Chapter 1

Kenzie Wright needed a rebound guy, and a flirtatious billionaire was the perfect lad to do the job. Much to her surprise, the same striking man, Andrew Kentworthy, was determined to marry her in a flash.

***

"Step one, leave the country. Done. Step two, find a rebound,” Kenzie reminded herself after stepping inside an exclusive bar. Her eyes scanned every corner of the establishment, and after spotting the best candidate, she said, "Bingo!”

Kenzie strolled eagerly toward a tall and handsome stranger. She held onto his arm and said, “Hi there, sweetie. There you are. I've been looking all over for you.”

She envisioned several scenarios in her head, concluding how it would play, but the man's reaction was not quite as she expected.

With a smirk on his face, the man answered, “Well, if it isn't my lovely wife. I knew you could not get out of bed after what we did last night.”

'Wait. What? Last night? Wife?' Before Kenzie could even counter, his lips crashed into hers, hungrily tasting her luscious lips.

'Shameless!' She silently screamed, her eyes beaming at the gorgeous man while her knees weakened to his minty taste.

Regardless of the man's words, Kenzie confirmed the stranger was the perfect rebound, and maybe… just maybe… even more.

***

Book 2 of the Wright Family Series

Book 1: Mommy, Where Is Daddy? The Forsaken Daughter's Return

Book 3: I Kissed A CEO And He Liked It

Book 4: The Devil's Love For The Heiress

Book 5: I Fell For The Boy His Daddy Was A BonusNote:

Each story can be read as a standalone. Follow me on social media. Search Author_LiLhyz on IG & FB.

Chapter 1: The Rebound Guy

Sailing towards the Mediterranean sea, the Imperial Cruise, one of the biggest cruise ships in Europe, drift out as the sun began to set. In one of the humble cabins below, there stood a girl with sad blue eyes, looking at the waters below.

Her golden locks, flying against the ocean breeze, her small and pinkish lips pursed.

Kenzie’s eyes fluttered while in deep thought. Her emotions were all over the place as she leaned against the railings. She cleared her throat before fishing for her phone from inside her jacket pocket. She could not help but check her messages, seeing how she had accumulated more than forty in just a day.

Brad: [Kenzie, Babe, I’m sorry. I did not mean to hurt you. Please come back. I’ll end things with Alyssa. I promise! It was a mistake.]

Brad: [Babe, can you please tell your father not to cancel my sponsorships? I swear I’ll be a good boyfriend from now on.]

Kenzie rolled her eyes at her boyfriend’s, rather, ex-boyfriend’s plea. No matter how handsome he was, the truth was, he lied to her for the entirety of their relationship.

Just a week ago, she caught Brad in bed with a friend, a co-worker, Alyssa, inside his apartment bedroom. It was the biggest shock of her life, seeing two completely naked bodies on top of each other, moaning and groaning in pleasure!

‘What possible excuse could he give?’ She thought to herself. ‘Babe, we got drunk and things got out of hand. It was just a mistake.’

She would be utterly dumb to believe that!

No. The truth was, they have always been a couple, even before Brad had pursued her. The truth was, she was the third party in the relationship and she had no idea.

Kenzie recalled the very day that Brad came to one of her auditions. It would seem like a dream come true, but looking back, she realized, it had been planned all along; their meeting, the courtship, their kisses, and all the sweet moments were merely an act to keep her going and giving!

They took and took from her because she could give!

Feeling a tear roll down her face, Kenzie quickly wiped it with her fingers. She sniffed the pain away before resuming checking her other messages.

Lindsey: [Really, Kenzie? Leaving without a word? Disband? We have only just begun! How could you do this to us? Our dreams together! I thought we were friends?]

Tamara: [Kenzie, please come back. Whatever did we do wrong?]

Alyssa: [Kenzie, Brad and I are over. It was a mistake. I’m so sorry. Believe me.]

Collette: [Kenzie, why involve me in this? How could you do this to your friends? To us? To your dreams? Come back here and make this right! What have we ever done to your father to deserve this?]

“Friends, my ass.” A scoff left Kenzie’s lips, reading it all. If anything, Collette, her manager, was the brains of the scheme.

On the day she found out her boyfriend cheated on her with Alyssa, she stole his mobile and until this very day, no one knew it was in her possession. It was there where she saw the group chat. They were all in it; her manager, her boyfriend, and her so-called friends.

How could she ever forget what she had read? The discovery was completely heart-wrenching!

***FLASHBACK [GROUP CHAT MESSAGES]***

Collette: Brad, I think Kenzie is on her way to your apartment. You and Alyssa better not be fooling around or we will all be found out. We have all worked hard on this for so long.

Tamara: Cut them some slack, Collette. Alyssa and Brad had not been out together for so long. They miss each other. Kenzie has been clinging on to Brad for an entire month!

Lindsey: Tammy, why don’t you call Kenzie and invite her to hang out.

Tamara: No! I’m tired of smiling in front of her all day and listening to her perfect world. You invite her.

Collette: Tammy, you invite her! Lindsey did that last week. It’s your turn to put on an act.

*** END OF FLASHBACK***

That was just the first part of their group chat conversation. It had gone way back even the moment Kenzie had started working with the girls, the group whom she considered her sisters in arms. Tamara, Lindsey, and Alyssa were all faking it with her from the very start.

In the end, it was all just business to get what they want.

Why? What did she ever do to deserve such treatment? She had no idea. All she read about was them complaining about her perfect life.

Was it her fault? She can’t help it that her father loved her so to give her anything that she desired. Now, maybe that was not such a good idea after all. She did not realize how people can easily be jealous of how ideal her life seemed to be.

“Enough of this, Kenzie. Remember why you are here on this wonderful two-week European cruise?” Kenzie told herself. “Yes, that is right! Get over this and find a man to love.”

She took a deep breath and corrected herself, “Or bounce back with.”

Yes, that is right! What Kenzie needed right now… is a rebound. ‘All is fair in love and war. In my case, heartbreak.’

“This is freedom. Experience life at its best.” She continued before glancing back again at her phone.

She saw how her parents have also attempted to call her, including her siblings. She knew they were all worried about her, but she felt this was necessary. She just had to get away and experience life on her own without her father’s help.

Kenzie did not realize it until now, but she had been too sheltered for far too long.

After the European cruise, Kenzie was determined to make it on her own in the city of London.

Checking the time, she looked back at her humble standard cabin and convinced herself, “Well, I better get ready. Tonight is the night.”

***

Finding a rebound proved to be more difficult than Kenzie thought. After all, she had standards. Not to mention how most of the men were taken on the cruise.

‘Of course. Most men are on their honeymoon!’ She silently cried. Kenzie had gone down from the poolside bar to the cruise ship’s exclusive bar.

With her gorgeous body, slender frame, and full-size breasts, all men’s eyes were on her, but she would not go with those who were clearly with their loved ones. No way. She wasn’t that kind of girl.

“Step one, leave the country. Done that. Step two, find a rebound. This is it, Kenzie. You have to make it happen.” She muttered while walking in her red dress. Her electric blue eyes scanned every corner of the establishment and finally, she spotted the right candidate.

