He gives me one last polite smile before turning and disappearing out the door.
Brian comes and stands in front of me. “Listen, Axel, I know you usually only have security for the big gigs, but Nigel arranged for me to be here in case of any issues. I’m at your beck and call for the duration of the cruise. I don’t care what you do while onboard but it’s my job to know where you are if any issues arise, so do me a favour and give me a heads-up of your movements. Okay?”
“Argh. Whatever.” I refill the flute and take another sip, the bubbles tickling my nose.
Brian shakes his head and moves towards the door.
“Hey, Brian.” He stops when I call out, and turns in my direction. I plaster on a smile. “Just wanted to say that I appreciate what you’re doing.”
“I know.” He nods and leaves.
I sigh and take another sip as I take in the details of my surroundings. The sitting area is comfortable with its large sofa and glass coffee table on a gorgeous soft rug, all centred in front of a huge flat-screen TV. A fruit bowl sits on the table, filled with fresh fruit that looks almost too perfect to eat. I place the champagne bottle beside it. My gaze drifts to the floor-to-ceiling windows that lead out to a spacious balcony. The view through the sheer curtains is of the city skyline but soon the buildings will be replaced by an endless expanse of water, stretching out towards the horizon.With no escape.
At least I have a huge suite with all the creature comforts and can hide out here most of the time. Maybe it won’t be so bad after all. All I need to do is focus on the music and getting through the performances.
Ten days will go by in no time at all.
Chapter Four
Kyle
Nowthisismorelike it. I can still hear the music and laughter drifting up from the ground floor of the atrium, but at least there are fewer people around. The ship’s library is a perfect haven with shelves of books and a cosy reading area, where the plush armchairs are empty.
I wander over to one of the shelves, thinking back on last night. The sailaway party held no appeal. The very idea of the throngs of people, the loud music, the forced mingling, it was all so overwhelming. Much better to watch the Sydney skyline disappearing from my small balcony. But I can’t stay in the cabin all day so I’ve ventured out for some reading material. I’m hoping to find some books on the area we’re visiting. I also saw there was a presentation on the South Pacific later that afternoon in the theatre so I might give that a go. Probably not what John and Sarah had in mind when they booked the trip but anyway…
I smile when I spot titles about the South Pacific islands we’re set to visit. I can’t wait to read about the culture, wildlife, and natural beauty. My excitement builds at the thought of exploring these new places, breaking free from my usual routine on the farm. At least my family got that part of the adventure right.
I tuck a large, beautifully illustrated book under my arm and shift my attention to the selection of novels. I scan the titles searching for something I haven’t read. I’ve bought my Kindle along, but I’m intrigued to see if there’s anything new, a gripping story to keep me entertained in my cabin. Reading has always been my escape; after getting up at sunrise and long days of working hard on the farm, I go to bed early but read a chapter each night before turning out the light.
“Oh!” I reach for a book with a dark cover that captures my attention—some kind of historical fantasy. The blurb sounds intriguing, perfect to get lost in.
In my peripheral vision, I notice someone else enter the library. I keep my eyes on the back cover of the paperback, as I track them crossing to one of the shelves.
It’s the guy from yesterday, the one who knocked me off my feet. Figuratively and literally. He sent me reeling and just the sight of him sets my pulse racing. He’s a good-looking guy, but it was his eyes and the softness there, that made an impression. The way he’d picked up my phone and handed it back quickly, his deep voice as he asked if I was okay.
From the corner of my eye I can see he’s dressed in cargo shorts and a long-sleeved T-shirt, with leather slip-on shoes on his feet—boy, does he wear those clothes well. The way his clothes fit his tall frame, I’m sure they’re some designer label, not chain store like mine. He’s undeniably attractive, with scruff on his jaw. Strands of dark hair escape from beneath the cap he’s got pulled down low over his brow.
As he stands there scanning the rows of books, he looks relaxed and approachable with no sign of the big guy who was with him the day before. But I’ve never been good at approaching anyone, let alone someone who’s got my blood pumping. John’s words ring in my ears. He wants me to get out more, to open up. Maybe now’s a good time? A quiet library should be easier than a jostling bar, and if he’s here in the library then perhaps he likes some of the same things I do. At least I assume he likes books and reading.
Taking a deep breath, I gather my courage and approach him with as warm a smile as I can muster. “Hi,” I say, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies fluttering wildly in my stomach. To my surprise, being the only two people in the libraryhasmade it easier for me to talk to him.
He looks up from the book in his hands. His eyes meet mine, initially surprised before a genuine smile graces his lips. “Hey,” he replies.
The sight of that smile puts me at ease. “Thanks again for your help yesterday. I really appreciated it.”
He chuckles softly, shaking his head. “It was my fault. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
“Yeah, well… Umm… Regardless, thanks.”Argh!So much for a smooth opening conversation—I sound like an idiot. I clear my throat and try again. “I’m Kyle by the way. Are you enjoying the cruise so far?”
“Hi, Kyle,” he replies, and I melt at the accompanying wink. “I’m Axel. And as for as the cruise… too early to make that assessment but it’s getting better by the minute.”
Oh God. I think he’s flirting!
“D-did you go to the sailaway party?”
Axel—even his name is cool—shakes his head. “I spent the night on my balcony with a couple of bottles of champagne for company.” He groans then chuckles. “Remind me never to do that again.”
“Hangover?”
