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he’d totally lost her, she appeared before him, eyes sparkling with elation. In her hands she held two plates.
    “Brought you some things. Wasn’t sure what you wanted though. Hope it’s all good.”
    “I’m sure it is. Where do you want to go?”
    “Doesn’t matter, let’s just grab some seats.”
    For the next few hours, they ate and talked with other people on the ship. It was one of the best times Deiter had had in a long while. Happy and full, they walked together back to his room and climbed into bed where they made love before exhaustion finally took over.
     
    * * * *
     
    In the morning, Deiter was alone when he woke. There was no note, no nothing from her.
    “Damn it. Why didn’t she wake me?”
    She’s not your girlfriend, his brain reminded him.
    A very sobering thought. After a shower and getting dressed, he headed down to where he and Arissa usually sat. His heart lightened when he saw her on a lounge, only to sink when he noticed she was talking to a man. One who looked familiar.
    The man from the restaurant last night.
    “Arissa,” he said as he strode up.
     
    Arissa laughed at something the man in the next chair had said. When she heard Deiter behind her, she turned and was struck by the fire raging in his eyes. He’s jealous. The problem was she didn’t know if she wanted to think about his reaction to that. Living for the moment had been going along so well. His black shorts with a red stripe down the sides worked great with his white shirt.
    “Hey, Deiter.” She held her hand out towards him. “I’d like for you to meet Timothy—”
    “Tim,” the man interjected.
    She dipped her head in understanding. “Tim Vastin.”
    “Nice to meet you,” Deiter said reaching around her to offer his hand. “Am I interrupting anything?”
    Arissa could hear the hard edge to Deiter’s tone. She watched them shake hands before Deiter settled next to her on the lounge. Didn’t even give us a second to answer that question.
    “No,” Tim answered. “I was just thanking her for saving my life. And then I learnt we live in the same city and are on the same flight home.”
    Deiter looked at her and Arissa swallowed at the tic he had in his jaw. “Is that so?” he asked.
    “Yes,” Arissa answered. “So we’ve been talking about our familiar watering holes.”
    “Nice,” Deiter answered. He got to his feet. “I’m going to get a drink. Can I get you two anything?”
    “I’m good,” Tim said.
    “Me too, but thanks.” Arissa watched as Deiter walked away. Part of her wanted to call him back, but she let him go, putting her attention back on the man across from her.
    Unbidden her mind began to compare the two men. Both were tall, but Deiter was much more muscular than Tim. Blond-brown hair compared to jet black. Deiter’s lips were much more attractive, he had a firm kissable bow-shaped mouth, not a thin line. Both men had very nice smiles though. And where Deiter was clean-shaven, Tim had a goatee. Even their eyes were different. A stormy blend of blues and greys made up her German’s gaze, while Tim’s was a vibrant, almost piercing blue. What makes him mine?
    As she sat across from the good-looking man with the blue eyes, she stared in the direction Deiter had gone off in. She didn’t have to look far—he was against a bar beside the pool. Watching her.
    She could hear Tim still talking so she smiled at Deiter and put, albeit reluctantly, her attention back on the man chatting. Throughout the conversation she sneaked peeks over to where Deiter still remained. Near the bar with a drink in his hand. His gaze continually on her.
    “He your boyfriend?” Tim questioned.
    “Deiter? No. Just a good friend.”
    “Good.”
    Her brow furrowed. “Good?” She looked at him and frowned.
    Tim stood and leaned over until his mouth was beside her ear. “Yes. That means I have a clear field in pursuing you. Thanks for not letting me die.” He pressed a light kiss to her cheek before