“Bingo! Oh, yeah! Definitely my type!” She decided, nodding her head at the sight of the tall and handsome man, giving a similar vibe to that of her twin brother... at least from afar.

From where she stood, Kenzie could see how the man had been brushing away a beautiful brunette, saying that he was not interested in her. It looked to her like he needed saving, anyway.

She could only hope the man was not married or was not on a date, for she had decided the stranger would be “IT.”

Yep! Her rebound guy.

Flashing her amiable smile, Kenzie strolled thirstily toward a tall and personable stranger. She held onto his muscular arm and pulled his frame to face her. As soon as their eyes met, she said, “Hi there, sweetie, there you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.”

She envisioned several scenarios in her head, concluding how it would play, but the man’s reaction was not quite as she expected.

For a second, she witnessed the elegant man’s face in utter shock, but clear mischief quickly replaced it. With a smirk on his face, the man answered, “Well, if it isn’t my lovely wife. I knew you could not get out of bed after what we did last night.”

‘Wait. What? Last night? Wife?’ Before Kenzie could even counter, she felt arms around her waist, her body being pulled towards his magnificent built. In a split second, his lips crashed into hers, hungrily tasting her luscious rims.

‘Oh, my god! How shameless is this man?’ She silently screamed, her eyes beaming at the gorgeous lad while her knees weakened to his minty taste.

Her hands pressed against his solid chest and at the feel of his body, she could not help but declare in secret, ‘But he is so damn hot!’

Seconds into the kiss, the man finally pulled away. He pressed his lips against Kenzie’s ear and introduced himself, “Sweetheart, my name is Andrew. Remember that well, you’ll be screaming it later.”

With eyes widened, Kenzie’s mouth helplessly dropped open. She concluded, ‘Shameless!’

Chapter 2: A Nobody

Kenzie felt chills down her spine, seeing how the brunette was staring at her from the bar with laser beam eyes. If glares could kill, she knew she would already be dead by now.

She unwittingly moved closer to Andrew, her rebound guy, who had earlier dragged her to the center of the mini dance floor.

Yep! To her shock, somehow, her "IT" guy was "EASY."

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I got you,” she heard Andrew say, and Kenzie felt muscular arms wrapped around her waist. “Cruella won’t be hurting you. Let us relax and dance to the music.”

Kenzie started moving her body to the slow beat before she glanced back up at Andrew, and only then did she clearly notice his beautiful, light brown eyes. She gulped, studying his manly features; his chiseled jaws, the shape of his long nose, and the way his adams apple moved as he swallow his own spit.

'Who is sexy like that? I mean, he was just gulping,' she complained in silence.

Everything about the man added well, with his sensuous grin and his jet-black hair.

Just as she was in awe of him, she immediately brought herself back to her senses and cleared her throat. She asked, “So what’s the deal with you and… Cruella?”

He smiled, clearly amused at how fast she caught on, and Kenzie liked it.

“Errm… That girl is Madelyn Wilson. My grandmother apparently set me up on a two-week date with her on this cruise without me knowing. She told me I was going to meet an investor while getting a mandatory R and R.” Andrew revealed, shaking his head before sneering at the idea. “Can you imagine that? Being stuck with her for two weeks? Not happening. Not when I have free will.”

“Oooohhhh.” Kenzie’s lips formed into a perfect round before saying, “So that’s why you married me in a flash."

Earlier, Andrew claimed her as his secret wife, leaving Madelyn, the brunette, furious.

“Yes,” Andrew answered, taking her hand and allowing her to take a full turn, still dancing to the music. “And I’m sorry about the kiss. It had to be convincing, you know.”

'Ah, yeah. It sure convinced me.' She could not help but recall how intense she felt during her surprise kiss.

When Kenzie returned to his hold, he added, “I hope you don’t mind because I don’t mind… winning a wife like you, anyway. Thank you again for saving me back there.”

“I could have slapped you,” she pointed out.

“You could, but you did not. Besides, you came on to me first. I? Was a willing victim,” he answered, winking at her.

That was true. She meant to find someone who could be a good company while in her depressed state but did not expect a kiss outright.

“Willing, you say? That’s an understatement?” She scoffed. “Sorry to tell you though, I won’t be screaming your name later on.”

Andrew just laughed, flaunting the dimple on his right cheek. “I was just teasing.”

‘Arrgh. He looks even better with that dimple!’ She quietly observed.

Kenzie looked back at the angry Madelyn, still piercing knives with her eyes, and asked, “What’s wrong with her? She is beautiful and sexy?”

“I just don’t like her and I especially don’t like the fact that my grandmother set me up with her.” Andrew moved Kenzie closer to the band, and as the music shifted to a romantic tune, he said, “Besides, I don’t like brunettes. I’m more into blondes with long, wavy hair, cute face, beautiful blue eyes, wearing an elegant red dress and.” He paused for a second, looking down, before adding, “And blessed with a plum chest.”

Yet again, Kenzie’s mouth fell on the floor. She acted to free herself from Andrew, but he held on to her too tight. She warned, “Don’t be such a pervert or I’ll get a divorce.”

With Andrew laughing at her words, she let herself at ease. Somehow, her instincts were not being defensive, and she felt comfortable with the man.

“I like you... Let me guess, your name is gorgeous?” Andrew inquired.

Seeing Kenzie shake her head and smirking in amusement, he resumed, “No? Then your name must be Katniss… because you are starting an uprising… in my district.”

At that point, Kenzie chuckled. As she covered her mouth, she admitted, “You are a funny guy. I never would have guessed in your Armani suit and the way you carry yourself."

“Seriously, sweetheart. What’s your name?” Andrew asked again, grinning while looking more serious into Kenzie’s electric blue eyes.

Briefly, Kenzie ogled at his face. After a considerable amount of contemplating, she sighed and answered, “Kenzie. That’s my name.”

“Any last names, Kenzie?” Andrew probed further.

“Just Kenzie,” she replied.

“Err… Okay, just Kenzie. So what’s the deal with you? Where is your… boyfriend? I would not want to be caught by a jealous lover,” Andrew probed.

“I don’t have a boyfriend,” Kenzie revealed, her face frowning at the recollection of Brad and Alyssa. “In fact, I’ve recently been broken-hearted. That’s why I left for Europe and decided to take this two-week cruise. I’ve always wanted to go on these and this was one of the trips me and my.”

Her tone changed from neutral to resentful as she added, “My so-called boyfriend was planning.”

There was silence between them for a second before Andrew broke the ice. “I’m sorry to hear that. His loss, definitely… Sad eyes do not suit you.” He explained, “You are better off with your husband who can make you smile.”

Who was the husband? He was. Andrew.

With that, Kenzie did end up with an uncontrollable smile. Her eyes glistened as she said, “You are unbelievable.”

“What can I say, you married the right man,” he answered while tightening the hold around her waist.

“You are quite confident I’d really go with this married thing,” she retorted, rolling her eyes while she was at it.

“Well, sweetheart. You’d be pleased to know that I am quite the full package.” Andrew fixed his gaze on Kenzie’s eyes and said, “Winning your heart already?”

