Burn

Even as he made small talk, walking through the crowd playing the gracious host, he was separate and alone. It was sad, in a scuzzy kind of way.

She and Cael had been talking to Faith and Ryan for just a short while when Tiffany joined the group. She wore a very short and snug black dress that left little to the imagination, and five-inch heels that lifted her to a height equaling Cael’s; how she could walk in those heels was a mystery to Jenner. While not everyone had witnessed Tiffany’s scene on their first night at sea, most had at least heard about it. All eyes were on their little group as Tiffany turned to Jenner.

"I owe you an apology," she said, her voice calm and at normal level, so some people could overhear but it wouldn’t look as if she were putting on a show. The smile she flashed was brilliant. "You’ll be glad to know I’ve given up alcohol for the duration of the cruise, and if I never see a Ghostwater again, it’ll be too soon." The smile softened. "I don’t like being a mean drunk."

She even nodded to Cael, though her attitude was outwardly more dismissive. "I’m sorry. I’m glad the cruise is working out well for you, even though I did my best to make a mess of things."

He nodded politely, said nothing, and drew Jenner a bit closer. The look he gave Tiffany was one of relief and, more strongly, suspicion. Was that a part of the act, or was he truly surprised by this new development?

Tiffany returned her attentions to Jenner. "Again, I’m so sorry I dragged you into my drama. Am I forgiven?"

"Of course."

Tiffany offered her hand for a handshake. Jenner took that hand, and felt something being pressed into her palm. It was small, square … a note? When the handshake was over, Jenner waited a few seconds before she surreptitiously glanced at what she was holding. Her heart leapt into her throat; her mouth went dry.

It wasn’t a note. It was a plastic-wrapped condom.

Chapter Twenty-five

JENNER CLUTCHED THE CONDOM IN HER HAND, FEELING as if she couldn’t get enough air. What the hell – ? The plastic wrapper crinkled, and she prayed no one else heard the very soft noise. She gave Tiffany a quick look, then said, "Excuse me, please. I have to visit the ladies’ room."

"I’ll go with you," Tiffany said brightly.

Cael gave her a long look. Jenner had never had anyone pay such close attention to her as he did. It was as if he knew every breath she took, as if he caught every flicker of expression. She just hoped she didn’t look as panicked as she felt. She sensed he didn’t like her going off with Tiffany, but what was he going to do? There were too many people close by, still listening in, and he couldn’t forbid her to go to the bathroom, for God’s sake. He released her, his fingertips trailing over her arm in a way that said Hurry back.

She and Tiffany fell into step, and behind them she heard Faith say, "I need to powder my nose; I think I’ll join them."

Ryan made some offhand comment about women going to the restroom in a pack. Cael remained silent. Jenner didn’t look back, because she knew what she’d see: a very suspicious man.

She had more important things than his happiness on her mind. Why the hell had Tiffany passed her a condom? Did she think it was going to be necessary, or was it a sick joke?

When they entered the nearest ladies’ room, there was one other occupant, a white-haired lady who was reapplying her lipstick at the mirror. The woman smiled, nodded, and left. As soon as she was gone, Tiffany checked the five stalls to make sure they were alone, and when that was done, Jenner held out her hand, condom sitting on her palm. "What the hell?"

Faith saw what Jenner was holding and said, "Tiffany!" Disapproval was plain in her voice.

Thank goodness someone realized the "gift" was inappropriate under these circumstances, Jenner thought.

And then Faith continued. "One? What good is one condom?"

Jenner stared at her in disbelief, then shook the small, square, crinkling package in Tiffany’s direction. "What are you not telling me? What makes you think I’m going to need this?"

Tiffany sighed. "Shit. You’re scared, aren’t you? Sorry. It’s just … I saw the way you looked at Cael today, and I figured if you decide to jump his bones you should be prepared." She looked at Faith. "And honestly, if she needs more than one, she can buy more in the gift shop. This one is for a dire emergency."

Jenner gaped at her. "And you decided the best way to pass it to me was with a handshake, in public?"

Her grin was diabolical. "That was just for fun."

"Fun!"

"You should’ve seen the expression on your face."

"Yeah, funny. Ha ha. What makes you think I want to jump Cael’s bones?" Maybe the fact that she did. She was resisting for all she was worth, but it was a real effort, especially when she woke up in his arms and he was mostly naked, and – Don’t go there! As long as the circumstances were what they were, jumping his bones wasn’t going to happen … she hoped. The temptation was so strong it was almost painful.

Tiffany said, "Please. The way you two look at each other?"

"As if there’s going to be a murder at any second?" Jenner said drily.

"Is it really possible to die from sex? Because it’s looking more and more like it’s going to happen, and one of you has to make the first move. You’re going to have to do it, because it won’t be Cael."

That made Jenner freeze, her mind momentarily thrown off track. Indignantly she thought: Why the hell not?

The silent question must’ve shown on her face, because Faith gently explained, "He kidnapped you. You’re entirely in his control, so he won’t make any move on you, no matter how much he might want to. It wouldn’t be fair. Cael has some faults …"