Aboard the Wishing Star

by Debra Parmley

  "Yes. See you on the pier."

  Good. Viv would look after Kara. She won't be alone with that guy.

  Nate turned to look back down at Daryl and frowned. It was good Viv was going with her. His gut told him Daryl showing up on the island wasn't a good situation.

  Chapter Nine

  Kara barely reached the bottom of the gangplank before Daryl leaned forward waving. "Kara!"

  The uniformed guard standing on the pier just below the gangplank held out his hand and said, "Step back, sir."

  Kara forced a smile. "Hello, Daryl. What a surprise."

  "Hello, gorgeous. Look at you! The cruise is agreeing with you. But you can tell me all about it soon. I have a surprise for you. Go change. I'm taking you to brunch now, and then we'll tour around the island. Make a day of it."

  "No can do," Viv who'd hurried to catch up with Kara, interrupted before Kara could reply. "We're signed up for a Rhino Rider Boat Tour at twelve thirty."

  "So cancel it."

  "It's too late for refunds," Viv said.

  He frowned, his dislike for Viv evident. "I'll reimburse you both."

  "You can't. We didn't pay for it, someone else did." Viv smirked.

  He scowled deeper. "Who?"

  "It doesn't matter. It's what we're going to do today."

  "Okay," Kara said, wishing they wouldn't fight. "I'll go to brunch as long as I'm back in time for the boat tour."

  Viv rolled her eyes. "Whatever, Kara. Just be back in time."

  "I will be."

  "Go change. I'll wait here for you." Daryl gestured to the guard. "They won't let me board."

  "They don't let anyone on board without a room card," Kara said. "It's not just you." She looked down at her shorts and T-shirt. Her tee shirt had a palm tree and monkeys on it. Daryl was wearing a shirt, tie, and dress slacks.

  "Hurry up," he said, "We have reservations."

  If she'd been wearing something other than this silly tee shirt, she'd go as she was. But she could see he wouldn't want to go somewhere nice with her wearing this.

  "All right."

  "If you're going to change, I'll go back with you and find Adam," Viv said.

  "Okay." Kara waved at Daryl, who was now on his cell phone, scowling. She walked with Viv back up the gangplank.

  Once they reached the room, Viv went to spin the dial on the room safe. "Take your watch and keep an eye on the time. And keep your cell phone on. I'll take mine. I don't trust him to get you back here before we leave."

  "Maybe you don't, but I doubt he'd deliberately make me miss our excursion."

  "If I were you, I'd make sure I had enough cab fare to get back. He'll conveniently forget the time."

  "I'll be there on time."

  "You'd better be." Viv called Adam. "Hey, glad I caught you. There's been a small change in plans."

  Kara jerked the closet door open. It hit the wall with a thud.

  Okay, settle down. It's just brunch. I'll go, thank him, and then meet up with Viv and the guys. Daryl and I go to lunch all the time. It's no big deal to have lunch with him.

  Her stomach twisted.

  That's different from him showing up on my vacation.

  Oh my God. Can I not even go on vacation without work following? I need a new job. Have to create a resume. The minute I get back. Why is he here? It must be a last minute trip. He didn't say anything about it before.

  He'd said he wanted to see St. Martin. Getting a last minute ticket to the island must have cost dearly. Or was this trip business?

  And what made him think she'd drop her plans because he showed up and wanted to do something?

  Her stomach flipped again.

  In case she was late, Kara left her red bikini on and pulled a cotton sundress over it. She put on her watch, and grabbed her wallet. She rolled up one of the beach towels the cruise line provided to use while ashore and put it in her bag. If she had to, she'd go straight from brunch to the pier to catch the boat.

  What will Nate think of me going off with Daryl?

  On the way down in the elevator, Kara turned on her phone. Her stomach flipped again. Thirteen phone calls from Daryl. Text after text. She deleted everything. Whatever he wanted, he'd tell her at brunch.

  If it's work related, I really don't want to hear about work on my vacation. My God, can I not get a break? And if it isn't work related, well, that would be too weird. It has been nice to get a break from him. Being away from the phone is so freeing. Why can't he leave me alone when I'm on vacation?

