The morning sun rises over the docked cruise ship. I wake up with a mix of anticipation and nervous energy. Jack has promised me an excursion into town for some shopping, a welcome distraction from everything happening on the ship.
When I step onto the ship’s main deck, I find Jack waiting for me. He’s dressed casually today—dark jeans, a fitted white T-shirt, and a leather jacket slung over his shoulder. His unruly hair catches the breeze, and he flashes me a crooked smile as I approach.
“Ready for a shopping adventure?” he asks, holding out his hand.
I take it, feeling the familiar warmth of his touch. “Ready as I’ll ever be. Let’s find something fabulous.”
The town is charming, like something out of a postcard. Cobblestone streets wind through rows of pastel-colored buildings, each
