“Stop!” I hissed and snorted a shocked laugh. “Shhh, oh my God.” I gave Andrea a playful slap on her arm, my cheeks burning. “Gross. Makes it sound like he’s my teacher or something.” I shuddered, still laughing but also feeling more than seasick. An image of Tabitha’s disapproving expression floated through my brain.

“Sorry.” She bit her lip in an exaggerated grimace. “Out of line.”

“A bit. I know, it’s weird. Look.” I sobered and took another careful sip of tea. “This feels … scary. And real. Nothing has even happened yet. Nothing irreversible, anyway. Apart from that kiss, which was, phew. But the chances of someone being hurt are high. Me. I’ll just say it. The chances of me being hurt are high.” I blew out a measured breath. “I’m in over my head. So I’m probably going to play things close to my chest. I feel as if sharing it will make it more real, you know? Please don’t … please don’t be offended.”

She reached out and squeezed my hand. “I understand. You can trust me. I’m fond of you both. And to be honest, I’ve wondered how I’d feel if this happened. My allegiance is to him because of history and circumstance. But I’m rooting for you. I’m rooting for you both.”

“It’s only two days.”

“It’s more.”

“Please.” My stomach clenched. Seasickness or panic? “Please don’t say that. I can’t … I can’t afford to think that.” Xavier’s warning to protect my heart came back to me. “I’ll be disappointed. And I shouldn’t be. I have a life to go back to. This can’t be more.”

She reached out and took my hand again. “Keep an open mind, yeah? And maybe an open heart?”

“It’s too open already. This relationship feels like juggling with newly sharpened knives.”

“And I take it you’re not a good juggler.”

“No shit.” I took another larger drink of ginger tea. My stomach was feeling better already.

“All right. Well, I’ll leave you to relax. I’m going to pack a few things up and call ahead to get a hotel room. A whole day off tomorrow where I know no one and have nothing to do? I’m salivating.”

“Do you all go and stay in the same hotel when you have time off the boat?”

“Not if I can help it. Besides, Rod and Chef both know people in Calvi I think, so I’m sure they’ll get themselves sorted. We should be there in a couple of hours.”

We stood and I gave her a hug. “Thank you,” I said. “Enjoy your time off. And be safe.”

“Always.”