“I’m feeling comfortable, yeah, but don’t get too cocky. I might still change my mind and get that divorce,” she answered before throwing another set of giggles.

Kenzie and Andrew continued to dance to the music in the next half an hour, bantering and flirting. Only after seeing Madelyn leave did Andrew invite her to resume their chat over a drink at the bar.

A few glasses after, the two were engrossed in varied discussions, not necessarily relating to their personal lives.

“So you know, Kenzie. I am writing this book and I would really appreciate it if you could help me,” Andrew muttered out of nowhere.

With a face that had started to turn red from all the booze, Kenzie asked, “How can I help you? And what book?”

Andrews’s brows furrowed. He leaned back to his seat and took a sip of his wine before explaining, “I’m writing this phone directory and if I could just add your phone number to it, it would make my manuscript a lot more appealing – “

Before Andrew could proceed, throwing more into his lines, Kenzie laughed hysterically. She was at it so hard that she felt her eyes water and her stomach ache. She wound up snorting and replied, “You are a terrible flirt! You and your lines are hilarious!”

“Can you blame me? Look at you? You look like a goddess?” Andrew replied. “A man has got to try, you know.”

Well, Kenzie knew this about her already. That was why she could not accept the kind of game Brad played on her. Wasn’t she more of a catch than Alyssa?

‘Stop thinking this, Kenzie,’ She silently scolded. There was no point in trying to find answers, for Brad was not worth a second of her thought. She recognized this well.

She smiled at Andrew and said, “Thanks, you aren’t so bad yourself.”

Taking another sip of his drink, Andrew asked, “But seriously, can I have your number? I would probably need my wife to save me in the next two weeks while stuck on this cruise… And, I think I have already proven that I am a good company. Why not stick with each other? I mean, we already declared ourselves married, after all."

Kenzie was in deep thought, smiling while looking at Andrew’s athletic face. She emptied her glass of wine and answered, “I’ll think about it… If you make me laugh long enough, I might just throw away the divorce papers.”

“You’d be pleased to know divorce is not in my vocabulary. I’ve seen that happen to my parents. I’ll never make regrets the way my father does up until this day.” Andrew winked before adding, “I promise to make you laugh till death do us part.”

“Haha! Liking you already!” Kenzie replied, offering a toast.

Since Andrew could not get more info from Kenzie, he offered, “Look, I’m an open book. I figured if you are going to trust me with your name, I should show you mine.”

Andrew raised his chin once and suggested, “G****e me. Andrew Kentworthy. My father is William Kentworthy of KNW Lifestlyle Media.”

‘G****e him?’ Kenzie thought silently. ‘He must be quite a personality.’

She tried acting lazy about it, slowly taking out her phone, but as soon as her search results came up, she pouted her lips and read, “Andrew Kentworthy, the first heir to the Kentworthy fortune may very well be the coming president of the biggest media company in England. At the age of twenty-seven, he holds the position as vice-chairman in the company’s board of directors.”

Kenzie went on, reading about Andrew, surprised at how publicized his professional life was on the internet. She compared various photos that were taken of him and pretty much confirmed she was sitting in front of the same man. At the end of the article which she was reading, she remarked, “Wow. You really are an open book.”

Caressing his chin, Andrew said, “Except for my private details.”

Andrew ordered another set of wine for them, including some food with their drinks, before he asked, “So… about you… just Kenzie. Since you already know me and know that I am not a serial killer. Why don’t you tell me about yourself.”

Kenzie pouted her lips at the question. Then she bit her lip. ‘Should I tell him the truth? No. I don’t want to be another means to an end.’

She glanced back at Andrew and said, “I’m… I’m just a nobody, Andrew.”

Chapter 3: Sound The Alarm

Kenzie felt like her head was about to explode. She sensed soft sheets beneath her frame, and her surroundings had a whiff of sandalwood. She fluttered her eyes open, realizing she was in someone else’s room, a huge and luxurious one at that.

Her nostrils picked up a scent of vanilla bean on her torso. When she sat up, she noticed how her shirt was hugging her loosely.

Then... the shock.

She was in someone else’s clothes. A man’s clothes!

In a split second, Kenzie felt her heart racing as panic struck her. She looked around and assumed the worst.

“Ahhhhh!” She screamed her loudest again and again. “Ahhhh!”

Seconds later, as she continued to scream in hysteria, she heard a loud set of banging against the door, and not a moment too soon, the door broke open with Andrew walking in, half-naked, wearing only his trousers. “What – what’s wrong, Kenzie? What happened?”

After a few more screams, Kenzie replied with tears in her eyes, “Oh, my God! Andrew? I - I lost my virginity and I don’t even know if it was any damn good!”

It took seconds for the words to sink into Andrew's head. "Jesus, you scared the hell out of me."

He placed both his hands behind his head and took a full turn, laughing unrestrained at Kenzie’s predicament. “You are something, alright, just Kenzie. You really are.”

***

“So.” With eyes wide open, Kenzie sipped on a cup of coffee and sighed with relief. “Nothing happened between us?”

“Nothing of that sort happened between us,” Andrew replied, also drinking his hot beverage from across the table. He flashed a killer smile in Kenzie’s way before adding, “By the way, I’m very relieved to know that my wife is still a virgin.”

While feeling her ears burn, Kenzie could not help but drop her mouth at his comments. After shutting them close, her lips twitched before warning, “Don’t be such a pervert – Ah.”

Kenzie massaged her temples, sensing the headache. She gasped and asked, “Um… So what exactly happened? Are you sure you did not take advantage of me?”

Andrew raised his hand and promised, “I swear to the heavens… Nothing happened between us.” Pausing only for a second, he smirked, leaned over, and continued, “Although, I must say, you seemed very disappointed, sweetheart.”

She unknowingly gawked at him for a moment, thinking quietly, ‘Was I disappointed?’ Her eyes landed on his muscled chest, which just happened to flex as soon as she studied his frame. ‘Oh, yeah. Sound the alarm. Damn! He is a work of art.’

Despite the crazy headache, she could still appreciate Andrew’s bodily features.

“Like what you see?” Andrew teased.

‘Oh, my god! Was I staring that long?’ She looked away and suggested, “Get a shirt, Andrew!”

While Andrew went back inside his room, Kenzie tried her best to recall what transpired the night before. She remembered how she had too much to drink and was feeling sick. The bar they were at was full of people, and Kenzie wanted to go back to her room.

She recalled how Andrew offered to bring her to her cabin, but in the end, she was too drunk to make the long stroll to the other side of the vessel.

"Why did I book economy?" She groaned.

The only thing she could remember next was throwing up in Andrew’s bathroom. His suite was much closer to the bar and hence, the reason why they both found their way there.

Returning from his room, already in a white shirt, Andrew offered Kenzie an aspirin. As if he knew what Kenzie was thinking, he explained, “After you threw up in my bathroom, you asked if you could just stay in my bed since they were more comfortable than yours. You were very drunk, and I was exhausted.”

“I honestly did not have the energy to go looking for your room at three in the morning, plus economy rooms are way too far from my suite,” Andrew added. “You feared I would take advantage of you, so you locked yourself in my room.”

