Page 20 of Examining Ella

“Want to hit up all the slides? They have some even bigger than this one. There’s one we ride inner tubes down.”

Ella looked around for the blond but didn’t see her.

Forget about her. Just have some fun.

She looked back at Bryan.

“Let’s go!”

Chapter Thirteen

Ella was tired but still in a great mood by the time she met Bryan in the ship’s largest dining hall.

It was dinner time, and plenty of other passengers were there. She and Bryan still managed to find a secluded, private table where they sat across from each other.

“Did it feel good to get a shower?” he asked.

“Yep. How about for you?”

“Yeah. I love pools, but I’m always happy to wash that water off.” He paused and then said, “You look beautiful, Ella.”

She blushed, averting her eyes for a moment, unable to contain the giggle that escaped her throat. She felt silly but reminded herself she was a Little after all.

“Thank you,” she said.

She didn’t feel beautiful. But what was new?

A server came by, carrying a tray of champagne flutes. Ella raised her hand. “Thank you,” she said, taking one.

Bryan did the same.

The first sip felt good going down, and Ella realized it might take some of the edge off her self-consciousness.

“Are you having fun?” he asked.

“So much fun,” she said.

It wasn’t a lie. Despite some of her misgivings, she was actually having a blast.

“So, the doctor knew what he was talking about when he suggested you take some time for yourself?” he said with a mischievous grin.

Gosh, he looked hot. There was something about his dimples that drove Ella crazy.

“He’s a good doctor,” she said with a smirk of her own.

“Don’t tell him that,” Bryan said. “It’ll go to his head.”

They both laughed.

She worked on the champagne. They continued to talk until dinner was delivered, and then continued the conversation while they ate.

“I hope I’m not crashing your vacation,” he said.

“Not at all.”

“I understand if you want some alone time.”

“I’m excited you’re here,” she said.

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