Page 83 of Tiger's Voyage

“Thank you.”

He studied my appearance carefully. “You cut your hair.”

“Yes. Do you like it?”

“That depends. How long is it?”

I pulled a curl down and showed him it ended just past my shoulder.

He grunted. “That’s still long enough, so I like it.”

“Long enough for what?”

“Long enough for a man to run his hands through.”

I blushed as he smiled warmly, his golden eyes twinkling mischievously.

Kishan picked up a menu and glanced at me over the top. “Can I ask you something? Why did you ask me to dinner?”

The waiter arrived just before I had to answer, buying me time to organize my thoughts. Kishan ordered an appetizer to share and a soda for himself and then turned his attention back to me, waiting patiently for my reply.

I picked up my napkin and twisted it in my hands. “I asked you on a date because … it was the right time.”

“Are you sure it’s not just because of Ren?”

I winced. “Honestly? That’s part of it. I was very angry last night. I don’t like that feeling. I’d rather make an effort to be happy, and dwelling on him isn’t making me happy.”

He leaned across the table and captured one of my hands. “Being with me is not something you have to do, Kells. Just because I have feelings for you doesn’t mean you are obligated to act on them. I’ll be here for you when you need me, no matter what.”

“I know that. I don’t feel obligated. I’m not saying it will be easy for me to forget him, especially when he’s on the ship with us, but I’d like to try.”

Kishan’s golden eyes probed mine thoughtfully. Then he nodded and changed the subject as our appetizer was brought the table. We chatted through dinner, and he shared some funny stories about growing up a prince and about hunting in the jungle.

When we were finished eating, he asked me to go riding with him. The motorcycle was as thrilling the second time as it had been the first. We stopped at the top of a hill to watch the sun go down. He balanced the bike with his long legs and pulled me in front of him, drawing me back into his arms so I could rest against his chest.

He said nothing, and I relaxed, enjoying the security I felt being near him. Kishan was a quiet man, a peaceful man. A life with him would be pleasant. This time, when we rode back on the dark streets, I felt comfortable with my arms wrapped around his waist and moved a little closer. It wasn’t until we were back on the ship that I realized the Jeep was still in town. He helped me off the bike and assured me a crewmember would get it in the morning.

We strolled the deck for a while holding hands. Later, when Kishan walked me to my room, he stopped me at my door, and raised my hand to his lips. “We can do this as slowly as you need to. I don’t want to pressure you.”

I nodded and to prove something to the both of us, I wrapped my arms around his neck, and we held each other tightly as I kissed his cheek. “Goodnight, Kishan.”

He smiled and wrapped a curl around his finger. “Goodnight,bilauta.”

Wes was leaving the ship the next day, and I was really sorry to see him go. Our diving lessons were over. We had all passed with flying colors.

Kishan knocked on our adjoining door and asked if I was ready. When I emerged, Kishan studied my hair again. I’d taken out all the pins the night before, so it fell loosely to my shoulders. He brushed his hand through the curls, smiled, and kissed my forehead.

When Wes finally showed up in the dry garage, he whistled at my haircut and shot me a dimpled grin. I apologized for ruining his party, to which he gallantly said I was the best part of it. Kishan shook hands with Wes, and then I took a step forward and hugged him.

Wes whispered in my ear. “Good luck with everything, Kelsey. I sure will be thinkin’ on ya from time to time.”

“I’ll miss you, too.”

Wes backed up, pulled the imaginary brim of a cowboy hat in salute, picked up his bag, and secured the strap over his shoulder. He winked at me and said, “Don’t forget now, if you start feelin’ tired of them mules and decide it’s time to find yerself a nice prize stallion, look me up.”

“I will.” I laughed.

As we watched Wes walk down the ramp, we heard someone else fast approaching with the clickety-clack of stiletto heels.