We make plans to meet just before the guided tour leaves and Ace and I go up to our room to change.
“Go do that in the bathroom,” he says firmly. “One look at that luscious body of yours and we will never get to the gym.”
I laugh, slowly pulling off my top. “You were saying?”
“I thought you wanted to work out?” he growls, advancing on me purposefully.
“I do. But there’s more than one way to work out.”
“You’re definitely trying to kill me.” He snakes out an arm to grab me and pulls me close. “And now I’m going to make you pay.”
“Oooh…” My breath leaves me in an excited rush. “That sounds…terrifying.”
He laughs and tosses me on the bed.
Two hours later, we have to shower and get dressed, all thoughts of working out long gone. We eat lunch on our own and are waiting in the reception area when Chris and Aubrey fall into step with us as we get ready to leave on the tour. We join a dozen others as we file off the ship onto shore, and excitement courses through me.
I love to travel and explore new places, and Ace said he didn’t have a lot of opportunity for that, though he wants to. Hopefully, today is going to be filled with firsts for both of us.
“I did some research on the winery on the list,” Aubrey says, wrinkling her nose. “Terrible reviews. Personally, I’m going to skip it, though you guys can go if you want. I’m happy to shop.”
“If the reviews were bad, I’m out too,” I say, glancing at Ace. “You?”
He shrugs. “I’d go if you wanted to, but if not, I’m happy to do whatever.”
“Shopping it is.” I slide my arm through the crook of his elbow as we walk. It’s cold today, and the wind picks up, so I wrap my scarf around my head since I left my hair down and it’s blowing all over the place.
The town is small but lovely and the Christmas market is enchanting. Each booth has something different, everything from cookies and candies to tourist items to local, handmade jewelry. I buy some sweets to bring home, as well as an ornament to put on some future Christmas tree since I haven’t put one up since my divorce. I have a nice collection of ornaments, though.
“Hey, we’re supposed to try this Rüdesheim coffee,” Aubrey says, pointing to a little place that’s advertising them. “Apparently, you can’t come here without trying one.”
“What is it?” I ask as the four of us walk in that direction.
“It’s coffee with a special German brandy called Asbach or something, covered with whipped cream and shaved chocolate.”
“Sounds good,” Ace says. We walk up to the counter as my phone rings and I see my mother’s name.
“You guys order for me. Let me talk to my mom for a few. She’s been texting me constantly.”
I walk out of the small store and answer the phone, not wanting to talk in the middle of a busy little shop.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Shannon! How are you? Is everything okay?”
“Everything is wonderful. The boat is gorgeous, we’ve made friends on board, and we’re having a blast.”
“Where are you?”
“Today we’re in Rüdesheim and were just about to have some special local coffee drink.”
“Oh, good. I’m glad you’re away from that awful person stalking you and can relax.”
“I booked a massage for Thursday morning, so relaxation is on the menu.”
“And Andrew? How’s he doing?”
I pause. There’s something curious in her voice, like she’s asking more than what she’s saying. “He’s good. We’re good. Having fun. He’s just as charming as I remember.”
