2. Two

Two

Anna

I look around the rental with a grimace. There are moving boxes piled high. I give a heartfelt sigh. I was hoping to be further along in the unpacking by now, but my heart isn't in it. We've had so many problems with this move.

When my cell phone rings, it takes me a few minutes to locate it among all the boxes and packing material strewn across the room. I grab it up once I find it on the floor beside an open box.

I see it's Connor, "Hey, Connor. What's up?"

"Anna, it's Carson Knight." My heart drops, and I reach out a hand to steady myself. "Your son showed up here at Knight Security a little while ago. He claims I'm his father, and he has a DNA report with him."

I sink weakly onto the floor because the new chairs haven't arrived yet, and my legs won't support me.

"I… Carson, Is he okay?"

"Yes, he's fine. He came by bus."

"Where? Um— you're in Jacksonville, Florida?"

"Yes."

"I'll leave within the hour."

"Okay. Anna, no need to hurry. He's safe. We'll talk once you get here." I can hear the unspoken accusation in his voice through the phone. I nod weakly, even though he can't see me. "We'll be at my place when you arrive. I'll text you the address."

"Thank you," I say weakly. He doesn't say goodbye; he just disconnects the call.

I shut my eyes as my head reels. Carson. Carson Knight. The father of my son and the man who refuses to forgive me.

As I dazedly start to pull myself to my feet, I remember his words, no need to hurry, Connor is safe. So, I remain in my position on the floor. I lean my heavy head back against an unopened box and shut my eyes.

Carson, it's easy to remember him as I only have to look in my son's eyes to see Carson's face, his intense blue eyes. Connor even has some of his mannerisms, the way he cocks an eyebrow at me. I bite my lip as tears gather at the back of my eyes.

How many years has it been? Connor is ten, so it's been eleven years since the cruise— since I met Carson. I let the memories intrude.

I didn't want to go on a cruise by myself. But I was urged to go. The trip was a gift. So, I went.

That very first night, the cruise line organized a masquerade party for everyone on board. They had complimentary masks available. I remember picking out a blue and black lace mask.

The ballroom was crowded. Everyone was drinking and eating. It was festive and more fun than I thought it would be. I remember someone said something funny, and I threw back my head and laughed out loud. We were all anonymous. No one knew me. I could relax and let the stress of the previous six months roll off me.

When I raised my head, I felt eyes on me. I looked around until I found him. He was staring, and he had on the masculine version of my blue and black mask. His eyes burned into me, even from a distance. I shivered from the sensual look in his eyes. He was leaning back against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. He wore a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Showing off a couple of tattoos. He looked cocky and dangerous.

When he straightened and walked toward me, I realized how tall he was. How muscular. He exuded a masculine charm even with his face covered. When he reached my side, we talked. We danced. I guess I felt safe behind my mask. I would never have acted so carefree with him, as I did otherwise.

It was later, much later when he walked me to my cabin. He leaned down and kissed me. And I let him. To this day, I don't think I could have stopped myself. I wanted him to kiss me. And Lordy, did that man know how to kiss.

He took his time. He leaned me back against the door and held my face between his hands. He tilted my face up and nibbled on my lower lip, then the corners, and the top. When he sucked on my lower lip, I gasped, and he smoothly delved in. He explored my mouth slowly like he wanted to savor me. I remember feeling breathless. When I blinked open my eyes, my hands were around his neck, and I was pressed up against him. He towered over me.

He reached out with a hand and cupped my cheek. He kissed me one more time, a slow, thorough kiss that sent shivers down my spine. He looked up at my cabin number and smiled. Looking down at me, he whispered, "I'll be seeing you around."

Then he left, his scent lingering, invading my every breath—I could still feel his strong arms around me. I stood there leaning against the door until I heard someone approaching. I slowly turned and opened my cabin door, and stepped inside. It took me a good hour before I could sleep, my dreams filled with the image of a tall, dark, and handsome masked man.

I blink a few times to chase away the old memories. Opening my eyes to the present, I look around at the mess and pull myself up from the floor. I make my way into the bedroom that is going to be mine and shake my head. My clothes are all still in boxes.

The movers were supposed to be handling all of this. I look over at my suitcase, which is what I've been living out of for the past three days. At least I won't have to pack much more into it. I slowly move around the cluttered apartment, picking up everything I think I'll need for a couple of days away.

I check Connor's room, but it looks like he took what he needed. He's resourceful. He made it all the way to Jacksonville by himself. He's ten years old, going on thirty, half the time.

I wheel my suitcase to the door and turn out all the lights. I punch in the address Carson texted me, into my GPS to get directions. Once I'm on the road, there's nothing to hold back the memories. They insistently push against my awareness. I finally silence the radio and give in to the pressing memories.

It was the next morning after the masquerade party… after that unforgettable kiss. I chose to get breakfast in the main room, where they served buffet style. After I filled my plate and grabbed a steaming cup of coffee, I sat down at a vacant table.

I tried not to think of the kiss, of him. But I wondered what he looked like under the mask. Would I recognize him if I ever saw him again?

