Cruises are often taken for special occasions, and in this case, Lane and Roger are celebrating their divorce. Actually, they just didn't want to lose the deposit made in happier times. They agree not to get in each other's way if presented with any romantic or sexual opportunity.<br><br>Roger goes right out looking for sex, but Lane isn't in a rush. With the unasked for help of a loose cat and an overly-precocious young lad, Lane bumps into Steve. After a few shared meals, shore tours, and a life-threatening storm that leaves the ship stranded in darkness, bumping turns to humping, and their relationship grows.<br><br>Shipboard romances are iffy, though. Can theirs survive a pirate invasion, a disabled ship, and a slam-the-door argument?

Romance on the Sea

Things calmed down, as they do, and I listened sympathetically to Roger bemoaning the theft of his best underwear and shirts. All the same, I told him if he touched mine, I’d break his fingers, and I meant it. Finally it was time to meet Steve for dinner, and just as I opened the cabin door, the cat, being chased by a small blond pirate, who in turn was being chased by three adult pirates, went running by, screaming, “Wait! Wait! Stop!” and/or “Avast ye scurvy slug!” They all made the turn and disappeared. Steve’s door opened a crack, and one eye peered out. “Is it safe now?” he said.


Chapter 6