bMegan /band Scott were sitting nearby, and from where they were, ey could clearly see the blush rising on Charlotte’s cheeks.

    bThey /balso saw the way Sean looked at her.

    His gaze was filled with warmth and anticipation.

    Megan’s chest tightened.

    She had never seen Sean look at anyone like that. The cold, indifferent man she knew now had eyes brimming with tenderness.

    “Lottic,e on,” Ian teased, grinning. “Look at that face–he’s practically begging. You’re really gonna leave him hanging?”

    Mia chimed in, pping. “Kiss him! Kiss him!”

    Even Lena nudged Charlotte with her elbow and joined in. “Lottic, Sean just asked for a kiss. What are you waiting for?”

    Everyone joined the yful chant–everyone except Scott and Megan.

    Sean was sitting right next to Charlotte.

    Surrounded by the lighthearted teasing, Charlotte gave a shy smile Her cheeks burned as she reached out, looped her arms around Sean’s neck, closed her eyes, and kissed him.

    At that moment, Megan dropped her gaze to the floor.

    It felt like someone had driven a knife straight into her chest.

    She never imagined she would live to see the cool and emotionally distant Sean kiss another woman in front of everyone.

    And the worst part was, he was the one who had asked for it.

    Megan stared at the floor, dazed and lightheaded.

    It felt like the entire cruise ship was rocking beneath her.

    But it wasn’t. The sea was calm, and the ship was steady. The spinning was all in her head.

    Scott quietly looked away as well, avoiding the sight of the kissing couple. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes had dimmed. He took a long sip of his drink without saying a word.

    Charlotte had only meant to give Sean a quick peck–just enough to appease everyone.

    But the moment her lips touched his, Sean suddenly cupped the back of her head and deepened the kiss.

    That was when the whole group really started to cheer.

    Charlotte’s face turned crimson.

    Sean didn’t hold back. His kiss was deep, slow, and intimate. Their lips and tongues entwined, and the world around them

    seemed to fade.

    At first, Charlotte was flustered. They had never kissed like this in front of people before.

    But Sean was so focused, so sure, so skilled that she got pulled into his rhythm without realizing it.

    Soonb, /bthe noise faded from her ears.

    She forgot they were even ying a game.

    In that moment, it was just the two of them–caught in a kiss they couldn’t seem to end.

    No one interrupted them.

    bChapter /bb479 /b

    bBy /bbthe /btime bthey /bfinally pulled apart, they were both slightly breathless.

    Charlotte’s lips were red and slightly swollenb, /bglistening and impossibly soft.

    Mia winked at her with a wide grin. “Okay, tonight was totally worthing for. That was the hottest thing I’ve seen in a while.”

    Charlotte shot her a yful re. “Oh, cut it out.”

    Scott’s voice suddenly broke the moment. “Let’s get to the next round.”

    Right thenb, /bbthe /bdoor to the lounge swung open.

    Megan’s friend Summer York stepped inside. “Megan! There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.”

    Megan forced a smile and waved. “I’ve been here ying games with everyone. Wanna join?”

    Summer nced around the room, her eyes quicklynding on Scan.

    She let out a pointed “Ohhh,” dragging it out with a teasing grin. Now I see why you didn’t want toe hang with us. You’ve got Mr. Jasper in here.”

    Megan shot her a look, clearly embarrassed. “Cut it out.”

    “What game are you guys ying?” Summer asked as she plopped down beside Megan. “Mind if I join?”