"That's what mates are for."
Viv may have been done with her British boyfriend but he'd rubbed off on her enough her language had changed. It was hard to get used to.
As Vivian ran a quick comb through her hair, Kara smiled. "Hey, Viv. Remember when we had sleepovers as girls and my mother would braid my hair while you'd hop from one foot to the other, impatient to go out and play?"
"Yeah. I always wondered why your hair took so long."
"I have Mother's thin, slippery hair, though it's not dark."
"Like golden silk your mother used to say."
They both grew silent, remembering Kara's mother, who had died in a car accident. Viv had been the one who'd stayed with Kara, combing Kara's hair and handing out hugs and Kleenex. It was Kara's senior year of high school and the two became inseparable, where before Viv had been too busy being a cheerleader and going to parties as their friendship drifted. But after the funeral she'd made a real effort to include Kara and helped Kara stop feeling sorry for herself.
"Well." Viv tossed the comb on the dresser, never one to be sentimental for long. "You ready?" She picked up the room card and waved it. "This is all we need. Come on."
Kara slipped on sandals and picked up the little folding map of the ship. "We'll need this so we don't get lost."
"If we get lost, we'll keep going." She laughed. "You can't stay lost on a ship."
"It's a big ship."
"Then take the blimey thing if it'll make you feel better. Come on, I'm starving."
Using the map, Kara found the way to the dining room, where the waiter seated them.
"I hope cruise cuisine is as fantastic as Daryl says it is," she said.
"How would he know? You said he'd never taken a cruise."
"He hasn't."
"The man can't be an expert on everything. But he's the type who thinks he is."
Viv was right about that one, but Kara didn't want to think about her boss right now. She needed this vacation.
The waiter lifted a napkin from her plate with a flourish and placed it in her lap.
"This is dining in style," Viv said as he handed them menus. "Very elegant."
Kara glanced around the dining room.
Elegant was putting it mildly.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The furniture and a great wall of mirrors reminded her of the palace at Versailles she'd seen on the History Channel.
She peered over the menu as the waiter seated more passengers at their table. An attractive gray-haired couple sat across from her, and to Viv's right sat a young couple, clearly in love.
Kara looked back down at her menu, hiding her thoughts. Sometimes it was hard to watch couples so deeply in love. It reminded her of her loss and her longings.
"Hello again."
She glanced up. Nate Cooper stood next to her, gazing down into her eyes. He appeared even taller in black pants and a dark red shirt.
"Hello," she said as he sat beside her.
He's way too handsome, and probably used to women falling all over him.
And yet … he's at my table tonight. Could this be fate?
"I'm starving. We boarded too late for the lunch buffet," Nate sat back while the waiter placed the napkin in his lap.
"We did too."
She returned to the menu before she said or did something to let him know how off balance he made her feel.
She read the menu three times and still didn't remember what it said.
How was it possible he looked even more handsome dressed for dinner than he did in swim trunks?
Having seen his bare chest, she knew what those muscles looked like beneath his shirt. The simple act of him sitting beside her sent warmth coursing through her body.
He reached for his water glass. "Tough decision, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is."
He had no idea.
She tried to concentrate again on her menu. He disrupted her concentration without even trying. His scent heightened her pulse and her breathing quickened. She frowned. There were too many choices and dishes she'd never heard of.
"What are you having?" Viv focused her attention on Nate.
She doesn't get tongue tied every time a handsome man speaks to her. Why does this happen to me?
"Everything sounds good," said Adam, who sat by Viv.
Still flustered, Kara ordered asparagus shrimp bisque, shrimp cocktail with Louis dressing, and shrimp fettuccine.
"You must really like shrimp," Nate said.
Without realizing it, she'd just ordered every shrimp dish on the menu. "Shrimp is my favorite. I haven't had it in ages." Eating shrimp felt comfortable and familiar.
Fine dining hasn't been in the budget for a very long time.
