The story below is a work of fiction and contains erotic and/or sexually explicit behavior between consenting males. If you find this type of writing offensive, or if you are underage and it is illegal to view it, please do not read further, but exit now. The author reserves all copyright privileges. This work may not be reproduced, except for personal use, without permission of the author, and may not be linked to any pay sites.
Author's note - Hi Guys. Sorry for the long wait between chapters. I hope you enjoy this latest chapter, and, as always, keep the emails coming. Dan
Chapter 28
Ethan and Rick stood with the sounds of the ocean and the sea breeze blowing, lost in their thoughts about Sojourn and the start of their love. When you are onboard such large ship you can often forget you are at sea. Standing, seeing Sojourn plough through the waves, it was a sight to behold.
The sea suddenly felt closer. The power and grace of Tranquility and Sojourn even more apparent. And the love of Ethan and Rick stronger than ever.
The moment was broken when Adam came bounding out of the suite and joined Ethan and Rick on the balcony. They talked about the day to come. Adam had become a favorite of many of the crew and was sure to be spoiled with attention through-out the day. The guys dressed and went up for breakfast. Alice, Mark, Sarah, Jane, and Sean were all sitting together and having a light breakfast. Alice and Mark planned to have massages and spend the day by the covered pool. Sarah and Jane planned a day of Scrabble and cards and some time watching some films in their cabin. Sean planned to join Rick and Ethan for a work-out and a massage and then would join Sarah and Jane for some cards later. Ethan wanted to spend some time sitting on the promenade deck on a deck chair watching the ocean pass by. It was one of his favorite things to do and he found such peace at sea. The dinner this evening was casual so fancy/formal clothes were not required. Everyone agreed to meet back at the bar, Rick's, at 6pm for drinks before dinner.
Alice and Mark were still in a state of shock. They had never been on a cruise before and Tranquility was certainly a grand introduction to ships and cruising. The fact that Ethan owned this, Sojourn which they could see short distance away, many more ships, the airline, and A-1, was incomprehensible. One thing they did clearly understand was Ethan's love for Rick and Ethan. Alice as so pleased that her son had found love. When she found out that Ethan was gay, she feared that he would be alone. She didn't know any gay couples that seemed to last for very many years. With Rick and Adam, she believed that Ethan had found his family. She felt a peace inside her that her only son was loved and wouldn't be alone. Another thing was happening for Alice and Mark, their love was being rekindled. It had been a long time since they had been away together and been able to leave worries behind. They found they enjoyed just being together. Reading. Watching movies. Sitting in the whirlpool. Talking. Cuddling in bed. This trip was just what they needed without knowing they needed it. Ethan had worked his magic as usual.
Sean was in awe. He felt like he had walked into a world of make believe. The warmth and love he felt with Ethan, Rick, Adam and the rest of the group was more than he had experienced in his life. He couldn't help but feel like the fifth wheel but that was his own feeling, certainly not anything anyone in the group was conveying. He had never been on a ship before and he was fast gaining an understanding of Ethan's love for ships and the open sea.
He went to guest services to see about ordering a bottle of champagne and something special for Ethan and Rick. Peter was working guest services. He greeted Sean warmly and explained that he had worked on Sojourn and that he met Ethan and Rick then. He said he had no idea that they guy he had worked with, and supervised, was actually the owner of the cruise line. Since the ship was almost empty and the guests that were onboard were seasoned travellers, Guest Services was not very busy. Sean and Peter chatted for quite awhile. Something clicked between them and Sean wasn't sure if it was anything that Peter felt as well.
Peter offered to meet Sean for a work-out at 3pm and Sean agreed. He was meeting Ethan and Rick for a late morning work-out. He would be sure to not overdo it so he would be able to have the stamina for the work-out with Peter. He sure didn't want to embarrass himself with Peter.
Peter was in his early 30s, about 6 feet tall, blonde hair and blue eyes. Peter was from a small town just outside Rotterdam in Holland. His English was perfect with no trace of any accent and Sean was surprised to learn he wasn't American. He looked to be in very good shape and Sean found himself excited about the work-out planned for the afternoon.
Ethan, Rick, and Sean meet at 11am, had a good work-out, and then went for a lunch of burgers and fries by the main pool. The weather was getting better the further south Tranquility sailed. They found some chairs by the pool and enjoyed the warm midday sun. Rick found the warm sun was making him sleepy so he excused himself for an afternoon nap. Ethan went to his spot on Promenade deck and dozed off. Sean went to the gym to meet Peter.
The work-out with Peter was fantastic. Peter was in great shape but Sean managed to keep up. They had the gym to themselves and they talked continuously. They spotted for each other, showered, and went to the poolside bar for something cool to drink. Sean invited Peter to join them at Rick's at 6pm for a little get together the gang was having. Peter tried to decline saying that he didn't want to intrude. Sean tried not to appear to anxious but didn't relent and Peter finally agreed.
