Page 56 of Love Overboard
Jon shrugged out of his jacket. After laying it on the ground behind Lacey, he gently pushed her to a sitting position and settled beside her. Patting his shoulder, he nodded.
She scrunched her eyebrows at him.
He thumped his shoulder again. “You can borrow it awhile. I’ll protect you from any creepy-crawlies.”
“Yeah right.” She frowned. “You’ll fall asleep the minute my eyes close.”
“I promise, not a wink.” He tweaked her chin. “Have you ever known me to break a promise?”
She couldn’t recall a single time. “You swear you’ll stay awake?”
“Cross my heart.” He made the motion over his chest and held his hand up like he was taking an oath.
Lacey bit her lower lip. A quick nap. What could it hurt? She inched her head onto the broad shoulder beside her, and Jon slumped a little to make it more comfortable.
Her head lifted. “Wake me if you see a spider.”
He blew out a ragged breath and pushed her head onto his shoulder. “Go to sleep.”
“Don’t tell me what to do,” Lacey murmured.
She had to give him credit. Jon showed up when it mattered—when it wasn’t even his responsibility. What other man on the MSBuckinghamwould drive a tiny boat through a dangerous storm to babysit a bunch of outraged passengers? Who else would stand between a raving maniac and her? How many guys would—
Her eyelids drooped no matter how hard she tried to keep them open, and she sank into a sweet, spiderless dream.
CHAPTER 25
JON’S SACROILIAC COMPLAINED LOUD ANDlong. His lower back didn’t appreciate remaining stock-still for an hour. He should have laid his jacket against the wall so he had a brace to lean on. Too late now. Moving might wake Lacey.
His location offered a clear view of Amante’s cot through the open doorway. The man hadn’t budged since he fell asleep. A large black bag rested under his head instead of a pillow, the strap wrapped around his right arm. Was there a reason why he wanted to keep it close? The security guard better take a look inside the moment they boarded the ship.
Jon eased his cell phone out of his left pocket. No messages. Not surprising since it continued to sound like a tropical depression outside.
Lacey shifted against his shoulder. He craned his neck to check on her. That tiny crease between her eyebrows had finally disappeared. Her still-damp hair pressed against his neck, and the flowery scent of her shampoo tickled his nostrils. Jon stared at the stained ceiling tiles above his head.
God, help?
Not his most eloquent prayer, but one of the most heartfelt. Back to square one. Longing for something out of reach. He wanted to be much more than a friend to Lacey, but she always ran away. How could he prove his sincerity?
Thunder boomed like someone had shot a cannonball through the room.
Lacey jerked and rose to her knees. She blinked. “How long was I asleep?”
“Not long enough.” He tapped his opposite shoulder. “If you want to catch a few more winks, use this side. You’ve got a red mark the size of Tampa on your cheek.”
She covered the spot with her fingers, walked to the doorway, and surveyed the gymnasium.
Jon stood, and his back cracked. He rubbed his spine as he wandered behind Lacey, peering over her head.
Sleeping bodies filled the cots. Peace reigned. Except for the garbage-disposal snoring of the person in the corner.
“They’re fine, Lace. The ship still hasn’t texted me. No one’s coming to get us yet.” He gently tugged her into the office and led her to the empty cot along the wall. “Rest here. It’ll be more comfortable than my shoulder.” Jon placed his hand on top of her head and pushed her down. Reaching to the nearby table, he grabbed a bottle of fruit punch, twisted off the cap, and passed the drink to her. “Try this and get some more sleep.”
Lacey reached for the bottle but fumbled. It tilted between them, and the punch splashed the right sleeve of her sweatshirt. “Oh no!” She shook the bright-red liquid onto the floor.
“Here.” Jon grabbed the towel she’d used on her hair. He bent and dabbed at the sleeve. “You were supposed to drink it, not wear it. This isn’t a good look for you.” He smiled. It faded when he saw the tears welling. “Hey, I didn’t mean it.” He tossed the towel aside and took her by the arms. “You can wear anything. Fruit punch. Orange juice. Spinach smoothie. I bet you’d start a new trend.”
She shook him off and covered her mouth and nose with her hands. Muffled words squeezed out from behind her fingers.
