Adjusting myself in my seat, I can't help but feel as if he is pulling my leg. There is no way I guessed anything correctly– It is nearly impossible.

He has to be playing a game of his own, but I decide to play along, unsure of his motive. My eyes roll back as I jokingly say, "Oh yeah, definitely."

The side of Zach's mouth begins to rise, and a dimple starts to show under the light stubble on his cheeks. "I'm in the navy, and I go on missions to save the world from terrorists." He raises his hand and points behind me, forcing me to turn around and look towards the bar. "Those guys, well most of them, are my shipmates."

My eyes go wide as my mouth opens in amazement. "Wow, I am good. Maybe that guy is in the CIA."

Zach lets out a deep-chested laugh that causes his head to fall backward. "That's totally possible, but I'm not CIA, that much I can tell you. I'm just an officer on submarines."

Zach shrugs his broad shoulders as if his job holds no importance, but that could not be farther from the truth.

Millions of questions start to swarm through my mind as I stare deep into Zach's gorgeous eyes. "Like a captain?"

Playing mindlessly with the foil of Dom's finished cookie wrapper, Zack shakes his head. "Nah. At least not yet."

A memory of my father pops into my mind, and I can't help the smile that starts to grow across my face. "Well, thank you for your service."

Zach's head snaps up and seems taken back by my statement. "You don't have to thank me. I enjoy what I do."

"Well, my dad was super patriotic." I usually keep information about my father private, but there is just something about Zach that makes me feel he would appreciate how fondly my father thought of our troops. "I was always told to thank our service members. I'm the person that goes up to the old guys wearing veteran hats."

I would be lying if I said each of Zach's contagious smiles didn't cause my heart to flutter, but there is something about the softness in his eyes and the toothless grin he is sporting that makes this one feel different. "Your dad seems like a great guy. Those men have seen more action than I have. I've only been on the boat for about a year.

"Boat? I thought you said you worked on submarines."

"Oh yeah, Sorry." My heart instantly drops when the words fall from his mouth, and my mind begins to race with thoughts of other lies he might have told. Cutting me from my wandering mind, he says, "We call submarines boats and the surface boats ships."

Not sure what came over me and caused me to feel such insecurities, but I instantly feel guilty for jumping to such assumptions. It's an odd feeling to try to calm yourself down over something so absurd.

Trying desperately to move the negative thoughts, I go back over the information Zach has already shared until I realize there is so much more I want to learn. "Only a year? How old are you?

Zach rubs the back of his neck, and I can't help but ogle at his bulging biceps. My mind goes blank at the sight of his shirt straining due to the size of his exquisite physique. "Twenty three. I went to college at the Naval Academy and only got my first orders after graduation."

Not only is he ridiculously good looking but incredibly smart. He keeps surprising me, and I find myself drawn to him like a moth to a flame.

Bringing my elbow to rest on the table, I rest my cheek against my hand as I stare at him with wide eyes. "Wow. Isn't that school tough to get into?"

The glistening in his eyes causes my cheeks to heat up under his intense gaze. "Is it completely arrogant for me to admit that it is?"

I respect how modest he is trying to be and not rubbing his achievements in my face. My hand waves off his comment because he isn't boastful, just stating facts. "Nah, you should be proud of your accomplishments."

He once again begins to play with the empty wrapper absentmindedly. "I had a great support system around me."

Typically, I hold short, impersonal conversations with new people, but with Zach, it's different, I want to know everything. "Did you always want to join the navy?"

Zach tilts his head from side to side, and there is something about the simple action that I find incredibly endearing. Maybe it is the way he winces ever so slightly as he moves his head or the way his bottom lip juts out as he thinks, all I know is that I am fascinated by him. "Yes and no. I'm a huge history nerd. I could sit and watch World War Two documentaries all day."

If there is anything in the world, I can hold a conversation about it's World War Two. My heart sings as I remember all the discussions I had with my father on the subject. "My dad was a history teacher."

My nearly stop breathing when Zach lifts his hand from the table and reaches for me. His large hand swallows mine as his fingers wrap around my soft skin. "I keep hearing you say "was." I'm not going to ask you to share anything. It seems super invasive and personal, totally not first date material. I just want to let you know that I am truly listening to you."

His admission sends tingles down my spine and causes my stomach to do an unfamiliar flip. Not wanting to show how his words affect me, I simply say, "Oh, this is our first date?

"It could be if we continue to chat." Zach looks down at the black athletic style watch on his wrist and smiles. "We have about 45 minutes until we dock."

Looking away from him, I begin to scratch around the sides of my nails. "What about your friends?"

"This is more important." When I look up, Zach's intense gaze pulls me in, and nothing in the room exists— Only us.

Trying hard to swallow the lump in my throat, I nod my head because I have no idea how to respond. Zach must think I'm a complete looney.

"What if I got us some snacks?" He asks. "Dates usually involve food."

My brows shoot up at the idea of snacks. "Can I pay for drinks, at least?

Zach smirks, and I can't look away. "Sure."

After asking Dom if he wants anything, Zach and I walk side by side down the long aisles to the concession stand. Our conversation back at the table seemed to flow so freely, but as soon as he said the word, "Date," I have lost my ability to speak.

