LOVE on The Horizon (Breaking The Rules #1) Read Free Page B

my job, every part of it. Even with the long hours and little vacation time, I still loved it. I beat dozens of others in the business to get this job. This ship was magnifico . One of a kind in technology and innovative amenities, all eyes in the tourism world were on The Horizon ’s maiden voyage. The spotlight was on us, on me, and I intended to leave an impression.
    When I got the promotion on the new ship, the cruise line gifted me with a few days’ vacation time. I immediately flew home to Florence to spend the time with my family. I hadn’t seen them in six months and departing was bittersweet. It always was after I went home. My family was absolutely crazy, but they were also the most loving bunch of lunatics you’d ever meet.
    It was hard to leave your life behind. Yet, when you loved your job as much as I did, the sadness quickly faded. I returned to work a few days ago refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to get started.
    Prior to receiving my promotion, management handpicked the rest of my staff. The only position to be filled was for the entertainment staff coordinator. So, that made Rebecca my first hire.
    Once we finalized her package, all that was left was to formally offer her the job. Aida raised a brow when I said I wanted to be present.
    “Why?”
    “She’s my first hire as The Horizon ’s cruise director. Sono sentimentale .” I rarely slipped into my native language. It tended to happen when I was pissed off or when I wanted to rile Aida up. She needed a good riling.
    Aida looked toward Ricky for translation. “He’s sentimental.”
    “Fine. There’s no need for both of us to be here.” Aida handed me Rebecca’s contract and left the conference room. Although I was always pleasant to her, that woman didn’t like me.
    Ricky smirked at me knowingly. I met his eyes and challenged him. “What?”
    “Nothing. I’ll go get Rebecca,” he said with a grin, leaving me alone to wait.
    Ricky’s reaction caused me concern. Mind you, it was only Ricky, and his stupid assumptions were something I’d become used to, but I still needed to be careful. I’d worked too hard to gain the respect of management. I couldn’t allow her to…to…you know, sex me up.
    When Ricky returned with a giggling Rebecca, the excitement grew in my pants. The sound of her laugh and the look of happiness on her face made me stupid—and instantly sexed me up.
     
     
Rebecca
    It’s amazing what a tiny bit of hope could accomplish in an otherwise hopeless existence. From the moment I walked into Sunset Cruise Lines for my interview, I haven’t been able to wipe the smile off my face. To celebrate my new job, I checked in to a very fancy hotel for one night and pampered myself with room service, a private massage, and some new clothes. Most of the time, I would be wearing the Sunset Cruise Lines uniform of a white polo shirt and khaki shorts. I still needed some formal wear for Captain’s Night, and new bathing suits were also a must. I charged it all and said fuck it…I deserved everything I bought.
    I also deserved to be happy. For the first time in a long time, I was really, really happy. While soaking in a luxurious bubble bath, I called my parents to let them know I wouldn’t be coming home. Well, that didn’t go well, and I didn’t expect it to. I did warn my family, but I guess they were all in denial. My friends all congratulated me before threatening to come see me on the ship. They promised all hell would break loose if they did, and I believed them.
    On my first day, I got to the port embarrassingly early. Pathetically, I sat at the cruise terminal with all my possessions while eagerly waiting to get on that gorgeous ship. I took advantage of the time and studied the history of Sunset Cruise Lines on my iPad. I wanted to know everything about my new employers and vowed I would do everything possible to excel in my new career. A few weeks prior, this career path wasn’t on my radar. Such was life, always