The group sat gathered around a long rectangular table in the hotel's restaurant, the air filled with the warm scent of coffee and Katie's hot chocolate. They were still waiting for their breakfast orders when Nick, seated at the far end, shifted almost imperceptibly in his chair.
His hand dipped into his pocket, retrieving two slim velvet boxes. Without a word, he slid one across to Georgia, who sat beside him, the motion hidden by the curve of his arm.
Across from them, Ella held court at the opposite head of the table, her voice animated as she recounted—much to everyone's amusement—how the entire ship had descended into chaos when they couldn't find Georgia. Every eye was on her.
Perfect cover for Nick.
"This is for Katie," Nick murmured, low enough that only Georgia could hear.
Her fingers brushed the box, and her smile faltered. The look of the box was unmistakable for jewelry. A flicker of suspicion lit her eyes.
"What's this?" she asked, her tone careful, guarded.