Everyone met at Rick's and talked about the great day at sea they had had. Ethan and Rick smiled when Peter joined them and saw that Sean and Peter seemed to be hitting it off. The magic of the sea and the romance of the ship was at work again.
While Ethan chatted with Sean and Peter, Rick and Adam were busy with Alice and Mark. Rick excused himself from the conversation and came over to Ethan. He said that he needed to go back to the cabin for a few minutes, he had a bit of a dodgy tummy. He asked Ethan to come by the cabin at 8pm and pick him up for dinner.
At 8pm, the gang left Rick's and headed towards the main dining room for dinner. Ethan went up to the suite to get Rick. He got to the cabin, opened the door, and the room seemed dark. He entered quietly in case Rick was having a short nap due to his bad stomach.
When Ethan reached the bed, he noticed Rick. Rick had candles by the bed and was dressed in a white terry cloth robe. His hazel eyes reflecting the candle light. His strong muscular legs showing below the robe. Ethan couldn't believe that Rick could still arouse him like this.
Rick said, "Hi babe. Please come here and sit by me." Ethan moved over and sat next to his soulmate. His heart was beating hard and he thought he would explode with emotion. The sheer beauty of Rick was overwhelming.
"Babe, Adam is going to be staying with your mom tonight. This evening is all about you and me. The gang knows we won't be at dinner. You are mine. 100% mine and nobody else's tonight," Rick said to Ethan.
"Now, I want you to go, have a shower, and put on your robe. Dinner is arriving at 8:15pm and we are going to have dinner and drinks here in the suite. Ethan, I love Adam so much and I am so glad he has come into out lives. But I have to be selfish and honest for a moment. It seems like forever since we had an evening for ourselves. I miss you and I want you all to myself. I ache for you and long to be with you. I hope you won't think me a bad parent for that. But I need you. I want you. I love you," Rick said to Ethan as he looked into his sparkling blue eyes.
Damn, how does he do that, Ethan wondered. How can he be so wonderful? So caring. So romantic. Ethan leaned down, kissed Rick tenderly, and went to take a shower, as ordered. He was completely aroused by the time he was in the shower. He was leaking pre-cum. Rick still had this effect on him. He hoped that never changed.
Ethan came into the room after the shower and the sitting area had been changed into a dining area. A crisp white table cloth had been placed over the table and a full china service laid out. A bucket of champagne was on ice. A small bud vase was in the center of the table along with two candles providing soft glowing light. Rick had borrowed a boom box from the DJ and Russell Watson was singing a beautiful aria as they ate their meal. Rick had opened the door to the balcony so the ocean breeze could be felt and the sounds of the ocean intertwined with Russell Watson's voice creating a magical atmosphere.
After dinner, they opened the champagne and stepped onto the balcony to look at the blanket of stars and Sojourn, proudly lit up a short distance away. The lights of Sojourn reflecting on the ocean like diamonds.
In their robes, Ethan stood in front of Rick. Rick's left arm around Ethan, his right holding the champagne, his head resting on Ethan's shoulder, his lips tickling Ethan's earlobe.
Both Ethan and Rick were aroused. Their cocks were harder than either could remember them being. The romance of the moment was working its magic. The pent up lust and needs of the past few weeks reaching a boil. They went into the suite, leaving the balcony door open, and went to the bed. Both were nervous. Clearly this wasn't their first time together, but it felt that way. The desire to touch, kiss, explore, make love, just like the first time, was causing them both to tremble.
Rick went to the boom box and put a CD in. He explained to Ethan he had the DJ put an extended version of a special song on a CD for him this afternoon.
With that, Darren Hayes' voice could be heard, the song - Insatiable.
Rick began singing the song softly in Ethan's ear and then moved to undo Ethan's robe and Ethan did the same. Ethan felt himself go weak inside as Rick sang into his ear. They both sat, looking, lightly touching each other, exploring their bodies. They kissed, tenderly at first, then passionately. Then they made love. Both giving and both taking the love each had to offer. They cuddled together, sweaty, satisfied, totally and completely in love. The sounds of the ocean caressing their ears, they drifted off to sleep. Just the two of them. Soulmates.
The rest of the gang had a nice dinner and then went their separate ways for the evening. Adam went with Miss Alice and Mister Mark back to their cabin for some movies and games. Sarah and Jane had an early evening. Sean decided to go for a stroll out on the deck. It was a clear night and the stars were like a blanket. The fresh air felt fantastic. He had a nice day and was thinking about how fortunate he felt to know Rick and what a great father he had turned out to be for Adam. Sean had hoped that he and Rick would someday be a couple. Rick was his first lover and his first true love.
