” Deiter glanced at the mess he was making then at the instructions. He wasn’t very good at this.

  “I’m sort of a work-a-holic. They felt the need for me to take a break. Been trying to convince me for a while. Jackie was going to come too, but before we booked it something came up. That’s why it was Deyon, Sarah and I. Then just me, since Sarah had an emergency at work and Deyon had to fly out to Milan for a show,” Arissa replied.

  “A show?” Deiter queried absently. Pursing his lips, he wondered if icing would make the glob look any better. Shrugging, he reached for a tub.

  “Yep. Deyon’s a designer. A hell of a good one. Some snafu made in scheduling rearranged her showing in Milan. I’m going to rib her about it. Hell, Sarah too. My being here to enjoy this fabulous cruise without them. Especially with a scrumptious man.” Arissa pushed against his shoulder playfully.

  Deiter put down the tub, cupped the back of her head and kissed her. Arissa made a soft sound then withdrew.

  “Are you trying to distract me?” she questioned.

  “Is it working?” Deiter asked.

  “Not at all,” she said straight-faced, then smiled cheekily. “Back to work.”

  “I don’t think I’m any good at this.” Deiter glanced at the mess that was no way looking like a burger and fries.

  “It’s not so bad.” Arissa’s voice sounded strangled. She was biting her lip.

  “No laughing at my pitiful creation.” Deiter frowned.

  “It’s not so bad. We’ll put more icing on it,” Arissa said.

  “I don’t think they have enough icing in the world to save this mess.”

  “Maybe not. But that’s okay. It’s about the fun. Not beauty.” Arissa chuckled.

  Deiter studied her plate. It was perfection, looking like a burger and fries. It made him want to eat it.

  “You said you haven’t done this before.” He accused turning to her.

  “I haven’t. I’m just…” She bit her lip.

  “More creative.” He helped her out.

  “I’ll show you how creative later. For now, let’s salvage this.” Arissa picked up a tub.

  Deiter’s mind was filled with her creativity. “Do you think we can sneak out a container of icing?” he whispered.

  “For what?”

  Deiter studied it, then her. He saw the dawning of what he wanted it for on her face. That devilish grin he was coming to know so well curled her lips. She made sure no one was watching before picking up one of the icing containers and putting it in her tote.

  “Yellow is my favourite colour. It will look good on you.” She patted her bag.

  Deiter shifted, trying to relieve the strain on his slacks. He took up another tub.

  “I like the taste of strawberries. It’d be delicious against your skin.”

  Arissa’s eyes flared with need then she took the tub. Checked again to make sure no one was looking and put it inside her bag. She cleared her throat.

  “Now then. Let’s get this done.” Arissa picked up a spatula then started working on his mess.

  Deiter helped. They laughed and talked as they worked. After some time, they stepped back to view their creation.

  “It just looks like we slathered icing to cover up the wreck underneath,” Deiter said.

  “It does but didn’t you have fun doing it?” Her face was alive with mischief.

  “I did because it was with you,” Deiter murmured.

  “Deiter,” Arissa moaned.

  “Oh this is wonderful. Let’s take a picture.” The instructor’s voice caught his attention.

  She was readying a camera. The instructor lowered her gaze to his cupcake and her lips twitched before she looked back at his face.

  “And yours is lovely too,” she said.

  Deiter stifled a snort.

  “Actually this is mine and this is his.” Arissa took up her creation and gave it to him.

  Instinctively, he took it. She picked up his then leaned against his side holding it.

  “Arissa, you don’t have to do that,” he growled.

  “Hush,” she hissed. “Smile pretty for the nice lady with the camera.”

  Deiter put her in front of him, so her back was to his chest, and held out the perfect cupcake burger and fries. Arissa put his less than stellar one next to her face and posed as the woman took the picture.

  “I’ll have it for you in a few moments if you want to wait.”

  “We’ll wait. Can we have two?” Arissa asked.

  “Sure. Give me a sec.” The woman walked away.

  Arissa turned to him and Deiter hugged her.

  “You didn’t have to lend me yours. I’m proud of my toothache,” Deiter said.

  “I’m giving it to you but you’ll have to share it with me. We can have it later today. We can’t eat yours, because if we do with all the icing we’ll definitely get a toothache.” She laughed.

  “That was fun wasn’t it? Let me see what you made Arissa,” someone else interjected.

  Deiter stifled a growl as Tim walked up to them. He was holding what seemed to be a rendition of a cup of coffee with a donut. And, of course, it seemed very real. Tim was turning out to be a pain in the ass. Tim’s eyes widened as he spotted what Arissa held. Deiter stifled a grin, wondering what he would say.

  “This is mine. I love it,” Arissa said cheerfully.

  “It’s ugly,” Tim said abruptly.

  “You think so? I thought it was great.” Arissa sounded hurt.

  Deiter was already familiar with her pulling pranks.

  “You’re such a liar,” Tim said.

  “Shoot, you figured me out.” Arissa laughed.

