Page 35 of The Companion Love Trap

Jace looked at me expectantly, but I pretended like he wasn’t waiting for an explanation and took Kieran’s hand. Again, he only tensed slightly, getting more accustomed to my touch. I wondered how other parts of his body would respond?

“How much trouble would I be in if I called you Beverly?” Jace teased.

Giving him the cold shoulder, I turned to Kieran. “I didn’t expect the ship to have a mosquito problem. I didn’t pack any bug spray.”

Kieran glanced over my shoulder and then back to me. “I’m sure there’s some in the gift shop,” he said, surprising a chuckle out of me.

“I knew I liked you,” I whispered, squeezing his arm and nuzzling my face against him. Damn, he smelled just as delicious as yesterday.

Kieran grinned, his cheeks flushing as we continued to walk and ignore Jace. He became more irritating the longer we disregarded him, making me want to keep doing it. It seemed Kieran was like-minded.

We’d toured a few decks and discovered a theater, dance club, two restaurants, a spa, and several shops. There weren’t many people on board yet, which made it easy to navigate the expansive ship as we explored. The dance club reminded me of Howlers and the two men I’d left behind—Cruz and Phantom. A pang shot out at the thought of not seeing them, and I knew I’d need to double glove my heart.

“Would you like to grab a drink?” Kieran asked, pointing to a coffee shop.

“Sounds divine,” I said eagerly, wanting the distraction from men I shouldn’t be thinking about. Jace had fallen quiet several minutes ago, and I peeked over at him, discovering the usual sunshine guy pouting. It seemed Jace didn’t do well with being ignored. Deciding his punishment was over, I touched his arm.

“Jace, do you want anything?” I asked. His head flew up, his eyes meeting mine, and I saw the vulnerability there. Well, fuck. Why did he have to look so cute with his big sad eyes?

“I’d love one, Everly.”

Smiling, I kissed his cheek as I stepped up into line, pretending my heart raced at the promise of caffeine and nothing more.

“You didn’t ask what we want,” Jace said, some of his playfulness returning. He crossed his arms, lifting a brow in a challenge.

“It’s my super skill,” I replied, winking over my shoulder.

Kieran shrugged, happy to stay out of the line, and pulled Jace back. I took a second to take a deep breath and shake out my hand like a 19th-century lady-in-waiting. Kieran’s touch had sent permanent goosebumps and shivers through me.

When it was my turn to order, I listed off three drinks and the names that accompanied them. I grinned as I waited, eager to see their faces when I handed them their beverages.

“Here you go,” the barista said, pushing a tray over. I grabbed it and returned to the guys, trying to hide my grin as I neared.

“Alright, Firecracker. Wow us with your skill.”

“Here you go.”

A wicked grin spread across my face as I sipped my iced coffee. I didn’t trust anyone else to foam my milk just how I liked it. Plus, it was hotter than balls out here. Ice all the way.

“Why does this say ‘Trash Panda’ on it, Firecracker?” Jace asked, lifting his brow.

I rolled my eyes at him, secretly pleased Kieran had tried his without complaint. He was more easygoing than I’d expected, contradicting his grumpy exterior that I now saw as a defense. He nodded in appreciation and turned his cup and frowned at the title.

“Timon?” he asked, his forehead creasing.

“Yup. You’re tall, lean, and shy, like a meerkat. Fit better than Bambi. Did I get your drink right?” I asked. Jace snorted at my description, but Kieran took a second to digest it and then met my eyes.

“Spot on. I’m not into anything fancy.” I smiled as I took another sip, glad I pinged his Americano correctly.

“You made me a coffee before. So I’m not trusting your skills as magic,” Jace said, still frowning at the name.

“Take a sip, and I’ll tell you why, big baby,” I said, daring him with my eyes.

Sighing, he took a sip, his eyes widening in surprise as the liquid met his tongue. “This isn’t a cappuccino.”

“Nope. I figured you ordered that because you thought it made you sound cool, but really you’re a Caramel Macchiato type of guy. As for the name, you’re mischievous and curious, often trying to pull one over on others. Yet you’re fiercely protective of what’s yours. It fits.” I shrugged, taking a sip.

Jace eyed me, his brain processing something as he continued to stare. “Fine, but I refuse to be called anything that starts with trash. Surely there’s a cooler raccoon name?”

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