At the table, he kept sneaking glances at Ody like he wanted to say something.
But Ody never looked up. Not once.
Mano’s stomach twisted.
After breakfast they returned to their rooms to pack. Soon they were outside loading their bags into the cars. They still had an hour before their ferry to Piraeus.
Mano carried his suitcase across the parking lot. Antony was already opening the trunk of his car. For a moment Mano slowed. Then he turned and walked toward Ody’s instead. “We’re riding with them,” he said to Ranya.
She frowned, glancing between him and Ody. “Did you guys make up?”
Mano didn’t answer. He reached the trunk just as Ody lifted a suitcase. “I got it,” Mano said, taking it from him and setting it inside.
Their eyes met. Ody looked away first. “Thanks,” he muttered, reaching for another bag.
“Leave it to me. I got it.” Mano lifted the last suitcase into the trunk. “Want me to drive?”
Ody hesitated. He still looked tense about last night, but there was also a hint of relief in his eyes. “If you want, from Piraeus to Athens.”
“Okay.” Mano shut the trunk.
When they arrived at the port, Ody and Antony drove the cars onto the ferry while the rest of the group headed inside.
Mano stayed outside on the deck. The wind whipped against his face as he leaned on the railing, staring out at the water. A little later, he heard footsteps on the metal stairs. Ody was coming up with Antony, talking.
As they approached, Mano’s eyes met Ody’s.
“I’ll catch up in a bit,” Ody told Antony.
Antony nodded and continued inside.
Now it was just the two of them.
“Ody…” Mano said. “I wanted to talk to you about last night.” His gaze stayed steady.
Ody’s drifted toward the sea.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what got into me. I mean it.” His jaw tightened. “I don’t know what the hell I was thinking. I’d never… force myself on you. I’m not that kind of person. I swear, I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s fine,” Ody said, cutting him off and finally looking at him. “Don’t worry about it.”
Mano searched his face. “Are you… mad at me?”
“No, Mano. I’m not.” Ody’s expression softened.
Mano swallowed hard. “So…” His voice dropped. “We’re good?”
“We’re good.” Ody met his eyes. “Besides, I was the one who started talking shit. I insulted you first.”
Mano shook his head. “That doesn’t excuse what I did.” He looked down. “Last night I just—”
“Last night you just drank too much,” Ody said.
Their eyes met again. For a moment neither of them moved.
Then Mano stepped closer. Too close. His fingers brushed over Ody’s cheek. “I’m sorry,” he murmured, his gaze flickering to Ody’s lips as he leaned in.
Ody jerked back, his heart jumping into his throat as he glanced around the deck. “What are you doing?” he whispered harshly.
