collected a drink from the bar and made their way out on deck. All around them people were talking softly and the air was filled with the tinkle of laughter and ice in glasses, murmured voices and sighs of delight.
They found a gap at the rail and stood together, and, due either to the slight motion of the ship or the unaccustomed alcohol, Maggie found herself swaying gently against his tall, hard body.
Ben took her empty glass and put it down, then grinned at her. ‘Come on,’ he whispered. ‘Perk of the job—I know somewhere quiet!’
They threaded their way through the laughing crowd, up a companionway and through a little gate marked ‘Authorised Personnel Only’, then they were out on the bows, watching the phosphorus turn the water a ghostly green as the ship sliced through the sea.
The hum of the engines and the splash of water drowned out the music and laughter they had left behind, and Ben moved up beside Maggie, wrapping his arm around her waist and easing her up against his side. The heat of the day was gone, and in the cooling breeze she was glad of the warmth of his body. The weight of his arm seemed so natural, so right, somehow. She relaxed against him and breathed deeply of the tropic night.
The air was rich with the salt tang of the sea and the smell of fresh paint, and every now and again she caught a glimpse of a flying fish leaping from the water, the phosphorescence trailing behind it like a tiny comet.
‘What a beautiful night,’ she sighed, and Ben’s arm tightened as he turned her into his embrace.
His face was sharply etched in the moonlight, and she watched the emotions play across it as he slowly pulled out her hairpins and shook her hair loose.
‘Absolutely beautiful,’ he murmured in response, and she knew in that second that he was going to kiss her.
I ought to run! she thought, but instead she tipped back her head to make it easier for him, and waited, fascinated, as his firm, full lips lowered and brushed against hers, teasing her with tiny, sipping kisses until her trembling sigh broke through his control and he threaded his fingers through her hair and steadied her against the onslaught of his mouth.
After what seemed like forever and yet wasn’t nearly long enough, he lifted his head and folded her against his chest, her head tucked neatly under his chin against the wild beating of his heart.
He held her there until his heart had slowed, and then he let her go, moving away to stand by the guard rail, his hands braced on the teak top rail, his head bowed.
‘We shouldn’t have done that,’ she said breathlessly, wondering if her legs would collapse without his support, and he lifted his head and met her eyes with a rueful grin.
‘You’re undoubtedly right, but I’m not going to apologise. You’re beautiful, Maggie, with your mermaid’s hair flowing round your shoulders and your eyes wide and innocent—they’re the colour of crushed pansies, did you know that? And your clear, pale skin—you’ll have to be careful not to burn.’ His finger trailed slowly over her bare shoulder and down her arm. ‘It would be a tragedy to mark that exquisite perfection.’
‘Has anybody ever told you you’ve got the smooth tongue of an Irishman?’ Maggie asked drily, to cover the wild leap of her heart.
Ben chuckled. ‘Just a natural ladies’ man,’ he said easily. ‘Come on, let me escort you back to the happy throng, then I must go and hand out more seasick pills. I saw a wave a moment ago—no doubt I’ll be the most popular man on board before long.’
His voice was tinged with irony, and Maggie looked up at him, catching a flash of discontent on his face.
‘Don’t you ever long to be involved in mainstream medicine again?’ she asked, and wasn’t surprised when his face went carefully blank.
‘Not often. It’s a wonderful life here, you know. Sun, sea, sand—even the occasional mermaid thrown in for good measure!’
She wasn’t fooled. ‘It sounds wonderful for a holiday, but I would have thought after a while it would be extremely boring.’
He gave a funny, twisted little laugh. ‘It has its moments. Come on, I’m afraid I really do have to go and see to my patients.’
As they made their way back across the sun-bleached deck that gleamed strangely white in the moonlight, Maggie felt suddenly very tired.
‘I think, actually, I’ll turn in now if you don’t mind. I’ve got rather a headache.’
‘It’s jet lag,’ he told her. ‘You’ll be all right in the morning.’
On the way back through the Penang Lounge, Rhoda spotted them and winked broadly. Oh, good grief, whatever would she think? And it would be worse if she watched them disappear together! Maggie, blushing slightly, turned to Ben and stopped him with a hand on his arm.
‘There’s someone I must have a word with. Thank you for—this evening.’
‘You’re welcome,’ he murmured, a smile playing in the corners of his eyes. ‘Can you find your way back to your cabin?’
‘I’m sure I will. Goodnight, Ben.’
‘Goodnight, my little mermaid. See you tomorrow.’
He turned away, and Maggie looked up to see Rhoda weaving her way across the room.
That’s him—the perfect man—absolutely splendid! How did you find him?’
Maggie shrugged and laughed. ‘I was sitting next to him for dinner. He’s the ship’s doctor. He’s been very—charming.’
Rhoda eyed her quizzically. ‘And did his charm smudge your lipstick and tumble your hair down over your shoulders and leave you looking so alive?’
Maggie flushed and lowered her eyes, and Rhoda laughed softly and patted her hand.
‘You enjoy it,’ she advised. ‘A little romance will do you the power of good.’
‘Yes, well, just now I feel like ten hours’ sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow.’
She made her way down to her cabin on Java Deck, taking the stairs as the lifts were all busy. Her mind on the magic of Ben’s kiss and the lingering feel of his hands in her hair, she lost her footing and tumbled inelegantly to the deck, landing with a soft cry.
‘You didn’t have to throw yourself at my feet,’ a familiar voice murmured. ‘A word would have been enough.’
‘Ouch,’ she muttered crossly. ‘Don’t fool around, Ben, I’ve hurt my ankle.’
‘Let me see,’ he said in a soothing voice, and carefully eased her leg straight. ‘It doesn’t seem too bad—let’s get you on to your bed and have a closer look. Where’s your cabin?’
She showed him the key, and he hoisted her effortlessly into his arms and carried her down the corridor.
‘Good job it’s not far,’ she joked, ‘I’d hate to put your back out!’
He laughed. ‘You weigh practically nothing,’ he told her. ‘We’ll have
