Page 34 of Modern Romance January 2025 5-8
Whatever the true cause, she welcomed—temporarily, she knew—the muting of her rioting emotions where her father was concerned. She knew she’d have to deal with it later. Just as she welcomed the easing of the intense turbulence between her and Jario. Hell, she borderline understood him now, or as much as she could dare to grasp the grief and anguish driving him.
Although a different sort of intensity had taken the place of the old.
She would never make the mistake of calling him soft because that would be likening a jungle predator to a cuddly house pet.
And yet...she’d felt safe enough to tamp down her reservation and ease the weariness and the shadows in his eyes and body.
More, she’d stayed at his side while he slept—and no, the rabid need to see him rest wasn’t something she intended to contemplate yet—and woke him when bad dreams had triggered those awful, anguished sounds.
She’d barely been able to stop herself from blurting ‘yes’ when he’d offered a new bargain, not because her first thought had been about her primary reason for being here but because agreeing meant remaining on board.
With him.
Willow squeezed her eyes shut, a ragged moan of confused excitement breaking free, thankfully washed away by the streaming water. But the sensations stalking through her wouldn’t be rinsed free, bypassing every warning from her brain.
She was treading a dangerous path.
Willow recognised that. And yes, she would be tracking him down come 7 p.m. Because more than wanting to uncover the whole story—and most likely have her fears confirmed—she also wantedmore.
She wanted Jario Tagarro.
Her breath shuddered out as the admission settled deep into her bones.
That thing he’d done with his nose over her belly still made her nipples hard and her core hot just thinking about it.
But she also wanted to explore the complex layers beneath his cool facade. Why? Was there a psychological explanation to this fascination?
Or was it something as simple as intense chemistry pulling her to the most intriguing man she’d ever met?
Gritting her teeth at the chaotic thoughts, she wrenched off the faucet and stepped out.
Molly, her cabin mate, was rarely around, which thankfully left Willow with the space to herself most times.
Dressed in jeans shorts and a white cotton top, she padded barefoot into the crew living area. After making herself a coffee and helping herself to a croissant, she was heading for the dining table when Rebecca walked in.
The few times they’d run into each other since the incident in Jario’s office, Rebecca had been coolly neutral.
Clearing her throat, Willow took the bull by the horns. ‘I owe you an apology.’
Rebecca searched Willow’s gaze for a second, then shrugged. ‘Whatever your reasons for wanting the job, you still worked harder than half of the guys on board.’ She headed to the coffee machine. Once she’d filled her cup, she leaned against the counter. ‘But I’m guessing I’ll need to find your replacement?’
Willow grimaced. ‘Yes. I’m sorry.’
After a moment’s silence, Rebecca asked, ‘Are you okay?’
Willow’s fingers curled around her coffee cup, her muddled emotions swirling faster. ‘Not entirely. But I hope it’ll get better.’
Far too revealing words, plucked from the centre of the maelstrom within her, made her face heat up.
A flash of softness cut through her aloofness before Rebecca approached. ‘Well, good luck. When you’re ready to leave, come find me for your ticket home.’
When you’re ready...
As the hours ticked by, Willow knew deep down that she wasn’t ready yet. And that the decision she’d be making scared the hell out of her.
Her spaghetti-strap, thigh-length sundress was nowhere as stylish as the chicly dressed women she’d watched heading for his yacht back in Los Cabos... God, was it only a handful of days ago? But it was better than shorts and a tank top.
As her fingers lingered on her favourite lemongrass-based floral perfume, nerves attacked her before she pushed them away. Jario had the most beautiful, sophisticated women at his beck and call. Her choice of perfume wasn’t going to turn his world upside down. Nor was he insecure in his manhood to accuse her of some sort of entrapment like David once had.