Where have you been?” Walsh appears beside me holding a half-empty cocktail when I emerge on the observation deck. Tables and chairs have been brought up and spaced at intervals, while a buffet dinner is being set up in the middle. The ship rocks gently in the evening breeze.

I tuck a lock of hair behind my ear. “Working.”

“I thought we were going to meet up after the breeding center?” Hurt flashes across her features, but it’s gone in a blink.

Groaning, I close my eyes. “Crap. Walsh, I’m so sorry. I completely forgot.”

Pursing her lips, she waves me away. “It’s fine. I figured you got busy or whatever. I bought you these.” Tilting her cheek, she fingers a pretty blue bead dangling from her ear. “The beads are made by a local artisan out of recycled paper. But because you ditched me, I’m keeping them.”

My gut twists. “Sounds fair.” Snatching Walsh’s drink, I take a long gulp. It’s a watery gin and tonic. She tries to take it back, but I polish it off in two more swallows, ice cubes rattling.

She smacks my arm. “You just drank my backwash, you twat.”

I shrug and set the empty glass on a tray full of discarded glasses a few steps away.

Walsh leans against the metal railing behind her, the hem of her flowered maxidress floating around her ankles. “I saw you with Graeme today. Did you guys talk?”

Clasping my hands, I lean against the railing next to her. “Not exactly.” Automatically, I search for him in the crowd. My nerves hum and I lick my lips. I wonder what he’ll think of what I’m about to offer the guests. It’ll give away the direction of my proposal, but it can’t be helped. I need the trial run.

“Are you really still worried about this promotion?”

“Not as much as I was before. I had a brainwave at the breeding center.”

“Good! See? I knew everything would work out. Now quit worrying so much and ask that man very politely if you can sit on his face.”

I roll my eyes. Face sitting aside, I do still need to tell him what I want. It’s been three days since we kissed. Three days of professional veneer slapped over simmering, bubbling attraction. And it’s not fair for me to keep him dangling.

Do I want him?

The answer flashes in brilliant Broadway neon. Yes!

But the practical angel on my shoulder tuts and pushes the Coke-bottle glasses up her nose. Okay, smart girl. What happens if you two get hot and heavy and then you get the promotion?

He’ll stay in Michigan. I blow out a long breath. Long distance can work though…