  Daryl stood waiting with a smile. Kara tried to relax and smile back.

  There has to be a logical reason for him being here on the island. Daryl isn't the sort to do things on a whim.

  "You look very pretty, Kara."

  "Thank you. How did you get here?"

  "I flew. Tiny plane. Bumpy ride."

  That had to be expensive.

  "It was worth it."

  Had she spoken out loud or had he read her mind?

  "I'm glad you made time for me. I wanted to surprise you." He reached for her hand.

  "Well, you certainly did." She pulled her hand loose. He was her boss. They didn't hold hands. Her stomach twisted again.

  Kara wanted brunch over with so she could escape and go snorkeling with Nate. She wished Nate was here now and had wished for him by her side ever since walking away with Daryl.

  But wishing didn't work. Because here she sat across the table from Daryl feeling decidedly uncomfortable. Nate was probably having fun and thinking about the excursion he seemed so excited to take her on. She just had to get past this brunch and then she'd be on the boat with Nate.

  "I had breakfast on the ship. I'm not really hungry." She ordered the small fresh fruit plate to have something to nibble.

  "Bring her the quiche and fruit combo," Daryl told the waiter.

  "Oh no, that's too much food."

  He ignored her and shooed the waiter away.

  "If you insist on going on that crazy excursion, you need to do more than nibble on fruit."

  "It's not crazy."

  God, he was pushy.

  They weren't at work now. There was no reason to boss her around here. And he'd insisted on ordering champagne.

  "Drink up."

  She frowned but sipped from her glass.

  What a fiasco. I should have said, 'No Daryl, I can't go. I made other plans.' He took me off guard. This is what's crazy. He might be my boss and a work friend, but this is my vacation. He shouldn't be here.

  Daryl kept talking but hadn't gotten around to the reason he showed up on her vacation and she was tired of dancing around the subject and tired of answering questions about her cruise as he grilled her.

  With the glass of champagne her courage amplified and she interrupted him. "Daryl, what brings you to the island on such short notice? Why are you here?"

  He paused, his eyes searched hers. "Since you brought it up," he reached across the table to place his hand over hers. "You brought me here."

  She froze.

  Oh my God. This is not happening. He's my boss.

  Daryl smiled. "We started out as friends, Kara. Many couples start out that way. When you left, I realized how much I missed you and I had to see you."

  "So you flew here on a whim because you missed me?"

  "Yes, and the ship's manifest is full. I couldn't obtain passage or I would be sailing with you tonight celebrating the New Year. But they won't let me."

  The revelation stunned her. His hand pinned hers against the table as she sat frozen.

  She spoke but didn't move, waiting for her words to sink in. "Daryl, we're just friends. That's all we can be."

  "I know you've been in mourning since your husband died. So I've held back. But I couldn't wait any longer."

  She pulled her hand out from beneath his and shook her head. "Daryl, no I can't."

  He cut her off. "Don't tell me you can't. You're obviously going off on that excursion with some guy. Who is he?"

/>   She regretted answering his previous questions about the cruise. She wasn't about to answer this one.

  "That's none of your business."

  His fist closed around his napkin, squeezing it. He took a deep inhale then let it out and spoke succinctly. "It is my business. You're going off with some strange man and God only knows what might happen. Who is he?"

  "He's an ex-marine, so I'm sure I'll be fine."

  Daryl leaned back in his chair and gave her an incredulous look. "A marine."

  "Yes." Kara put her fork down.

  His eyes narrowed. "You weren't dating before. Insisted you weren't ready for dating."

  "That was before this cruise."

  "You couldn't wait for me."

  "This has nothing to do with you Daryl." The thought of being intimate with Daryl turned her stomach. "We work together."

  He cut her off. "No one has to know. It will be our secret. I appreciate your dedication to the job, but if you were mine you wouldn't have to work unless it was what you wanted. Give me a chance, Kara."

  "Daryl, I can't go out with you. We can only be friends."

