Chapter 33
Chapter Thirty-Three
Abigail
“ M ind if I take a picture of the Maiden?”
Recognizing the male voice coming from behind me, I stiffen involuntarily. After everything that happened, why would he be asking such a question?
I swivel around to find Steven standing nearby, a camera cradled in one hand. He has a sheepish look on his face, like he’s half expecting me to tell him to get lost.
Part of me is screaming to send him packing, after how he treated me during the photo shoot.
But another part of me doesn’t quite know how to handle this situation. Right now, I’m supposed to be playing the role of the Maiden. That includes making people feel welcome on Barron’s ship.
Not quite sure what to do, I glance over to where Barron is talking to a passenger. Both men are deep in conversation with another passenger, engrossed in a discussion about the cruise ship itself.
Their focused expressions make it abundantly clear they’re oblivious to Steven’s presence. I decide against calling Barron over, not wanting to interrupt.
“I actually came to apologize,” Steven says, taking advantage of my momentary hesitation. He lowers the camera slightly. “I was a total jerk yesterday.”
“Hmm.” I won’t say more.
He takes a tentative step in my direction then throws a sidelong glance toward Barron before continuing in a lowered voice. “Dealing with Bronwyn right before put me on edge.”
His frank admission takes me by surprise. But after witnessing the antagonistic side of the model in person, I can only imagine what Steven must have been grappling with behind the scenes.
“I…can understand,” I reply slowly, some of my apprehension melting away.
Steven chuckles, the sound oddly comforting. “Still, I never should have taken it out on you the way I did. I’m sorry if I ended up ruining the experience for you.”
“Well, it’ll certainly be an unforgettable one,” I say, unable to resist the small barb.
Steven’s expression turns thoughtful as he studies me. “I didn’t realize you were scared of water.”
I tear my gaze away, my mind flashing to that horrific moment where I felt like the waves were coming over my head. The moment I was gasping for air, the panic clawing at my chest. Then Barron put his arms around me, holding me until I could regain control.
“My first thought was that you saw a bug or something else spooked you. I’ve had plenty of outdoor shoots interrupted by spiders dropping down, mice running across, or birds flying through,” Steven explains, his tone softening. “I’m so sorry, Abigail. I shouldn’t have kept pushing.”
“It’s okay,” I automatically assure him, offering up what I hope is a reassuring smile.
It’s common knowledge that artists can be temperamental, to say the least. And that’s exactly what he is, an artist, with his camera. I should count myself lucky that someone of his caliber would even accept the job, knowing I’m totally unqualified and inexperienced at modeling.
“I’m going to try to make arrangements to fly out of here tomorrow,” Steven continues, interrupting my thoughts. “So I’m glad I got to see you today and clear the air between us before I take off.”
“Fly out?” I blink at him in surprise. “I thought the places where we’re stopping are too small for an airport.”
A grin spreads across Steven’s face. “There’re airports in Alaska.” He hitches his shoulders. “You might have to take a puddle jumper to a larger facility with major routes, but you can still get home.”
Somehow, knowing I’m not completely trapped out here gives me an unexpected sense of relief. I assumed there was pretty much nothing other than the ship until we docked in Seattle again.
“You okay?” The concern in Steven’s voice pulls me back to the conversation. He’s studying my face with open curiosity, a frown creasing his brow. “You looked like you zoned out for a second.”
Be careful not to give personal information they might use against you.
“Yes, I’m fine,” I reply, pasting a smile on my lips.
He glances over his shoulder at Barron then moves so he’s giving him his back. “Were you interested in going home?” he asks, keeping his voice low.
His stare is so intense, I have to lower my gaze while trying to come up with an adequate response.
If he’d asked me yesterday, before what happened last night with Barron, I might have jumped at the chance to go with him. I could wait at the hotel…
Again, I second-guess myself. No, it’s one thing to have the urge to run away, but I couldn’t do it. I wouldn’t be able to leave Miss Opal all alone for the rest of the trip.
With that in mind, I regain my focus and meet Steven’s gaze. “No, I’m fine,” I say, adding as much confidence as I can muster into my tone. “I just didn’t know there were options for returning to Seattle.”
Steven straightens, his expression still holding a hint of doubt. “Okay. If you change your mind, let me know.”
What do I say to this? I will? Thanks? No thanks? I glance toward Barron and immediately lose the ability to piece a thought together. The giant is drawing up to his full height, jaw clenched, his attention centered squarely on Steven.
And dear God, I’m wet before he takes the first step in our direction.