The Cruise - Part 5
Last Time:
Nora showed up at the Captain’s dinner in a stunning
evening gown.
She was seated with the charming Captain Stamos.
Bo seethed at the Captains attention to his ex-wife
While Nora was dancing with the Captain, Bo cut in.
**********
Nora, the Captain, and Bo are standing on the crowded dance
floor. Bo has not stopped gazing at Nora since he tapped the Captain’s
shoulder. The tension between the three was growing. Bo has his
hand stretched out toward Nora. Nora is stunned to see Bo there
and awkwardly nodded to the Captain. The Captain reluctantly stepped
away and returned to his table.
Nora: (Breathlessly) Bo what are you doing here?
Bo: (Still just staring at her with his hand extended) I believe
this is our song.
Nora instinctively takes Bo’s hand and steps close. His large
hands were warm and strong and it held hers as if it would never
let go. It almost seemed desperate. Nora looked at Bo wondering
what was the reason for the feelings she was having. Bo’s
look was so intense and unsmiling and his eyes never left hers.
He took a step forward and wrapped his arm around her back, placing
his hand on her bare skin (Did he just sigh?) He pulled her close
and their cheeks brushed as Nora placed her other hand on Bo’s
strong shoulders. Without uttering a word they began to move around
the dance floor. Nora closed her eyes and just let the moment
take over. Bo’s senses were about to explode. The feel of
her against his body did nothing to ease the tension he was feeling.
He turned his head slightly into her hair and breathed in her
perfume. As their song continued to play, couples on the dance
floor started to step aside and just witness what was happening
between this couple. Bo and Nora were so lost in the moment that
they never realized they were the only ones on the dance floor.
The Captain noticed and suddenly his evening wasn’t as enjoyable.
The song continued to play and Bo’s hold on Nora grew tighter and tighter. She was so caught-up in the moment that when the music stopped it took several seconds for her to open her eyes. The crowd applauded. Every woman in the room wanted to dance with Bo. Bo’s hold barely loosened. Nora placed her hand on his shoulder and pushed herself back slightly so that she could look into his face. He still had that same tense look on his face.
Nora: (Looking confused) Bo…
Before she could finish her sentence, Bo’s lips were on hers,
passionate and hard. He took his arm from her back and brought
it up to hold the back of her neck. As quickly as the kiss began
it was over and he set Nora back from him.
Bo: (Finally with a smile on his face, bowing slightly at
the waist) Good evening, Ms. Buchanan.
Nora was stunned. She stood there with so many questions to ask
but unable to utter a word. She could still feel his lips on hers
and his hands on her body.
As soon as the Captain saw Bo grab Nora and kiss her he
was out of his seat, headed for the dance floor.
Captain: (Quietly) Who does he think he is.
Bo turned around and walked out. Nora couldn’t believe
what just happened. Where did all these feelings come from? Where
did he come from? By the time she regained her composure, the
doors to the hall were closing and the Captain was at her side.
Captain: (Angrily) Nora, would you like for me to deal with him.
Nora: (Still staring at the door with her fingers on her lips)
Huh? What? (Snapping out of her daze and placing a hand on the
Captain’s chest) No. No. I’m fine. Umm….I was just
caught a little off-guard.
Captain: (Still seething) He was way out of line.
Nora: (Attempting to change the subject and fanning her face with
her hand) If you’ll excuse me, I need some fresh air.
Captain; (Placing his hand on Nora’s back) Come this way.
I know a place on the ship with a great view.
Nora allowed the Captain to escort her from the room. A "great
view" was an understatement. They were standing at the stern
of the ship. The air was warm and the ocean was calm. There was
a full moon that provided plenty of light and cast shadows over
the deck of the ship. Nora stood facing out with her hands on
the rail. She just stared down into the water watching the pattern
of the ship’s wake and the moonlight. She was deep in thought.
The Captain was wondering what happened to the happy woman
he shared dinner and a few dances with? He stood slightly behind
her watching her. She was too beautiful for words and the way
the moonlight played off of her dress made her appear dazzling.
Captain: (Quietly) Nora?
Nora: (Still looking down, lost in thought) Hmm?
Captain; (Reaching to gently touch her shoulder) Nora? Are you
OK?
The Captain’s touch brought Nora back from her thoughts.
She slowly turned around, reluctant to turn away from the glimmering
ocean.
Nora: (Realizing she as a million miles away, laughing nervously)
Oh, Captain, I’m sorry (running her fingers through her hair)
It’s been such a wonderful night. I guess I’m getting
tired.