A shadow fell across the table, and I looked up. It was as if I had conjured him. He was even more handsome than I had imagined. The dark hair and his intense blue eyes were recognizable from the night before. His lean cheeks and chiseled jaw made me inhale so fast I almost choked. I cleared my throat while he stood there over me with an easy grin, holding a tray laden with food.

"Can I sit?" His voice had the same deep tone as the night before.

I wordlessly nodded, wondering if I should allow him to eat with me. I felt the need to keep my distance.

"How… how did you recognize me?" I asked with genuine curiosity as he sat down.

"You're hair and your smile."

"My hair? It's brown. A mousy brown color."

"No. Mousy brown? Absolutely not. It's more of a chestnut color and lighter around your face. It's long and cascades in waves over your shoulders."

His words, almost poetic, had me glancing over at him. I thought he might be mocking me, but instead, his eyes were still on my hair. The admiring look in his eyes gave me a warm feeling. I also felt a warmth in my cheeks as I blush easily.

I quickly looked away. "Okay, because it would have been kind of creepy if you had been waiting for me to exit my cabin."

He threw back his head and laughed at my words, "Well, I did think of that, but it was going to be my last resort if I couldn't find you this morning," He admitted with a grin.

As we ate our breakfast together, we talked casually about the weather and the ports we'd be visiting soon.

Once we were finished, he reached out and put his hand over mine, "Anna?" I discretely pulled my hand away. But the look in his eyes and that masculine smile caused a hitch in my breath, as did his next words.

"Why don't we spend the day together?" He asked.

I instantly started to shake my head, "No. I—"

"Oh, come on. It could be fun." He had such a persuasive look on his face.

I shook my head firmly, "No. Thank you. We're still at sea, and I already made plans to laze by the pool and sunbathe. I brought lots of books and promised myself I'd just be lazy and read."

He accepted my answer with a nod and shrug. "I'm disappointed, but I understand. Besides, tomorrow is when we will pull into the port. I won't take another no quite so easily." He warned me with a smile and a promising glint in his eye.

Then he picked up his tray and walked away. I was relieved, but a wave of disappointment caught me by surprise at how easily he had given up. I reminded myself of my plans and that I should be glad he left so quickly.

After I changed into my swimsuit, grabbed a coverall, and my filled beach bag, I made my way to the outside deck. It was such a beautiful day. The sun shone, there was a strong sea breeze, and everywhere I looked, people were enjoying themselves. I smiled. I was glad that I was there. I spread out on a lounger and settled in to read.

A few hours later, I felt his eyes on me. I shivered at the awareness. I cautiously raised my head, and there he was in bright white and orange board shorts. His tanned chest showed off his defined abs. His shoulders were broad and muscular. His white smile against his tanned face made my mouth go dry. He just flashed me a grin and jumped into the pool.

He kept his distance that entire day, but I couldn't help but notice how many of the single girls sat up and took notice of him.

I resolutely put my nose in my book. If my eyes wandered in his direction every so often, who could blame me? The guy was eye candy at its best. Soon, a group of single guys and girls were all hanging out together. I could hear their bright laughter from where I sat alone with my book.

The next morning at breakfast, I was surprised to find him asking to join me again.

I don't remember what the conversation was about. All I remember is laughing and smiling and how much I enjoyed just talking with him. So, when he asked me if we could leave the ship together, I nodded my acceptance. It was only after he left that I sat there, berating myself for agreeing to spend more time with him.

We had a good time wandering through the stalls in the Bahamas. George Town, Grand Cayman. I truly tried to keep my distance.

I remember when he first grabbed my hand as we walked through a very crowded section of Grand Cayman. As soon as we cleared the crowd, I pulled my hand from his. He turned to me with a small frown. "Hey, are you okay?"

"Yes, I… Look, Carson. I'm not interested in anything more than friendship. A platonic friendship," I finished firmly, coming to a dead stop.

"Okay. I apologize if I came on too strong—"

"No, Carson, it's nothing you've done. It's me. I… I've been dealing with some very stressful things. I didn't even want to come on this vacation. But I was given the tickets as a gift and told to go and enjoy myself. So, I did. I came, and I'm enjoying myself. But I didn't plan on enjoying this trip with anyone else. I needed some alone time."

He nodded solemnly. "I get that. I tell you what. Tomorrow, we're at sea again, and I promise to leave you alone. Give you some space. However, I would like to tour Cozumel with you when we arrive. Deal?"

I hesitated, but looking up at him being so understanding, I finally caved. "Alright. Thanks for not pushing me."

We spent the rest of that day laughing and just enjoying the sights. Carson was so easy to be with. Whenever he asked me about myself, I would shrug or give him a vague answer. It didn't take him long to take the hint, but every once in a while, I would feel his eyes on me as if I were a puzzle. An enigma. He kept trying to figure out why I was so hesitant to confide in him.

Someone blares their horn. As the car in front of me on the highway swerves, pulling my attention from the past. I blink as I look around at the cars. The traffic's gotten heavier. I pass a sign showing how many miles till I arrive in Jacksonville. I'm halfway there.