I rolled my lips and pulled away quickly, laughing at myself as I wiped my hands over my wet cheeks. “But hey,” I said, voice thin and brittle, “at least we can be friends now, right? I guess the universe works in mysterious ways, bringing us back together like this.”
Finn’s expression was unreadable. He didn’t smile, didn’t nod, didn’t move.
He just watched me, gaze heavy enough to make my pulse stutter.
And suddenly, I felt the urge to bolt rushing through every cell in my body like water from an unleashed dam.
“Ember!”
Nicole’s voice sliced through the quiet, making us both flinch like we’d been caught doing something we shouldn’t. My smile was weak, but I held it as best I could as I slid past Finn, patting his shoulder.
“Duty calls,” I said, my voice hollow.
He caught my wrist before I could take another step.
I didn’t turn. Icouldn’tlook at him again — not now, not with my heart splintering in my chest and my composure hanging on by a thread. I was barely holding it together, and I was afraid even one more glance in his direction would have me falling apart at his feet.
The weight of his hand around my wrist was like an anchor, holding me to this spot, to this man, to everything unresolved between us. My body hummed with a dangerous energy the longer he held me, both of us breathing like our lungs were on fire. I waited for him to speak, but he never did.
Just when I thought I couldn’t take it anymore, he let me go.
I stumbled forward, dragging that hand he’d just had in his grasp through my hair in an attempt to steady myself as I headed for the main salon. My breath was shallow, my chest caving in around my lungs.
I swiped a large tray from the counter as I passed it, ready to gather up whatever dishes the guests were finished with, and that’s when I saw it.
A soft, glowing blue light in the corner of the galley.
My heart lurched.
I’d completely forgotten about the cameras.
CHARTER CONFESSIONAL
CLOSE QUARTERS
SEASON 4, EPISODE 4
CHARTER 3
GARY PARKS: CAPTAIN
PRODUCER
With three charters done, we’re a third of the way through the season. How are you feeling so far?
CAPTAIN GARY
Oh, mate, can’t complain. We’ve had a few hiccups — deck crew needed a bit to find their sea legs with docking — but I reckon we’re on the up. Interior’s running like a dream, six-star service every charter, and no more bickering between the chef and chief. From where I’m standing, we’re sitting pretty heading into the back half of the season.
PRODUCER
So, you’d say the crew is working out well?
CAPTAIN GARY
Yeah, solid crew. Food’s been top-notch, guests are loving the deck crew’s entertainment, and Ember’s absolutely smashing it as chief stew. She was made for this gig. Service is spot-on, boat’s sparkling, guests can’t stop raving about the little ways she made their charters special. I knew she had it in her.
PRODUCER