You and I. Jacquelin Thomas

      “Sure,” she responded.

      Elle and Jillian watched in amusement as Cherise strolled toward them with Steven. They paused at the pool and Cherise stepped in, wading toward the middle.

      He did a surface dive and sank into the water near her.

      Cherise felt the water shift as he dove in. She pushed wet hair out of her eyes and moved away as he playfully splashed water in her direction.

      “Two can play at this game, mister.” She burst into laughter.

      After frolicking in the water with Cherise as if they were children, Steven climbed out to get something for them to drink.

      “Looks like the two of you are getting along well,” Elle whispered in Cherise’s ear.

      “We are,” she whispered back.

      Elle pulled herself out of the water. “I’m going up to check on Briana and take a nap. I’ll see you all at dinner.”

      “Your cousin’s leaving?” Steven asked.

      She nodded. “She wants to go check on her baby.”

      Cherise splashed water on Steven and swam away.

      “Oh, you want to play games, huh?” Steven raced behind her. “Wait until I catch up with you…”

      He left the threat floating on the wind.

      Steven smiled to himself as he watched Cherise frolicking in the pool with her cousins. He still couldn’t get over how many Ransoms were on the ship. He liked that they were all so close.

      As mesmerizing as the ocean surrounding them was, Steven couldn’t take his eyes off of her. He thought of her smooth, deep mahogany complexion, big brown eyes and the way her long hair waved up when wet. She was an extremely beautiful woman. Not thin but not too heavy either, curvy and thick. Just the right size.

      Tapping him on the shoulder, Cherise asked, “What are you thinking about so hard?”

      Steven snapped out of his reverie. Standing waist deep in the water, he confessed, “I was thinking about you, actually.”

      “You just don’t quit, do you?” Laughing, she playfully splashed water at him.

      “I’m serious.”

      Cherise shook her head. “Let’s not get serious about anything. We’re on vacation—let’s enjoy this time together. We should be having fun.”

      Steven thought Cherise looked almost sad when she’d said that, but the expression quickly dissipated. He told himself that it was only his imagination.

      Chapter 3

      Cherise took digital photos of historic St. John’s Cathedral in Valletta, Malta, stepping gently over the engraved marble tombstones covering the cathedral’s floor, marking the final resting places of knights.

      Steven was following behind her, taking pictures with his camera. Every now and then, he would open a sketchbook and start drawing with intensity, absorbed by his vision.

      He was clearly an art lover. Cherise soon discovered that they both shared a love for art history. They toured the Grand Master’s Palace, which served as the office of the president and the seat of the Maltese Parliament.

      “Are you interested in seeing the Auberge de Castille?” Steven asked Cherise. “I read that it’s one of the finest architectural works here in Malta.”

      “Sure, I’d like to check it out,” she responded. “You’re an architect, so you definitely can’t leave Malta without seeing it.”

      “According to the guide, the building houses the office of the Prime Minister.”

      Steven pulled Cherise closer to him as they neared a group of seedy-looking guys standing near an alley. He didn’t release her until they were back with other passengers from the ship.

      When he placed his muscled arms around her, Cherise could only define it as feeling as if she’d come home. She felt safe with him.

      Cherise received a text from Elle and said, “My cousins have had enough of history. They are going to Ta’Qali Handicrafts Village. They want to see the glass-blowing factory.”

      “You’re sure you wouldn’t rather go with them?” Steven asked.

      Cherise planted her hands on her hips. “Are you implying that since I’m a woman, I want to spend my day shopping?”

      He laughed and held up his hands in defense of an attack. “Not at all. I just know that you’re on a family vacation, and I don’t want to keep you from spending time with them.”

      “No, we’re going to the Auberge de Castille,” Cherise stated in a tone that brooked no argument. “They’re planning to spend the rest of afternoon soaking up the sun on the beach. I’ll meet them then.” She was enjoying her time with Steven. She could see her family anytime.

      After touring the Auberge de Castille, they visited a nearby art gallery.

      Cherise and Steven grabbed a bite to eat. After they finished, they strolled along the cobblestone streets toward the port.

      “Malta is absolutely beautiful,” Cherise murmured. “The buildings here are nothing like I’ve seen before.”

      Steven agreed as he finished off his drink. “This is more of an Arabic architecture. You need more than one day to really explore the city. I wish I could see more of the architectural design.”

      “I think I’d like to come back here one day, but not on a cruise.” Cherise checked her watch. “I guess I need to head down to the beach for some family time. What are you getting ready to do?” She silently hoped that he would be willing to join her.

      “I don’t have any plans,” Steven responded. “If I’m not imposing, I’d like to spend the rest of my day with you.”

      She grinned. “I’m so glad you said that. Did you bring a swimsuit?”

      He nodded. “I have one in my backpack. I’m always prepared.”

      Cherise warmed beneath his gaze. Steven seemed almost too perfect, but then she had only known him for a couple of days. She knew that he lived in Los Angeles, too, and wondered briefly if they would stay in touch once they got home. She hoped so.

      Cherise tried not to let the rivulets of water streaming down Steven’s face to his hairy chest distract her from all the beauty around her. He was a very sexy man indeed, she had to admit. When he caught her staring at him, he grinned knowingly.

      Clearing her throat, she turned away.

      “It looks like you two are really clicking,” Elle whispered in her ear.

      “We’re enjoying ourselves, but I have no expectations beyond this cruise. We have a good time together, but it’s not like he wants a relationship.”

      “Are you open to it, if he does?” Elle asked.

      Cherise smiled. “I’ll take it day by day.”

      Elle swam over to her husband while Cherise sought out Steven.

      They got out of the water and sat down on towels.

      Cherise and Steven talked about the new project he was working on and her desire to land the position as a senior counselor at the center.

      “Watching you with your little cousins, I can tell you’re good with young people,” Steven said. “I think what you’re doing is great, Cherise.”

      “I know from experience what they’re going through, so it’s easy for me to relate.” She picked up a handful of sand, relishing the grainy texture as it slid through her fingers.

      Elle and Brennen walked out of the water dripping wet, and joined them twenty minutes later.

      “So