Page 66 of Any Port in a Storm

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. Come inside; let me pack a bag.”

I start to move away, but he surprises me with a tight hug. “Thank you.”

Being in his arms is both the best and worst thing I’ve ever felt. Best because of how it feels so comfortable; so right. And worst because we’re just friends, and I’m terrified to do something to mess that up.

I swore to never let a man break my heart again, but I think Nick could break more than just that. Hell, I think what I told Grace was right, way back when—Nick could destroy me entirely.

“You okay?” I whisper in his ear.

“Yeah.” He pulls back, adjusting his messenger bag. “Why?”

I tilt my head. “You seem awfully invested in this trip.”

“I just…” He looks down, then gestures between us. “I don’t want to lose this.”

“Hey,” I say sternly. “You’re never going to lose me.”

His grin is back. “No?”

“Afraid not.” I walk towards the closet to grab my duffel bag. “You’re stuck with me for the duration.”

“The duration of what, exactly?”

I shrug. “Until I decide I’m tired of you.”

“Wow.”

“Nicholas,” I say, patting him on the head as patronizingly as possible, “you needn’t worry. I don’t see that happening anytime soon.”

“Well, that’s a relief.” He drops down onto the couch.

“But I am going to require you to buy my continued affection with a favor.”

He chuckles. “I knew there was a catch.”

I flash him my most coquettish expression. “Would you be a dear and let me pick the music for the drive tonight?”

“Please,” he snorts. “I wasn’t expecting you to relinquish control of the playlist the entire trip.”

I toss a throw pillow at his head on my way into the bedroom.

“I’m just going to get my stuff together. I’ll be ready in five.”

“I’ll be here.”

NINETEEN

now

There’s one boat on the river today, bobbing out toward the ocean like it’s determined to beat the odds and have an adventure. A light breeze teases the water’s surface, stirring up small waves that promise to keep the journey interesting.

Nick’s voice breaks the silence. “You still haven’t told me what makes your perfect day.”

I’d abruptly changed the subject last night, because when I realized what felt perfect to me, I also knew I shouldn’t tell him.

“It isn’t so much a specific set of activities. It’s more a feeling.”