  "Do not give me that we can only be friends bullshit." His face turned stony and he called for the check.

  "I value your friendship, Daryl."

  "You need to reconsider." His voice raised and diners at other tables looked over.

  She didn't answer. She didn't have anything else to say.

  "One night, Kara. Let me wine and dine you tonight, treat you well. Give me tonight. Celebrate the New Year with me. You won't regret it."

  Oh God. I shouldn't have come.

  She couldn't wait to be back on the ship away from him, where he couldn't follow.

  "No, Daryl. I can't."

  He paid the bill and they walked back to the pier in silence. He was in no hurry and didn't hail a taxi. He scowled when she glanced at her watch.

  Everything is awkward now. How can I work for this guy for even one more day?

  Viv stood on the pier, holding their tickets and a blue and white "Dream Boat" beach towel that matched the one in Kara's bag. She was talking to Adam.

  The tour guide began collecting tickets and directing passengers into van.

  "We have to go," Viv gestured to her to come on, her protective side showing.

  Thank you Viv.

  Viv had never liked Daryl and for once, Kara was glad of it. Viv's assertiveness helped Kara to feel more confident without all the guilt saying no to Daryl usually created.

  "Thank you for brunch," Kara said. "I'll see you back at the office.

  "We need to talk, Kara," Daryl gripped her arm. "When will you be back from your tour? Have dinner with me and we can talk."

  Kara pulled her arm away. "I don't know what time we'll get back, and we'll be sailing at dinnertime."

  "You in line?" Nate asked Daryl, stepping up beside Kara and towering over her.

  Where had he come from? He's so quiet I never heard him approach. A sense of relief flooded over her.

  Daryl refused to answer or step out of the way. "Kara, have dinner with me on the island tonight. I'll make it a New Year's Eve to remember. I've made excellent reservations as a fine restaurant. You can board the ship on the next island."

  Kara shook her head again. "No."

  "The lady said no. Now, unless you're going on this excursion get out of the way," Nate growled.

  Daryl stepped aside but his eyes burned with dislike for Nate.

  Viv and Adam had already stepped into the van, and the guide said, "Ticket please."

  Kara felt flustered, wondering how she'd board when Viv had her ticket.

  Nate reached to hand the attendant two tickets and she exhaled.

  It's okay. Nate is taking care of everything.

  "Come on, Kara," Nate's gentle voice urged her, his stance protective, ready for anything.

  "Daryl, I have to go now."

  Kara stepped into the van, and Nate followed her, leaving Daryl standing on the dock watching. The guide swung the door shut and the van started up.

  With eight people in the van, it was snug and warm as Christmas Calypso music played. Viv and Adam sat in the very back seat, and Kara knew they'd be making out.

  "Here, sweetheart." Nate put his arm across the back of the seat and she scooted close to him. His arm wrapped around her shoulder making her feel safe.

  The van pulled away.

  Kara couldn't relax with Daryl standing on the pier watching them, but soon she couldn't see him anymore and let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.

  Thank God that's over and Nate is here now.

  I'm proud of you for standing up to your boss."

  "Thank you." She leaned her head against him and exhaled even deeper.

  He ran his fingers across her arm where a slight bruise began to form, and watched her. "Hurt?"

  She glanced down to where Daryl had gripped her arm. "Not as much as it looks. I bruise easy."

  "He had no business touching you. That's assault, Kara. You could file a complaint."

  "I don't want to think about him now." She closed her eyes.

  Nate kissed her forehead. "All right, sweetheart." He gathered her closer within his arms. "Relax now. It's over."

  The van reached the pier on the French side of St. Martin, a pretty, Caribbean island with pastel painted houses, and they climbed out.

  Kara raised her hand to shelter her eyes and looked for the glass bottom boat. All she saw were extra wide jet skis for tourists bobbing in the water.

  Where is the boat?

  Then she saw the sign, Rhino Riders with a picture of a couple racing through the wind on one.

  Oh no.

  "You might want to step out of your dress and shoes," Nate said. "Stow your things in your bag."

