“You bet. Were you out till all hours?”
“No bloody way,” I say. “By the time I found my cabin and got stuff put away, then located the dining room, I was exhausted. It was a long day, up at the crack of dawn then travelling to the ship.”
“Did you come far?”
“A few hours’ drive,” I reply.
Somehow, we’ve settled into the armchairs and we’re sharing our thoughts on the overwhelming atmosphere of the cruise. Axel’s eyes flicker with amusement, and I can’t help but smile at his easygoing nature.
“Seems like everyone’s out there partying,” Axel says, gesturing towards the distant music drifting in from the ship’s atrium. “What brings you to the library when there’s so much going on?”
“Hey, I could ask you the same question,” I reply playfully. “But seriously, there are plenty more days left to experience everything else. I just wanted to make sure I had some interesting reading sorted before everyone borrowed the good stuff.”
Axel splutters a laugh and looks around the empty library. “I hate to break it to you, but I don’t think you have much competition here. Most people want to mingle, party, and drink. And I’m pretty sure hooking up is higher on their priority list than reading.”
Hook up.I heat at the thought, imagining inviting Axel back to my cabin. He’s a total turn-on and the idea of touching him sends a shiver through me. My eyes are drawn to his sharp cheekbones, his full lips, and I flush at the intensity in his gaze.
“Anyway,” I say, steering the conversation back to safer territory, “I’ve always been more comfortable with books than with crowds. Plus, I thought maybe I could learn something about these islands we’re visiting.”
“Ah, yes. The South Pacific. What did you find?” he asks, indicating the books on my lap.
I place the novel on the small side table and turn the large book to face him. “New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Although I’m not overly thrilled to be on this cruise, I’m excited by the prospect of exploring some new places.”
“Same here,” he says. “There’s something magical about discovering a new part of the world, isn’t there?”
“I’m not sure,” I say.
“What do you mean? You don’t like travelling?”
I shrug. “I haven’t done enough to have much of an opinion. It’s hard to get away when we’ve got the farm to run. Taking time off needs to fit in between activities like pruning and harvest.”
“The farm?”
“Vineyard actually. It’s my family’s. My brother and I run it together.”
“Cool. I’ve never met someone who owns a vineyard before. I imagine it’d be hard work. So what do you do for relaxation if travelling is out?”
I squirm a little, wishing I could admit to something exciting, but there’s not much room in my life for excitement, or maybe I’ve just never found it. I’m tempted to make up something, but Axel seems genuinely interested so I go for the truth. I pick up the novel and wave it in the air. “It’s like stepping into another realm, full of wonder and adventure.”
Axel takes the book and peers at the cover. “So, a fantasy reader, huh? I’m more of a mystery/thriller man myself.”
“And what do you do in your downtime? Any hobbies?”
He looks thoughtful for a moment before answering. “To be honest, I don’t get a lot of time to myself, but when I’m not travelling, I’m usually home writing music and spending time with my brother. I’m trying to teach myself to cook—I’m pretty crap at it, but I’m giving it my best shot. Oh, and I run.”
I can’t help giving him the once over at those words and can imagine those long legs eating up the track. But I latch on to the first thing he said. “Music, huh? I don’t have a musical bone in my body, and I can’t cook to save my life. I like running though. Sounds like you keep yourself busy.”
“Sure, but it’s just normal stuff. I’m not as exciting as you may think.”
“Hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, I think it’s kind of refreshing to meet someone who’s genuine and down-to-earth, especially in a place like this.”
As our conversation flows, I find myself more and more captivated by Axel—not just his good looks, but also his intelligence and personality. However, I’m also aware that I’ve monopolised his time and he’s probably got better places to be than hanging out here with me.
“Listen,” I say eventually. “I should probably get going. But it was really nice talking to you. I hope we can do this again sometime.”
“Definitely. I’m sure we’ll run into each other again on the cruise. Maybe next time, we can grab some coffee or something.”
His smile is genuine leading me to think he really means it and isn’t just spouting platitudes. My chest warms at the idea of seeing him again.
