Chapter 8

Maggie felt heat emanatethrough her body, originating at the point where Noah's hand lightly touched the small of her back as he escorted her up the gangplank to board the Lake Michigan Princess. Was it wrong that she felt excited about embarking on a romantic sunset cruise with Noah by her side? It was a secret dream come true for her.

She loved creating romantic experiences for her clients. But she'd never experienced any of them for herself. Neither of her previous boyfriends had understood the kind of romantic gestures that spoke to her soul. Nor had they probably even cared, if she was being totally honest.

She took a deep breath and pushed those negative thoughts from her mind as she felt the soft evening air wash over her. She was determined to enjoy as much of this night as she could, despite their true purpose for being here.

The eighty-foot vessel was a Victorian-style paddlewheel riverboat with two decks. There was an enclosed lower deck and an open-air upper deck covered with a crisp navy blue-and-white striped canopy. Both levels held comfortable seating and tables for the guests, but at the moment, nobody was sitting. Everyone stood around the perimeter of the boat to soak up the magical lake views. Maggie and Noah had been the last to board and immediately after they stepped onto the boat, the crew began lifting the gangplank and loosening the ropes that held the boat to the dock.

"May I see your hand, ma'am?" said a young man who was wearing the staff uniform of a navy blue polo shirt and white shorts.

Maggie extended it toward him and he placed a stamp on it. She looked at the dark blue rectangular boat shape with the words Lake Michigan Princess stamped inside it.

"Oh my gosh!" she said, extending it toward Noah. "Recognize this?"

"Riiiight," he said slowly, recognition dawning in his eyes as he looked at her hand. The fresh stamp was clearly similar to the smudged image that had been on the back of his own hand that morning, before he'd showered it off. "I knew it looked familiar, but I couldn't remember from where. Now we know."

Noah received a fresh stamp on his hand, and they moved into the ship. Now free from its mooring, the boat began drifting away from the dock, apple-red twin paddle wheels slowly churning the water beneath them.

Maggie took another deep breath, determined to get a grip on her emotions and keep focused on their goal. She turned toward Noah. "Where should we start?"

Noah looked down at her, a strange glint in his eyes. "I know this may make me sound terrible," he said. "But we're going to be on board for the next few hours. We have plenty of time to find out if anyone saw Valentina and me. But, right now, I think it would be nice to watch the sunset. It looks like it's going to be a beautiful one. Are you okay with that?"

Maggie's heart did a little happy dance in her chest. "I'd love that."

He took her hand as if they were an actual couple and led her toward the steps leading to the upper deck. The boat was full but not overly crowded, and they easily found a space along the rail.

They leaned against it side by side and looked out as the boat glided past the picturesque homes lining the shore.

The boat carried them along the edge of Pere Marquette Lake and onto its connecting river to enter Lake Michigan. Maggie looked down as the boat cut a swath through the rolling water below, the white foam tinged rose-gold by the lowering sun.

She thought about people's reactions upon first seeing one of the Great Lakes. The sheer size and immensity of the lakes always shocked them. Maggie had been to the shorelines of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans on vacations, and it was nearly impossible to tell the difference between those famed bodies of water and this one.

She glanced at Noah, who was looking toward the horizon. The wind off the water rippled over his dark curls, making her want to reach up and thread her fingers through them. He turned to her then, his light eyes reflecting the lake and sky. Looking into this man's eyes was like looking at a glittering gemstone, where every facet revealed something new to capture her attention. She could gaze into their depths forever. But instead, she dropped her own eyes, determined not to let her thoughts about Noah run away with her.

She faced back toward the water. "You know, I've arranged this as a first date option for my clients, but I've never actually taken this cruise before."

"Really?" Noah sounded surprised. "Why is that?"

She waved a hand to encompass the people around them who were all looking out at the view. "It's clearly more of a couple thing to do, isn't it?"

"I guess that's true." Noah angled toward her, leaning one arm against the rail. "I know you said you don't have much time to date, but I can't believe that not even one guy ever brought you here. It's one of the first ideas that would've popped into my head if I was taking you out." His voice trailed off as he spoke and she glanced at him, wondering if she imagined the warm flush suffusing his cheeks.

"Really? Why?"

He looked thoughtful, his eyes seeming to scan every inch of Maggie's face. "Because it offers the perfect recipe for romance. You've got the beautiful sunset and then dancing once we return to the dock." He leaned closer, his voice low. "And even without knowing what you do for a living, there's always been something about you, Maggie. Something that exudes pure romance. I suppose that's part of what makes you so good at your job."

Heat blossomed inside her as she struggled to maintain composure under his intense gaze. How did this man understand her deep craving for romance so easily when her previous boyfriends had been so hopelessly oblivious?

