Page 74 of Caribbean Crush

Had there been a reconciliatory phone call I’d forgotten about? An email? Fax?

“Can we speak somewhere? Private?” she asked with a timid smile. She always was so good at seeming innocent, though I guess it’s really no act. She’s lived in a privileged bubble her whole life. “That is, after you find us a little cabin to stay in. Nothing big. I know it’s a huge imposition to have us on board, and you’re probably fully booked.”

I blinked at her, truly dumbfounded. She expected me to find her a place to stay on board Aurelia? She was planning to stay?

I realized then that they also had accompanying luggage at their feet.

I took a step back. “Let’s—let’s go get a drink, and we can talk.”

It felt like a good intermediary step. I couldn’t just send her packing. She came all the way here—I had to at least humor her for a little while. She deserved that much.

“A drink, yes. We’ve been traveling all day. Oh, and I’d love a tour as well! I’ve never seen Aurelia in person! I’m so excited. I remember seeing the blueprints and sketches when I’d peer over your shoulder while you were working,” she said with a sentimental smile.

I didn’t share the same warm feelings. I was still in crisis-management mode. I grabbed their bags, and we headed back to the gangway where a crew member immediately ran forward to take their bags from me.

“Should I put them in your room, sir?”

God, no.

“Have them sent to the library, please. We’ll be in there for the time being, and I’d hate for them to lose their luggage.”

“Right away, sir.”

In the end, I placated Vivienne and Mira with a quick tour of the ship, followed by exactly one drink in the library. I steered clear of any personal topics and tried to pry out information about how long they planned to stay and the motives behind their visit, but they were annoyingly elusive.

“We really don’t have any open suites or cabins,” I told them. “Not unless you want to bunk with the crew.”

Vivienne laughed. “Oh, we won’t be picky. I promise, any room will do. Put us with the crew, for all we care.”

“Viv—” Mira cut in, clearly not in agreement on this.

Vivienne just shook her head. “It was slightly rude of us to show up here like this, unannounced. I can’t demand the best room on the ship, now can I? Though of course that room is already taken. I’m sure it’s yours, isn’t it?”

Her eyes twinkled with mischief, and I reached for my drink and downed another sip. This whole thing felt wrong.

Like I was cheating somehow.

Casey and I ... god, we were complicated.

I couldn’t label us or dare to delve into my desire for her, not while I feigned polite conversation, but I knew I needed to consider her feelings here. I never would have started something with her if I’d known my ex-girlfriend was about to surprise me with an impromptu visit. I wasn’t trying to play anyone here.

During my silence, Mira stood to excuse herself. “Ladies’ room?” she asked.

“Down the hall on the left.” I stood. “Here, I can show you.”

“No need!” She held up her hand, looking pointedly at Vivienne as if this was all some preplanned routine they’d choreographed. Then she whisked out of the room, and I had a feeling she’d be gone a strategically long time.

Great.

“Vivienne,” I said, my voice taking on a stern edge. “I’d like you to be honest with me now. Say whatever it is and—”

Vivienne stood suddenly and started to peruse the library, inspecting the books and all the little artifacts we’d amassed for the dark walnut shelves. There are more than enough interesting things in here to keep a person occupied for the entire duration of their cruise. It’s probably my favorite room on the ship.

“Oh, Phillip. It’s wonderful, all of it. What an achievement.”

She almost looked wistful when she glanced over her shoulder at me.

Even with everything else going on, it felt good to hear her say it. She’d been by my side while I dreamed up this ship—it only feels right that she should get to experience it now.

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