Page 77 of The Admiral's Daughter

“River, you surprise me at every turn.”

“In a good way?” I ask for clarity.

“Yes, in the best way. God, Honor is going to be so smug.” She laughs.

“Wait until Cheddar really gets going,” I reply, grinning.

“This has been a wonderful date, Dawson!”

“Thanks, Carter.” I grin.

Unfortunately, we both know it’s coming to an end. We risk getting caught the longer we sit out here. We’ve eaten most of the food, and half of the wine. I pack it all away and pick up the basket with one hand, offering the other to Cleo. She takes it and stands. Pulling her gently, she falls into me.

“Can I walk you home?”

“I’d like that.”

We step back inside and I deposit the basket behind the agreed upon pipe. It will be collected by one of the galley crew.

I can’t wait to be on dry land where I can take Cleo’s hand and walk side by side. Brushing up against her periodically will have to do for now. God, we’ve still got weeks on board to get through.

We arrive at Cleo’s cabin, and I can see how much she wants to invite me in. Casting a look left and right, I confirm the coast is clear before leaning in and kissingher gently. Just a brush of the lips, but it’s enough to send electricity through my body.

“Can I see you tomorrow?” I ask.

Cocking her head slight, she grins. “I think it’s impossible for me not to see you.”

I narrow my eyes playfully. “Is that because we’re crammed on a ship, or because you can’t stay away from me?”

Biting her lip, she looks up through her eyelashes. “I’ll let you figure it out, Dawson. Goodnight.”

She steps back, winks, and closes the door. I know I’m standing frozen to the spot, staring at her door, but I just need a second to get myself under control.

“Dawson!”

Benson’s voice echoes off the metal walls and hits me like a gut punch. Fuck, what if Grey told him I saw what they were up to in the supply closet?

Turning, I face him with a blank face. He doesn’t look like he’s about to murder me, so…

“What are you doing outside Ms Carter’s quarters?”

“Ms Carter requested a tour of the flight deck.”

He narrows his eyes. “At night?”

I shrug. “She wanted to experience the ship at night. I just walked her back.” I think the less I say, the better.

He remains silent, assessing me. I hold my breath and pray he’ll leave me be.

“Get back to your bunk, now.”

I tip my head in acknowledgement before stepping past him and quick marching back to my quarters.

The girls aren’t in their beds, so they must be in the mess. I take a few seconds to shake off the interaction with Benson. I absolutely need to tell Cleo what I saw.

Whipping out my phone, I smile at the screen. Tapping out the message, I hit send and grin as I wait. It takes but a few seconds for the reply to hit my inbox.

The Admiral’s Daughter