A Change of Plans Read Free Page A

might give her further ideas regarding me.
    “Elle ... and everyone.” I waved the rest of Elle’s group over. “This is Jori. He’s an artist—come and check out some of his drawings.” Before he could stop me, I handed Elle the sketchbook.
    I checked my watch and whispered to Elle, “I’ve got to go.” She nodded, occupied by Jori’s sketches.
    The Explorer’s Lounge was a small area on the upper deck. Several people had gathered there, and the musicians— consisting of a pianist, a violinist, and a cellist—had already begun playing. The ambiance created by the low lighting, the gilded murals of old sailing ships, and a map of the world made me think of a drawing room. I found a small loveseat to sit in and closed my eyes, savoring the combination of the ship’s sway and the lovely music.
    At the end of the third piece, a man whispered, “Excuse me, Lyn. Do you mind if I share your couch?”
    Recognizing Braedon’s voice, I opened my eyes. His sister and her family had found places on a sofa to the side, but no other empty seats remained.
    “Sure.” I slid over, and he sat down next to me. I closed my eyes again as the next number began, trying to ignore how nice his cologne smelled. What was it today with men’s cologne, anyway?
    When the number finished, Kate turned to her mother. “Mommy, I want to sit with her.”
    Aislinn looked at me questioningly, and I nodded. Kate headed to me and turned her back so I could lift her onto my lap.
    She smelled like baby shampoo, and as she snuggled against me, I had a fleeting thought that I might have been expecting a child of my own by now. Jace and I had talked about not wanting to wait to start our family. I shut down the painful thought, blinking against the sudden burning in my eyes.
    After several more numbers, I checked my watch. “Kate, I have to leave to go meet my friends.” She gave me a hug, slid from my lap, and returned to her mother.
    As I rose, the ship suddenly swayed and, to my horror, I toppled onto Braedon’s lap.
    “Decide to stay for the rest of the music?” he said, trying not to laugh.
    My faced burned. “Excuse me.” I tried to figure out where to put my hands to lift myself again. I finally got to my feet, supporting my weight on the arm of the couch. I attempted to straighten, but another shift of the floor sent me askew again, and I landed back in Braedon’s lap.
    By then Braedon was laughing outright, and everyone stared at us. This was ridiculous. Braedon raised his hands but didn’t seem to know how to help. The best thing he could have done was give my bum a push, but he had the good sense not to do that.
    Luckily, D’Arcy came to help and pulled me to my feet.
    “Thank you.” I turned to Braedon, mortified. “I’m so sorry.”
    He shook his head, still chuckling.
    I walked from the room, hoping I didn’t look as ridiculous as I felt and praying I could make it down to the Show Lounge without another blunder.
    Elle was waiting for me, sitting among some of her new friends. I waved hello to them and sat in the chair she indicated.
    “Where did you find Jori?” she asked.
    “I know, right?” I peered around her to see if he had come.
    “He was feeling seasick, so he went back to his cabin.” Elle looked at me. “He seemed interested in you.”
    I leaned my head back and shut my eyes for a moment before glancing at her from the corner of my eye. “How many guys do you plan on playing matchmaker with?”
    She made a face. “Just flirt with them. You can date a guy without marrying him—” Elle snapped her mouth shut when she saw the pain in my expression. “I’m sorry. But you know what I mean.”
    I sighed and squeezed her hand. “I do. Have you given that job offer anymore thought?”
    Elle made a face. I wasn’t surprised. She had worked at half a dozen different things since high school. Recently, she had gotten her Colorado court reporter certification. I had told her that sitting invisible in a