  Viv and Adam had slipped on life jackets and were waiting, Viv with an impatient look on her face.

  They were going out into the ocean on those jet skis. Oh, my god. What if I fall off? The ocean is deep.

  Everyone waited, looking at her. Nate held out her life jacket. Already she felt shaky from the brunch with Daryl and now they were going out into the ocean on those little machines. She wasn't ready. But Nate waited patiently. She slipped off her shoes, pulled the dress over her head and put them in her bag. The guide took her bag and dropped it into a large footlocker then locked it.

  Nate spoke to the guide in a low voice and slipped him a folded bill.

  The guide gave Nate a broad smile. "No problem."

  What is he arranging? Was any man who he seemed to be?

  First Viv accuses her husband and now Daryl shows up acting strange. She'd only just met Nate. She hoped he didn't get them into trouble.

  "Come here, sweetheart."

  She moved over by him, and he helped her on with her life jacket then fastened it. Again she felt looked after, just the way he looked after her at the lifeboat drill. He climbed on to the machine, threw a leg over the seat, and turned and held out his hand for her.

  Kara stepped cautiously near the edge of the pier. Oh God. Fear rumbled through her stomach. The Rhino Rider appeared nothing more than a jet ski with an inflatable raft. Nate waited.

  "Climb on, sweetheart. I promised I'd take good care of you, remember?" He smiled reassuringly. "Trust me."

  She smiled wanly and placed her hand in his. Taking her hand to steady her, Nate helped her onto the back of the machine, her legs straddling the seat behind him. Turning the key, he revved the engine and went out slow through the no-wake zone to where the others now waited Kara's arms clung around his waist.

  "Hold on," he said. He increased speed to follow their guide.

  Kara leaned forward close against his back, holding tight as they zoomed past the beach out into the open ocean.

  Neither spoke against the roar of wind and the engine. She burrowed her face against his back away from the wind, her fingers against the muscles of his abs digging in; her breasts against his back, her bikini top t
he only thing between their bodies.

  They crashed across waves, the rumble of the machine beneath them. Each time the Rhino Rider landed down on the waves, it pressed her into his back, creating friction.

  Kara held on tight, drawing on his strength to help her combat her fear. His muscles flexed and moved with the machine. She sensed his exhilaration and confidence and clung to him, closing her eyes. The mix of fear and excitement was almost too much. She hid her face against the wind, breathing in his scent, his aftershave, and the suntan lotion. Touching him, skin to skin, her body thrummed.

  Suddenly they slowed. She opened her eyes.

  A black rock jutted out from the middle of a cove, and they were headed for it. They stopped near the rock, engines idling, with everyone circled around the guide.

  "Kill the engines," he said, and they did.

  All was silent.

  "Now remember, this is a protected coral reef." The guide glanced at Nate and nodded. "We don't usually bring tourists here, so here are the rules. Don't bring anything back with you and don't touch the coral."

  So that's why he slipped the guide money. Thank God, it wasn't something illegal. Or is it?

  Everyone put on flippers and goggles. Viv and Adam dove into the water, neither of them glancing at Kara.

  Nate handed her the snorkel gear then he sat on the edge of the boat, watching her as he put on his gear. "Need help, sweetheart?"

  "I think I can do it."

  "Make sure you get a good seal on your goggles. They need to be tight."

  "Oh." She sat with her flippers on, feeling ridiculous. They were so big, sticking up over the edge of the Rhino Rider. She felt like a big, awkward duck.

  The water loomed, deep and wide below her. Gulping back her fear, she wondered how she'd get in without a ladder. She was too afraid of water to dive or jump in. Either way she'd go under. Though she wore a life jacket today, she'd never been in a body of water larger than a swimming pool.

  Nate pointed to her flippers. "I know they're awkward, but you'll get used to them." He smiled at her. "Do you need me to help you in?"

  She nodded.

  "Okay." He turned and slipped over the side. She looked at the others. Everyone else was in the water already snorkeling. The bright blue water. Who knew what swam way down below them? Sweat rolled down her forehead from sitting in the sun trying to get her nerve up.