  Deiter grudgingly admitted Tim hadn’t fallen for it. Deiter didn’t pay attention as they talked—instead he enjoyed Arissa leaning against his chest, comfortable as she chatted with Tim. He didn’t even think she realised how comfortable she was with him already. He wasn’t about to tell her.

  “Here you go.” The instructor came back.

  She handed them a picture. Deiter smiled as he viewed it. Arissa had a cheesy grin on her face as she posed with the disaster of a burger and fries. He was behind her holding her perfect rendering, a smug smile on his own face.

  “Are you coming to the chocolate carving class tomorrow?” Tim’s question caught his attention.

  “I will be. Can you come, Deiter?” Arissa asked.

  He glanced at Tim with a slight smile on his face. Tim rocked back on his heels, his gaze steady.

  “Sure. I’ll love that.”

  “Good. So we’ll see you tomorrow then.” Arissa put the plate with the cupcake burger on it over the picture then picked it all up.

  She balanced it then reached for him. Deiter copied her actions before accepting her hand. She laced her fingers with his and they went to the now open door. Walking down the hall, he took a moment to appreciate the view and was awed by the beauty of the crystal clear water beyond the ship.

  “You have a thing for food,” Deiter commented as he walked.

  “I don’t know what you mean by a thing.”

  “You get really animated when it comes to food activities. First the chocolate party. Ma
king this thing and then tomorrow the chocolate carving class,” Deiter said.

  “I like various foods. Learning to make new things. It is my way of relaxing. I’ve been told I’m good at cooking. After this class I’m thinking of taking a pastry class. Well, if I can find the time.” Arissa shrugged.

  “You should. You’re good at it.”

  “I might. Are you still going to the rappelling wall?”

  “Yep. Have you changed your mind about coming with me?” Deiter asked.

  “I wish I could. Love doing that sort of thing. But I promised Eric I would come by so we can talk shop.”

  Deiter nodded. She had already mentioned she and the ship doctor had made plans to meet for lunch at the barbecue place. She’d asked him, but he really wanted to go to the rappelling wall. They still had over a week together before they parted. The thought of that did not sit well with him. He was silent as they walked to her cabin. At her door he waited as she opened it then turned to him.

  “We’ll meet up later for the dancing lessons,” Arissa said.

  “Three o’clock. I’ll be there. I’m looking forward to it.” Deiter kissed her then pulled back.

  “Maybe it isn’t such a good idea to take a Samba class.” Arissa wrinkled her nose.

  “No backing out of it. I want to dance with you,” Deiter said.

  “Are you going to behave?”

  “Probably not,” he admitted.

  “Good.” Arissa laughed.

  “Here.”

  “Nope. That is for you. My first gift to you.” She kissed him then went into her cabin.

  Deiter glanced at the cupcake burger and fries then went towards his own cabin. Making a stop, he got a red cupcake box with clear top covering. It fit the cupcake perfectly, displaying it. Remembering Arissa’s favourite colour he got a yellow one for her and requested it be delivered to her stateroom immediately. He whistled as he left. In moments he was in his cabin and changing his clothing. He frowned at the knock on his cabin door. Pulling it open, he scowled. “What the hell are you doing here?”

  “Is that anyway to greet a friend?” Lieutenant Commander Tarak Brady smiled.

  He might be out of uniform but you could clearly see his military bearing. His inky black hair was closely cropped. His reddish-brown, rugged face looked slightly strained and a slight bead of sweat rolled down the side, and his lips were pulled in a tight line. Thick curly lashes framed icy green eyes that echoed the strain on his face. Deiter missed the smiling friend who he knew was behind this now sombre man.

  “Why aren’t you still in the hospital?” he asked sharply.

  “I’m fine,” Tarak snapped.

  “You’re not. It’s only been a month since—”

  “Leave it.” Tarak’s tone held a clear warning.

  Deiter frowned but said nothing else.

  “We’ve got to go. Already informed the ship’s captain,” Tarak said.

  “I’ve already told them I’ve done my last job for the military. My things are already on the way to my new home.” Deiter shook his head.

  “They know, that’s why they sent me,” Tarak replied.

  Deiter scowled. They knew him too well. Sending Tarak for him might make him more prone to agree to go wherever they wanted him too. Tarak’s expression was impeccable.

  “We need to go.” Tarak said.

  “Fuck,” Deiter cursed and went to pack.

  After emptying his drawers into his duffle, Deiter grabbed the boxed cupcake. He went to the door. Tarak stepped back then swore softly, leaning on his cane heavily. Deiter knew better than to offer to help. He closed his cabin and walked, matching Tarak’s stride. He knew Tarak wouldn’t tell him what the job was, so instead he asked, “I thought you had decided to leave the Navy?”

  “I am. But they asked me to come get you so I did. Once we’re done that’s it for me.”

  “You could still serve.”

  “I’m a SEAL. That’s all I ever wanted to be. Can’t do that anymore with my lungs and bad leg.” His tone was matter-of-fact.

  Deiter knew how hard it was for him, although he acted like it wasn’t. Even before Tarak’s injury, Deiter had decided to not work with the military anymore. He was tired of the travelling and them calling on him whenever they wanted.

  “Are you ready to go home? See your family?”