"Thank you," Maggie said softly. "That's...sweet. And you're right, I do love all things romance." She looked back out over the water. "I may not be in a place right now to experience romantic moments for myself, but it's satisfying to be able to create those moments for my clients. And at least now I can see for myself how this truly does make for a pretty dreamy date."

The glowing sun sank ever lower in a sky that was now painted in vibrant streaks of pink, purple, and fiery orange, their brilliance reflected in the undulating waves below. A crew member came past, offering glasses of champagne and sparkling water. They each took a sparkling water and clinked their glasses together before taking a sip.

Then they stood together in silence with the rest of the guests, soaking up the incredible panoramas as the boat made its way past the Whispering Pines lighthouse. The glimmering water reflected a path of liquid gold leading from the sun, and it felt like everyone watching held their breath until it slowly, finally slipped beneath the horizon. The crowd on both decks clapped and erupted in cheers, and conversation began flowing around them again. Eventually, the boat slowly turned to churn its way back toward the dock.

"So beautiful," Maggie breathed.

"Yes."

Something in his voice made her glance at him, and their gazes locked. The way he was looking at her caused little flashes of heat lightning to zing around her insides.

The boat reached the dock and the sound of dance music began drifting on the breeze around them as the boat's live band on the deck below started to play.

The music, the soft evening air, and being here with Noah were making for a very heady combination, and she felt like she was drifting along in a dream. With a monumental effort, she tore her gaze away from his. But then he spoke her name.

"Maggie?"

She looked back at him.

"Would you like to dance?"

She hesitated for a moment in surprise but then slowly nodded.

He took her hand again and led her back down to the lower deck. White plastic tables and chairs were arranged in a U-shape around a wooden dance floor. Several couples were already out on the floor.

"This song sounds different," Maggie said.

Noah grinned. "It's Ed Sheeran's ‘Shape of You' in a salsa version." He took her glass from her and set it down next to his on a nearby table, then he took her hand and led her out onto the dance floor.

"Do you salsa?"

"No!" Maggie said, suddenly insecure as she attempted to pull her hand from his. She loved to dance, but she'd never learned any formal styles, let alone the salsa.

"I can teach you," Noah said with confidence. "Just follow my lead."

He swung her around to face him, placing her left hand on his shoulder and taking her right hand in his. He put his other hand at her waist, and she could feel the warmth of it through her dress.

Maggie had a moment to admire the expressive rhythm of the sultry music, and then they were moving. He taught her the basic steps, leading her forward as he stepped back and then back as he came forward. She caught on quickly, and with gentle pressure, he guided her, their hips swaying in sync with one another.

After a bit, with an impish grin, he began adding moves. She didn't always know what was coming next, but he guided her with surprising expertise.

To the beat of the music, he would pull her tantalizingly close, then away, close, then away, in an almost teasing motion. He lifted both her arms up over her head. Then he released one as he spun her out in a turn that had her skirt flaring between them, his free hand slipping lightly along her waist as she twirled, sending chills dancing up and down her spine.

The proximity of his body to hers, the way he touched her, the way they moved together, made her insides flame. When the song ended, he gave her a final twirl and a playful dip, making her laugh.

"That was fun!" She felt dizzy and exhilarated. "You can really move, Noah. Where did you learn to dance like that?"

The band had switched to a slower number, and Noah showed no interest in leaving the dance floor. He pulled her close and was now leading her in a gentle sway to the music.

"My Pops and Nana were great dancers," he said. "They taught my brothers and me some of the classic dances. But then for fun in college, I signed up for a Latin Dance class. I was one of the only guys in the class, so I got a lot of practice."

"I bet!" She laughed. "You're like every girl's dream." She felt her face grow red as she realized what she'd just said. She fumbled to recover. "I mean, a man who likes to dance. Where were you at all our high school dances?"

He led her into a slow spin before pulling her up tight against him again. His hard body pressed against hers, his hand firmer on her back now as the music enveloped them in its sensual embrace.

"At home," he sighed as the song came to an end. Then his eyes locked with hers in a way that made her heart flutter erratically. "Dreaming of—"

"Noah, my man! You're back again!" said a loud voice beside them.

They had been dancing at the edge of the dance floor and turned to face a smiling, mocha-skinned man with cropped corkscrew curls. He wore a cruise uniform and was now thumping Noah on the back. "How's your head?"

Noah's face registered confusion and surprise.

"Did I hear someone say Noah is back again?" The lead guitarist was squinting against the lights. Then a smile spread across his bearded face as his eyes landed on Noah. "Get up here, Riley, and do a number with us! Maybe something a bit less rowdy than last night, though!" The rest of the band guffawed with laughter, along with the man who was standing beside them.

