Arsehole. “I guess in some parts. I’ve got an apartment down near the river with a nice view of the harbour. It’s only a few kilometres from the city centre, so it suits me.”
“I much prefer the Eastern Suburbs, but it’s a bit pricey for some.”
Evan resisted rolling his eyes, not prepared to enter into the age-old argument about the benefits of living in the Eastern Suburbs versus living on the North Shore of Sydney Harbour. He loved where he lived because it was near his family, and he’d been able to afford the mortgage when he’d first taken it out. You couldn’t pay him enough money to leave his family; nothing was worth that price.
“Is that where you grew up, John? In the Eastern Suburbs?” Amber asked, saving Evan from making a comment.
“No.” John paled but didn’t elaborate.
There’s obviously a story there.But sensing it was wiser to move on, Evan changed the subject. “What will you do with the money if you win theSea of Lovecompetition grand prize, John?”
“Well, if I win, that’s an easy one.” Interestingly, John didn’t seem overly confident about winning anymore, not like he had at the beginning of the cruise. “More travel. Most likely South America.”
“That sounds exciting.” Amber clapped her hands. “I’d love to visit South America too. There are some great volunteer programs—”
“I was thinking more like Machu Picchu and Cancun. It’s either something interesting like that or else a new BMW.”
“Oh.” Amber’s voice was flat, obviously as unimpressed with John’s materialism as Evan was.
The conversation fizzled out, John not adding more and not asking Amber what she’d do with her winnings. Evan gave her hand a squeeze. “And if you win, you’ll be able to put it towards your house deposit savings.”
“You don’t plan on living together?” John asked.
“Ah…”Shit, what do I say?
“I don’t believe in living together before marriage,” Amber replied, coming to the rescue. “Some things should be sacred. Don’t you agree?”
Evan resisted rolling his eyes. Trust Amber not to leave it at the simple explanation.
“Umm. I’m not totally sure. I guess if it works for you.”
“Oh, yes. It works for us perfectly.”
“Perfectly,” Evan echoed, while Harry hid his laugh with a spluttered cough.
Amber looked at her watch. “We’d all better get a move on if we’re going to make our shore tours.” She spooned up a few mouthfuls of granola before standing and hoisting her huge handbag over her shoulder.
Evan pushed back his chair and stood. John filed past, with Harry trailing after him. Harry stopped next to Evan’s place at the table and snagged the uneaten slice of pineapple from his plate.
“At least one of us should be prepared,” he whispered. He winked as he put the pineapple in his mouth.
Evan stood there gaping as he watched Harry walk off, then turned to Amber. She had the broadest smirk on her face. He waggled a finger. “Not a word.”
“I wouldn’t dare of it.”
He could hear her laughing behind him all the way back to the cabin.
* * *
They’d gonetheir separate ways when the ship reached Moorea. Harry and John headed off on a shore excursion to swim with sharks or some crazy thing like that. Evan liked to think he was adventurous and would try most things, but getting up close and personal with the marine creature at the top of the food chain just wasn’t one of them.
The island picnic he’d taken with Amber had been much more his speed—cruising the lagoon and swimming in the shallows followed by a banquet feast of local delicacies. The shore day spent in the sunshine of the tropical paradise was nearly perfect;nearlybecause Harry wasn’t there. As much as he was glad Harry was having an experience of a lifetime, he selfishly wanted to share the magic of exploring the island with him.
Jealousy burned hot and heavy when he saw John and Harry on their return to the ship. They’d stopped to wait for takeaway coffee near where he was sitting at the onboard cafe. The two of them were enthusing about the awesome time they’d had and sharing details of their experience. He wanted to be happy for Harry, but his gut churned, and he’d sunk low in his chair. He felt guilty for eavesdropping and probably should have said something, but damn it, he hadn’t trusted himself not to say something snippy. He definitely didn’t want to put a dampener on Harry’s good mood and ruin what had obviously been a good day. At least he had the memories of the night before.
Just thinking of their time together in the cabin gave him a hard-on. It had been hot and heavy and perfect for taking the edge off, but he hadn’t had nearly enough time to appreciate Harry, not like he yearned to. He wanted to worship him from top to toe and take his time in doing so. He wanted to draw out the pleasure. He needed hours, if not days. But John put a dampener on his plans, not to mention their obligations to theSea of Love.This whole stupid show is the biggest cock-block ever.
He consoled himself that they only had another week on the ship and then they’d be in Sydney. Sydney symbolised freedom. Sydney meant they could start somethingreal.