Zach nudges my shoulder and my neck strains when I look up to meet his gaze. "So, what is your favorite food?"

My heart rate begins to pick up as I fail to find my voice. Standing there like a complete moron, I try my hardest to get over this anxious feeling. "Uh."

Great start, Gemma.

Trying again, I say, "I guess that depends. Are we talking about snack foods or meals? Sweet or savory, there are so many options."

Making it to the concession stand line, we begin to look over the massive menu. I didn't realize there was a full kitchen on board, as well as baked goods.

Zach stops scanning over his options and turns towards me. "If we were to go out to dinner, where would I take you?"

My gaze looks down to the floor as if it was the most exciting thing as I shift my weight back and forth. The idea of going out on a date with Zach fills me with excitement, but at the same time, fear. I'm terrified to let someone in and have to open up to them about my struggles. It's not as if I can keep that from someone because everything I have faced has made me the woman I am.

Thinking about his question is hard because up until I met The Newman's, I couldn't afford to eat at restaurants. "I don't exactly eat out like most people."

"That's cool. I like to cook but rarely have the time with the hours I work, I live off Taco Bell and Ramen noodles." Zach's response surprises me. I half expected him to dig deeper, but the fact that he doesn't push me only causes my respect for him to grow.

"I can cook the hell out of some Ramen. For a while, it was all Dom, and I ate."

Why would I even say that? Wasn't I just scared to talk about this stuff?

When I look up at Zach, I am expecting a look of pity but am pleasantly surprised when I see him just nodding his head in agreement. "Well, it is delicious. Maybe we could have a Ramen night together."

Not wanting him to know how much I like the idea, I settle for, "We'll see."

I don't know what I was expecting when he first came over, but this wasn't it. The way Zach carries himself screams confidence, and He is hands down one of the most attractive people I have seen in person. Above all, it's his eyes. They are not only beautiful but hold a story, and I want to find out as much as I can during our short time together.

Zach pulls me from my thoughts by asking, "How hungry are you, do you want a meal?"

Shaking my head, I gently pat my stomach. "The continental breakfast at the hotel has me pretty full, but there is always room for snacks."

The dimple on his left cheek once again makes an appearance, and I swear I feel the flutter of butterflies in my stomach.

Zach turns to the cashier and points over to the display case housing some delicious baked goods. "I'll take one of each and a bag of these chips, please."

My mouth hangs open in shock. There must be at least fifteen different types of cakes, cookies, and muffins in there. Knowing most of it will go to waste causes my stomach to churn, I hate throwing out food. Zach seems unphased and pulls out his card, handing it to the woman behind the cash register.

Before walking over to the pick-up counter, he tells me he would like a bottle of water. This guy just spends an absurd amount of money for a small buffet of treats, and all he wants is a two-dollar bottle of water.

As we make our way back to the table, the unstable rocking boat causes me to trip and fall. With a thud, one of the bags Zach is holding falls to the ground as he grabs me to help steady my shaking legs.

My hand lands on an impressively sculpted chest as I slam into his rock hard body. The moment I feel his arm snaked around my waist, heat erupts throughout my body. "You need to work on your sea legs."

Working hard to get control of my clumsy body, my hand rises to the top of my head and salutes. "Aye aye, Captain."

Zach's crystal eyes sparkle as a hearty laugh erupts from his chest. Still holding on, he shows no sign of letting go, and my body hums in appreciation.

The two of us stand there and take each other in, both not ready to move.

We're popped out of our little bubble when we hear someone clear their throat. Dom is standing in front of us with a grin so broad it reaches his eyes. "I saw you fall, are you okay?"

Quickly pulling away from Zach, I bend down and pick up the fallen bag. "I'm fine. Thanks."

Back at the table, Zach lays out all the food. "You didn't have to buy all this."

He nudges Dom's shoulder and says, "I think you are underestimating what this growing boy and I can eat."

Dom nods his head in agreement as he scans the assortment in front of him. He picks up the large piece of crumb cake and hands it over to me before picking up the black and white cookie for himself.

"How did you know that was what I wanted?"

Dom scoffs and crumbs fall from the corner of his mouth. "You're my sister, Gemma. I know you."

"Well, Thank you." I turn my attention to Zach, who has already eaten half his brownie. Maybe I was wrong, by the looks of it, these two will be on their second treat before I even bite into my first. "Thank you, Zach."

Zach jumps when I say his name, and I can't help but giggle. "Sorry, this is just astonishingly good."

"I can appreciate your love of good baked goods," I say as I take a bite of the crumb cake. A part of me was expecting a stale loaf, but when the delicate treat hits my taste buds, I release an audible moan. It's the perfect cake to crumb ratio that causes my eyes to roll back. "Holy shit, this is delicious."

Taking another chunk of his chocolate delight, he nods his head. "That's what I'm saying."

With one final bite, he takes a napkin and wipes the corner of his mouth, and I can't help but stare as he brushes the white towel across his plump pink lips.

His blue eyes focus on me, and the heat instantly begins to spread across my face. "So, where are you guys from?"

