“What do I call what?”
He looks adorably confused so I spell it out for him. “There’s no uncomfortableness here. I’m enjoying your company. No awkward silences, just interesting conversation. I’d like to think you are enjoying yourself too.”
Kyle grins. “Wow. When you put it like that… yeah, I’m having a great time.”
I realise just how much I want to spend more time with Kyle, to get to know him better. “In that case, I was wondering if you want to hang out tomorrow. Maybe explore Lifou together?”
His face lights up. “I’d love that.”
It’s a relief to hear him agree. For a moment I thought his shyness might rear its head. “Great—”
“But,” he says, and my heart plummets, “only if you let me arrange something for when we get back on the ship.”
My heart resumes its regular rhythm as I smile. “You’ve got a deal.”
His cheeks dimple as he smiles back, filling me with happiness. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this way about someone, and I’m not quite sure what to make of it. But I know one thing for sure: I’m definitely going to find out.
“How about I walk you back to your cabin? It’s probably a good idea to get some sleep and charge the batteries for tomorrow.” From what he’s said, I know he’s not used to late nights.
Kyle’s gaze darts to his stainless steel watch at his wrist before he looks at me wide-eyed. “I can’t believe it’s after midnight. Fuck, where has the time gone?”
“You know what they say about having fun,” I joke.
He chuckles and gets to his feet, and I follow him.
When we finally reach his door, Kyle turns to face me. “Well, this is me,” he says, gesturing towards the door. I can see the shyness as he fiddles with his cruise card.
“I had a really great time tonight. Thanks for hanging with me.”
Kyle offers a small smile. “I had a great time too, Axel. I’m glad you were there to…you know, save me back at the bar.”
“Anytime.”
We stand there for a moment, the tension building between us. I can feel the electricity in the air, and I know that Kyle can feel it too. I want to lean in and kiss him, but I hold back, unsure of how he would react.
“Well, I should probably get some sleep,” Kyle says, breaking the silence. “We have an early start tomorrow.”
I nod, feeling a sense of disappointment. “Yeah, me too. I’ll see you tomorrow, then?”
Kyle smiles, this time a smile that lights his whole face. “Definitely. I’m looking forward to it.”
He enters his cabin, the door closing behind him, and I stare at it a moment before leaving. As I walk back to my suite, I’m sure my face is as happy as his was.
There’s something special about Kyle. He’s vulnerable, but in a way that’s endearing. I want to know more about him, to peel back the layers and discover what makes him tick. I’m glad I didn’t make a move tonight, and if I’m honest, I’m glad he didn’t ask me into his cabin. Too many people just want a piece of me, and I don’t want to be just a notch on Kyle’s bedpost.
Chapter Ten
Kyle
Fuck,I’vegottostop second-guessing myself. Of course, he’ll come. But I can’t get rid of the quivery feeling in the pit of my stomach as I sit in the dimly lit cellar bar waiting for Axel to arrive.
My mind drifts to the incredible day we spent together in Lifou on a private tour that Axel arranged. The crystal-clear turquoise water and white sandy beaches straight from a postcard, the cliffs with their breathtaking views of the crashing waves, and the historical chapel. We explored it all, laughing and talking like old friends. It was a magical day in an idyllic location.
Soft jazz music plays in the background, mingling with the clink of glasses and the murmur of hushed conversations. I flip through the wine list for the hundredth time as I wait. Then I look up and there he is at the doorway. He looks amazing in a classic maroon collared shirt with dark jeans. My breath catches as I drink in the sight of him, his hair pulled back accentuating his chiseled features and his dark eyes finally landing on me and sending a shiver down my spine. Rising from the booth, I make my way over, pulse quickening with each step.
“Hey, you,” I say softly, knowing I’m smiling. “You look amazing.”
Axel grins, pulling me into a warm hug. “Thanks. You clean up pretty well yourself, farm boy.” His voice is low and husky, igniting a spark low in my belly.
