I extend my hand, deciding a fresh start is the best approach. “You know what? Let’s start over. I’m Jackie, and you are?”
He just stares at my outstretched hand, leaving me hanging awkwardly. I frown.
“Jackie is a beautiful name,” he says finally.
I groan and let my hand fall back to my side.
“My name is Jabari,” he offers belatedly.
Despite finding him weird and difficult to read—does he like me or not?—I find myself smiling. “Jabari of the Frost Clan. That sounds nice.”
He bows his head in acknowledgment, the gesture oddly formal and out of place on the cruise ship’s casual deck.
Looking past him, I notice the sun beginning its slow descent toward the horizon, painting the sky in soft pinks and oranges. “Well, I just want to enjoy the waters before quiet time hits for the ship,” I say, attempting to step around his massive frame.
He shifts to block my path, and irritation flares through me again.
“What the hell are you doing?” I demand.
He fidgets, looking almost boyish despite his intimidating size. “Could I join you? I need to speak to you about something very important.”
“Based on your hot and cold demeanor, I’m not sure I want to hear what you have to say,” I reply, trying again to maneuver around him.
He blocks me once more, and I feel my patience evaporating.
“Do I need to call for security? I want you to back off.”
“I need to talk to you,” he insists, his voice taking on a hint of desperation. “How you respond to my confession will seal our fate. But I need to speak to you.”
“Well, I’m not interested,” I say.
His frown deepens. “The women of this time are incredibly stubborn.”
I stiffen, anger flaring hot. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“I will carry you to a private place so we can talk,” he announces abruptly. “And if you reject what I’m going to tell you, I will honor you and leave you alone.”
A laugh bursts from me, loud and disbelieving. I look down at my own body—my curves, my flesh, my substantial weight—then back at him, still laughing.
“What is so funny?” he asks, genuinely confused.
“You fool,” I manage between chuckles. “I weigh three hundred and twenty pounds. You aren’t picking?—“
Before I can finish my sentence, my feet leave the deck. The world tilts and spins as Jabari effortlessly hoists me over his shoulder like I’m made of paper. The air rushes from my lungs in a whoosh as my stomach meets his solid shoulder.
“What the—put me down!” I gasp, my hands pressing against his back, trying to push myself upright.
“I am a bear shifter. I can lift tons before I tire out,” he explains as he starts walking, steady despite my weight. “You are nothing—“ He pauses, clears his throat. “No, not nothing. You are everything. I just need to show you.”
He walks across the deck, and I’m acutely aware of the stares from other passengers. My face burns with embarrassment.
“Alright, alright! You’ve made your point. Put me down, and I’ll listen,” I plead.
He ignores me, continuing his determined march across the deck.
“Please, Jabari,” I try again, genuine discomfort creeping into my voice. “I feel strange up in the air like this.”
He groans, finally stopping and gently lifting me from his shoulder. My flip-flops touch the deck again, and I resist the urge to smooth the skirt of my swimsuit, which has likely ridden up during the manhandling.
