Heat Wave by Kate J. Squires

situation, I whispered, ‘You should go. We can chat later, okay?’
    His dark eyes pleaded with me helplessly, and I knew him well enough to know he was asking for forgiveness. ‘It’s gonna be fine, Maddie-girl, I promise.’ He turned to Maxine. ‘Okay, then, boss-lady. Let’s go.’
    â€˜After you.’ Maxine stepped back and allowed him to pass.
    I huddled against the wall, shivering from the ferocity of the intimate encounter coupled with my total mortification at being busted. ‘Am I fired?’ I asked quietly.
    Maxine narrowed her eyes at me, and just like the men under Medusa’s stare, I felt my body harden, stone-like. ‘Because of you, my dear, we are short one very important competitor. Because of you, I have infighting in my makeup department. And now, because of you, I may lose the star of Ship of Lust . You are not fired, because I’m going to find a way for you to fix everything you’ve done in the short amount of time you’ve been here.’
    â€˜I’m so sorry—’
    She raised a manicure hand, her nails sharp. ‘Spare me your apologies. Go back up and join the crew. Be in my office at nine am tomorrow. We’ll decide your fate then.’
    Like a chastened schoolgirl, I bowed my head and rushed past her. Racing back to the poolside, I located Greg filming from a high vantage point atop the railing of the upper deck. Climbing up to join him, I whispered, ‘What did I miss?’
    â€˜They’re just about to start.’
    Greg seemed a little peeved at me. Guilty of making his job harder, I put an arm on his. ‘I’m really sorry about before.’
    â€˜You owe me a big conversation, Hobo. Not tonight, because I’m so guttingly tired from your endless dramas, but tomorrow in the crew bar.’
    â€˜Deal.’
    Below us, a round man in a lurid green shirt stepped up onto the little stage next to the pool. Even I recognised him. ‘Hello, everyone. I’m Miles Shield. Welcome all to the Ship of Lust.’
    The ladies whooped and hollered as Tanner stood beside Miles, blushing and tugging on the brim of his hat. Miles waved down their excitement. ‘Now, I know all of you have watched Beau on Erotic Island , and you’re probably wondering what crazy rules we have cooked up for you ladies while you’re on board.’
    That seemed to dampen their enthusiasm. The girls shifted and giggled nervously. Miles went on. ‘Well, I have good news. There are no rules for competitors—only rules for Beau.’
    Tanner looked as shocked as I felt. ‘Hey, Miles, buddy? What does that mean?’
    â€˜Well, my strapping cowboy, it means that we have nothing officially planned for the next three weeks. The ladies are running the show.’
    There was another cheer from the excitable bunch. ‘So, my darling girls, for as long as you are on board, you have no rules and no constraints. This is your time to prove to Beau that you are the one for him. So, your options are endless. Organise a date. Team up for an adventure. Pay the man a midnight visit. This is your show.’
    Oh, God … My eyes met Tanner’s, and his expression was one of pure confusion. ‘Miles, what about the rules for me?’
    Miles clapped a flabby hand on Tanner’s shoulder. ‘My boy, your rules are simple—you cannot say no.’
    â€˜No to what?’
    â€˜Anything.’ Miles laughed and the contestants joined in. ‘Whatever a competitor asks of you, you must say yes. The only request you can refuse is an offer of a sexual act—but only if you want to, of course! Everything else physical is non-negotiable—from a hug, to a kiss, to a sensual massage …’
    My jaw was clenched tight . He’ll want to leave after hearing this. We’re gonna be fine. We’ll tell Maxine to go fuck herself, and we’ll leave tomorrow. Right?
    â€˜That’s it, dearies!