"Then I'm glad you can indulge tonight."
The way he said 'indulge' made her toes want to curl.
How will I ever be able to eat?
She was aware of each movement he made no matter how small. He'd flustered her, and butterflies flitted about in her now growling belly.
"Excellent choices," the waiter said. He turned to Nate to take his order.
"I'll have the caviar, shrimp cocktail, crayfish salad, swordfish and a baked potato."
Listening to his deep voice rumble made her want to close her eyes.
If he sounds that good just ordering dinner, what would he sound like whispering sweet nothings? She reached for her water and nearly knocked her wine glass over. What's wrong with me? I need to focus on something else.
Once the waiter had gone, introductions passed around the table. Viv did most of the talking.
Just when Kara gathered the nerve to say something to Nate so he wouldn't think her a complete lump, his caviar arrived. He scooped up the shiny black eggs with his cracker.
Disgusting. How could he eat that?
His lips closed over the cracker, and he winked at her.
"Mmm," he rumbled from his throat then swallowed.
His eyes brightened with merriment, and she realized she'd been staring. Her cheeks warmed, and she reached for her wine glass.
"Would you like some?" he offered with a smile. "It's delicious."
"No. No, thank you." She shook her head.
"I'll try anything once. Can't know if I like it until I do." He winked again, and her knees weakened. "Be adventurous."
"Ha," Viv laughed. "You're barking up the wrong tree. Kara's not the adventurous type."
"All the more reason to try." His brown eyes dared her.
"Go on, Kara, it won't kill you," Viv said.
Nate scooped a cracker into the black goop and held it out to her. "Come on sweetheart, give it a try."
Mesmerized, she opened her mouth like a bird and let him slide it in. Her pulse accelerated from the simple act. Something seemed so sensual about it and her face flushed at the thought. The caviar tasted of salt and of the sea. She swallowed it down fast then took a drink of water.
"Well?" His mouth twitched with amusement.
Everyone at the table watched her. She'd become the center of attention. Heat crept up her cheeks. "It's okay."
Nate laughed.
She turned to her first course and stared at the soup, a green liquid, where pink shrimp floated. Taking a spoonful she sipped.
Whoever thought of cold soup? Oh, it's pretty good.
She finished her soup and sat waiting for the next course while Viv chattered like a magpie.
"The day at the private island should be fun." Viv focused her attention on Adam and then Nate. "Do you know if they allow topless sunbathing?"
Kara watched Nate for his reaction. His expression was remote, unreadable. He caught her gaze and smiled.
Adam cleared his throat. "I don't know, but if you want privacy on the beach that might be arranged."
"Is that so?" The older man at their table got a gleam in his eye. "We're celebrating our fiftieth wedding anniversary this week." He placed his hand over his wife's. "Perhaps we could hold the renewal of
vows there privately instead of on board. It would be much more intimate."
"William McKay," his wife said. "Don't even think about it." She pushed her chair back and stood. "Topless beaches. Hmph. All he thinks about is naked women." She stalked from the room.
"Excuse me." He stood to go after her. "Darling, please wait for me."
Everyone at the table laughed, especially the two newlyweds.
"We've arranged for private dining in our cabin all of the other nights," the new bridegroom said. "So you won't be seeing us at dinner after tonight."
His new bride giggled. "But it's been lovely to meet you all."
"Likewise." Nate said. "And congratulations."
"Yes, congratulations," Kara said. Adam and Viv chimed in too.
"Well," Viv said after the newlywed couple had left. "I didn't know the mention of topless beaches would scare everyone off."
"I don't think it did," Kara said. "I'm sure they'd already planned their honeymoon prior to meeting you."
Everything is not always about you.
She focused her attention back on Nate.
What did he do for a living? From his tanned muscular body it must be something outdoors, something active.
"So, Nate, what do you do?"
"I'm a scuba dive instructor."
"Oh my."
"Kara can barely swim," Viv said. "She's phobic."