Dom, taking a massive bite out of a Rice Krispy treat mumbles, "Queens."

Taking a drink from his water, Zach almost drowns himself when he hears our hometown. "Get out of here! I'm from Garden City."

Something is charming about the way he is frantically trying to clean up the spilled water, and I watch him like I would my favorite TV show.

He looks back in my direction and asks, "Are you just traveling for a vacation or something?"

Even though the question for me, Dom answers, "We're moving.'

Zach sits back in his seat, looking at me as if I am the most exquisite piece of art. While trying to figure out what could be running through his mind, my skin prickles under his intense stare.

As if he is coming from a dream, his eyes close, and he gently shakes his head. "I'm sorry about that. You're gorgeous."

"Oh, thank you." My body begins to tremble at his words, causing me to shift awkwardly in my seat. "Sorry, I'm super awkward in these kinds of situations. I'm still in shock that you walked over here."

Zach lays his folded hands in front of him and leans over the table. Following his lead, I copy his position, just in time to hear him say, "When I catch a pretty girl staring, it would be wrong not to say hello."

Although I know what he was trying to say, why not have a little fun? My brow arches while my mouth hangs agape. "Oh, so you've done this before?"

Zach mumbles "Shit" under his breath.

His eyes become so full that his eyebrows are almost touching his hairline, and I begin to feel bad when I see his body tense at my response. The moment my fingers wrap around Zach's, his muscles relax, and he takes in a breath so large, that it sounds like he hasn't been breathing for minutes. "I'm just playing, no worries."

Even though there is no need, Zach attempts to fix his little slip up by telling me that he usually does not receive any kind of attention and is often not one to approach women.

Could have fooled me.

"There is something special about you." As soon as the words leave his mouth, I feel like he can look into my soul. It's as if I haven't spent the last few years building up this protective fortress around myself, exposing everything I am.

"You're a fascinating woman, Gemma." I have never been overly fond of my name, but when it rolls off Zach's tongue, it sounds beautiful.

"I'm not," I admit. My leg begins to bounce wildly under the table, and as if Zach could sense my unease, his leg leans against mine.

Taking a deep breath, I try to calm down the wave of insecurity washing over me. "I lost my dad when I was sixteen, then the day I turned eighteen, my mom got up and left, dropping my eight-year-old brother on my lap. I have had no life for almost three years because nothing is more important to me than making sure he stays with me. Nothing is exciting about me."

By the time I am done rambling, my heart is beating intensely. I wouldn't be surprised if Zach heard it from across the table. My eyes close as I try to regain control of myself.

"You're amazing."

The moisture starts to pool at the corners of my eyes, but I refuse to cry in front of someone I barely know, regardless of how drawn I am to them. "I'm just doing what I have to do."

A raspy voice makes it's way over the intercom, signaling that mine and Zach's time together is nearly up. Other passengers start to move around and gather their belongings as they get ready to leave. Even though I don't want our conversation to end, I follow their lead and place everything I need back in my bag, and let Dom know it's time to pack up.

Zach reaches for my arm as I bend down to grab my bag. "Will you go out with me sometime?"

I like Zach. He makes me laugh, and that is something I need more of in my life. The thought of him wanting to spend more time together fills me with such happiness, and that scares me.

Knowing I will eventually have to put myself out there, I want to say, "yes," but the truth is that I'm not ready. If I want to stay true to myself, I need to be honest. "Listen, I am incredibly attracted to you, but I'm not in a place to date. I still have to find a place to live, find a job."

"I respect that." Zach bobs his head up and down, and I watch as his blue eyes lose some of their sparkle. "Do you have a pen?"

Feeling around my large purse, I find everything but a writing utensil. Becoming frustrated, I place my bag on the surface of the hard table with a huff and begin to dig deeper.

I know one is in here somewhere.

A long wooden pencil sits in one of the bag's side pockets and, I hand it over. Zach reaches for one of the leftover napkins and starts to scribble something. "Here's my number, and the moment you are ready, give me a call."

People bustle around us as they try to get back to their cars in time, and when I reach for the paper, I look down at it with a smile. "Okay."

Zach begins to rock back and forth on his heels as he watches me place the folded napkin in my purse. When our eyes meet, his large hand makes its way to his golden locks, and he runs his fingers through them. "I never expected to fall in love on a boat today."

"You liar." A girlish giggle escapes from my mouth as I point to his chest. "You were totally looking for some fresh meat."

Zach's mouth turns upwards, and he shows off his perfectly straight, award-winning smile. "And that right there is why I'm completely smitten."

Not wanting to prolong the inevitable, I wave and say, "Goodbye, Zach."

"Goodbye, Gemma."

As soon as the words leave his mouth, my heart clenches, and I wonder if I have made a mistake. Just as I am about to turn towards Zach, Dom grabs my arm and drags me towards the exit.

Once back on the deck, a cool breeze causes me to shiver as it moves across my skin. The bright sun is long gone as the sky is now home to dark, thick rain clouds. The first droplets begin to fall as we pull off the boat, and I can't help but feel as if the weather is mocking the storm brewing inside me.

Trying hard to fight the sadness, I pray that I'll see Zach once again.