Stranded by Dani Pettrey Page A

shove them down, needing to focus on finding Abby. “Kind of odd, though, isn’t it?”
    Clint stepped closer, his full attention on her. “What’s that?”
    â€œAbby just leaving like that.”
    He frowned. “You’re sure putting a lot of thought into this. Did you know her or something? Before the Bering, I mean?”
    If someone on the ship had discovered Abby’s true identity, and she claimed to have known Abby outside of the Bering ,then they’d know she was a fake as well. “No. Just met her once, when I boarded.”
    â€œYou’re awful curious about someone you’ve only met once.”
    She needed to tread carefully. She didn’t want Clint spreading the word that she was asking questions. “You’re right. I guess I’m just surprised.”
    He popped a mint in his mouth and offered her one.
    â€œThanks.” She slipped it in her mouth, the overpowering cinnamon burning her tongue.
    He slid the tin mint case back in his shirt pocket. “What’s to be surprised by?”
    â€œI met Abby when I boarded the Bering one day, and the next day she was gone without any word.”
    â€œSo?”
    â€œSeems like she would have said something to somebody.”
    Clint smiled. “You’re assuming she cared enough to leave notice. Most people in this industry don’t.”
    â€œCare about their jobs?”
    â€œHave much loyalty to the cruise ship. People come and go as they please.”
    â€œMullins had me sign a three-month contract for the spring season.”
    â€œYeah. We all do. So what? You leave and they stop paying you. End of contract.” His eyes narrowed in amusement. “What do you think, they’re going to go through the trouble of tracking you down and force you to return to the ship? Employees are a dime a dozen. The cruise line doesn’t care as long as the slot is covered.”
    â€œThat doesn’t sound very cheery.”
    â€œCheery.” He laughed. “This is obviously your first gig on a cruise ship. What you need to do is stop worrying aboutsome gal you didn’t even know”—he stepped closer, trailing his hand down the length of her arm—“and enjoy the view.” He gestured to a large bird gliding overhead, nearly a shadow in the darkening sky. “We’re in a beautiful place, and you’re with a man that finds you absolutely captivating. What’s not to like?”
    If he only knew. . . .
    â€œCome on, Darcy, let’s get to know each other.” He nudged her arm. “Tell me something about you. Anything.”
    â€œOkay.” She smiled. Something safe . “I hate pickles.”
    He chuckled. “Well . . . that’s a start.”
    â€œMy turn,” she said, narrowing her eyes. “Massage therapist-medic—the combination is intriguing.”
    â€œThat’s not actually a question, but you’re certainly not the first to comment.”
    â€œSo how’d you get started?” It was quite the job combination.
    â€œWell, I began on the Bering as a massage therapist, but having to stay on the ship all the time got boring, so I diversified. Took my rotation off and got my medic’s license. Now I participate in most of the excursions.”
    â€œYou seem to enjoy them.”
    â€œIt’s great getting to meet new people.” He stepped closer. “Captivating people like you.”
    She smiled but focused her gaze on the view, not him.
    â€œYou and Gage seem to have an interesting dynamic.”
    â€œThat’s one way to put it.”
    â€œI’m not stepping on any toes, am I?”
    â€œMe and Gage?” She laughed but felt no humor on the subject. “No.” There would never be a “her and Gage.”
    â€œGood.” Clint smiled. “Because I’m enjoying getting to know you.”
    As nice as Clint was, she needed to keep a tight rein