Page 56 of The Companion Love Trap

eighteen

EVERLY

CRUISE DAY FIVE

Initially, when Jace told me I’d have some free time to myself, I was excited about the chance to do whatever I wanted. Thoughts of swimming, dancing, and meeting new people had played across my mind. In reality, I missed the three men who’d burrowed their way into my heart.

“Stupid feelings,” I grumbled as I moseyed down the deck, hoping to find something to do. I didn’t do well with boredom.

Jace had stayed at the port yesterday for a photo shoot and would be meeting us tonight at the next one.

Kieran was busy finalizing his big presentation and demonstration for tomorrow, his last big push for the investors. He’d taken over a conference room, and the last time I’d checked on him, his hair was standing on end, and he was muttering to himself. I’d given him a blow job, which seemed to help calm him, but eventually, he asked me to leave, stating I was too distracting.

And I hadn’t been able to find Cruz since lunch. He’d been quiet today, a side of him I wasn’t used to, and it was weirding me out. We hadn’t spent much time together since the first night, and I missed him.

Not that I’d tell him that. Eww. Feelings. Shudder.

“Excuse me, miss,” a voice said, interrupting my mindless wander.

“Yes?” I asked, spinning. The cute sundress I wore flew out around me, and I smiled as I set my eyes on three women.

“Could you take our picture for us?” the one in the middle asked.

“Absolutely.” I grinned and skipped over, taking the camera from the sweet lady.

“So, what brings you three on a cruise?” I asked as I lifted the small camera. They awkwardly posed, and I bit my lip, wishing Jace was here. But he’d taught me a few things, so maybe I could share that with them.

“Oh, we’re lifelong friends,” the one at the end said. “We always said we’d take a trip together, and we’re finally making that happen.” She smiled warmly at the other two.

“That’s beautiful. I wish I had a friend I felt that close to.” I tilted the camera but decided to give up and adjust them. “Do you mind if I help you pose? A guy I’m dating is a photographer, and he taught me a few tricks.” I pressed my lips together, hoping they wouldn’t be offended.

“Please. That would be lovely, dear.”

“I’m Everly, by the way.”

Smiling, I walked over and moved them to different positions, showing them all how to turn and pose. I fixed their hair and clothes until they looked perfect. They introduced themselves as Mildred, Beth, and Diane and told me about how they met.

“Okay, time to show me those pearly whites, ladies!” I lifted the camera and captured them as they smiled at me, their friendship shining through. I took a few more, suggesting they sit in one and look out over the water in another.

“Do you have any big plans for the last few days?” I asked as I handed the camera back.

“We’re looking forward to the dance tomorrow and shopping at the last port,” Mildred, the quieter of the three, said.

“Yes, we all got new gowns to wear, and hopefully, a gentleman will ask us to dance. It’s been so long since I’ve danced,” Beth sighed wistfully.

“And by a long time, she means a day,” Diane scoffed, rolling her eyes at her friend. Beth shrugged her shoulders, not ashamed of her game.

“I dig it.” I giggled with them before saying bye and continuing on my walk. I felt a little better now that I’d gotten to do something. My whole life had been spent preparing to be the next great violinist and bringing pride and prestige to my family. Every moment of my life had been orchestrated to fine-tune me into the perfect little girl my mom wanted.

It seemed I didn’t even know how to take a vacation now if every second of my life wasn’t ambition driven. And while I didn’t get my worth through my job, I couldn’t deny that some part of me thrived more when I had a purpose.

“Fancy meeting you here,” a sexy Brazilian voice said to my right. My eyes landed on his dark brown ones, the color warming me like my favorite hot chocolate.

“What’s cookin’, good lookin’?” I asked, grinning.

I didn’t even have to think as my steps turned toward him, my body always knowing the route to Cruz. I gazed over him as I neared. Buns sat on the end of a round bed, her tail wagging at the sight of me. Cruz had a canvas bag next to him, a ball of yellow yarn, and knitting needles in his lap. I stopped, quirking my eyebrow up at the odd sight.

“You knit?”

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