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We hadn’t had a chance to talk since then and I was having a hard time concentrating on the dinner conversations going on around me.
Charlie was seated at one end of the table, and I was seated at the other. I figured I was far enough away from the source of my crush, right?
Nope.
Anytime Charlie would laugh, which was often, my eyes followed him. I don’t remember what I ate for dinner or how many courses we had or who was saying what around me.
I was trained to observe my surroundings but the only thing I was monitoring was Charlie.
Good thing I was off the clock for the night.
All my mind could do was replay that hug this morning. I don’t know where I got the nerve to ask for it, but I was so glad I did. It confirmed everything that I was feeling inside. Charlie had slipped his arms around me, and he clenched me tight, like I belonged to him. And when he rested his head on my chest, that ache that was growing inside me bloomed to a white-hot inferno. It was a dizzying rush. Something I hadn’t felt since the first time I’d set foot in the ring.
Better.
Then I wondered what it would be like if he’d reached up and kissed me.
I could almost taste the sunshine on his lips. And those dimples. I wanted to claim them as mine.
Charlie hadn’t shaved this morning and the feel of his rough scruff on my skin, over my heart, had my breath catching and my pulse beating faster than any run. Would I shiver like that every time he touched me? Was this what other people were going on about when it came to sex? I felt like I was gonna burst out of my skin at any moment.
And finally, after two hours of gourmet food and conversation, the crew, except for the captain, headed back to work.
With Charlie gone, my brain finally clicked online again.
“Did you enjoy dinner?” Andrew asked.
I startled, forgetting he was sitting beside me.
Head in the game, K.
“Always. Chef outdid herself again with that feast.”
“Good. I just wanted to make sure. I noticed that you didn’t eat much of your meal. Normally you have a very healthy appetite.”
“Ah, well, you know—” I paused, thinking of a good excuse as to why I had no appetite.
For anything except Charlie.
“I didn’t do much except sit for most of the day.”
“That’s what I thought.”
I suspected that Andrew didn’t buy my explanation, but he was too polite to say any different.
After we had coffee and dessert, Andrew excused himself and he was followed by Dylan, Rafe, and Jared. All four of them were deep in conversation as they wandered off down the stairs.
Over the next half hour, Jana and the interior crew cleared the table and I helped them move furniture around to make room for dancing.
Olivia had volunteered to play DJ for the night.
“Attention everyone!” Jana announced when everything was set up. “Attention please! Before we open the floor for dancing, we would like to kick things off with a surprise performance for your viewing pleasure. An early Christmas gift, so to speak. So, sit back and maybe grab a glass of water because if you think it’s hot now, just wait!”
Jana pointed to Olivia and a sultry rendition of “Santa, Baby” pumped out of the speakers.
Then the lights dimmed.
“Let’s give a warm round of applause to our performers this evening: Charlie, Rafe, Dylan, Derrick, Cade, Jared, and Andrew. Making all your Christmas wishes come true, they are the men ofNow, Voyager… XXL!!!” Jana yelled out.
