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

With lucky timing, just as we came out of the shower stall there was a knock on the door. I opened it and hid behind it. The room steward held out a card. “Please sirs, if you would go ashore, we have special plans for you and your room. Then when you come back after dinner your room will be ready for you to sleep in. This,” he handed me a bucket and a handful of plastic bags, with an expression of extreme distaste on his face. “This will be your toilet. The captain is thanking you very much, as do I.”


“Well I be…” Steve started with a grin.


“Do not finish that if it’s what I think it is!” I said wearily.


“What, shit the bed? My grandfather used to say that. Or maybe it was my wicked Uncle Skippy.”


“These are tender tickets. We’re on the first tender and it basically says hurry the fuck up and leave. Go get dressed, my friend, I think you will be Roger for the afternoon. God help him, wherever he is, and I hope he bloody well stays there.”


Chapter 14