Chapter 3

Daisy

By morning, Mark is still on my mind. If it weren’t for the soothing waves outside my balcony window, I never would have gotten a wink of sleep because he refused to leave my thoughts.

I keep trying to be horrified that we’re neighbors, but deep down I’m excited he’s so close by. Even deeper down I’m slightly panicked that I probably won’t see those blue eyes again, or that dimple. There’s plenty of women on this ship he can spend time with. But just the thought of Mark with another woman makes me insanely jealous, and I can’t stay still for another moment. As I get out of bed to decide what to do for the day, I’m thinking about where he might go.

But I can’t decide if I’m trying to avoid him or catch another glimpse.

I open my sketchbook to the rough outline I made of his face last night before I forced myself to stop. Nowhere near accurate. I definitely need another look to get that jawline right.

My stomach is rumbling, and I give myself a pep talk into leaving my room, wishing I had someone with me to help me out of my comfort zone and truly embrace this fantastic adventure. Not just one of my besties, either. Someone special.

Immediately, Mark’s face rushes into my mind.

Don’t be childish, Daisy. Looks don’t matter. Okay, looks don’t completely matter.

Most of my mother’s nutjob boyfriends could have played Superman in a movie, so looks alone mean nothing. But as I’m searching for traits that would be non-negotiable, I keep picturing searing blue eyes, golden blond hair, and broad shoulders.

So, basically Mark.

But also, someone who’s not pushy. Good natured and quick to smile. Yes, with a dimple. Someone who’d jump to catch me if I fell.

Still Mark.

There’s a knock at the door and with a sigh, I move to answer it. All this soul searching because I’m anxious about eating by myself. I’m twenty-one years old. I can eat at a restaurant alone for goodness’ sake.

Still in my robe, I pull the door open, expecting ship staff. I have to blink a few times to make sure I’m seeing what I think I’m seeing. Am I still daydreaming?

Because it’s Mark at the door, looking mouthwateringly good in a crisp white t-shirt and dark jeans. His hair is still slightly damp, making it darker than its true shade. He’s probably been up since five, getting in a daily workout. He seems like the disciplined type. My eyes drop to his arms and sure enough, they’re corded with pumped up muscle. Back up to his face where his eyes crinkle as he smiles down at me.

“Good morning, neighbor,” he says in his deep voice.

I press my lips together to keep from so easily returning his smile. It’s so cute how he called me neighbor, though, that it peeks through my clenched teeth.

“Morning,” I say hesitantly.

He glances at his watch. “I have a meeting at noon, and I don’t know when it will finish up, so I can’t invite you to do something really fun, but I’d be honored if you’d join me for breakfast.”

Honored? That’s cute, too. And he seems like he means it, not just laying on a thick layer of false charm. His charm is real. I take too long to answer, because he adds, “Quick and painless. Just a nice meal.”

My stomach is gnawing on itself and if nothing else, this is a solution to not wanting to dine alone.

“Okay,” I say, surprising both of us. His smile widens and something squeezes in my chest area. “Just give me five minutes.”

“Take all the time you need. Knock on my door when you’re ready.”

He leaves and I slowly close the door. I’m in shock that I said yes to — okay, not a date. A simple breakfast. As I tear through my clothes to find something perfect, I laugh out loud at the idea he might not like eating alone either. It’s clear there’s nothing that scares that man.

He’s interested in me, for whatever reason. Why am I okay with Mark’s tenacity? Am I actually encouraging him?

No, this is a strict arrangement for breakfast only. Keeps me from having to walk into the dining area alone the first time. Nothing else.

Maybe by the time I’m ready I’ll believe that.