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Because that’s what he needs.
Someone to talk to. Not someone to fool around with.
Support and friendship.
Especially given that he was just coming to terms with his sexuality.
I knew from an early age that I was gay, but it still took me a long time to feel comfortable telling other people. Working for an inclusive crew onNow, Voyagerwas a turning point. My confidence grew enormously these past two years as I met and worked with other queer people in the yachting industry. And I knew that if Kiernan decided to open up, not just to me, but to others on board, he would have all the support he needed.
And my naughty thoughts about him? Well, the last thing Kiernan needed was me trying to get in his pants.
He hadn’t said it directly, but it didn’t take a genius to figure out that he was looking for a relationship.
And I…wasn’t.
But as Kiernan moved to stand beside me, I couldn’t help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, I had it wrong.
I’d had my heart broken once.
Would I be brave enough to risk it again?
CHAPTER7
KIERNAN
Istood on the deck with the rest of the crew, waiting for the Carters to arrive.
There was Christmas music playing, and the outside of the ship had been decorated with red and gold streamers.
And I don’t know if it was me or the festive atmosphere, but I started thinking about Christmas wishes. I was pretty sure I was standing beside one of them.
I couldn’t stop thinking about what Charlie felt like in my arms when I’d caught him. And how amazing it felt when I hugged him today.
Or how he looked at me. That most of all.
He made me feel seen. Special. That probably sounded corny, but I couldn’t explain it any other way.
Even though we could be nothing more than friends, I’d take what I could get. I’d faced bigger fights.
My feelings least of all.
“Hey,” Charlie whispered to me. “Guess what?”
I looked down at him, and the smile that was on his face was brighter than the sun shining down on us. I was never so thankful I had my shades on.
“What?”
“I’m going to steer us out of port today.”
“No way!” I blurted out.
Six pairs of eyes stared at me, and I gave a quick grin. “Sorry, I was just excited about Charlie’s news.”
“What news?” Jana asked, stepping around me.
“I’m steering us out of port this morning,” Charlie announced, his cheeks bright red.
Everyone crowded around him, offering hugs and congratulations.