Looking at her clothes, he said, “I did not change you so you must have chosen to wear my clothes.” He winked at her and complimented, “You look good in my shirt… better than your red dress.”

Kenzie rolled her eyes before she studied the oversized shirt she was wearing. Thank goodness she wore cycling shorts beneath her dress; otherwise, her underwear was for Andrew to feast on… At least, that was what she was thinking he would do.

“And mind you, I did not even get to wash. Thank you very much for locking the doors of my own room. And FYI, the couch was not as comfortable as my king-size bed,” he revealed. “So you owe me.”

“Oops. Sorry. ” She shrugged and said, “I did not know I had it in me. It was the first time I got drunk. And I don’t owe you anything. You had a beautiful girl sleep in your bed. I’d say you got more than what you bargained for.”

Andrew first squinted at Kenzie’s words, but soon he answered, “Touché.”

The doorbell rang, interrupting the moment between them.

“That must be breakfast,” said Andrew before getting up from his seat.

***

“I’m just a nobody. I’m poor. I am very poor,” Kenzie revealed as she and Andrew were having breakfast.

“I heard you the first time around,” Andrew replied. “You’ve been saying that since last night.”

“Did I?” She asked, frowning.

Andrew nodded and replied, “Yes, like a broken record. It was as if you were scaring me about the hole in your wallet.”

The two ate silently for seconds before Andrew spoke again. “But don’t worry, sweetheart. I don’t care if you are poor or the fact that you are a nobody.” He pointed his fork at her and added, “I like this… Kenzie, nobody.”

'Yes, I'm a nobody... and he said he did not care.' The idea that someone may actually like her without being recognized as her father's daughter was starting to sound appealing to her. With that, Kenzie smiled.

“So… where do you live? I could tell you are American or maybe Canadian,” Andrew probed.

“American. I’m from Brae – Monroe City,” Kenzie said, quickly changing her hometown.

“What do you do for a living?” he inquired.

“Ummm.” There was a hint of hesitation coming from Kenzie. She took a bite on her toast and after chewing it down, she answered, “I’m into music. I – I wanted to be a singer, but… But I wasn’t any good at it so I figured, I’ll just write songs from now on. Hoping I could sell them for a good price or maybe, I could be a producer.”

Silence filled the air, and Kenzie was unsure why. It was as if Andrew did not like her answer.

After some time, Andrew asked, “So you don’t like to be a singer or a star? Because I could help you with that.”

“No.” She said outright. “I’ve already decided, I don’t want the limelight.”

“And as I said, I’m… I’m not good at singing,” she replied. Of course, two weeks ago, her answer would have been different. Thanks to her so-called friends and boyfriend, she easily had a change of heart.

To her surprise, though, she caught Andrew sighing in relief. She heard him say, “Well, I’m glad.”

“Nothing against singers and actresses or models. I have friends who are, and I manage an entertainment company, but I don’t think I’d want to be married to a woman who would constantly go on promotional tours, meet other vultures who prey on beautiful women, does kissing scenes, fake it so they can get what they want, worse, sleep with directors or producers to get on top of the game,” Andrew blurted out. His words clearly held a deeper meaning.

“You know, I know some people who say they were once in love but had to leave their partners for a chance at fame,” he added, speaking slowly this time, his voice sounding deeper.

Kenzie was taken aback. She peered closely at Andrew as he ate. She asked, “Speaking from a personal experience?”

“Sort of. It was a long time ago, though. That’s why I made it a point never to date anyone in the entertainment industry,” he answered.

Kenzie did not know why, but she found herself smiling and said, “Andrew, I’m glad that she left you.”

“I mean, I’m glad you are single.”

“No! I mean, she does not deserve you!”

She cringed and muttered, “Arrgh. I don’t know what I am saying!”

“You mean, you are glad I got dumped so I’m free to marry you,” Andrew swiftly supplemented, smirking while he was at it.

“Yes. No! That’s not what I mean!” Kenzie countered, turning tomato red! Despite trying to take it all back, Andrew was already laughing at her admittance.

“You tricked me, for crying out loud!”

“It’s okay, sweetheart.” He winked and suggested, “I can take a hint.”

"If it makes you feel better, I'm glad that did happen and years passed. Here I am, meeting the woman who turns me on with her every move," Andrew added with a wink.

"Pervert!"

"Haha!"

Chapter 4: The Phone Number

Looking at herself in the mirror, Kenzie bit her lips before taking a full turn. The dress Andrew had delivered to his suite was exactly who she was.

It was a comfortable off-shoulder pink dress and almost hugged her frame. Its flowing skirt reached just an inch above her knees. It was simple yet brings out the beauty in her.

Kenzie was willing enough to wear her red dress again and walk to her own cabin, but Andrew insisted that she wore something else. He did not want her to look like; she slept in another man’s room… which really did happen.

Except nothing happened.

After a knock on the door, she opened it and Andrew took a peek, asking, “Are you ready?”

Andrew, wearing a plain white t-shirt that semi-hugged his muscular frame, looked terribly gorgeous and while Kenzie had seen him change into this shirt, she can’t help but complain, ‘How can he looks so good in a simple shirt!’

‘Good thing I’m also smoking hot. We just… compliment each other,’ she calmly convinced herself.

As the two walked to the other side of the ship, where Kenzie’s economy room was located, plus several stories below, Andrew’s attention was on her. As for everyone else around them, they could not help but stare at two beautiful people walking alongside each other.

Andrew’s hand was always behind her back or around her waist. He was always clearing the path for her, calling the attention of any passersby that blocked their way.

They both agreed, they could use a good afternoon rest after their drinking escapade last night and Kenzie was not about to sleep in Andrew’s bed, not even if he offered to sleep on the couch.

Arriving at Kenzie’s cabin, Andrew bid goodbye, “Well, I guess I’ll see you later tonight. Dinner?”

Kenzie smiled brightly and answered, “Yes, dinner is lovely. On you? You are the rich one here.”

She bit her lip, thinking, ‘I’m not necessarily taking advantage, right? The guy pays for dinner. It’s always been that way.’

“No problem,” he replied. “Rest well... Just Kenzie.”

Andrew leaned forward and pecked the side of Kenzie’s cheek. She flushed and felt a strange sensation in her abdomen at the feel of his lips.

When Andrew pulled away, their eyes met, and they stayed still for a second or two, just staring.

“I guess I better leave,” Andrew suggested under his breath. He grinned and added, “Unless you are up for a staring contest which I am absolutely up for."

Chuckling, Kenzie looked down and answered, “Yes, I need to get some sleep. Thank you for walking me to my cabin."

When Andrew’s tall and sexy figure slowly retreated, Kenzie somewhat felt disappointed. Then it hit her! How were they ever going to meet up?

“Andrew! Wait!” She called, walking fast to catch up with him.

‘Wait. I’ve never offered my number to a guy before, let alone ask for his number!’ She thought about how to say it casually.

Kenzie pursed her lips and looked up to his light brown eyes and inquired, holding back a giggle, “Did I ever… did I ever help you with that phone book you are writing?”

Andrew chuckled, flaunting his sexy dimples, and replied, “Yes, you did, sweetheart. You willingly gave me your number.”

