Page 56 of Ship Happens

Thirty minutes later, my luggage is packed and waiting by the door when Harper arrives, looking composed and professional in jeans and a light blazer, her hair pulled back in a neat ponytail. Only the slight darkening of a mark just above her collar—a memento from our more enthusiastic activities last night—hints at our intimate connection.

“Ready?” she asks, all business despite the memories of her naked in my bed just hours ago.

“Ready.” I pick up both our bags.

Her lips twitch with suppressed amusement.

I maintain a professional distance from Harper, though every instinct urges me to take her hand, to place my palm against the small of her back, to give some outward sign of my internal claim.

“Alex says there’s media waiting at the cruise terminal,” I warn as we approach the exit. “Standard coverage, but they’llbe interested in us given our initial champagne baptism and subsequent social media storm.”

“How should we handle it?” she asks, tensing.

“You completed your case study, I provided full access and transparency, we developed mutual professional respect through the process.” I meet her eyes. “The truth, just not the whole truth.”

She nods, squaring her shoulders. “I can manage that.”

We reach the gangway, where Chen waits with a final data package for Harper. As they exchange professional goodbyes, I scan the terminal, spotting several camera crews positioned to capture passenger reactions.

“Dr. Bennett,” I say as she finishes with Chen, loud enough for nearby passengers to hear. “Thank you for your thorough assessment of our environmental initiatives. Cole Tech looks forward to your findings and recommendations for continuous improvement.”

She slips into her role, extending her hand for a formal shake. “Thank you for your transparency, Mr. Cole. It’s refreshing to work with a corporation committed to environmental progress, even when that means spending money.”

We shake hands, the touch brief despite the electricity that still courses between us. Around us, passengers watch with interest, several recording our interaction on their phones.

“Shall we?” I gesture toward the gangway, allowing her to walk ahead.

Together, we disembark, walking side by side but not quite together down the long ramp toward the terminal. At thebottom, Alex waits with my small team, alongside several reporters hoping for a statement.

“Mr. Cole!” One steps forward, microphone extended. “How would you characterize your cruise experience with Dr. Bennett? Sources say you two moved from adversaries to allies on this journey.”

I glance at Harper, who gives an almost imperceptible nod.

“I would say it was enlightening,” I respond. “Dr. Bennett’s expertise provided valuable insights for Cole Tech’s ongoing commitment environmental sustainability. What began as a fight evolved into a mutually beneficial professional exchange?”

“And Dr. Bennett?” Another reporter turns to Harper. “Your initial confrontation with Mr. Cole went viral. Has your opinion of him and Cole Tech changed?”

Harper straightens, every inch the poised scientist. “I am not paid for my opinion, but to find the facts. My findings will be published in the coming weeks, but I can confirm that Cole Tech has showed more genuine environmental commitment than I expected. There remain areas that need improvement, which I’ve documented, but I’m impressed by Mr. Cole’s willingness to acknowledge his shortcomings and commit to fixing them.”

“So, no more champagne throwing?” a reporter jokes.

Harper’s smile is professional but warm. “I believe we’ve found more effective ways to communicate.”

If only they knew just how effective.

“Mr. Cole, will you be implementing Dr. Bennett’s recommendations? At what cost to Cole Tech? Does your board support this?” another asks.

“Without having seen her complete assessment, I can’t commit to specifics,” I reply. “But I value her expertise and perspective. Cole Tech is dedicated to continuous improvement, and insights from respected scientists like Dr. Bennett are crucial to that process.”

Alex steps forward, interrupting before more personal questions can come out of the woodwork. “Thank you all for your interest. Mr. Cole has a board meeting to prepare for, and I’m sure Dr. Bennett has her own obligations.”

As the media disperses, Alex gives me a knowing look that I ignore. She’s been my PR director long enough to recognize when I’m not telling the complete story.

“Your car is waiting, Ethan,” she says. “Dr. Bennett, it was a pleasure to work with you on this project. I look forward to reading your assessment.”

“Thank you for arranging the access,” Harper replies. “It was more transparent than I expected.”

“I’ll bet,” Alex murmurs, too low for others to hear.

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