Aboard the Wishing Star by Debra Parmley Read Free Book Online

she checked the luggage tags to be sure. "Yes." She sighed with relief. "Oh, good."
    "I'm glad. Now you can rest without worrying and get a good night's sleep."
    She smiled. "I hope so."
    He picked up one of her bags and waited as she opened the door. The sound of Viv's snoring greeted them. They smiled at each other then he set the bag inside for her.
    The cabin steward came around the corner carrying an extra blanket. "I can get those for you in a moment," he said.
    "Thanks, I've got them." Nate lifted the other.
    The steward nodded, moving away to knock on another door, it opened and he handed the occupant the blanket.
    Once Nate set the bags inside her room, his hand caught hers. He pulled her closer, letting the door close.
    He leaned in as she looked up, the smile still hovering on her lips.
    He's going to kiss me.
    Butterflies flitted in her stomach as his lips descended and brushed hers, touching hers like a whisper.
    Like the whisper of a wish made in the dark of night.
    Raising his mouth from hers he gazed into her eyes. "Good night sweetheart," he whispered. "Sweet dreams."
    "Good night," she breathed, her lips tingling from his kiss. Still feeling she was within a dream, she opened the door again for him to step outside, and then she eased it closed. She leaned against it on the other side and pressed her fingers to her lips.
    Just one kiss. A gentle whisper of a kiss.
    A soft kiss that made her wish for more. So much more. But it was just a kiss.
    She told herself that as she got ready for bed. Repeated it as she climbed into bed and curled up on her side.
    Just a kiss.
    Kara touched her lips with her fingertips. If only he'd kiss her again.
    Once was not enough.
    As she lay in the dark, caught up in the magic of a simple kiss, the magic of a simple wish, there in the dark she sent up another wish. A wish he'd kiss her again tomorrow night and more than once.
    Spending time with Nate reminded her of how much she missed having someone in her life and not just someone to talk to. She missed waking in the night and reaching out and touch the man she loved, knowing she wasn't alone.
    The small ship's bunk she'd curled up in felt empty even though it was small, though not as empty as her king-sized bed at home.
    As the ship rocked her, she lay still, closing her eyes, remembering the sound of Nate's voice, the way his eyes looked into hers and the gentle touch of his lips.
    The ship's movements lulled her into sleep. She dreamed. In her dream Nate kissed her over and over.
    It was the soundest sleep she had in years.
    The next morning, as Kara opened the door to their cabin, Viv squinted at her with one eye. "It's too early to get up."
    "I've already been to the gym, the cafeteria and the shops. It's not as early as you think."
    Viv groaned but sat up. "What did you get?"
    "Those gold sandals."
    "I ought to get a pair." Viv swung her feet out of bed and lifted the phone. "I'm ordering room service. You hungry?"
    Didn't she hear me say I'd been to the cafeteria? Sometimes I think she doesn't pay attention.
    "No." Kara shook her head. "I've eaten. But I do need a shower."
    "Oh hey, there's your luggage. Cool. I didn't hear the room steward bring them in."
    Kara started to say Nate had brought them in, but stopped.
    Viv doesn't need to know everything. It's not like she's paying attention anyway.
    "I'm glad they came. Now I can relax," Kara said.
    "A day by the pool, that's what you need."
    "By the time you get your shower, I'll be ready and we can head up."
    Kara waited an hour while Viv fussed over her hair, giving it a few sprays of hairspray and redoing her eye shadow three times as Kara sat flipping through a magazine about the cruise line.
    At this rate it will be lunchtime before we get there. Why is she taking so long? We're only going to the pool.
    Finally Viv placed sunglasses on her head. "Are you ready?"
    "I've been ready."
    Up on deck, Kara watched the surrounding sea. The sun had turned it a brilliant shade