  “They were glad that I didn’t plan on moving back home and bought my own house.” Again, he was matter-of-fact.

  Deiter stifled a rude sound. Tarak’s relationship with his family was complicated.

  “I have other’s there that are more family to me than my own. In addition, I’ll have you as part of my family too,” he said softly.

  “You know it, buddy. I’m there for you. I’m glad I took the job in your hometown. You talked about your hometown so often. At least you’ll get to show me it yourself,” Deiter agreed.

  They were silent as they made their way to the waiting chopper. Once on board, Deiter strapped in, donning his headset. As the helicopter rose off the deck, he looked at the ship. A beautiful face flashed across his mind.

  “Shit,” Deiter hissed.

  “What’s wrong?” Tarak’s voice came through the headset.

  “I need to get word to someone on the ship,” Deiter said.

  “You know that’s not possible until after the mission is done.”

  Deiter clenched his fist. That was the other thing he hated. Not being able to tell those who he cared about, that he was leaving for an unknown about of time. As the ship faded, he hoped Arissa would understand that he had left without telling her.

  At least I have her information so I can contact her.

  An uneasiness filled him. Deiter picked up his duffel and searched inside. Not finding the card, he leant back against the seat.

  “Damn it!”

  “I’ve never heard you swear so much.” Tarak sounded amused.

  “I left something important on the ship,” Deiter replied.

  “What?” Tarak asked.

  Deiter didn’t reply. He’d contact the ship as soon as he got back and find out her info. Then beg her to forgive him for leaving. He glanced at the seat beside him at the container with the gift she had given him.

  I’ll be seeing you soon, Arissa Wright.

  Chapter Five

  Arissa paced in front of where the Samba class was getting ready to start. She paused, peering down the hall. Still no Deiter. She tapped her foot then started to pace again.

  “Arissa.”

  She turned to the sound of Tim’s voice. He was hurrying towards her, then paused in front of her.

  “Has the class started already?”

  “No. They will any moment,” Arissa said. She glanced behind him searching for Deiter.

  “Aren’t you going in?” Tim asked.

  “I’m waiting for Deiter.”

  “He can join us when he gets here. Shall we, my fair lady?” Tim said.

  She looked at him and saw he was holding out his elbow. Arissa checked back down the gangway then put her hand on him and let him lead her inside.

  “Only until Deiter comes.”

  “Of course.” Tim smiled devilishly.

  Arissa laughed at his expression. “You are a troublemaker.”

  “Who moi?” He batted his eyes.

  “You’re a strange man.” Arissa chuckled.

  “I am. Now let’s Samba.” Tim struck a pose.

  Arissa laughed while keeping an eye out for Deiter. As the class progressed she got caught up in it but at the back of her mind she wondered where Deiter was.

  “Okay. That is it for now. Next class is tomorrow at the same time. Good job everyone,” the dance instructor said.

  “You want to go dancing tonight?” Tim asked.

  She walked with him as they left. Once they were away from the others she replied gently, “Tim. You’re a good guy but I’m with Deiter.”

  “I figured from the looks he was giving me. Bring Deiter. Just dancin
g as friends.” Tim shrugged.

  “Okay. Where?”

  “The upper deck. I heard they have some great Latin music. Say eight o’clock?”

  “We’ll be there. Later.” She hurried away.

  She knocked at Deiter’s cabin. Not getting an answer she tried the door. Surprisingly, it opened. Entering, Arissa frowned at the empty cabin. Unsure what was going on, she left and went to find someone to ask. Turning the corner, she bumped into someone.

  “Sorry.”

  “Dr Wright, are you okay?” Captain Finch asked.

  “I’m fine. Just not watching where I’m going,” Arissa said.

  “In a rush for something?”

  “Not really…” Arissa thought about it then said, “I was in Deiter’s cabin. And he wasn’t there.”

  “He is no longer on the ship,” the Capitan said.

  Arissa frowned. “I’m referring to Deiter Schneider the man who was with me at dinner with you the other night.”

  “I know who he is, Dr Wright. He’s no longer on the ship,” the captain said again.

  “Where is he?”

  “I can’t say. Have a good afternoon, Dr Wright,” the captain said walking away.

  Watching him leave, Arissa wondered what the hell was going on.

  “Did he leave anything for me?” Arissa blurted out.

  The captain stopped looking back at her “Not that I am aware. Was he supposed too?”

  “I guess not.” Arissa continued on her way.

  “Dr Wright. Check with the steward, maybe he has something,” the captain called.

  “Thanks, I will.” Arissa went to find the steward.

  She found the steward, and was told he had nothing for her. She returned to her cabin and flopped on her bed, frowning as she wondered what had happened. Deiter leaving and saying nothing seemed weird. She sat up and lifted the yellow cupcake box he had sent to her room earlier. His messy cupcake was inside. Picking up the picture of them, Arissa stared at them together.

  “There has to be some reasonable explanation for this.”

  Arissa put them down. If there was, she had no idea what it was but would wait to hear from Deiter. It was a good thing she had given him her contact info. She went to the bathroom to take a shower.