Noah shot Maggie an apologetic look and made his way up to the front of the room. The band clearly knew him well, greeting him with man hugs and fist pumps. Maggie sat down at a nearby table, her mind whirling. Dreaming of... Dreaming of what? What had he been about to say? She focused on Noah now as he took the offered guitar and began strumming. The band soon had the crowd on the floor while Noah's clear voice sang the lead for Kenny Chesney's "Don't Happen Twice."

She was instantly transported back to high school, listening to him make music like he used to, and she couldn't wipe the smile from her face. The song was about running into a first love that he never forgot. He seemed to be looking right at her while he sang. And for just a moment, she let herself imagine what it would be like if he was singing that song to her.

Then she shut the thought down. She couldn't let herself go there. He was a friend and a client now. And that's where it ended.

When the song was over, Noah refused the band's insistence that he keep playing and he quickly returned to Maggie's side.

"Sorry!" he said. "I've played with these guys before. They're great."

"You were great!" she gushed. "I've missed hearing you sing, Noah."

He grinned at the compliment, looking almost bashful. Then he looked around. "Did you see where that guy went? The one that recognized me?"

"He's over there," Maggie said, pointing to the bar area. The man was talking with the bartender.

"C'mon!" He took her hand and pulled her up, leading her through the crowd to the bar.

"Excuse me," Noah said, leaning on the bar next to the man.

The man and the bartender both glanced at Noah. Then they broke into wide, matching grins.

"Hey, bro! We're so glad to see that you're all right," said the bartender.

"After last night, we were worried," said the man who'd originally spoken to them, and he stepped up to embrace a shocked Noah. Maggie watched Noah awkwardly thump the man's back.

"Yeah, so about last night," Noah said once the man released him. "I know this is going to sound strange, but I don't remember any of it. And I'm sorry to admit it, but I don't remember you guys either."

The bartender and the other man exchanged a glance, then looked back at Noah.

"Like, nothing?" said the man.

Noah shook his head.

"I'm not too surprised, bro," said the bartender. "You took a pretty hard punch."

"From who?" Noah asked, but Maggie laid a hand on his arm.

"Why don't we introduce ourselves first?" she said, and extended her hand. "I'm Maggie."

The two men shook her hand in turn and introduced themselves. The bartender was Eduardo and the other man introduced himself as Dante. Dante explained that he was in charge of social media for the cruise company.

"So, how did you meet Noah last night?" Maggie asked.

Dante broke into another of his wide grins. "He was on our cruise last night, and he was super friendly. Life of the party! He was dancing the night away with the entire crowd, including his date, who was one very smokin' hot, er..." He broke off and looked apologetically at Maggie.

She waved a hand, urging him to continue.

"Anyway, he danced a lot. And when he wasn't dancing, he was up making music with them." Dante indicated the band with a lift of his chin. "He had the whole place rockin'! I got some unbelievable photos and videos. We got so much action on Instagram and TikTok, my boss was singing my praises all morning. It was awesome!"

"So, where did the hard punch come in?" Noah asked.

"Yeah, so the punch," said Eduardo, who had just returned to them after serving drinks to several people. "It was literally the end of the night. These two rough-looking dudes showed up and started trying to manhandle your lady." Eduardo shook his head. "It was clear that she didn't want anything to do with them, and people all around you were starting to notice. Our bouncer was just moving toward you all when you suddenly stepped in front of your lady and shoved one of the guys back, telling him to keep his hands to himself."

"The way that guy looked at you?" Dante added with lifted brows and a shake of his head. "Man, if looks could kill..."

"What happened next?" Maggie asked.

"Pandemonium," said Eduardo.

Dante nodded his agreement.

"Pandemonium?" said Noah.

"Yeah," said Dante. "The guy you pushed hauled off and punched you in the face. You literally spun in a circle, man, and hit the floor like a dropped kettlebell. Your lady was screaming and swearing at the dudes. And the crowd, well, they went nuts. I mean, they loved you. You'd been making music for them and dancing with them all night, so they started attacking the dudes.

"Yeah, the crowd jumped them!" Eduardo added.

"But somehow, in the chaos, the two guys got away," Dante said.

"And me?" said Noah.

"You were really out of it, man. So, Eduardo called for an ambulance. It took you straight to the hospital, and your lady said she'd follow in the car."

"Wow," Noah said, plopping down onto a barstool. "I can't believe I don't remember any of this."

"Hey, I got pictures and video!" Dante said. "Lots of 'em. Maybe they'll jog your memory." He pulled out his phone and made a few taps on the screen, then opened the cruise line's Instagram feed and handed Noah his phone.

Maggie hopped onto the stool beside him, and together, they watched a series of short videos, including several of Noah doing some crazy dancing with Valentina.

"You've really got the moves, bro!" Dante interjected as he also peered over Noah's shoulder.

Another video showed Noah leading the crowd in a line dance. Then he was up on the stage belting out love songs and encouraging the crowd to sing along.

