Chapter 13
GEORGE
F or an evening that I was initially dreading, I was sorely disappointed to see it end.
One hour turned to two, then three, then four and soon I was pouring the last cup of tea.
Rafe’s joke about this date—dinner, not a date—made my stomach flip.
All evening, I noticed more things about him.
He wasn’t just a beautiful man but a talented bloke, and so sensitive underneath his sarcasm and quips.
A man who saw the beauty in everything. A loyal friend.
A man looking for something special in his life, a partner to share it with.
Really not much different from me. The longer dinner went on, the more I felt that shift inside me.
And when dessert came, I knew what was happening.
Before tonight, Rafe had inspired confusion, curiosity, and unexplained angst. But now that I had gotten to know him and really saw him, I couldn’t look anywhere else.
Even though I knew it was madness. A few hours ago, we were trading insults.
And I worked for his brother for Christ’s sake.
That should be all the warning needed to ground my feelings to a halt.
Feelings that had me wanting to be closer to him.
But I knew how rare this type of connection was and my gut told me to follow it. So what if this was crazy? Wasn’t I entitled to follow my heart?
Grab hold of your happiness while he’s sitting in front of you.
“I don’t want to cut our evening short,” Rafe started. “But I’m afraid I have an early morning call scheduled with my client.”
Perhaps calling an end to our night was for the best. I’d have time to consider everything that had happened. To see if tonight was an aberration or truly the start of something special.
“I really enjoyed myself tonight. I’d like to do it again,” Rafe added as he smiled at me.
He probably meant as friends. After all, we were together on this ship for another month. Maybe that’s the only way he saw me? Now? Ever? It didn’t matter. I would gratefully accept his friendship, even if my feelings for him grew.
Without thinking, I reached my hand across the table.
He slid his slender hand in mine without hesitation, and I gripped it tightly.
I looked down at our joining, my hand covered in freckles and old scars, weathered, larger than his.
Rafe’s were like the rest of him—smooth and strong, with perfectly manicured nails. Beautiful.
Despite our differences, we fit.
“I agree. But first, I have a confession to make. Dinner wasn’t entirely my idea. I have to give Charlie credit.”
“I’ll be sure to thank him tomorrow,” Rafe replied with a smile.
“Before we finish here, there’s one last thing we need to do.”
Rafe stared at me, his expression puzzled as I let go of his hand and stood up. Walking around behind him, I pulled his chair out and offered my hand again.
“What’s a cruise without a midnight dance under the moonlight?” I asked.
Slowly, Rafe stood up in front of me.
Whoever had selected the playlist tonight knew exactly what they were doing. The slow strains of sultry jazz were made for a night like this. With one hand in his and the other on his back, I began to guide us.
“Do you dance with all of your passengers?” Rafe asked as he slid one arm around my waist, and together, we moved in rhythm. He looked up at me, his big blue eyes lit with a curious twinkle. And his biggest smile. It made his whole face come alive.
It was my total undoing.
“Only by special request. I try to avoid the parties that Rowan likes to throw, but inevitably someone always asks.”
“Of course they do. Who wouldn’t want to dance with the handsome captain?” Rafe chuckled. “I’m certainly no exception.”
He’s just flirting, it means nothing.
But he stepped in closer, burrowing his slender body into mine. Our thighs touched, our hips, our chests. I wanted to be closer but restrained myself.
Rafe did not.
He leaned onto on my shoulder, tucking his head under my chin.
Like he was made to fit in my arms. I wanted nothing more than to keep holding him, to protect him.
Not that his independent spirit needed safekeeping.
He’d fight like a champ for his freedom.
Still, Rafe deserved love and yes, protection.
Someone who would care for his heart as much as his body.
Someone who would do anything to ensure his happiness.
Suddenly I longed to be that man…
Unfortunately, the jarring sound of a ringtone shattered my daydream.
“Who would be calling me at this hour?” Rafe asked as he abruptly let go.
Our dance was over before it had begun, and my body trembled as the cool night air surrounded me.
He walked over to the table and picked up his mobile, tapping on the screen. “Hello?”
It was time for me to go.
“I’ll leave you to your call. See you in the morning,” I replied politely and walked to the stairs without a backward glance.
The dance was a stupid idea on my part. I hoped I hadn’t made him feel uncomfortable.
Focus on building the friendship.
I heard Rafe murmur “Dylan” as I walked away.
Rowan’s best friend Dylan. Well, he was Rafe’s friend too.
A Hollywood actor who’d recently gotten engaged to Max Lowell, a writer and professor.
They’d fallen in love last summer in France when Max was working with Dylan, ghostwriting his book.
I remember watching their interactions with hopeful curiosity.
Both men were so genuine and kind, and I was happy for them.
I could understand why Rafe was longing for a partner.
Many of his family and friends were falling in love and pairing up.
And being left the single one wasn’t easy.
I knew this all too well. It seemed like at every holiday or outing, people asked why I was still alone and offered to introduce me to potential mates.
The sentiment was well-meaning, but there were times when I wished I could be less than polite and tell them to bugger off.