“I did?” She asked, panning her eyes from left to right, suprrised. “Hmmm… I just don’t remember I guess.”

“But I’m glad you helped me out with my manuscript! You were a big help,” he teased. “It’s going to be a best seller.”

“Haha! Whatever, Andrew. I guess I’ll see you later,” she said, finally waving goodbye.

*** FLASHBACK FROM LAST NIGHT ***

Andrew was getting nowhere with his phone book. No, sir. Kenzie was not giving him her number anytime soon, even with her already turning red from all the drinks she had consumed at two in the morning.

Kenzie just kept babbling about him, possibly turning to be another guy who might just hurt her. He recognized how she was badly hurt from whatever breakup she went through that she spoke of it in her drunkenness.

That was not important, however. Right now, he needed to get her number.

While he was confident they had formed a certain connection, there was always that possibility that she would hide from him for the entire two-week cruise after that night.

He certainly would not want that. He had to act fast.

Like on cue, a commotion starts distracting them, especially Kenzie, coming from the other side of the bar.

“Looks like a lover’s quarrel,” Kenzie remarked, directing her gaze at another couple, squinting.

“We should never quarrel,” she suggested before giggling.

“Never,” Andrew acknowledged, while he purposely placed his phone at the bartender’s countertop.

The bartender was left puzzled, but Andrew just silently gave him the “Work with me lad, look” and the guy did not object.

Just when the commotion was over, Andrew started looking around the back of his seat and searching from inside his pockets. He hissed, and it caught Kenzie’s attention.

“What’s up with you?” Kenzie asked with a frown.

“Erm… I can’t find my fucking phone,” he answered, getting up and looking down at the floor.

While already tipsy, Kenzie helped with the search and looked at the distant seats.

“Can you maybe ring my mobile for me, Kenzie? That would be a lot easier,” Andrew suggested while still feeling his clothes for any sign of his mobile. “You have W******p? There is no cellular service out here, but you can connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi.”

“Ah.” Kenzie paused for a second, barely able to hold her stance. “Gosh, I’m feeling dizzy.”

“Yeah, I have W******p.” When she finally caught up with what Andrew was asking, she asked for his number and she carelessly dialed it. “Opps! Opps! There you go. Haha! Ringing!”

They both turned to the left at the same time where, not very far, the bartender was shaking his head, realizing what Andrew was up to.

“Oh, my god! You could have said something. It was in front of you the whole time! I’m pretty sure you saw us and heard us, looking for his phone,” Kenzie berated at the bartender, and the guy glared at Andrew.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. Honest mistake. The man is busy. My mistake mostly for putting it there.” Andrew quickly grabbed his phone and gave the bartender an apologetic stare. He knew he was bound to give the lad a big tip for keeping his mouth shut.

He helped Kenzie settle back into her seat and placed back his mobile inside his jacket pocket. He then suggested, “One more drink before we call it a night? How about a hard one, this time?”

“Huh?” Kenzie asked, bemused. She rested her cheek against her fist, leaning against the bar.

“Two vodka shots,” Andrew ordered, and handed one to Kenzie.

She was clearly having second thoughts, pouting her lips as she studied the drink. She took it anyway and grimaced dramatically at the end. It was clear to Andrew how she was not good at holding her drinks.

“That was nasty,” she remarked, sticking her tongue out before asking for water. "I guess... I'm just a wine person."

He watched as Kenzie drink a glass of water and then he playfully asked, “So, Kenzie… How about that phone number. Are you ever going to give me yours?”

Kenzie laughed. Her face was red as a tomato before answering, “Not a chance, buddy! You’ll have to try harder!”

With a smirk on his face, Andrew answered, “I knew you would say that.”

From the corner of his eye, Andrew saw how the bartender rolled his eyes at him, but he did not care. He still got her number either way. Besides, what were the chances that Kenzie might not remember it the next day? He was banking that she would not.

Still, it was better than letting Kenzie slip through his fingers... the second time around.

Chapter 5: Sad Blue Eyes

A week before the cruise.

"Are you sure we have everything ready, lad?" Andrew asked his assistant as they were picking up their belongings from inside the Starbucks Coffee shop of John F. Kennedy International Airport.

From the cafe, the two had reviewed the contract offer to the biggest production that may very well give him the CEO seat of his family's company, the KNW Lifestyle Media. They were planning on getting the rights to the series that had become popular in the US, hoping to bring it to England.

The comedy show was called "The Rich Asians." It featured several wealthy Asian families living in the US and their daily lives. The program was sassy, funny, and, surprisingly, included a lot of smart lessons in life. Which was exactly why it was a big hit.

The said series was so sensational in the US that Andrew was sure he would make serious money out of it if aired in Europe.

"Yes, Sir Andrew. We have it all here." Andrew's assistant, Wendell Reyes, clung to the documents and hugged them against his chest. "I'll keep them safe, Sir."

"Alright, Wendell." As Andrew put back his coat, he reminded, "We have one shot at this. We better get this right. Then you and I will both get promoted."

The two flew out to New York just so they could meet the sole producer of the show, Mr. Felix Song, and make a tempting offer.

They heard many stories of the said producer. They were told he was a traditional man, a man with honor and principles. They were told he and his family were not the kind to easily trust their money and hard work with just anyone. Thus, it required Andrew to be present himself, wanting to gain Mr. Song's trust.

He was the best man for the job.

Flying on a private jet, Andrew and Wendell purposely arrived two hours before their meeting so they could have ample time to compose themselves.

Nodding confidently, Andrew picked up his take-away coffee and said, "Let's go. Our limo should already be outside."

"Right," confirmed Wendell, as he placed the documents in his bag.

The two walked confidently, catching the eyes of many women as they made their way out, but just when Andrew thought everything was going according to plan, he bumped into a girl with blonde hair!

It was... a head-on collision.

"Bloody hell! Watch where you are going!" Andrew could not help but get annoyed, feeling the coffee spilled all over his extravagant suit. If that was not enough, he turned sideways and saw how some of his coffee had made their way to Wendell's clothes and bag.

Horror filled Andrew's eyes before turning to the girl who was responsible for all of this.

However, just as he was about ready to berate on her, he immediately caught sight of her wistful blue eyes.

It captured his attention in an instant.

It made him swallow his own spew.

His heart instantly clenched at the sorrow of her electric blue orbs.

Tears welled up in the girl's orbs as she attempted to apologize, "I'm - gosh, I'm terribly sorry. I - I wasn't thinking."

Her pointed nose was red, and her eyes were puffed. It was apparent to Andrew that she had been crying even before she bumped into him.

Almost immediately, his anger faded. "Are you - are you, okay?"

He realized the girl in front of him was in a state of turmoil, more than him... despite being soaked with coffee, and only an hour away from a very important appointment.

Andrew could not help but ponder what made this beautiful girl turn grim. From his point of view, sadness did not suit her eyes.

"It's her! I'm sure it's her!" He heard people say not too far that it made him look up.

He noticed how the girl looked away, hiding her face and covering them with her hands.

"I'm sorry. If I see you again, I'll make up for it, but... I really have to leave. I'm sorry, Mister." And before he knew it, the girl with blonde hair left him in the middle of JFK, stained with coffee all over.

