Page 14 of Howl Me to the Moon
After work was donefor the day, I changed out of my work clothes and into my more comfortable, favored bohemian-style clothing. The fabrics were so soft and colorful, and the way they flowed over my body made me feel good. I’d take that anywhere I could find at the moment. This dress had shades of dark red printed with intricate patterns. I paired it with slouchy brown leather boots and headed out for a walk to get some fresh air.
The moon was rising, and stars danced in the dark slate over the ocean. So peaceful. I loved being out here floating on the ocean, away from everything. That was one of the reasons that drew me to work here. Although the work was sometimes grueling, I loved peaceful moments like this.
I took a few slow, relaxed laps around the ship and then went back inside, a gust of wind nearly knocking me on my ass as it pushed the heavy door closed. Adjusting myself, I debated where to go. Rex was playing tonight, and a part of me longed to head down to see him. But after last night with that near kiss, I wasn’t sure I could deal with the temptation of being around him again so soon.
Instead, I headed to the observation deck where Kylie was bartending tonight in the Celestial Lounge. Maybe we could have some girl time and catch up.
Not likely—not with the number of people in the lounge listening to the band perform “Fly Me to the Moon.” She was so busy serving passengers that it took a few minutes before she slid down the bar to greet me with a smile.
“Piper-Pi, what’s going on?”
I grunted. “I could use a drink, Kylie Ky.”
She leaned forward. “What’s wrong?”
“Too much to tell right now.” I glanced down the bar where a guy had just stepped up to place his order. “But we’ll talk about it later.”
Kylie made me the featured cocktail of the day, Moonlit Delight, which included blueberry vodka. As I took the first sip through the bar, someone from behind me said, “Piper.”
I knew that voice. I sucked in hard, accidentally making a slurping sound as I turned to see Rex. The second my gaze met his, all those heady sensations from last night when we’d been so close, so tempted, so ready returned.
I straightened, trying to compose myself. “Rex, how are you doing?” I hoped he bought my forced neutral tone.
“Just wanted to see how you were doing.”
I slanted my head. “How did you know where to find me?”
“Good guess.” He grinned in a devilish way that sent tingles all the way to my toes. “Plus this thing works pretty well.” He tapped the side of his nose.
I widened my eyes. “You tracked my scent?”
“It’s quite unique.” His eyes gleamed with mischief.
“In a good way, I hope.” What was I doing? Why was I saying weird, flirtatious things like this?
His gaze traveled over me with a slow perusal, unraveling me bit by bit. “In the very best.” Then he straightened, and his expression turned more serious. “Any luck with the search?”
I exhaled from my nostrils. “Unfortunately not.”
He tipped his chin up an inch. “I’m happy to help you look.”
I frowned before shaking my head. “Not tonight.”
He cocked his head. “Something wrong?”
I chewed my lower lip as I decided whether I should tell him. Marcel had reamed me out earlier about taking a gamble on such an expensive painting. When I’d tried to help figure out where we could look next, he’d snapped at me that I had my chance. Now he had the security team on it as well as a witch skilled in scrying. He told me to do my damn job and sell paintings.
Did I want to get into all that with Rex? And ruin the first bit of happiness I’d had all day now that he was here?
Hell no.
Instead, I said, “Nothing worth dwelling on now.” I stood and tipped my head. “Walk with me?”
His eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Of course.”
We headed out to the Starlight Terrace, the outdoor deck with a pool decorated with colorful tiles resembling a dragon that shimmered beneath the moonlight. Upbeat pop music played from the speakers while the salt from the ocean perfumed the air. Few people walked the deck tonight as the Alaskan breeze kept them indoors while we sailed. I steeled myself against it, though goosebumps prickled on my skin.
Rex brushedhis fingers against mine, and heat danced inside me. Then he took my hand, warming it in his large but gentle grip. I stole a glance up at his profile, feeling so small walking beside him. His dark hair was tousled, and I itched to run my fingers through it. Seeing this wolf shifter here beneath the moonlight did funny things to me, and all sorts of unfamiliar tingles zigzagged inside.