There were several still shots as well, and Noah scrolled through the images. Maggie lightly touched his arm again. "Wait, Noah. Did you see that? Go back!"

He went back a couple of images and stopped when Maggie pointed at the screen. "Look there!"

"What?"

"I think it's that man again!"

Noah expanded the image with his fingers to examine it and his brows shot up.

Now they could easily see that it was the same man from the restaurant photo. And the man's expression was identical to the one in the previous picture they'd seen. He looked angry. And his gaze was clearly directed at Valentina.

Noah angled the phone screen toward Dante. "Was this the guy that punched me?"

Dante squinted at it. "No, man. That's not him. But I did get some shots of the two guys. We didn't post them, of course, but I've still got them on my phone." He took the device back and, after a few more taps, handed it to Noah again. "These were the guys."

Maggie and Noah studied the images. The first shot showed Noah standing beside Valentina. They faced a man wearing black pants and a black button-front shirt with the sleeves rolled up. The ropy muscles of one forearm bulged as he gripped Valentina's wrist. His hair was distinctive, a textured buzz cut on top that blended into a fade with the shape of a dagger artfully shaved into the side of his hair. Part of an elaborate tattoo was visible on one side of his neck. If it weren't for the hate in his eyes, and the ugly sneer curling one corner of his thin lips, he might have been considered good looking.

He was a couple of inches shorter than Noah, but Maggie sensed a tangible underlying power there, like a panther about to strike. The man beside Dagger-head was even shorter, but he was built like a brick of solid muscle.

In the next image, Noah was between Valentina and Dagger-head. Valentina's wrist had been released, but her face looked furious. Her mouth was open as she shouted something at Dagger-head, her finger stabbing toward him aggressively.

In the third image, they could barely see Noah on the floor with Valentina squatting over him. The crowd was a mass of hands and bodies pulling at the two men.

"Wow," Maggie breathed, then murmured near Noah's ear, "I wonder if those were the same two guys from this morning?"

Noah gave a nod, then said to her, "I don't see that angry guy from the restaurant in any of the crowd shots, do you?"

Maggie slowly scanned all three photographs again. "Nope. But I feel like he's got to be involved somehow."

Noah agreed and handed the phone back to Dante. "So, you guys are saying after all this, the two guys got away, and Valentina and I went to the hospital?"

Dante and Eduardo both nodded.

"Okay then." He swiveled on the stool toward Maggie. "I guess we know where our next stop needs to be."

Maggie would have loved one more dance in Noah's arms. But she knew the more time that passed, the harder it might be to find Valentina. And possibly the more danger the woman might be in. So, even though the dancing didn't end until midnight, it was just after eleven o'clock when the two of them descended the gangplank.

They walked through the deserted parking lot, Maggie trailing a bit behind Noah as she re-scrolled through the images Dante had texted to Noah's phone just before they left.

"It's a little scary how much that punch affected me," Noah commented. "To think I not only don't recall it, but any of the stuff I did before I even got hit."

"It is scary," Maggie said, glancing up. "And I admit, I'm glad that our next stop is the hospital. You really should get checked out."

"Apparently, I already did," Noah said with a smirk.

"I'm talking about for your amnesia!" Maggie said, giving him a playful shove.

He pretended to trip and then turned it into a dance move, making Maggie laugh as he grabbed her free hand and gave her a twirl in the parking lot.

They were at the passenger side of the Porsche and Noah pulled out the key fob. But suddenly, a voice hissed out of the darkness behind them. "Don't move."

Maggie glanced at Noah and saw a glint of metal being shoved against his spine. Noah turned quickly toward Maggie, and she heard him suck in his breath as the owner of the weapon jabbed it harder into him. "I said, don't move!"

Maggie felt her hands grow cold as she recognized the voice. It belonged to one of the men from that morning.

The voice spoke again. "Check him."

A stocky man shrouded in dark clothing stepped forward to run his hands down each of Noah's pant legs and around his waistband.

"He's clean," the second man grunted. Maggie recognized his voice as well. He was clearly the other morning intruder.

"Now her purse."

Maggie gasped as her purse was yanked from her shoulder.

"Turn around, both of you," said the first voice.

Slowly, Noah and Maggie turned to face the two men they'd just been looking at photographs of. They looked even more menacing in real life. The man they'd nicknamed Dagger-head was lean and muscular. He exuded an intimidating sense of power that was unsettling. The stocky, shorter man had scabbed-over cuts on his face and a black eye that hadn't been visible in the photographs. He was pawing through Maggie's small purse. She could see the gleam of a gun at the waistband of his pants.

"Nothing." He threw the entire purse aside.

"All right." Dagger-head moved in closer and pressed the blade of the large knife he was holding up against Noah's throat. His eyes bore into Noah's, and his words fell like chips of ice. "Where is she?"