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"Please, you—!"
But he was already leaving.
"Cool. I love that guy," Simon remarked, strolling back to her.
"Please, just go away," she grunted, sliding off the bar stool to chase after Duncan.
Hurrying out into the cool night air, she looked around the empty deck, then walked briskly to the elevator, tapping her foot impatiently as she waited for it to arrive.
"Need some company?" She didn't recognize the voice, and turning around, she spied the blonde man from The Mermaid the night before strolling towards her. "You look dressed to break some hearts," he grinned, his green eyes twinkling down at her.
"Sorry, I'm in a hurry."
The ding of the elevator announced its arrival, and much to her dismay he followed her in. Locked together in the intimate space, she wished she was anywhere but there, and with anyone but him.
"Don't worry, I'm not an axe murderer," he said warmly, as if sensing her nervousness. "I honestly didn't mean any harm last night. I just thought you looked beautiful and I couldn't take my eyes off you."
"You tried to run into me when I was walking back to my table!"
"Yes, I did, and I'd do the same thing again," he admitted. "I really wanted to meet you."
"Whatever," she sighed, relieved he appeared to be less threatening than she'd thought.
"I'm surprised to see you out by yourself. My name's Cooper, by the way, Cooper Cross. I'd be honored if you'd let me buy you a drink sometime, or just coffee if you want. I'm in Cabin 42C if you want to contact me."
The elevator came to a gentle stop, but before she stepped out she looked up at him.
"I won't, but thanks anyway."
"Wait. Can you at least tell me your name?"
"Brittany," she replied, moving into the hallway. "Brittany Carter."
The elevator doors closed, and walking quickly down the hall she reached Duncan's cabin.
"Expect the best, prepare for the worst. That's what dad always says," she muttered, tapping lightly on his door.
"It's open."
He sounded grim, and nervously walking inside, she found him standing in the middle of the room, hands in his pockets, looking as if he'd just lost his best friend.
"Duncan, before you say anything, let me explain."
"Please, don't. I told you I realized two things tonight, and I'm not going to tap dance around them. I know you tried to manipulate me again, just as you did when you decided to sneak into my room so I'd—"
"Yes, but I—"
"Be quiet," he barked. "Stop with these constant interruptions."
His anger was evident, but as she meekly apologized, she could see his hurt and disappointment.
"You wanted me to feel concerned and protective," he continued. "Well, Brittany, you succeeded. That's exactly what happened, and I discovered just how much you've come to mean to me. Your plan worked! It worked brilliantly."
"It did? You do?"
"Unfortunately there was a second realization, and I'm afraid it voids the first. Even if I was prepared to be with you for the rest of the cruise and see where things might go from there, how can I? As much as I've come to care for you, how can I be wit
h someone so deceitful and conniving? How can I trust a woman like that? The simple answer is, I can't."
