Page 77 of Caribbean Crush

“Oh my god, more than twice, then. Casey, I’m sorry.”

It’s those words “I’m sorry” said in that sympathetic, caring tone that finally chisel away the last of my resolve. When I look back up at her with a tight smile, tears rim my bottom lashes. “It’s fine, Sienna. Really. You’re making it into a bigger deal than it is. Now tell me, what happened after you said that comment to them, which, by the way, I don’t condone. I’m sure it made the situation worse than it has to be.”

She frowns, clearly irritated that I’m not as worked up about Phillip as she is. “I’m sorry if I put my foot in my mouth. I just ... It’s not right, Casey.”

I nudge her shoulder with mine and offer her a timid smile. “It’s all right. You were just trying to be a good friend. You are one, you know? I can’t believe I’ve only known you a week and already you’re going to bat for me against Phillip Woodmont, of all people.”

“You’re the one who started a fling with him! I still can’t believe it. Did he tell you he was single?”

It’s hard for me to swallow past the emotions tightening my throat.

“Yes.”

“Damn. Well, I’m not saying I know what was going on between them, only that it didn’t look good. They were alone in the library. I mean, she came all the way here to see him. Do you think he invited her?”

“No. Tyson mentioned it to me this morning. Apparently, it was a big surprise.”

Sienna hums like she doesn’t like the sound of that. Then her eyes widen upon seeing something behind me. “Oh god, incoming.”

I recognize Phillip’s presence even before I turn around. The shift in the air, the subtle notes of his cologne, the tingles that race down my spine.

I’m shaking by the time he finally speaks. “Casey, can I have a moment?”

“Don’t bother,” Sienna says for me as she steps toward him. “I told her I saw you with Vivienne last night. You must know Casey could do much better than the likes of you. You should see how many men flirt with her on a daily basis. Anyone would be lucky to have her!”

I squeeze my eyes closed and shake my head in warning. “Sienna—”

“What? It’s the truth. You’re a total catch, and he should bloody well know it.”

“I appreciate the intel.” There’s humor in Phillip’s voice when he speaks. Thank god for that. I think Sienna has slightly forgotten her manners. Phillip is the man in charge on this ship. It’s plausible for him to have the two of us removed from Aurelia for causing trouble.

Phillip’s hand gently touches my bare shoulder. “Casey?”

I open my eyes to see Sienna looking at me, a silent question in her gaze. Do you want me to stay?

I shake my head, and she sighs, likely disappointed that I’m not about to turn around and let Phillip have it. She’d love a good righteous showdown, but I don’t have the energy. I’m just trying to keep it together as best as possible.

When Sienna slinks away, I turn to face Phillip.

Oof.

There it is.

The punch to the gut I was expecting. Looking at him, it’s like I’ve been plugged back into the mainframe. All the feelings that have been peculiarly absent all day come rushing in all at once so forcefully that I’m surprised I remain standing.

The golden hour looks so good on him.

If Phillip ever gets married, he should arrange the ceremony for this exact time so that his lucky bride can stand across from him and get the pleasure of looking at him just like this, bathed in all the sunset hues.

He’s wearing a navy blue suit paired with a light-blue shirt, hydrangea blue to be exact. It takes some courage to raise my gaze up his neck and jaw, over those carved cheekbones, to finally meet his eyes.

Oh, Phillip. What have you done? Making me fall like this ...

“Hi,” I say gently.

He tips his head and studies me, almost like it hurts to look at me. “Did Sienna tell you I ordered you a milkshake last night? Before you left ...”

I chuckle and shake my head. “No, she didn’t. She did mention the other stuff, though ... the conversation in the library.” Suddenly, the question occurs to me, and I ask, “Is Vivienne here?”

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