Smooth Sailing ~ RFW

This week's theme: SMOOTH SAILING set and hosted by Francine and Denise of
Romantic Friday Writers 
This challenge has a watery feel : A romantic punt across a lake; a romantic moonlit ride in a Venetian gondola; a cruise liner docking in /departing for some far distant land.Then again, perhaps you're a yachting enthusiast. Huge scope here for a fun piece of romantic writing in no more than 400 words.

Plain Sailing by Madeleine Maddocks

‘It'll all be smooth sailing.’ Sam had said. Helen recalled the words now with a wry twist to her mouth, as her white knuckles clutched onto the sides of the boat. Rocking to and fro like baby bunting, she was determined not to heave. How unromantic would that be on this, their second date? She watched him standing as the proud owner of this one berth yacht. His mop of chestnut brown hair had been curled into waves by the damp spray from the sea. As he lashed a rope securely, she couldn’t help admiring how competent and masterful he seemed.  As though Sam sensed her watching, he glanced up, giving her a smile that sent her insides into a different kind of turmoil. She recalled their first kiss, warm and tender. Those same sweet lips would now be moist and salty. She allowed herself to imagine him lying on the beach beside her in the sunshine, divested of all those weatherproof clothes, his broad shoulders tanned and glistening. She wondered how Sam's ex, Jody, could have left him for odious Terry, but she was grateful nonetheless. Helen also hoped she would measure up to Jody’s glamorous standards.

Sam shouted above the lapping water gesturing his hands in a mime of drinking a cup of tea and she nodded, taking a deep breath. She let go of the side of the boat and began the precarious journey towards the steps to the galley kitchen below.

“It’s great it’s not too rough for you on your first crossing” he said excitedly.

“Yes” she said with forced enthusiasm.

“You’ll soon get used to it” 

Once again Helen’s insides did a flip, but this time the nagging doubt that she wouldn’t match up to Jody spoiled the moment. “I expect Jody was great at all this” she said.

 “Yes you’d expect so wouldn’t you, seeing as her dad owns the marina”. he laughed.

“I hope I can keep up”

“You’re nothing like Jody” he said sweeping her in his arms. They rocked gently together with the motion of the boat. “And I’m glad” he smiled, bending towards her his soft, moist lips were on hers. The kiss was salty and not so much sweet as deliciously saucy!  
(373 words) MPA