He realized that that dream was dead. Rick was happy and Ethan was wonderful. Sean hoped that he could find something like Rick and Ethan had.
The next 5 days at sea were filled with massages, card games, conversations, laughter, dancing, and lots of food. The weather had turned sunny and warm as they travelled farther south and were nearing Florida. The gang was well rested, in good spirits, and glowing with good health.
The last night of the cruise, Tranquility and Sojourn detoured through the Bahamas so they could arrive at the pilot station for Port Everglades at 7am early Wednesday morning. As had become routine, the gang met at Rick's Bar for drinks and a recap of the day's activities before dinner. The plan was to meet at 6pm. Rick and Adam were poking around the cabin and Ethan was trying to get them moving so they wouldn't be late. Finally at 6:30pm, Rick, Adam, and Ethan headed down to Rick's.
When they entered, a shout of surprise rang out. A banner was hung saying, "Thank You Ethan." Applause filled the room. The gang had been joined by Captain Cardone, Peter, and several other senior members of the staff. Ethan was embarrassed and his face turned bright red. Each person in Rick's raised a glass and gave a personal thank-you to Ethan. The evening was filled with stories and memories of the great time they had spent together. The gang had become a family. Hugs were exchanged, including Jane who had warmed to the American way of doing things.
Everyone, including Captain Cardone and Peter went to the dining room for dinner. Conversation was non-stop as was the laughter. Dinner was a feast of lobster, filet mignon, champagne, and cherries jubilee. Many of the guests came round to shake Ethan's hand and thank him for a wonderful crossing and the hospitality they had enjoyed onboard Tranquility. Last nights on ships are usually sad affairs, but Tranquility was filled with happiness and good will.
Ethan advised everyone to have an early night since they would need to be up early the next day. He asked everyone to join him for breakfast at 6am. He promised another one of his surprises so everyone should be there!
After a stroll around Tranquility, admiring her beauty for a last time, everyone retired back to their cabins for the evening. Suitcases were placed outside the doors by 2am and they would be waiting on the pier for them when they disembarked the next morning. Everyone went back to their cabins except Sean. He and Peter went for a stroll on deck. Both had said that they wanted to see each other more but realized that Peter's job meant he would be at sea for the next 5 months. They both knew that this wasn't very ideal, made promises to keep in touch, exchanged a brief but passionate kiss, and went back to their own cabins, alone.
The morning came too fast for everyone, but they were all at breakfast at 6am. By 630am everyone went to the top deck, forward, for a view of the Florida coast approaching. As they approached the shore line, Sojourn and Tranquility came to a stop. They were joined by Quest. About 10 minutes later another large ship approached and it was Freedom. By 7am, Sojourn, Tranquility, Quest, and Freedom were all drifting off the Florida coast. This was very rare. Never had so many of the Compass "girls" been together at one time. While Tranquility and Sojourn would be in port until Saturday and Sunday taking up their regular schedules at that time, Quest would be leaving later that day on a 10 night to the Southern Caribbean and Freedom would be leaving later that day on an 11 night cruise to the Western Caribbean and Panama Canal.
Helicopters were flying overhead to take photographs for the new brochure. News copters were also taking footage for the midday news. The Compass marketing team had been working overtime.
Quest entered the channel first, followed by Freedom, and Sojourn. Tranquility entered last and was greeted by 2 fireboats and an impressive display of water plumes and whistle blowing.
Four massive ships at Port Everglades. All owned by Compass Cruise Lines. All owned by Ethan. Everyone was speechless.
A-1 took Alice and Mark to Nashville before flying on to Mobile to drop off Rick, Adam, and Sean. Ethan was staying in Ft Lauderdale for some of the inaugural activities for Tranquility. He would be flying back to Pensacola the end of the following week.
Everyone made it home safely. The next few days were very busy and the weekend inaugural of Tranquility into regular service was a huge success. By Sunday night, Ethan was very tired and headed home to the apartment in Plantation. He was nearing his exit when a car that had been parked on the shoulder of I-595 suddenly pulled out into his lane. He swerved and narrowly missed the car. But the Honda's front wheels went into the soft grass in the central median and spun out of control. The car flipped and landed on the other side of the highway in the path of oncoming traffic. To Ethan it felt like slow motion but in reality it was only a few seconds. The sounds were horrific. Glass was everywhere. Ethan felt his shirt becoming warm and wet. He thought he might be bleeding. His shoulder ached from the seatbelt. The car was upside down. He looked around. Then he saw the lights. An 18 wheeler had its brakes locked trying to slow down and miss the Honda. The lights were getting closer. The sounds of the tires growing louder. Ethan knew, in that split second, that it wouldn't stop in time. He closed his eyes and waited for the impact. A strange thing happened. His mind cleared down to one thought. Total clarity.
"Rick, I love you."