Practically living on the water for a few weeks sounded like a nightmare, and the fact that it was bad for the climate didn’t make it any better. But your parents booked the tickets for the cruise anyway and gave you yours.

“It’s your decision—you’re an adult after all,” they said. But not wanting to make a drama out of it, you agreed.

Stepping into your room, your jaw dropped without you even realizing it, because it was beautiful.

A big king-sized bed stood in front of a circular window, an open bathroom with a freakin’ bathtub, and a few drawers with a small vanity.

Maybe— just maybe—the next few weeks wouldn’t be too bad, if this was your room.

After unpacking, you quickly changed into something else because the temperatures on this boat nearly made you melt in those sweatpants.

Your parents told you they wanted to take a quick nap after arriving, but you weren’t tired at all. So you grabbed your key card and your phone before stepping out into the hallway to explore the ship on your own.

As the door closed behind you, you made your way to the upper deck. The hallways all looked the same, and you knew that at least once on this trip, you were going to get lost.

Arriving on the deck, you noticed that the dock you had started from faded more and more out of sight with each passing minute. Luckily, the deck wasn’t very crowded—the other guests were probably settling in or taking a nap like your parents—so you were able to get a good view of the whole area. And damn, this ship was big.

There were countless sunbeds, pools, waterslides, a bar, and a few restaurants.

The sun seemed determined to dry you out, so you went to the bar and ordered a drink. Thank God your parents had booked all-inclusive.

While waiting for your drink, you noticed a guy—probably in his early thirties—standing at the other end of the bar, ordering one as well. He was wearing a white, unbuttoned polo shirt and navy blue swim trunks.

He played with his sunglasses as he waited, holding them loosely in his hands. Occasionally, his eyes found you, and his gaze lingered for a moment.

When you felt his eyes on you, you quickly turned away, a blush creeping up your cheeks. The guy seemed to notice and smiled before making his way over to you.

“Hey there,” he greeted, sitting down on the stool next to you.

You turned your head in his direction.
“Hey,” you replied.

“You don’t look too thrilled about this cruise,” he commented.

That made you smile—how had he noticed that when you hadn’t even talked before?

“Yeah, well, it’s not really my thing. Cruises, I mean.”

He nodded. “Too boring for you?”

“Not just that. I just think it’s a bit pointless,” you said.

“I see,” he said, smiling. “I like how you think.”

Then he offered you his hand. “I’m Drew.”