Well thank you, Viv. First you tell him all about how I'm now widow when we've barely net the man and now you tell him about how I'm phobic.
Kara wanted to dive under the table.
"I've taught many people how to swim. I could teach you."
"Oh, I, I don't know."
Adam saved her by changing the subject. "Are you going to the show tonight?"
"No, we're going shopping," Viv said. "Kara's luggage never came and the shops didn't open until we sailed."
Kara placed her napkin on the table. "We'd better go."
Nate held Kara's chair as she stood to join Viv.
"Thank you." Kara was still embarrassed and tongue tied around Nate, but she hadn't forgotten her manners.
"Good night."
She felt Nate's warm gaze follow her as she walked away, the silk brushing across her body, making her aware of every movement, caressing her skin.
"Wait till we finish shopping," Viv said. "You'll look so good; Nate will want to eat you up."
The thought of his lips against her skin made Kara shiver.
Viv laughed. "I know someone who's having naughty thoughts."
"What if I am? I could listen to him talk all night. That voice..."
"Mmm hmm." Viv nodded. "I would do more than listen. Nate is one sexy hunk of a man."
"If I was looking for a man, and I am not," Kara said, as they passed two jewelry boutiques, "a scuba dive instructor would not be on my list. That's a dangerous job."
Viv paused in front of the tux rental shop. "Picture him in this," she tapped on the window in front of a black tux. "Or better yet, picture him taking it off, just for you, slow, one piece at a time."
Kara froze, the image clear in her mind. "Hmmm." She moved on past the liquor store, away from tuxes and dangerous thoughts.
Viv laughed as she followed. "You have steamy thoughts of him; you want to see him naked."
Her singsong voice rankled.
She could be so exasperating.
"I do not."
She hadn't thought of it until Vivian brought it up. But now the visual image wouldn't go away. So maybe she hadn't been thinking of seeing him naked a few minutes ago, but now...
Maybe he'd wear a tux on formal night to the Captain's Dinner. It wouldn't hurt to make another small wish ... to dance under the stars with him.
Chapter Four
Viv held up two swimsuits. A flashy silver one and a white one that would turn transparent when wet.
"I can't wear either one of those," Kara said. "I'd scare the fish."
Viv rolled her eyes. "Listen, you can get the ultimate tan on a trip like this and the best way to get one short of tanning topless is to get the smallest swimsuit possible."
"I am not tanning topless."
"Yeah, you're too shy. That's why you need one of these."
Kara sighed and turned back to the racks. "Why does shopping for a swimsuit have to be such an ordeal?"
"It doesn't have to be. It can be fun if you let it."
"I don't see how this can ever be fun."
Viv laughed. "Think about it. What if you snuck your boyfriend in to help you in and out of them?"
"Viv, you didn't!"
Viv laughed and winked.
Viv always did think up the wildest things. We had such fun in high school. When did my life become so serious I stopped having fun?
Kara reached for a red bikini with little white daisies on it that tied at the hips. "I'm going to try this one."
"All right Daisy Mae." Viv smiled. "Go try it on."
When Kara tried it on she couldn't believe her luck.
She looked in the mirror. Wow. Is that really me?
The red bikini fit like it was made for her, nothing to pull at or tug on and it emphasized her curves.
She liked it. She liked it very much.
When she emerged, Viv was still looking through the racks.
"I'm getting this one."
"Really?"
Viv's surprised expression made Kara smile. "Yes, really."
Kara found a dress she liked and hurried to make her purchases since the shops were closing.
On the next floor they passed a shop with the prettiest gold sandals Kara had ever seen in the shop window. "I'll bet those are expensive."
"They'd go with everything. Elegant." Viv yawned. "Too bad the shops are closed. Hey girl, do you want to go clubbing?"
"Not tonight. I'm tired and you're yawning."
"A little coffee and I'd be good to go."
This would probably be the only night Viv didn't stay up dancing until dawn. Her favorite thing to do.
