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I quickly looked away. “Okay, because it would have been kind of creepy if you had been waiting for me to exit my cabin.”
He threw back his head and laughed at my words, “Well, I did think of that, but it was going to be my last resort if I couldn’t find you this morning,” He admitted with a grin.
As we ate our breakfast together, we talked casually about the weather and the ports we’d be visiting soon.
Once we were finished, he reached out and put his hand over mine, “Anna?” I discretely pulled my hand away. But the look in his eyes and that masculine smile caused a hitch in my breath, as did his next words.
“Why don’t we spend the day together?” He asked.
I instantly started to shake my head, “No. I—“
“Oh, come on. It could be fun.” He had such a persuasive look on his face.
I shook my head firmly, “No. Thank you. We’re still at sea, and I already made plans to laze by the pool and sunbathe. I brought lots of books and promised myself I’d just be lazy and read.”
He accepted my answer with a nod and shrug. “I’m disappointed, but I understand. Besides, tomorrow is when we will pull into the port. I won’t take another no quite so easily.” He warned me with a smile and a promising glint in his eye.
Then he picked up his tray and walked away. I was relieved, but a wave of disappointment caught me by surprise at how easily he had given up. I reminded myself of my plans and that I should be glad he left so quickly.
After I changed into my swimsuit, grabbed a coverall, and my filled beach bag, I made my way to the outside deck. It was such a beautiful day. The sun shone, there was a strong sea breeze, and everywhere I looked, people were enjoying themselves. I smiled. I was glad that I was there. I spread out on a lounger and settled in to read.
A few hours later, I felt his eyes on me. I shivered at the awareness. I cautiously raised my head, and there he was in bright white and orange board shorts. His tanned chest showed off his defined abs. His shoulders were broad and muscular. His white smile against his tanned face made my mouth go dry. He just flashed me a grin and jumped into the pool.
He kept his distance that entire day, but I couldn’t help but notice how many of the single girls sat up and took notice of him.
I resolutely put my nose in my book. If my eyes wandered in his direction every so often, who could blame me? The guy was eye candy at its best. Soon, a group of single guys and girls were all hanging out together. I could hear their bright laughter from where I sat alone with my book.
The next morning at breakfast, I was surprised to find him asking to join me again.
I don’t remember what the conversation was about. All I remember is laughing and smiling and how much I enjoyed just talking with him. So, when he asked me if we could leave the ship together, I nodded my acceptance. It was only after he left that I sat there, berating myself for agreeing to spend more time with him.
We had a good time wandering through the stalls in the Bahamas. George Town, Grand Cayman. I truly tried to keep my distance.
I remember when he first grabbed my hand as we walked through a very crowded section of Grand Cayman. As soon as we cleared the crowd, I pulled my hand from his. He turned to me with a small frown. “Hey, are you okay?”
“Yes, I… Look, Carson. I’m not interested in anything more than friendship. A platonic friendship,” I finished firmly, coming to a dead stop.
“Okay. I apologize if I came on too strong—“
“No, Carson, it’s nothing you’ve done. It’s me. I… I’ve been dealing with some very stressful things. I didn’t even want to come on this vacation. But I was given the tickets as a gift and told to go and enjoy myself. So, I did. I came, and I’m enjoying myself. But I didn’t plan on enjoying this trip with anyone else. I needed some alone time.”
He nodded solemnly. “I get that. I tell you what. Tomorrow, we’re at sea again, and I promise to leave you alone. Give you some space. However, I would like to tour Cozumel with you when we arrive. Deal?”
I hesitated, but looking up at him being so understanding, I finally caved. “Alright. Thanks for not pushing me.”
We spent the rest of that day laughing and just enjoying the sights. Carson was so easy to be with. Whenever he asked me about myself, I would shrug or give him a vague answer. It didn’t take him long to take the hint, but every once in a while, I would feel his eyes on me as if I were a puzzle. An enigma. He kept trying to figure out why I was so hesitant to confide in him.
Someone blares their horn. As the car in front of me on the highway swerves, pulling my attention from the past. I blink as I look around at the cars. The traffic’s gotten heavier. I pass a sign showing how many miles till I arrive in Jacksonville. I’m halfway there.
Three
Carson
I disconnect the call. Text my address to Anna, and hand the phone back to Connor—my son.
“Your Mom is on her way. It’s about a three-hour drive. Are you hungry?”
“Yeah.” He practically jumps out of the chair and turns to face me. He’s tall. As I look at him, I feel my throat tighten with emotion. Anna didn’t deny that he is my son. She also didn’t confirm it. But as my eyes meet his, it’s uncanny. It’s as if my own reflection is staring back at me from a younger time.
