“It does,” Erik agreed, “and that’s why you’re taking a canal cruise right now.”
Ilse’s eyebrows shot up. “Butyouhate boats.”
“I do.” Erik didn’t even deny it. “I also hate going to cafes, bookstores, cinemas—-”
Ilse couldn’t help laughing. “I know.” Her tone was rueful. “That’s why I knew today’s itinerary was probably prompted by pity.”
“Yes, well.” He cleared his throat awkwardly. Since he did hate most of the things Ilse enjoyed, Erik doubted he couldhave created the kind of itinerary they had enjoyed today, with every minute tailor-planned to meet Ilse’s needs. Even their exact route had been mapped out, ensuring that Ilse’s blindness wouldn’t cause her trouble.
This kind of trip could only have been planned by someone who loved Ilse with all his heart—-
And that wasn’t him.
Praying to God that he hadn’t just made his biggest mistake in entrusting Ilse to the billionaire, Erik said hurriedly, “The boat’s about to leave, so you should go.”
Ilse was startled. “Me? Do you mean it will just be Jan and me?”
“Jan’s coming with me.”
Ilse was even more worried now. “You want me to go on a cruisealone?”
“I made sure to let the captain know of your condition, so there’s nothing to worry about.” Erik began pushing Ilse, leaving her no choice but to move forward.
“Are you sure—-”
“You’re in good hands,” Erik assured her.Dear God, let that be true.“Captain Avery?”
“I’ll take good care of your friend, sir,” the female captain answered reassuringly. “Miss Muir? May I guide you aboard?”
When Ilse still hesitated, Erik stepped forward, and bending his head, he said quietly, “I thought it was time you tried going out alone.”
Ah.
“You wanted to be strong, don’t you?”
Ilse slowly nodded.
“So...you’re good with this?” Erik hated the fact that he was lying, but neither he nor the billionaire was willing to tell Ilse the truth and risk having her run away.
“You’ll look after Jan, promise?”
“You know you never have to ask.”
Ilse gave her friend a quick hug. “Thank you, Erik.”
And then she was off.
The female captain was perfunctory and friendly at the same time, and she offered Ilse assistance in an efficient manner that spoke of her experience in dealing with people with disabilities.
She gave Ilse a quick but comprehensive tour around the speedboat, which boasted of a stateroom, a master’s bedroom with an en-suite shower, and a custom-designed mahogany library that enjoyed wall-to-wall shelves and panoramic windows. The captain described each area with rich detail, making it easy for Ilse to visualize everything in her mind.
“One of the best things about this boat is that it comes with skyhook technology,” Captain Avery continued as she guided Ilse back to the U-shaped lounge above deck. “This means we don’t need to drop off an anchor to keep the boat stable. The rest of the boat’s system is state-of-the-art, too, making a co-captain unnecessary.”
“If I ever find a boyfriend...” Ilse’s tone was humorous. “I’ll make sure to recommend this boat to him.”
“Of course.” Captain Avery was unable to meet the gaze of the billionaire, theex-boyfriend. “We’re about to start sailing any moment, Ms. Muir—-”
“Ilse, please.” She let Captain Avery lead her to her seat and assured the other woman she would be alright.
