Chapter Four

Kyle

Now this is more like it. I can still hear the music and laughter drifting up from the ground floor of the atrium, but at least there are fewer people around. The ship's library is a perfect haven with shelves of books and a cosy reading area, where the plush armchairs are empty.

I wander over to one of the shelves, thinking back on last night. The sailaway party held no appeal. The very idea of the throngs of people, the loud music, the forced mingling, it was all so overwhelming. Much better to watch the Sydney skyline disappearing from my small balcony. But I can't stay in the cabin all day so I've ventured out for some reading material. I'm hoping to find some books on the area we're visiting. I also saw there was a presentation on the South Pacific later that afternoon in the theatre so I might give that a go. Probably not what John and Sarah had in mind when they booked the trip but anyway…

I smile when I spot titles about the South Pacific islands we're set to visit. I can't wait to read about the culture, wildlife, and natural beauty. My excitement builds at the thought of exploring these new places, breaking free from my usual routine on the farm. At least my family got that part of the adventure right.

I tuck a large, beautifully illustrated book under my arm and shift my attention to the selection of novels. I scan the titles searching for something I haven't read. I've bought my Kindle along, but I'm intrigued to see if there's anything new, a gripping story to keep me entertained in my cabin. Reading has always been my escape; after getting up at sunrise and long days of working hard on the farm, I go to bed early but read a chapter each night before turning out the light.

"Oh!" I reach for a book with a dark cover that captures my attention—some kind of historical fantasy. The blurb sounds intriguing, perfect to get lost in.

In my peripheral vision, I notice someone else enter the library. I keep my eyes on the back cover of the paperback, as I track them crossing to one of the shelves.

It's the guy from yesterday, the one who knocked me off my feet. Figuratively and literally. He sent me reeling and just the sight of him sets my pulse racing. He's a good-looking guy, but it was his eyes and the softness there, that made an impression. The way he'd picked up my phone and handed it back quickly, his deep voice as he asked if I was okay.

From the corner of my eye I can see he's dressed in cargo shorts and a long-sleeved T-shirt, with leather slip-on shoes on his feet—boy, does he wear those clothes well. The way his clothes fit his tall frame, I'm sure they're some designer label, not chain store like mine. He's undeniably attractive, with scruff on his jaw. Strands of dark hair escape from beneath the cap he's got pulled down low over his brow.

As he stands there scanning the rows of books, he looks relaxed and approachable with no sign of the big guy who was with him the day before. But I've never been good at approaching anyone, let alone someone who's got my blood pumping. John's words ring in my ears. He wants me to get out more, to open up. Maybe now's a good time? A quiet library should be easier than a jostling bar, and if he's here in the library then perhaps he likes some of the same things I do. At least I assume he likes books and reading.

Taking a deep breath, I gather my courage and approach him with as warm a smile as I can muster. "Hi," I say, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies fluttering wildly in my stomach. To my surprise, being the only two people in the library has made it easier for me to talk to him.

He looks up from the book in his hands. His eyes meet mine, initially surprised before a genuine smile graces his lips. "Hey," he replies.

The sight of that smile puts me at ease. "Thanks again for your help yesterday. I really appreciated it."

He chuckles softly, shaking his head. "It was my fault. I wasn't looking where I was going."

"Yeah, well… Umm… Regardless, thanks." Argh! So much for a smooth opening conversation—I sound like an idiot. I clear my throat and try again. "I'm Kyle by the way. Are you enjoying the cruise so far?"

"Hi, Kyle," he replies, and I melt at the accompanying wink. "I'm Axel. And as for as the cruise… too early to make that assessment but it's getting better by the minute."

Oh God. I think he's flirting!

"D-did you go to the sailaway party?"

Axel—even his name is cool—shakes his head. "I spent the night on my balcony with a couple of bottles of champagne for company." He groans then chuckles. "Remind me never to do that again."

"Hangover?"

"You bet. Were you out till all hours?"

