AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Brittany stared at him, a deer in headlights. There was no defense, but as his words jangled through her head, she had her own epiphany.
"How else could I make you see how much you care for me? I know what's in your heart, Duncan Rhys-Davies, I know you've fallen for me just like I've fallen for you! The difference is, I can admit it, and I'm not afraid of it like you are."
"Steady on!"
"No, you've been on the soapbox, now it's my turn. You're scared, and you're using my attempt to put you in touch with your feelings as an excuse to say you don't trust me and therefore can't be with me. You know what, that's fine. You don't want to be with a scheming, conniving woman? A woman who uses her wits, who's resourceful and tenacious, and won't give up on a man she's crazy about? Well, Mr. High and Mighty, I don't want to be with a coward and an idiot who can't see the forest for the trees. Have a nice life!"
Spinning around, she stormed from the room, slamming the door behind her.
Stunned, Duncan stood completely still for several long seconds, then moved to the bar and poured himself a shot of scotch, downing it in a single gulp.
"Bloody hell, is she right? Am I a coward? Am I using her behavior as an excuse? What the hell have I just done?"
* * * * * * * * * *
Furious, hurt, disappointed and confused, Brittany marched into her cabin, flung herself on the bed and sobbed into a pillow.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck. He's the man of my dreams. He's handsome and tall and British, and he's strong and...and…dammit! What's wrong with me? Why did I pull that crap? He might have come to his senses all by himself. Why did this happen?"
Finally coming up for air, she moved into the bathroom and wiped away her streaked mascara.
"I can't stay locked up in here, I'll go crazy. I should go back up to The Seven Seas, or maybe…"
Slowly walking back to the bedroom, she hesitatingly picked up the phone and dialed cabin 42C.
"Hello?"
"Hi, this is Brittany Carter."
"Brittany! What a pleasant surprise. Your timing is perfect, I just popped back to my cabin for something."
"I'm going back up to The Seven Seas for a drink. I know this is a bit weird, but..."
"Are you asking me to join you?"
"Yes, if you're interested. Just a drink, mind you. Nothing else."
"I'll meet you there. You can cry on my shoulder or dance on the tabletop. Either is fine by me."
CHAPTER TWELVE
Seated next to Cooper Cross in a booth near the dance floor, Brittany bobbed her head and drummed her fingers to the beat of the music.
"Thanks, Cooper, you've really helped," she said gratefully, "and you were right. This wine is really good."
"Uncle Cooper knows how to take care of you. I'll make sure you forget about that British jerk. What an asshole."
"Thanks for all this. It's nice to have someone to talk to."
"You're welcome. I'm happy to be here for you," he replied, emptying the bottle into her glass. "If you'd gone to all that trouble for me I would've been thrilled. He's crazy. Drink up."
"Do you want to dance?"
"I'd love to. Finish your wine and we'll tear up the floor."
Watching from a nearby table, Simon grimaced, then made a decision. When Brittany had reappeared he'd been delighted, but then he'd seen her join Cooper Cross. The man was bad news. Though she'd been rude, Simon didn't want her to fall victim to Cooper's lechery, but Simon was no match for the tall, athletic, powerfully built jock. There was only one person he could think of to call for help.
* * * * * * * * * *
