Page 52 of Rescuing Mia
“It’s getting late,” she says, stifling a yawn. “I should probably head to my cabin.”
“Of course. Can I walk you there?” I’m reluctant to let her go, but she needs space right now.
Whatever’s weighing on her is heavy, and the last thing she needs is me pushing to take our kiss to its logical conclusion.
She hesitates, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face, but then she smiles, a soft, shy thing that makes my heart skip a beat.
“I’d like that.” She falls into step beside me as we make our way below deck.
We walk in comfortable silence, the narrow corridors of the shipfeeling strangely intimate in the dim light. When we reach her cabin, she pauses, her hand on the door.
“I had a really nice time tonight.” Her voice is soft and sincere. “Thank you for—for the company and the conversation. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt so at ease with someone.”
Company?
Conversation?
She’s really taking a huge step back, but I promised I wouldn’t push.
Mia will come to me when she’s ready. Until then, it’s me, my fist, and dirty, filthy fantasies of all the deliciously dark things I want to do with her.
“Until breakfast?” A small smile plays at the corners of her lips.
She might be shy and demure, but Mia knows exactly what state she’s leaving me in. Her gaze has dipped below my belt more than once, and at least once, I’m pretty damn sure she licked her lips.
“It’s a date.” I grin, my heart soaring at the thought of seeing her again.
“Good night, Rigel.” She tries her best but can’t hide the desire that darkens her eyes from me.
“Sweet dreams,” I say, pointing down the hall. “If you need anything, I’m two doors down.”
“Two doors?”
“We’re practically neighbors.”
“Until tomorrow… and Rigel?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.” Without further explanation, she disappears into her cabin with a soft click of the door.
I stand there for a moment, staring at the closed door. I wish this wasn’t the end of our night, but some things can’t be rushed, and trust takes time to build.
I turn away, making my way to my own cabin with a sense of anticipation thrumming through my veins.
Chapter Twenty-Two
RIGEL
Over the next few days,Mia and I become inseparable. We spend every waking moment together, exploring the ship, sharing meals, and basking in the glow of our newfound romance.
During the day, we lounge on the deck, soaking up the sun and the salty sea breeze, our hands entwined, our laughter mingling with the crash of the waves.
Mia’s head rests on my lap as I regale her with tales of my diving adventures, my hands gesturing animatedly as I describe the vibrant coral reefs and the exotic marine life I’ve encountered.
“You make it sound so magical.” Her eyes shine with wonder. “Like another world.”
“It is.” I brush a stray lock of hair from her face, my fingers lingering on her soft skin. “There’s nothing like it, the silence, the weightlessness. It’s like being born again.”