"We have the rest of the week," Kara said.
"Righto. You look knackered."
"What?"
"Tired."
"Oh. Yes, I am."
When Viv opened the cabin door the lights were dimmed. She took one step inside then jumped back into Kara. "Quick, turn on the light."
Kara flicked the switch. "Oh, look, swans."
Their cabin steward had made swans out of white towels. One sat on each bed beside a chocolate mint.
Viv sunk onto her bed. "I thought it was a snake."
"The curved head does resemble a snake." Kara smiled. Vivian was afraid of snakes.
"I can't believe I let a towel frighten me."
"I won't tell." Kara turned around. "Help me out of this dress. I'll send it to the ship's dry cleaner tomorrow."
"Okay." Viv unzipped the dress.
The dry cleaning fees were higher here but Viv had planned to wear that dress one night. Kara had been careful with her money to have enough for some extras on this trip.
After liquidating her husband's subcontracting business and paying his creditors, Kara had barely enough to pay her monthly bills. He'd cashed in his life insurance to pay off part of his business debts and left her with nothing except their house and mortgage.
But now she had her head above water again.
She couldn't remember when she'd last splurged on anything fun. She was long overdue. When was the last time she bought a new dress?
"What do you want to do tomorrow?" Viv asked.
"Lounge in the sun, sip a frosty drink."
"Sounds good." Viv stepped into the bathroom.
Kara changed into the shorts and tee shirt she'd worn at the airport. She flipped through the TV programs while waiting for Viv to come out. The ship had a shopping channel, a weather channel, an excursion channel, and a movie channel playing Jaws. Then she remembered she never called Daryl back. She walked to the safe and took out her phone.
Turning it
on she saw four calls and five texts from him. She dialed his number.
"Kara," he answered on the first ring. "It's about time you called me."
"What's wrong?"
"I've been worried about you."
"I'm fine. The uh, ship's reception isn't very good."
"Did you get my flowers?"
"Oh." Her heart sunk. "Yes. Thank you."
Of course they weren't from Nate. What was she thinking?
"Kara?"
"Yes?"
"Thought I'd lost you." He sounded relieved.
"I can still hear you."
"Did they find your luggage?"
"Not yet."
"Go shopping. I'll wire you money."
"Thank you, but I'm fine. I bought a few things tonight."
"I'll treat you."
"No, Daryl."
"Listen to me. Take the money."
But she didn't want to listen to him trying to push her into something she didn't want. "Daryl, can you hear me? We're losing the connection. I will talk to you later. Bye."
"Kara? Damn it."
She heard the frustration in his voice. Turning off the phone gave her such relief.
Why was he so pushy?
Just because he'd advised her in the months since her husband died didn't mean she had to follow all his advice about money. Though she was grateful he'd helped her straighten out the mess Neil had left her with, which was an accountant's nightmare, there were days when she wished he didn't know any of her personal business and other days when she felt guilty for even thinking that after how supportive he'd been.
She locked the phone up in the safe just before Viv came out of the bathroom. "Were you talking to someone? Oh, I don't believe it. Jaws is playing?"
"I've been flipping channels." Kara switched off the TV. "Someone must have a morbid sense of humor."
"Yeah. Twisted."
Kara took her turn in the bathroom. When she came out, Vivian's snores greeted her.
She's such a heavy sleeper she'd sleep through a fire alarm. ... No, don't think about fires or sharks. This cruise is supposed to be fun.
She flipped through the TV channels, finding nothing to catch her interest. The phone call had left her feeling agitated instead of sleepy so she decided to stretch her legs. She slipped the map into the pocket of her shorts and left the room, heading for the pool deck.
She entered the open middle deck where the outdoor pool stood empty and climbed the steps to the upper deck, wondering how the sea would look at night. The damp rail against her hand hinted of dew covering every surface. The air held a chill.
Aboard the Wishing Star Page 3