Nothing was wrong with my life as it was. Being paired up wasn’t the be all and end all to life. Did I want a partner? Yes. Was I going to mope around the rest of my life if I didn’t find one? Certainly not. I had a fulfilling job, good mates, and lots of adventures left.
Speaking of my job, I walked downstairs to the lower level and down the hallway to the kitchen. I wanted to thank Lisette personally for a wonderful meal.
I heard the voices of my crew as I drew near. Without disturbing them, I poked my head around the corner. Sure enough, Charlie, Jana, Lisette, and sous chef Cassie were huddled around the kitchen island, sipping espressos and chatting away.
“You should’ve seen the way they were looking at each other when I served dessert. I mean, I’m not one for romance, like, at all, and even I swooned a little,” Jana giggled.
I pulled my head back and paused.
“I told you the candles and all that extra stuff would work,” Charlie piped in. “Not to brag, but I know that the way to a man’s heart is through his...”
“Stop right there,” Cassie laughed.
“I was going to say stomach, perv,” Charlie laughed.
“Thanks for the tip, Charlie, but listen to your own advice. Your last boyfriend was over two years ago,” Jana commented.
“Because I’ve wanted it that way. I don’t have the time or inclination for dating drama.”
“Cynical,” Lisette countered.
“No, realistic. Dating is a fucking minefield, or have you and Cassie been married so long you’ve forgotten? And work takes up all my time. Who has energy left for dating?”
I had to agree with him on that. Although tonight had left me wondering.
“George and Rafe, apparently. I still can’t believe we’re talking about the captain,” Cassie whispered.
“Please. I’ve known it since last Christmas. You know what they say, the harder they fight, the harder they fall,” Charlie quipped.
Knocking on the doorframe of the kitchen, I walked in and gave a wave. Everyone in the room stood up and lined up, like they were awaiting an inspection.
“At ease,” I replied, and they quickly sat back down on the bar stools. “I’m sorry to disturb your break. I just wanted to pop in and thank you for a lovely meal. Rafe and I enjoyed ourselves immensely.”
“It’s our pleasure, George,” Lisette replied with a knowing smile.
I fought back a blush but was not successful. Thankfully, my beard covered most of it.
“Are you two finished for the night?” Jana replied. “That is, can I clear the table upstairs? I didn’t want to disturb you.”
“Yes, we’re done. Rafe received a phone call and I’m heading back up to the wheelhouse. Charlie, thanks again and I’ll see you on deck at 7 a.m. Have a good night.”
Everyone murmured their goodnights in return, and I made my way back to my suite.
I bypassed the sun deck, but Rafe was gone.
The remnants of our evening lay strewn across the table. The candle burned to the wick and snuffed out, petals from the flowers littering the tablecloth. The empty bowl with two spoons.
If I hadn’t seen the proof with my own eyes, I would’ve sworn I dreamt the whole thing.
Entering the wheelhouse, my office was dark and quiet, save for my dashboard and the screens that were always lit up. Since we were docked, there was no need to have crew members up here on night watch, and I was grateful for the privacy.
Heading back to my bedroom, I stripped down and threw on my gray dressing gown. Tired but not sleepy, I grabbed a book, and slipped on my reading glasses when I heard a knock at the wheelhouse door.
I ventured out of my bedroom and found Rafe standing at the entrance to my office.
“Is everything all right?” I asked as I threw open the door.
Rafe stood for a moment and stared, running his eyes all over me. Then I realized I probably looked ridiculous with my robe on. “Is Dylan okay?”
Rafe ran a hand through his hair and nodded.
“He and Max are great. Dylan’s on set at 5 a.m. lately, and he decided to call me from the break room to catch up. He forgot that it was so late here in Australia. He says to say hi.”
“That’s nice. I hope we see them again soon.”
“No doubt.” Rafe paused. “Anyways, I just wanted to thank you again for a wonderful evening. And the dance. And everything. I wanted to say a proper goodnight.”
“You’re very welcome, but it’s me who should be thanking you. I had a great time,” I said as I took off my glasses. “Perhaps I’ll see you tomorrow? Well, of course I’ll see you, we’re on the same ship…Maybe dinner? With the others, of course, not just the two of us again. Unless you’d like that?”
God, I was acting like an idiot again.
Rafe ignored me and an impish grin graced his face. “A dinner date sounds perfect.”
“Date?” I asked.
“Sorry, dinner. Dinner is great,” Rafe replied as he fidgeted with his shirt. “When do we leave port tomorrow?”
“I’ll have to do another check of the weather. If all’s good, we can depart at nine. There’s a small island off the coast of Cairns that’s worth visiting. I’ve been there once, and it has a beautiful, calm bay that’s perfect for swimming. It would make a great backdrop for photos.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Rafe placed his hands in his pockets. “Well, I’ll let you get back to your book. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Rafe. Sleep well.”
I fought back the urge to ask him to stay, to talk more. But it was late.
He nodded and turned away, quickly heading back down the stairs.
A strange lump formed in my throat as I watched him go.