The Captain saw a little shiver from Nora and he quickly
took off his coat and placed it around her shoulders. As he pulled
it closed, near Nora’s throat, he stood there holding it.
Captain: (Very close to Nora) Nora, tonight was magical (He laughed
slightly at how corny that sounded.)
Nora: (Catching the humor, smiled her best smile) It was indeed.
(Looking in his eyes) Thank You.
The Captain still held onto the lapels of his coat. He pulled them gently toward him, bringing Nora closer. She didn’t resist. They each continued to look at one another. He slowly leaned his head down to hers and kissed her gently on the lips. She returned his kiss.
When they separated each was slightly embarrassed.
Captain: (Smiling and coughing to clear his throat. With a broad
smile on his handsome face he once again straightened and clicked
his heels. Nora laughed, covering her mouth with her hand. There
was the smile the Captain was looking for) Good evening, Ms. Buchanan.
Nora: (Again nodding her head in acknowledgement) Good evening,
Captain.
The Captain turned and walked away, whistling.
Nora turned back to stare out into the ocean.
Bo: (Standing directly behind Nora without her knowing how he
got there or where he came from) Having a nice vacation?
Nora: (Recognizing the voice, whipped around, fire shooting from
her eyes) Bo Buchanan. What are you doing on my ship!
Bo: (Looking around with a smile in his eyes) Your ship? What
were you and the Captain doing, sealing the sale with a kiss?
Nora: That is none of your business. Now answer my question.
Bo: Can’t a man take a vacation?
Nora: (Exasperated) Please tell me you don’t want me to believe
that your being on My cruise (Bo lifts his eyebrows) Umm…
This cruise, is a coincidence?
Bo: (Smiling) Now that would be a small world, wouldn’t it?
Nora: Stop evading my question. Why are you here?
Bo: (Looking around as if serving as a lookout for a secret mission)
(Whispering) I’m following a suspect (smiling)
Nora: (Raising her eyebrows) Oh, really, Hmm… And this suspect
just happens to like cruises.
Bo: (Shrugging his shoulders) Yeah, go figure.
Nora: (Angry and pointing) You’re following me and I want
to know why!
Bo: (Wanting badly to catch Colin in an illegal act, he was reluctant
to tell Nora the truth, he didn’t want to tip his hand to
Colin). I swear, Nora, you are getting paranoid.
Nora: (Not amused) I had a strange feeling someone was following
me. That someone was you, wasn’t it?
Bo: (Looking guilty) Well, sort of.
Nora: Sort of! Sort of! You have no right! Why are you following
Me (Pointing to herself)
Bo: (Deciding to tell her the truth) OK, Nora, it has to do with
Colin.
Nora: (Now looking enraged) Colin! (Pointing at Bo’s chest)
What happens between Colin and I is none of your business. Stay
out of it! He is going to help me get to the truth. I’m not
sure how I’m going to do that right now, plan A went sour.
Bo: (Questioning, yet knowing the answer) Plan A?
Nora: (Waving her hand) It doesn’t matter. I’m on this
cruise to relax and when I get back to Llanview I’ll have
a new plan all worked out.
Bo: But, Colin is . . .
Nora: I know, I know! You think Colin is dangerous (trying to
lower her voice) but you’re wrong.
Bo: (Frustrated) No, Nora, Colin’s . . .
Nora: (Holding up her hand in front of Bo’s face, seething)
I don’t want to hear another word. (Looking around) I’m
not sure why you’re here, I wouldn’t believe you if
you said. I will tell you this . . . You need to mind your own
business and stay out of my way. One way or another, I’m
going to get to the truth!
Nora: You showed your lack of concern for me a couple of years
ago, Bo (her voice cracking slightly). I don’t remember any
of it, and for that I’m grateful, but for us to be apart
shows me how much you cared. (Tears starting to form in her eyes.)
I need you to leave me along! (She turns back to the ocean.)
Bo is standing there. He saw the pain in Nora’s eyes and
he doesn’t know what to do to take it away. He reaches out
to touch her shoulder and she jerks away) Nora?
Nora: (Softly crying and holding up her hand) Bo, please go.
Bo: (Hangs his head) I’ll be here if you need me.
Nora: (Wiping away tears and not believing him) Yeah, I know all
about that.
Bo turns and reluctantly walks away, realizing that it would be better to let her calm down.
Nora stood at the rail for what seemed like 15 or 20 minutes,
when she felt a hand on her shoulder, again. She turned, half
expecting to have to yell at Bo.
Nora: (Whipping around, shocked) Colin!
To be continued . . .
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