Page 84 of The Cruise Club

Carmen’s fingers flew to her throat, and as she felt the soft silver disc, she remembered the design.

‘It shows a rising sun which represents new beginnings and the promise of brighter days,’ Ruskin explained. ‘I think it’s most appropriate.’

Carmen’s voice came out in a whisper. ‘I don’t know what to say.’ The idea of Ruskin feeling this way about her was everything she’d secretly hoped for but was almost too much to take in.

‘It’s a beautiful evening,’ Ruskin said, ‘would you like to take a stroll with me on the promenade deck?’

Carmen hesitated as she watched Ruskin hold out his hand. Then, trance-like, she stood up and felt his strong fingers wrapping around her own.

‘Yes,’ she smiled, ‘I’d like that.’

Chapter Thirty-Four

As theDiamond Starsailed smoothly through the open sea, making its way to Cartagena, Ruskin strolled alongside Carmen on the promenade deck, her hand nestled gently in his. He’d walked on countless decks, travelled across many seas and experienced the triumphs and heartbreaks that inspired his novels, but at that moment, a sense of long-forgotten happiness washed joyously over him.

He glanced at Carmen beside him. In the dim glow of the ship’s lights, her smile seemed to light up the deck ahead. Relaxed and happy, the sight of her face ignited something in Ruskin that had lain dormant for too long. They chatted about books and authors they liked, the things that motivated them and their favourite time of day to write. Carmen asked if he based his characters on people he knew and if travelling inspired his work. She spoke of her aspirations, and Ruskin told her of the time that had passed since the ink had dried on his divorce papers. In the last couple of years, he’d shut himself off to many things. He hadn’t felt the rush of infatuation for decades, yet walkingwith Carmen, he felt like a young man again and was happy to tell her about his family and his two granddaughters, who he couldn’t wait to see again.

When his arm accidentally brushed hers, and he felt the warmth of her skin, she turned to meet his gaze. With the sea stretching out beside them, shimmering in the moonlight, he tilted her chin and kissed her longingly on her lips.

‘I never thought…’ he began, then stopped, shaking his head and running his fingers through his hair. ‘I’d ever feel like this again.’

‘I never thought Icouldfeel like this,’ Carmen whispered.

‘Like what?’

‘Like I’m a young girl, and everything is possible.’

‘I don’t know what is happening here,’ Ruskin said, ‘it must be the magic of this cruise, but can I suggest that for the little time we have left on the ship, we both just sail along and enjoy it?’

When Carmen nodded, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her again.

Carmen felt as though she were dreaming. The promenade deck’s warm breeze still lingered on her skin, and as she raced back to her cabin, she touched her lips, remembering the passion she’d felt when Ruskin kissed her. Her chest felt tight with exhilaration and disbelief.

Had the last few hours really happened, and had Ruskin told her he was attracted to her?

Things like this never happened to Carmen Cunningham;she only heard about it happening to other people or read about love in a novel.

But facts were facts, and on this Mediterranean cruise, she’d strolled along a deck in the moonlight, hand in hand with her idol, her heart thudding in her chest as her fantasies came to life and the man of her dreams kissed her. And it didn’t end there! She was meeting him the next morning, and they planned to spend the last day together discovering the Roman Theatre in Cartagena and taking the tapas trail tour.

Carmen felt lightheaded as she flung open her cabin door and wandered into her room. She saw her reflection in a mirror, a wide-eyed woman beaming from ear to ear. Her hair had fallen from its clips, and she shook it wildly as a giddy laugh began to bubble up.Thank you!She thought of Ruskin and how his eyes had softened in the moments before they kissed.

Ruskin told her that Peter had asked him to help solve the mystery of the missing jewellery items on the ship. ‘I’ve been making my own enquiries,’ he said, ‘and liaising with Peter and the ship’s security team and I’m convinced we’re missing something.’

‘It sounds intriguing – and good research for a future story perhaps.’

He’d considerately asked her about her family, and she’d explained her past, adding that she thought Betty was about to become engaged and married to an American.

‘So, you will have time to yourself?’ Ruskin asked.

When Carmen nodded, he said he hoped she’d share as much as possible with him.

She remembered the granddaughters he’d spoken about, and smiled. Little ones that brought joy to his life!

This is all happening so quickly.Carmen kicked off her sandals and flopped onto the bed, staring starry-eyed at the ceiling. But why overanalyse it? This wasn’t a novel where every plot had a hole, and every twist begged scrutiny. Ends didn’t have to be tied, and she’d let her time with Ruskin unfold and see where it took her. Ruskin admired her writing, and she admired his. This mutual respect was a foundation, and when their schedules aligned, she’d make the most of every moment she had with him.

Carmen closed her eyes and soon felt herself drifting into a dream where butterflies hovered, and birds tweeted as Cupid skilfully aimed his arrow. When she heard someone sobbing, she thought that the dream had taken an unexpected turn, but as the sobbing got louder, Carmen opened her eyes and realised that the sound was coming from the other side of the wall.

Betty!Was her mum sobbing her heart out?

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