Page 88 of Teach Me Your Ways

“I’m not as worried as I was.” He paused and looked back out at the water. “But you’re precious cargo, Cece.”

My heart flickered. But I didn’t roll my eyes or push back. Words like that weren’t said lightly. I closed my eyes, swallowed, and just appreciated the way it felt to have someone care.

“Precious cargo,” I repeated softly. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

He smiled and took my hand, laced his fingers through mine. “Sleep’s a good idea. Big day tomorrow.”

My grip tightened on his. “Yeah.”

We knew we needed to go to bed but neither of us made a move to get up. It felt like we were two young teens sneaking out after the rest of the world was asleep. Holding hands but too afraid to do anything else.

Eventually, the responsibility of being adults with a big day had us getting to our feet.

He kept my hand in his and turned to face me. “Can I⁠—?”

As if he had to ask. I lifted onto my toes and closed the space between us. Our lips met. It was as soft as butterfly wings at first. It was like we were both testing the waters. The dock beneath us creaked softly.

The kiss deepened only a fraction, not long enough to drown in it, but just enough to say this matters.

We broke apart, breath drifting out in small puffs. I rested my forehead against his, eyes closed. He exhaled, dropped his lips to my temple and then my forehead, a line of kisses that felt like a caress.

“I’ll see you in the morning.”

I opened my eyes to meet his. “Yeah. See you there.”

We walked back to the dorm facility slowly, our hands still clasped together. I hoped Lina and Felix were in their rooms. It was risky to be holding hands. I had a feeling Felix knew there was something going on between us, but if Grady trusted him to keep his mouth shut, I supposed I could too. But Lina, not so much.

He walked me to my door. And once again, we were at a crossroads. It would be way too easy for him to come into my room. I wanted to tell him I could be quiet. I could fuck and not make a peep. Or he could put a pillow over my face. I was up for anything.

He cocked a crooked smile as if he knew what I was thinking. “In another life maybe,” he said. “Goodnight.”

He walked the few doors down to his door, then turned to look at me. He grinned and shook his head before he disappeared inside. I walked into my room, closed the door, and leaned against it.

Would it make me a ho if I ran to his room and begged him to take me?

“Yes, Cece. Yes, it would.” But I’d be a satisfied ho.

I shook it off and stripped out of my clothes. The twin bed creaked as I crawled under the covers. I closed my eyes and thought about the following morning. I would be seeing two amazing things tomorrow: an old shipwreck and Grady shirtless.

I fell asleep with a smile on my face.