Page 17 of Once Upon a Holiday Vacation
“East,” I said softly, “today has been...”
He turned to me, curiosity written across his features. “What is it, West?”
I hesitated, the words catching in my throat. How could I explain something I barely understood myself? Instead, I chickened out. “It's been a great day. I'm glad we're here together.”
His smile was soft and genuine. “Me too, West. Me too.”
As we fell back into silence, I couldn't help but wonder what might happen if I took a chance and told him how I was feeling. But for now, I was content to sit here under the stars, stealing glances at the man who might just be stealing my heart.
I shifted in my lounge chair, trying to get comfortable and shake off these new, confusing feelings. The gentle lapping of waves against the ship's hull provided a soothing backdrop to my chaotic thoughts.
“So, what's the plan for tomorrow?” I asked, hoping to steer my mind towards safer territory.
Easton's eyes lit up. “There's a book club meeting in the ship's library. I was thinking of checking it out.”
I couldn't help but chuckle. “Of course you were. Only you could find a way to bury your nose in a book on a luxury cruise.”
He playfully swatted my arm. “Hey, some of us like to exercise our minds as well as our bodies, Mr. I-can't-sit-still-for-five-minutes.”
“Fair enough,” I conceded, grinning. “How about we compromise? I’ll go with you to your book club, and afterwards, we hit up the rock-climbing wall together?”
His eyebrows shot up. “You want me to climb a wall? On a moving ship?”
“Come on, live a little! I'll be right there with you,” I coaxed, nudging his shoulder. “I promise I won't let you fall.”
Something flickered in his eyes, and for a moment, I thought he might refuse. But then he smiled, a hint of mischief in his expression. “Alright, you're on. But if I embarrass myself, you're buying me ice cream.”
“Deal.” I laughed, feeling a surge of excitement at the prospect of sharing another new experience with him.
As we continued chatting about our plans for the rest of the trip, I made a decision. These feelings, whatever they were, could wait. For now, I'd focus on enjoying every moment with my best friend, just like we'd always done. Maybe, through more shared experiences like today, I'd figure out what my heart was trying to tell me.
CHAPTER SEVEN
EASTON
My heart racedas I stepped off the gangplank, the sun-drenched shores of the Bahamas stretching before us like a Caribbean dream. Weston's hand brushed mine as we navigated the crowded dock, sending tingles up my arm.
“East, can you believe this view?” His eyes sparkled with excitement. “It's even better than the brochures.”
I nodded, struggling to find words. The cerulean waters, powdery white sand, and swaying palms were breathtaking, but they paled in comparison to the man beside me. His golden hair caught the sunlight, and his easy smile made my stomach flutter.
“It's beautiful,” I managed, pushing my glasses up. “I can't wait to explore.”
Weston grinned, slinging an arm around my shoulders. “First stop, snorkeling. You ready to see some fish, bookworm?”
I laughed, leaning into his touch. “As long as there are no sharks.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”
I snorted. “What do you know about warding off sharks? You’re from Indiana just like me. The only large body of water near there is Lake Michigan. Not any sharks that I’m aware of in the Great Lakes.”
Weston turned to me, looking appropriately offended. “Hey! I have never missed an episode during Shark Week yet. All you have to do is go for their eyes. And if that doesn’t work, a good punch to the nose should do the trick.”
“My apologies. I will never doubt you again, my Knight in Shining… flip flops,” I responded sarcastically as I glanced down at his toes.
“Wise guy!” He wrapped an arm around my neck and yanked me into his side, rubbing his hand over my head like the noogies he used to give me when we were kids.
I managed to wriggle out of his hold, laughing loudly as I smoothed my hair back into place. With all the strange things that had been happening between us, it was good to know some things would never change.
