Full Steam Ahead (Sea Swept #1) by Valerie Chase

looks at my hand, then searches my gaze.
    "Why?" she says softly.
    "Trust me."
    Georgia studies me for a long moment in the starlight, considering. I don't move, don't rush her. Just wait.  
    Finally she slips her hand in mine, and I lead her inside.

Chapter 10
    Georgia

    Jace takes me back through the staff hallway. A couple times we pass crew members, but Jace just gives them confident nods, and they don’t ask what we’re doing there.
    The shock of what almost might have happened is like a splash of icy water, and I hope we're not going back to the party. I don't want to do that, don't want to have to pretend to be fine. I want to go sleep. I’m a little scared, because though I don’t feel suicidal, I want tonight and this whole year to be behind me. Tomorrow is soon enough to face reality.
    What might have happened, if Jace hadn’t found me? He’s right that there’s nothing in my stomach but bile sloshing around with too much champagne. I feel clear now, but I can tell I’m still buzzed because my lips are numb. Besides, a sober person doesn’t try to reach waves fifty feet below. What the hell was I thinking? If I’d lost my balance …  
    Jace might have saved my life. It’s not much of a life, right now, with all my mistakes and stupid decisions, but it is mine, and I am glad I haven’t lost it. Thanks to Jace.  
    I owe him, big time.
    My legs are tired. All of me is tired, and if Jace weren’t at my side I’d have collapsed a while ago. His hand is warm and firm, and I keep hold of it like a lifeline as he leads me back into the passenger areas. Soon we’re ducking into the 24-hour pizza cafe tucked into a nook along the inside of the promenade. I’m not hungry, but I’m grateful for the cushioned booth where Jace directs me, so I don’t protest.
    “Wait there,” he says, settling me on the bench before disappearing. I lay my head down on the table, but just as I’m fading into blessed sleep Jace sits down next to me, nudging me over with his hip.
    “Drink this.” He puts a glass of water in front of me, along with a plate of pizza. It smells hot and delicious and cheesy, and I want to devour it. But I know better. I don’t want to throw up again tonight.
    At the sight of the water, though, I realize how epically thirsty I am. The glass is cold and slippery, but I suck water through the straw until my stomach is chilled through. I feel a little more alert. Revived. Still thirsty. I drink more water, and by the time the glass is empty, I find I have the strength to sit up properly.
    Jace gets up to refill the glass. As he walks back with two, I’m struck by how great he looks in his suit. I look away as he settles next to me again.  
    “You were dehydrated,” he observes, handing my glass back over.
    I lick my lips, which have finally regained some feeling. “Yeah, I guess.”
    “And I’m betting you have nothing in your stomach.”
      “I ate dinner,” I say.
    “Did you get ‘seasick’ afterward again?”
    I stiffen, feeling my cheeks redden with guilt. To cover, I fling him a furious glance. “No,” I say, but I can tell by his expression that he doesn’t buy it.
    “Bullshit.” Jace turns toward me, stretching his left arm out on the top of the booth’s back; his right elbow leans on the table. I can feel his stare. I’m grateful for what he did outside, but the familiar shame rises up to swallow me, and I’m angry at him for … I don’t know. Noticing how fucked-up I am, I guess.
    “Go away,” I say, though it comes out quiet. “Please.”
    “Not until you eat some of this.” Jace nudges the plate of cheesy goodness toward me. I shake my head. “Look, I’m bigger than you, and until you eat something, you’re not going anywhere.”
    I scowl and glance around for an escape, but on one side is the wall, and on the other is Jace. I’m trapped. I could slide under the table and try to get out that way, but even the thought makes me tired. “You’re being a