Andrew Kentworthy never made it to his appointment. He couldn't make it in time to change clothes and get new copies of their company's offer to the show, "The Rich Asians."

He lost his big fat opportunity, but that did not bother him one bit. In the days that followed, his mind often drifted to the girl with blonde hair and sad blue eyes.

Somehow, he felt the dire need to make her smile and bring sparks to her eyes, but it was too late. He did not run after her. To him, it was a far worse of a lost cost than the contract for the famous TV series.

Little did he know, fate had it made. They were bound to meet on a two-week cruise... thanks to his grandmother.

When Andrew realized his grandmother had set him up on a date with Madelyn Wilson, he was determined to get off the cruise at one of its island stops. He did not care where or how, but he was banking on returning to work immediately.

However, on the night where he had spent at the bar, he met the same woman who spilled coffee all over him at JFK airport.

Slender hands grabbed his arm and forced him to look at her. She said, "Hi there, sweetie, there you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.”

When she called him sweetie, he was ready to lash at her, but to his shock, that familiar electric blue eyes made his heart stop for a second.

'It's her.'

'It's definitely her.'

'And she doesn't remember.'

Then, in no time, he brought back a skill he once knew in college, one that he had not practiced for a very... very long time; flirting.

A smirk easily formed on his face as he answered, “Well, if it isn’t my lovely wife. I knew you could not get out of bed after what we did last night.”

Andrew figured, whatever game this girl was playing, he was in it to win it!

More than just practicing his humor and his pickup lines, he wanted to make her smile.

When he brought her to the dance floor and had a glimpse of her predicament, he learned she was heartbroken. He stared directly into her expressive orbs and said, “I’m sorry to hear that. His loss, definitely… Sad eyes do not suit you.”

Chapter 6: Wedding Rings

Back to the present.

“Hungry?” Andrew asked Kenzie as he walked alongside her by the corridors. His black hair was without a style, softly moving freely as they made their way to the restaurant.

She smiled with pursed lips, nodding while studying how his shirt loosely hugged his well-shaped body. She pretended to look down at her feet but peered sideways under her lashes, appreciating Andrew's long and masculine legs. They were well hidden beneath his faded jeans.

'Damn.'

Andrew was in simple clothes, yet he still managed to be guilty of being an adonis. How cruel was the world to the other men and how lucky was she to be walking with a possible demi-god? He looked too perfect to be human, or so she thought.

“ I wasn’t sure if you like fancy restaurants. So I decided we could go to a more comfortable – casual one,” Andrew revealed. It was his way of adjusting to her supposed simple life.

“Ummm. Yeah, sure. That would be great.” She immediately understood. “I mean, I – I totally am not for using too many silverwares when eating!"

She sneered towards the end as she gave a fake laugh, "Haha!"

‘Did that make sense? I hope he isn’t taking me to eat burgers and fries though,’ she thought silently because she wasn't really fond of fast food. Her mother made sure of that.

Walking closer to what it looked like an open-air seafood restaurant, Kenzie sighed in relief, but an angry-looking brunette quickly put her easiness to a stop who, out of nowhere, stood in their way.

“Andrew! My father called your grandmother, and he was told you don’t have a girlfriend. Thus!” Madelyn glared at Kenzie, her nose flaring as she declared, “You are not married to anybody. And especially not this one!”

Andrew was quick to push Madelyn aside and protect Kenzie with his arms. He held her tightly and forced her closer to his chest. He reminded, “We were in a secret relationship. I told you this already. We got married in secret and in fact! We are on our honeymoon. I only agreed to meet with you, thinking it was a business meeting while on this cruise!”

“Yes! We are, in fact… in our honeymoon,” Kenzie supplemented. She was already in this with Andrew since last night, she might as well play along.

Madelyn winced, taunting in resentment at the two and carefully studying their body language. Seconds later, she found something strange. Pointing at Andrew’s finger, she said, “Hah! You don’t even have wedding rings! And how about your marriage contract? Where is it?”

While Kenzie felt a lump in her throat, Andrew remained calm, merely shaking his head.

“We don’t need to explain anything to you, Madelyn. As for our marriage certificate, we don’t necessarily carry it with us as we go for dinner.” Andrew retorted. "Now, will you please, leave us in peace."

“Even she has no wedding ring or engagement ring!” Her eyes were fuming with passion, scowling at Kenzie. “It is too much of a coincidence that both of you are not wearing rings!”

‘Okay, Kenzie. Think!’ Kenzie shifted her gaze to Andrew and could tell that he was also formulating a plan. She took the liberty to start by explaining, “We had to take it off.”

“It was getting in the way,” Andrew added.

“Yes,” Kenzie backed him up, despite not knowing where it was headed. “It was… easier without the rings.”

“Getting in the way of what?!” Madelyn had to ask.

“Bloody hell, Madelyn! Can’t you understand? We are on our honeymoon! We were having wild sex, and the rings were getting in the way - getting tangled in the hair, scratching our skins - We just had to remove them!” Andrew gave his defense, squinting at Madelyn.

Yes!” Just as she agreed unwittingly, Kenzie stood frozen in her stance, turning tomato red. ‘What? What did he just say? Of course, he would say something sexual! Pervert and shameless!’

Kenzie could feel several eyes on them, probably having heard what Andrew suggested. She had never felt so ashamed in her life. ‘Wild sex? Seriously? How could wedding rings do so much damage? And he just had to say that out loud!’

“Sweetheart, let’s just go back and get our rings so we can satisfy Madelyn’s curiosity,” without waiting for any reaction from the brunette, Andrew grabbed Kenzie’s hand and sped away. It was clear to Andrew that Madelyn was hell-bent to make her point.

He knew he had to get those... wedding rings.

***

“What are we doing here, Andrew?” Kenzie asked, her tone reflected a hint of irritation.

Opening the door to the ship’s jewelry store, Andrew gently held Kenzie’s hand and answered, “I’m sorry, sweetheart, but you don’t have to be upset. They don’t know us and we don’t know them. When they return to their homes, they will forget about the couple who had wild sex on their honeymoon that they had to take off their wedding rings.”

Kenzie’s mouth fell agape while being dragged inside. Andrew, on the other hand, just gave her a wink, followed by his usual sexy smirk.

“You are shameless!” She had to call it out.

“And you probably would not want it any other way,” he answered, chuckling and showing off his dimples.

‘Do I?’ She wondered, still upset, yet finding herself following Andrew’s lead. Her heart sank, realizing... he probably was right. He was fun that way; being shameless!

Heartbeats later, a gentleman attending to the store offered the couple various options for their instant wedding rings.

Several conditions need to be met. One, since they were only pretending, Kenzie insisted that it should be practically priced. Two, unfortunately, the rings, including her engagement ring, had to fit the description in the way Andrew had exaggerated earlier.

The wedding rings needed to be… believable.

“The rings have to have intricate details,” Andrew suggested, caressing his chin while studying the options.

With a hint of sarcasm, Kenzie added, rolling her eyes in Andrew’s direction, “One word. WILD.”