"No bloody way," I say. "By the time I found my cabin and got stuff put away, then located the dining room, I was exhausted. It was a long day, up at the crack of dawn then travelling to the ship."

"Did you come far?"

"A few hours' drive," I reply.

Somehow, we've settled into the armchairs and we're sharing our thoughts on the overwhelming atmosphere of the cruise. Axel's eyes flicker with amusement, and I can't help but smile at his easygoing nature.

"Seems like everyone's out there partying," Axel says, gesturing towards the distant music drifting in from the ship's atrium. "What brings you to the library when there's so much going on?"

"Hey, I could ask you the same question," I reply playfully. "But seriously, there are plenty more days left to experience everything else. I just wanted to make sure I had some interesting reading sorted before everyone borrowed the good stuff."

Axel splutters a laugh and looks around the empty library. "I hate to break it to you, but I don't think you have much competition here. Most people want to mingle, party, and drink. And I'm pretty sure hooking up is higher on their priority list than reading."

Hook up. I heat at the thought, imagining inviting Axel back to my cabin. He's a total turn-on and the idea of touching him sends a shiver through me. My eyes are drawn to his sharp cheekbones, his full lips, and I flush at the intensity in his gaze.

"Anyway," I say, steering the conversation back to safer territory, "I've always been more comfortable with books than with crowds. Plus, I thought maybe I could learn something about these islands we're visiting."

"Ah, yes. The South Pacific. What did you find?" he asks, indicating the books on my lap.

I place the novel on the small side table and turn the large book to face him. "New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Although I'm not overly thrilled to be on this cruise, I'm excited by the prospect of exploring some new places."

"Same here," he says. "There's something magical about discovering a new part of the world, isn't there?"

"I'm not sure," I say.

"What do you mean? You don't like travelling?"

I shrug. "I haven't done enough to have much of an opinion. It's hard to get away when we've got the farm to run. Taking time off needs to fit in between activities like pruning and harvest."

"The farm?"

"Vineyard actually. It's my family's. My brother and I run it together."

"Cool. I've never met someone who owns a vineyard before. I imagine it'd be hard work. So what do you do for relaxation if travelling is out?"

I squirm a little, wishing I could admit to something exciting, but there's not much room in my life for excitement, or maybe I've just never found it. I'm tempted to make up something, but Axel seems genuinely interested so I go for the truth. I pick up the novel and wave it in the air. "It's like stepping into another realm, full of wonder and adventure."

Axel takes the book and peers at the cover. "So, a fantasy reader, huh? I'm more of a mystery/thriller man myself."

"And what do you do in your downtime? Any hobbies?"

He looks thoughtful for a moment before answering. "To be honest, I don't get a lot of time to myself, but when I'm not travelling, I'm usually home writing music and spending time with my brother. I'm trying to teach myself to cook—I'm pretty crap at it, but I'm giving it my best shot. Oh, and I run."

I can't help giving him the once over at those words and can imagine those long legs eating up the track. But I latch on to the first thing he said. "Music, huh? I don't have a musical bone in my body, and I can't cook to save my life. I like running though. Sounds like you keep yourself busy."

"Sure, but it's just normal stuff. I'm not as exciting as you may think."

"Hey, there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, I think it's kind of refreshing to meet someone who's genuine and down-to-earth, especially in a place like this."

As our conversation flows, I find myself more and more captivated by Axel—not just his good looks, but also his intelligence and personality. However, I'm also aware that I've monopolised his time and he's probably got better places to be than hanging out here with me.

"Listen," I say eventually. "I should probably get going. But it was really nice talking to you. I hope we can do this again sometime."

"Definitely. I'm sure we'll run into each other again on the cruise. Maybe next time, we can grab some coffee or something."

His smile is genuine leading me to think he really means it and isn't just spouting platitudes. My chest warms at the idea of seeing him again.

"Sounds like a plan," I reply, grabbing my books and returning his smile. As I leave the library, I feel a lightening of the anxiety that plagued me since the moment I left home. Instead, I'm filled with anticipation of running into Axel again.