Page 14 of Cruising for Christmas
Ian laughed. “Does anyone have plans for tomorrow?”
Tomorrow was another sea day on the ship before their first stop in St. Maarten. Ian glanced at Norah, wondering what she was up to. Tomorrow was also Christmas and without any family on the cruise, he wondered how she would spend it.
“I think we should all get together for drinks in the lounge before dinner,” James said. “Stick with our family tradition.”
Shay, Ryan, Ian, and Linda nodded along in agreement. Ryan had joined them in the past for family Christmas drinks in the lounge. Norah was the only one who didn’t respond. Ian nudged her with his elbow.
“You’re invited as well, Norah.”
“Oh yes. Please join us, Norah. It would be a pleasure,” Linda said.
“I don’t want to intrude on your family time,” Norah said.
“Nonsense. You and Shay have been best friends for six years. You’re family.”
“Yeah, Norah. You’re practically my sister. You’re coming,” Shay said.
Norah smiled tentatively at everyone at the table. “Okay. I’ll be there.”
“Wonderful,” Linda said.
Ian’s stomach twisted. Norah was practically Shay’s sister. Sister. She was off limits, and that didn’t sit right with Ian.
7
It was Christmas. Norah woke up to an empty bed but could hear the bathroom faucet running. Somehow she had slept in without nerves of sharing a bed with Ian waking her up frequently. The morning before, she had woken up at first light and tried to leave before Ian woke to avoid any awkwardness. But she didn’t see any way to avoid it this morning.
The bathroom door opened, and she immediately closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep.
You’re such a loser, Norah.
She heard him step closer as he rummaged through his bag next to his side of the bed. She cracked her eye to look when the commotion stopped and he smiled at her. He wore a blue shirt and tan shorts. The shirt stretched across his broad chest and hugged his defined arms, nearly making her mouth water.
“You know, you don’t have to pretend to sleep. I’ll try not to be awkward around you.”
Her face flamed, and she laughed. “This just still feels weird.”
He winked and continued rummaging through his bag. “Honestly, we only have a week on this cruise, and it will probably feel weird the whole time. Just accept it.”
She sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. He had a point.
“Merry Christmas, by the way.”
He straightened up and smiled. “Merry Christmas.”
She smiled at him before grabbing her toiletries and stepping into the small bathroom. When she came back out, Ian was seated on the balcony. She pulled the drapes and quickly changed into shorts and T-shirt before she stepped outside to join him.
“Are you going to breakfast?” she asked.
“Yes. I’m starving. I was just waiting for you.”
Her heart skipped a beat. “For me? Why?”
“It’s nice to have company.”
He stepped past her, and she stared at him, dumbfounded, as he went to the door.
“You coming?”
