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I scrub at the stubble on my chin. “Who says that feelings are involved?” I mumble unconvincingly.
“Brother, everyone can see it as plain as day. Even your icy exterior is melting around her lately.”
I huff out a laugh. “She’s terribly young though, don’t you think? But you are right. I can’t help wishing for this relationship to work out. It’s impossible to look away from her.”
Cade studies me thoughtfully. “Well, that seems to be mutual. She looks at you like you hung the moon.”
I sigh heavily, wanting to change the topic. Getting my hopes up this early would be childish.
“Are the VR therapy sessions doing any good for you? How are the nightmares?” Cade asks after a brief silence.
“Haven’t had one in a couple of weeks, actually. Rerouting of the brain responses seems to be the right approach. How about you?”
“It’s been working.” Cade smiles. “I saw Marc last week. He hasn’t woken up screaming for a while either, thanks to the trial software.”
My shoulders loosen, hearing that our experimental PTSD treatment is effective in treating traumatic memories.
“So, hopefully nailing down an infrastructure partner ASAP kicks things into high gear,” Cade adds. “And I’m positive that Marc will walk normally someday thanks to this tech. Many others too. We just need to scale fast.”
I nod in agreement as he stands up. “I’ll leave you to it. Should be able to set up the site visits for early next week. Then we can make the final call.”
* * *
“Right on time.” I grin as Maddie appears in a stunning black dress that hugs all her perfect curves. I take her overnight bag as I reach for her hand that feels small folded in mine as we descend the brownstone’s stairs.
The evening is perfectly planned out. Maddie flashes me an excited smile that kicks my pulse into double time.
I guide her into the town car idling at the curb. Settling into plush leather as the driver pulls away, she fixes me with a delighted yet quizzical look.
“Sooo . . . Where exactly are you whisking me off to, soldier?” Maddie asks playfully, sparkles dancing in her eyes.
I grin, determined to extend the secrecy a bit longer. “Patience, Little Bird.”
Throughout the short ride, I coyly deflect all attempts to deduce our destination, delighting in her theatrical pouting.
The car glides expertly through evening traffic. As we near Chelsea Piers, Maddie's questions trail off, replaced by her eagerly peering at the glossy buildings outside her fogged window. When I help her to the curb below a sleek white vessel gently rocking in the Hudson River, her soft exhale of thrilled realization rewards me.
“Welcome aboard the Odyssey, Little Bird.”
As we step on the luxurious ship, a gray-haired man in a crisp captain's uniform appears.
“Mr. Whitmore! Welcome.” He turns to Maddie with a polite smile. “I'm Captain Ames, and I'll have you both seeing the NYC sights tonight.”
Captain Ames rattles off our itinerary. “We’ll sail south along the Hudson, then around the tip of Manhattan. It’s a balmy and calm night, and if the weather keeps, we’ll cruise into the East River and venture into the Atlantic Ocean for a couple of hours overnight.”
“We are spending the night on the boat? Oh, very exciting!” Maddie winks at me.
The captain lets out an amused chuckle. “I’ll make sure you experience some gentle cruising while you relax.”
Right on cue, a man arrives bearing a bottle of champagne on ice. “The table is ready whenever you are.”
“We’ll call you when we need you,” I dismiss him. He nods as he turns away to leave.
Maddie joins me at the polished teak railing, the engines rumbling as we ease away from the Chelsea Piers dock. Her eyes shine like stars taking in the city lights glittering around us.
“I feel like a princess.” She stares at me with wide eyes. The Manhattan skyline is lit up against the sun setting into the Hudson, offering a stunning backdrop.
“Then let’s get you into some trouble, princess.” I chuckle and grab her at the small of her back, pulling her in. Her body is warm underneath the thin fabric of her dress. My heart is thundering in my chest as I greedily slash my tongue over her lips, her mouth parting and welcoming me.
