A Change of Plans Read Free Page B

corner would never suit her. Evidently, now that the job offer had made that a reality, she was having second thoughts.
    “Then don’t take it,” I said.
    She leaned her head back. “I wish I could be my own boss, doing something I like.”
    “Play to your strength—people.” We had been over thisbefore, but fear of failure kept her from starting an Etsy business with some online friends. It was the same problem she had with guys, but I wasn’t going to go there.
    At the end of the show, the members of Elle’s group who hadn’t gotten seasick wanted to go to the Crow’s Nest, the ship’s dance club.
    “You’re coming, aren’t you?” Elle asked.
    I shook my head, thinking of my mishap with Braedon. “I’d prefer to wait until the deck is steadier before going dancing.”
    Elle put on a martyred expression. “Well, based on the stormy weather forecast, you’ll have to get used to it. I’ll let you go today, but tomorrow you will come.”
    “Okay,” I agreed. “Night, everyone.”

CHAPTER 3
    T HE SHIP’S rocking was so much gentler in the morning that I felt it was safe enough for a workout. Though I arrived at the gym early, two guys were already there on the treadmills. I went to the workout floor near the entrance and took off my hoodie and shoes.
    I sipped some lime-flavored water and took a couple of minutes to admire the view of the ocean. I couldn’t help but notice the nice physique of the shirtless man jogging on the treadmill. He must know what he was doing when he lifted weights; it took time and knowledge to get such a defined build without the grotesque bodybuilder look.
    I suddenly realized it was Braedon and choked on my water. Embarrassed, I turned away, trying not to draw attention to myself with my coughing.
    While I did my sensei-required thirty minutes of stretching, I focused my attention on the list of books I planned to read on the cruise, refusing to look at the treadmills again. Once finished, I took a long drink and allowed myself one peek inhis direction. He had moved on to the weights. I tried not to remember my humiliation at falling all over him last night.
    I began the kata, starting with yellow belt forms, and lost myself in the movements. When I completed the forms for the brown belt, I took a break. Braedon stood by a young guy and a pretty Hispanic girl I had seen at dinner last night, apparently giving them instructions on how to use the weight machines. I scrutinized Braedon, curious about what kind of teacher he might be. Our eyes met before I had a chance to look away. Busted! My face went hot.
    I spun, stumbling a little over the first moves of the black belt kata, so I had to start over. I could almost feel Braedon’s eyes on my back as I returned to the beginning position. I closed my eyes and slowly did the opening bow, forcing my thoughts into the next move. After a pause, I exploded to the right, performed a right strike and Haku kick, stepped into a left stack, and followed with a right augmented block. By the time I moved forward to do the next block, I had found my zone.
    After completing the six required forms one after the other, I was drenched in sweat. I grabbed my towel, wiping my face. Water bottle in hand for a refill, I didn’t see him until I turned around.
    Braedon leaned against the wall, watching me with his arms crossed in front of his chest. A towel hung loosely over his shoulder, his skin glistening with a faint sheen of perspiration. He straightened. “Karate?”
    “Yes.” I moved toward the water cooler.
    Braedon followed. “Are you a black belt?”
    “First degree.” I bent to fill my bottle. “I should be ready to test for my next level by fall.”
    The lanky guy Braedon had helped joined us, the girl following closely behind. “You’re Elle’s friend Lyn, right?” He thrust a tanned hand forward. “I’m Jimmy Hewitt and this is Maria Sandoval.” His eyes lit up. “Was that Kung Fu stuff you were doing?”
    With that