Andrew chuckled, ignoring Kenzie’s remark. He said, “More like a dangerous kind… Something that could potentially hurt.”

“Maybe a little sharp on the edges?” Kenzie added, raising a brow, and only then did Kenzie and Andrew look at each other. They both nodded in agreement before turning to the store attendant.

“Details so convoluted, it would get tangled in the hair,” Andrew described.

“And it must be something you can easily dispose of after its full use,” Kenzie explained, nodding her head. “So tell us, what do you recommend?”

The poor gentleman in front of them was left confused, shifting his eyes from Andrew to Kenzie. His forehead formed droplets of sweat, imagining what the two were up to. His lips trembled as he asked, “Are you… looking to buy a wedding ring?” His voice broke off as he added, “Or… a murder weapon? Ha. Ha.”

Dead air filled the space.

They could clearly hear the store attendant gulping in each second that passed.

Soon enough, however, Andrew cleared his throat and leaned over the glass display. He said to the gentleman in his most serious tone, "Listen, lad. It isn't what you think at all."

"Yeah, it really isn't. Pfft... I mean... How could rings be murder weapons?" Kenzie added.

"Yes, me and my wife... we... we simply have a fetish for going rough and wild in bed - Ahhh!"

A smack went across Andrew's arm and Kenzie yelled, "Andrew!"

Before the two could argue, the storekeeper sighed and assumed, "Oh, so you're also into BDSM. What do you know! Though, I haven't thought of using rings before. Haha! You know golden chains can make a good bondage. Would you like me to show you?"

The couple's mouths fell on the floor. Somehow, Andrew could not make a comeback and Kenzie thought, 'Why did the murder weapon sound better?'

Chapter 7: Husband Material

"Oh, my god! Three o'clock. Stalker alert!" Kenzie warned as she pretended to look down at the menu, ready to order for her meal.

Earlier, before entering the restaurant, they still found Madelyn waiting for them. They flashed their wedding rings and had to deal with a few nasty exchanges before they went inside to have their dinner.

To Kenzie's shock, the brunette took a table not too far from them, clearly observing how they acted together.

Andrew just shook his head, saying, "I'm sorry. I'm too gorgeous for my own good. Just ignore her."

"Whatever." Kenzie rolled her eyes, but at the same time, she could not agree more. Someone like Andrew probably has more than one stalker in his life.

She also had a few, but her father and her brother took care of them.

"You are just lucky that with the way she judges me with her stares, I want to stay married to you just so she would bleed with envy," she added as she continued to scan the menu.

Andrew chuckled and said, "Excuses. Excuses. You know you are falling for me already."

"Dream on," she countered, but smirked at the end.

"Didn't your parents ever tell you it's not good to lie? How about the saying follow your heart? You should try it some time," he teased and winked.

When the waiter arrived to take their order, Andrew offered, "Let me guess. You'd like a Ceasar salad?"

"Ah, how do you know?" Kenzie asked with a frown before looking at the food attendant and confirming the request.

"Most girls eat only that," Andrew thought.

"And I'll also have one five hundred grams of this lemon butter snapper, please," Kenzie added with a smile.

"Oh, no, sweetheart. I like my shrimps. You don't need to order for me," Andrew cut her off, assuming the fish was for him.

"No, Andrew. The fish is for me. And yes, I eat green salad, but I also need my protein," she explained. "I don't starve myself to death eating just grass. What's the fun in that?"

For a second, Andrew paused. It took him that long to recover before clarifying, "You can eat an entire five hundred grams of fish? How do you get to look like that?"

"I work out and I eat fewer carbs," she said as she handed the menu to the server. "I know how to take care of myself. It's one of those life lessons from my parents."

While waiting for their food, Andrew took the chance to get to know more about her now that she was sober. "So... about your ex - "

"I don't want to talk about him. He and my friends broke my heart - more like used me to get what they want, and that's the reason I left my hometown. I don't want to see them ever again," she briefly explained. "I want to start anew. Meet new friends - "

"And now you have a husband... a fine one at that," he inserted himself, smirking at the end.

When she just snorted, Andrew continued with his probing, "So... tell me about your family."

'Oh, no.' These were the type of questions Kenzie was avoiding. Telling the truth would go against her goal of starting fresh... at least... she feared that it would.

She took her time, but when she saw how Andrew was lowering his gaze at her, waiting, she spoke, "Ummm... Well, my mom is a cook. And my dad, he... Um."

Kenzie was trying to find the right way to explain to Andrew who her father was, but it was because she needed more time that she tried to change the topic. She blurted out, "I like your shirt, by the way. Really nice material."

"This plain white shirt?" He glowed as soon as she nodded. "You know what it's made of?"

"No." She shook her head and asked, "What?"

"Husband material," he was swift to reply.

Kenzie wound up shaking her head, beaming at his words. She heard the man say, "avoiding the question, I see."

"Fine!" She cleared her throat and started to say, "Well, um... My dad, he... he does a lot of things."

For a second, she pouted her lips, and she explained, "Sometimes, he would venture into... real estate... Ummm.... hospitality. Really, just whatever he thinks is good for the moment. He is kinda good at that."

"I get it... And I have high respect for those who have to work multiple jobs for the family. Your dad must be really hardworking," Andrew supplied, nodding his head in genuine admiration.

"You... you can say that again," Kenzie softly returned.

"Any brothers and sisters?" Andrew resumed his probing.

"Two brothers and one sister." Kenzie smiled, somewhat being sentimental at the mention of her family and revealed, "Actually, part of the reason why I approached you was because you gave me the feel similar to that of my twin brother, Kyle."

"You were in a formal suit, you are tall and you have dark hair - but yours are darker - "

"I'm sorry to burst your bubble, sweetheart, but I'm not for brotherly love." He placed a hand on his chest and resumed, "For you, I'm the real thing. Husband material, remember?"

Kenzie tried to hold down a giggle. She warned, using the pointed ring on her finger, "Stop that or I'll kill you with my murder weapon."

"Hell, no! That guy was crazy, but if you are in it to commit a crime, how about we agree on a perfect crime," Andrew said, leaning forward, his eyes glistening in Kenzie's direction.

"What crime?" Kenzie asked, utterly curious.

For some strange reason, Kenzie felt something off. It was with the way he grinned that she was sure it was yet again another one of his provocative ideas.

"How about... I steal your heart and you steal mine?" He revealed.

Kenzie burst out laughing in her seat, snorting while she was at it. Her face turned crimson red as she said, "It wasn't what I expected, but... I kinda think that was cute."

"So you think I'm cute?" He asked, giving a sly grin.

Kenzie: "I said what you said was cute, not you! You are obviously not cute - "

Andrew: "You think I'm hot - "

Kenzie: "Yeah, sure - wait! You are putting words into my mouth!"

Andrew: "You think I'm sexy?"

Kenzie: "Stop it."

Andrew: "I've been called many things but definitely not cute."

Kenzie: "Fine! You are sexy and hot!"

Andrew: "Husband material."

Kenzie sighed and surrendered. "Husband material. Happy now?"

Andrew's lips curved into a sexy smirk, letting Kenzie know that he won again.

