her clothes for the morning...
She could barely keep her eyes open by the time she switched off her light and crawled beneath the blanket. Tonight she didn’t even bother cracking open the book she’d brought with her. Instead, she was asleep within minutes.
And awake again two hours later when a loud noise startled her.
Avery jackknifed straight up in bed, her body responding before her brain had fully kicked in. With bleary eyes, she glanced around, trying to figure out where she was and what had woken her. It only took a few seconds to realize the disturbance had come from outside her room. On the Amphitrite.
Loud music. Laughter. Someone yelling.
And, there it was, the thump of some idiot slamming into the wall in the hallway outside her door.
Throwing a silk robe on over the cotton shorts and tank top she normally wore to bed, Avery yanked open her door just as another down the hall slammed shut. At least the drunken fool had made it to his bed.
But the noise. In the hallway it was so loud, the ship practically vibrated to the thump of the music.
She’d never get back to sleep.
With a huff, Avery tightened the knot on her robe and headed toward the commotion. A door down the hall stood wide-open. Inside it appeared the entire crew had congregated.
The space wasn’t huge. The ship was a working vessel, so most areas onboard were needed for their mission. It was clear this room served multiple purposes. The crew had eaten their dinner there earlier in the day. Now everyone was scattered about—lounging in chairs, sitting on top of tables, playing poker, drinking beer, listening to music.
Someone, she’d guess Catherine, their cook, had put out several bowls of munchies and a few dips.
Everyone’s faces were bright with happiness and laughter. She stood on the edge of the group and for a minute jealousy twisted her gut. She’d never had this, not even at college.
Especially not at college. She’d been too young and shy to really fit in with the other undergrads. Graduating high school early, she’d started college at sixteen.
By the time she’d reached grad school, she was so focused on her goals and burned-out that trying to fit in had seemed like a lost cause. She’d simply drawn into herself and set her sights on completing her program as soon as possible.
She had a few close friends now, but they were people like her. Quiet, professional, contained. When she was in Galveston, they’d get together for dinner, wine and some conversation. Nothing like this.
Avery’s gaze swept across the sea of people, most wearing shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops. There was nothing about this group that said contained.
They looked like they were relaxed. Enjoying themselves. A bright spurt of envy bloomed inside her chest.
Shaking off the unproductive reaction, Avery reminded herself why she’d ventured out. Scanning the crowd, she tried to find Asher. Maybe he’d be willing to tone down the party so she could sleep. He’d seemed like a nice enough guy the couple times they’d met.
But instead of finding him, her gaze locked with Knox’s. From across the room she felt the unexpected zing. Once she saw him, she couldn’t seem to look away, even though her brain was screaming at her to.
Pushing away from the table he’d been leaning against, Knox set his bottle on the scratched surface. Then he was striding across the room toward her. He didn’t have to say anything, the people between them simply moved out of his way.
“Welcome to the party. Have to say I’m surprised you joined us.” His dark eyes studied her. “In your silk robe.”
Avery fought the urge to grab the lapels and pull them tighter over her chest.
Luckily, his words jump-started her brain and reminded her exactly why she was there.
“Would you mind turning down the music? I’m trying to sleep and it’s very loud.”
“Sorry, doc. I promised the crew a party tonight since we’re going to be pulling twelve-and fourteen-hour days once we get to the site.”
The party. The music. The nickname. Having this man stare down at her out of those smooth brown eyes, delicious and warm...it was wreaking havoc with her brain. Why did she always have the impression Knox was judging her?
And why did it bother her so much that she was afraid he didn’t like what he saw?
Frustration piled up, making her response more explosive than she’d meant. “For the love of all that is good and holy, stop calling me that.”
Knox considered her. His head tilted to the side and the tip of his tongue snuck out, slowly sweeping across the firm edge of his lower lip.
Avery’s stomach rolled and heat leaked into her veins, spreading unwanted desire like poison through her system. She should have stayed in bed.
She shifted on her feet, ready to turn away and admit defeat. Maybe she’d just put her earbuds in and hope for the best.
But Knox snagged her arm before she could move two steps. His fingers wrapped around her bicep, sliding against the silk covering her skin. “Ever heard the phrase, ‘if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em’?”
A low groan rumbled through her chest. Avery’s eyes slid shut as she asked for strength in dealing with the man. “Never mind.”
Knox shrugged, that damn grin twisting his lips even as his eyes began to twinkle.
Without asking he reached into a cooler and came up with a beer bottle. Water and ice slid down the smooth glass. Knox didn’t seem to care that it left a puddle on the floor at his feet.
He cupped his palm around her hand and sent a flame of awareness shooting up her arm. Slapping the bottle against her palm, he curled her fingers around the ice-cold surface. “You look like you could use this. If nothing else, it might help you sleep.”
Avery blinked at him, speechless.
Her brain, the thing that had faithfully served her for years, revolted. So her body took over, raising the bottle to her lips and pulling in a huge swallow. She didn’t particularly like beer, preferring cosmos and wine. Tonight, she didn’t even taste the liquid pouring down her throat.
Asher sauntered up to the two of them. Where the hell had he been a minute ago when she’d needed him?
He grinned at her, his eyes flashing mischief and mayhem. Whatever he’d sauntered over for couldn’t be good.
“Interesting wardrobe choice, Firecracker.”
Asher wasn’t the first person to give her that nickname. Her bright hair made it an obvious choice. Why couldn’t Knox have latched onto it instead of doc?
“Her beauty sleep was disturbed,” Knox said, his tone ripe with laugher. “Although I have to admit I like the robe better than the pearls, heels and business suit.”
Avery’s shoulders straightened
