‘Fantastique!’ Gabriel enthused. ‘We should move to the other side to take some more photos.’
‘Great idea,’ I said.
But when I went to move, I tripped over my bag. Just as I thought I was about to fall backwards on the deck with a thud, I felt strong arms grip my waist and pull me up.
‘Tu vas bien?’ Gabriel asked.
As I looked up and saw him staring down at me, his arms still holding my waist, I blinked rapidly.
‘Yeah, I… er, my… I forgot my bag was on the… I…’
Gabriel’s eyes locked with mine and I couldn’t look away.
He pulled me up closer towards him, our faces were now just inches apart.
My gaze dipped slightly to his lips. They were so close.
They looked so soft.
So inviting.
If either one of us moved a little, they would be touching.
I knew I shouldn’t even be considering this, but we’d had such a lovely evening. It was great to talk to him, to be around him. His energy and enthusiasm were just infectious.
I wanted more of him.
I wanted to kiss him.
21
LAILA
Gabriel inched forward and my lips parted.
Just as I was about to press my mouth on his, the boat rocked, causing me to stumble again.
‘I… shit,’ I stuttered as the realisation of what we were just about to do hit me. ‘We should go inside. Looks like the boat’s heading back.’
I rushed off, making a beeline for the ladies’ toilets.
Shit, shit, shit.
That waswaytoo close for comfort.
I would’ve gladly stayed in the loos for the rest of the boat ride, but there were only limited cubicles, plus I couldn’t allow that slip-up to stop me from seeing the rest of the sights.
I was a grown woman, I could sit with him and not allow anything to happen. The reason I got myself in that compromising situation was because we were alone. I broke my own rules, but I wouldn’t do it again.
I strode back to the table.
‘About what just happened…’ I said, ‘we can’t…’
‘Forget it,’ Gabriel jumped in.
‘Thank you.’ I breathed a sigh of relief. ‘It’s better if we just focus on the sights.’
For the rest of the cruise, my eyes were firmly fixed on the views through the window. On the journey back to the hotel, Gabriel and I didn’t speak, but I could feel the tension in the air.