***

Later that evening, Madelyn still followed the couple to Andrew's suite. The two frequently peaked through the door, checking if she was still around the corner.

After seeing that Madelyn was going nowhere at eleven in the evening, Andrew suggested, "Sweetheart, looks like you are sleeping in my bed again."

"Make me!" It was Kenzie's way of disagreeing.

"I probably will."

Chapter 8: Make It Real

"Are you ready?" Andrew asked, placing a hand behind Kenzie's waist.

Kenzie gulped, looking down at the water slide snaking down to the ship's deck. Andrew had convinced her to take the plunge after three days of putting it off.

Yes, they have been out in the sea for four full days, and going down the famous slide was one of Andrew's bucket lists for Kenzie.

"I can't do this." She shook her head and repeated, "I just can't!"

"Oh, come on, Kenzie. Live a little," Andrew urged.

She found herself looking at the deep blue ocean and added, "Andrew, I am definitely in for living a little, but this is just not what I expected. I can see the ocean from here, Andrew! I can't do this!"

From behind her, Andrew chuckled and said, "Sweetheart, you aren't jumping into the ocean. You'll just land in the landing pod below, right on the ship's deck. Trust me when I say you aren't escaping me that easily. Now, go on. I'll follow."

She thought about it again but decided against it either way. She swung around and said, "I am usually adventurous, Andrew, but I have not been to an amusement park for so long and this? This is just not what I expected! I am literally standing what? forty or fifty feet above the ship."

Holding on to Andrew's muscular arm, Kenzie told, "I really can't, Andrew. I really can't."

They were two godly frames, standing at top of the cruise ship's water slide, wearing nothing but their sexy swimwear.

Gasping in dismay, Andrew gave up, raising his hands. "Alright." He looked at Kenzie's blue eyes and said with a concerned face, "It's okay, sweetheart. I don't mind that I married a wuss."

He took her hand and added, "You are still beautiful, anyway - "

"What did you just call me?" Kenzie's nose flared, realizing how Andrew had called her a coward.

"Ah. I may have exaggerated a little, but I get that you are scared - "

"I am not a wuss, Andrew! Fine! I'll take the slide and prove you wrong!" She was clearly upset, turning red as she shifted back to the slide.

She gasped and gulped, giving one last look at the obstacle course beneath her feet. 'I can do this! This is totally the same as a roller coaster, right?'

Kenzie gave one last glance at Andrew and heard him say, "Go on, sweetheart. I'll follow you."

She crossed her arms against her chest and took a deep breath. Then, she took two steps forward and from there, there was no turning back. She screamed the second her body started to go down... fast. "Aaaahhhhh!"

To Kenzie's surprise, she enjoyed taking the drop!

When Andrew followed after her, they went at it again and again. They ended up spending the rest of the afternoon at the ship's water park.

Already covered in a second layer of summer wear, Andrew and Kenzie grabbed some snacks at the bar by the water park. They were laughing their hearts out, recalling the excitement at the slides.

With gleaming eyes, Kenzie revealed, "I have never had so much fun in years. Seriously! I mean... I was just so occupied with getting a career that I had probably forgotten to have fun."

Andrew smiled in satisfaction at her words. He said, "I am glad I am here to witness your smiles. I vowed to make you laugh till death do as part, remember?"

"Yeah." Chuckling, she replied, "Yes, you did, husband."

"Oh, hi! You were that married couple who had an encounter with a stalker at the "SEA" restaurant a few days back, weren't you?" Out of nowhere, a woman in her late thirties with black hair approached them, together with her husband.

"Um." Kenzie frowned and studied the couple. It looked to her that they wanted to make acquaintances, so she wasn't sure if she should be honest with them or not. She ended up explaining either way, "Um. Well. We aren't really married."

From the corner of her eye, she sensed Andrew's disapproval, but since he did not object, she continued, "It's really a long story. You see, the stalker lady was following him too much and since we were hanging out together, we sort of just made her assume that we were married. You know, just to get her off his back."

She was almost out of breath as she described.

"Oh, such a shame," said the woman. "So you aren't really a couple?"

Kenzie shook her head.

"Wow, you look really good together," remarked her husband. "We could not tell. Did you come on the cruise together?"

It ended up being a lengthy explanation for Kenzie while skipping a few private details.

When the other couple left, Andrew finally gave his piece. He said, "Was that really necessary? They don't know us. We don't know them and we will probably not see them again. The same could be said with the other people out here who will most probably try to make friends with us."

Bemused, Kenzie lowered her gaze at him, asking, "What do you mean?"

"We could simply say we are, in fact, married. Simple. Easier to explain to new acquaintances and easier to get Madelyn to leave us alone," Andrew pointed out.

Somehow, Kenzie understood where Andrew was coming from. Before she could respond, another couple came to introduce themselves.

"Hi, I'm Janice and this is my husband, Rob. We have seen you around. Are you guys married?" Said the woman with red hair.

One second and then another second passed. It would seem to Kenzie that Andrew wanted her to make the decision. She smiled at the woman and said, "Yes, we are married. This is Andrew, my husband and I'm Kenzie."

"Great!" The red-headed woman answered. "We approached you because we wanted to invite a few couples to our private party over at the lounge next week. We were hoping you could come. You guys look like a really nice couple to get to know."

They sat on Kenzie and Andrew's table, exchanging pleasantries and talking about the first stop on the cruise. Soon, they finally left to find another couple to invite to their party.

When Kenzie and Andrew were alone, the man finally spoke. He said, "See what I mean? Wasn't that much easier?"

"Pffft! Yeah. Haha! That was a lot shorter." She sneered and clarified, "I mean, saying how I had to rescue you from a stalker brunette and how we ended up helping each other, pretending to be married and object to their opinions because we look like we are married."

"Haha! It's such a mouthful!"

"Mouthful, indeed," Andrew agreed before letting out a set of laughter himself.

***

The next day, the cruise made its very first stop, and while going around Lisbon, Spain, Andrew and Kenzie met another family. Same as the last, they were asked if they were married.

"Yes, we are married," Kenzie acknowledged to the family of four, a couple, and two teenage kids. "I'm Kenzie and this is my husband, Andrew."

After parting ways from making another friend, Andrew said to Kenzie as they stood in the middle of the streets of Lisbon, "That wasn't so bad, wasn't it?"

"Yeah, I could get a hang of it." She shrugged and joked, "Getting married, I mean. Haha!"

Andrew took Kenzie's hand, and as they walked together back in the direction of the ship, he said in passing, "If you are up to it, we could make it real."

At his words, Kenzie swore, she felt her heart flutter.

*** AUTHOR'S NOTES ***

My lovely readers,

Thank you for following my stories; from Sam and Ethan to their kids. This novel is a sequel to "Mommy, Where Is Daddy? The Forsaken Daughter's Return."

"Flash Marriage: A Billionaire For A Rebound" is the story of their daughter, Kenzie Wright. Hence, you can read this story as a stand-alone. However, if you are up to it, you may start with the abovementioned novel, featuring Kenzie's parents.

You may also want to check the story of Kenzie's brother, Kyle. It is entitled "I Kissed A CEO And He Liked It."

The series is exclusively available on goodnovel.