Page 27 of Companion Required

“Crystal.”

“Any questions?”

“What the hell am I supposed to do between breakfast and dinner?”

“Seriously? This is a gigantic floating holiday resort. And there’ll be a lot of people your age. Okay, admittedly most of them will be gay and trying to get into your pants, so maybe use the opportunity to brush up on your conversation skills,” said Kennedy, before pointing to the bar counter. “Right next to you, on the bar top, there’s a guide with a rundown of the whole fourteen days, including a list of excursions if we’re docked in port, or other activities. Things like gyms, fitness classes, cinemas, casino, swimming pools, live bands. Or you can always chill and sunbathe up on deck.”

Kieran peered down at the itinerary, where the first port of call after Singapore jumped out at him—Koh Samui. Not only that, but a trip was offered for passengers to visit the Big Buddha Temple.

“What will you be doing?” he heard himself say.

“Most of the time? Probably working some, but I’ll also hang out with my friends.”

“Leonard?”

Why had the name of that particular friend started to grate?

“And others.”

“What if I want to be glued to you? Do you have any objection if I tag along?”

“Of course not. I—I just thought you’d want the freedom to explore. On your own.”

“And during the fourteen days, I probably might, from time to time. But—and you may want to sit down to hear this—I enjoy your company, Kennedy. And I have a feeling I’ll like your friends, too.”

Kennedy responded with a smile that seemed almost shy and gave Kieran an odd twinge of pleasure. Without replying, Kennedy turned and reached for a spot at the window, before sliding open a glass panel and letting the floor-to-ceiling lace curtains billow into the room.

“Come look at this.”

Only then did Kieran realise he still had hold of his luggage handle. After propping the case against a chair, he followed Kennedy. When Kieran stepped out onto the deck, once again his breath was taken away. Another eight-seater table, wooden-topped this time, had matching chairs. Stunning views of the Port of Singapore met his gaze, with a backdrop of the city centre’s high-rise buildings.

“Okay. This is too much,” muttered Kieran, moving to the railing and shaking his head.

“You know what? I get one holiday a year. One. The rest of the time I spend working my arse off. So if I do splash out while I’m away, if I do enjoy a little bit of luxury, it’s nobody’s damn business but my own.”

“I wasn’t criticising,” said Kieran softly, his gaze trailing out to sea. “I’m dazzled, that’s all. Never in my life did I think I’d see something as incredible as this, let alone experience it. Things like this don’t happen to me.”

After a few moments of quiet contemplation, he sensed Kennedy joining him at the sea rail. When he glanced sidelong, he saw Kennedy grinning fondly at him.

“Welcome to the ball, Cinderella.”

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