A gull calls out overhead and I startle, pulling my gaze away from Nolan. My awareness of how close we are comes into sharp focus, his shoulder brushing mine as he adjusts his position against the railing. Unsure of what to do with myself, I take a long sip of coffee. My eyes drift closed as I let the rich flavor and familiar bite of it chase away the butterflies that have suddenly taken up residence in my belly.
“Your turn,” I say, handing the thermos back to Nolan.
“Hmm…” he considers, biting his bottom lip gently. My attention snags on the action but I quickly glance away, not wanting it to look like I’m staring. He clears his throat, having apparently landed on a question. “If the Gemstone was going to travel to any port, anywhere in the world, where would you want it to stop?”
“Oh, that’s a great question,” I say, impressed. “If I were a guest? I’d probably say Vietnam. I’ve been once, and wanted to return ever since. It’ssucha gorgeous country, and the people are wonderful.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch him as he cocks his head to one side, his gaze landing on me. “Why if you were a guest?”
“Because theLove at First Sailcrew don’t really get to leave the ship,” I say nonchalantly, even though it irritates me to no end.
I mean, what’s the point in traveling for work if you’re stuck on a stupid floating city?
“Why not? I’ve seen other crew members getting off the ship with the contestants when we’re in port.”
I shrug and turn to face him. His eyes are curious, bright.
“Those are the DOPs,” I explain. “I’m just a B-roll operator. But also, I’m kind of a backup…kind of like the guy stuck on the bench in a baseball game, I think? I’m not actually a sports fan, so that metaphor might be totally off base?—”
I snicker, realizing my accidental pun, and catch Nolan’s brows shoot up.
“Get it?” I say encouragingly. “Off base?”
“Uh-huh, I got it,” he laughs. “So, you haven’t been off the ship since you boarded?”
I shake my head, then snag the thermos back from Nolan’s hand and take another sip.
“That’s shitty, Chloe.” He bumps my shoulder again, but this time he doesn’t pull away. Instead, he leans into me. “I’m sorry.”
“Eh, it’s the job, I guess,” I say with a sigh. I probably would have sounded more disappointed if I wasn’t so focused on how nice his body feels this close to mine. In the distance, a tiny speck of land slowly comes into view on the horizon.
“For what it’s worth,” He starts, clearing his throat, as if he too had become distracted by the contact. “I agree with your choice. I’ve been to every port in the Mediterranean several times over now. I could do with a change of scenery.”
“Yeah?” I ask and he nods, then flashes me one of his insanely gorgeous smiles. It gives me such a head rush that I clutch the rail for a moment to catch my breath. “Alright, then, same question for you.”
“Australia, for sure,” he replies, without missing a beat. “I’ve been thinking a lot about how much I miss home. I’ve spent so much time in Europe over the last ten years, but barely any at home with my family. I could even make do with just a quick overnight—see my family, visit a few friends, go for an early morning surf.”
“You surf?”
“Oh, yeah—I love it. I’m shit at it,” he says, with a lighthearted chuckle, “but I love it. Have you ever tried?”
“Surfing? No. I’m from Toronto. There’s not exactly anywheretosurf.” I laugh, and my thoughts drift to home. There’s a brief pang in my chest as I think about Kyla, and wonder what she’s up to. I make a mental note to text her later.
“That’s a shame, it’s a ton of fun.”
“I’m not exactly the sporty type,” I muse. “Also, I’m pretty afraid of what might be swimming out there with me.”
“Oh, sharks are pretty rare?—”
“No, no,” I interrupt, shaking my head vigorously. “Anymarine life. One time, a fish touched my foot while I was swimming in the lake at a friend’s cottage, and I swear I thoughtI was going to be pulled under and eaten alive.” A shiver runs down my spine at the memory.
“By afish?” He gives me a dubious look.
“I don’t like what I can’t see! I don’t reallydoswimming unless it’s in a pool. And even then…you just never know,” I say ominously.
“We all have our flaws, I suppose,” he mocks, his deep voice rumbling into a low laugh.
“It’s hardly a flaw to be overwhelmingly cautious of the creatures of the deep.” I shoot back playfully.
