On the run from his fate of misery, Cole finds a job on a ship. The job helps him to escape the plans of his father, but it puts him into a series of events that takes him far from the sheltered life he had been living.
His one true wish is to find...
Cole hung the last clothes on the line before he turned to the tub with the washing water. He had barely attempted to lift it before Track showed up and helped him to lift the heavy barrel. Working in silence, they poured the water over the gunwale. Cole got the feeling that Track had something to say, but he didn’t push it. If Track wanted to ask something he would, he was probably just looking for the right time to do so.
When they put the tub down again, Track leaned on the gunwale and gave Cole a curious look. Cole raised his eyebrows at him. “I don’t know what you said or did, but the captain seems to have recovered remarkably quickly from his encounter with the self-proclaimed charmer. I’m a bit curious about what you did.” Track held Cole’s gaze while he folded his arms over his chest. Cole shrugged. “We had a talk and I gave him a hug. Seemed to be what he needed, and it turns out I was right.” Track straightened to his full length, which made it obvious he was a lot taller than Cole. He would have been intimidating if it weren’t for his clear concern for Tan. “Huh… I don’t know exactly what went on between the captain and that twat, but since Jock spent the night and the captain couldn’t look us in the eyes for days afterward, I have a guess.” Cole gave Tan a look. Tan was talking to Vu and didn’t look in their direction.
Cole met Track’s gaze again. “What he told me was in confidence, so I have to settle for a small hint and not the full story… He said it wasn’t painful or anything like that, but it was degrading. That’s all I can say.” Track’s eyes narrowed for a second before he sighed deeply and turned his gaze to the sea. “I wish he’d told us… But he probably knew we would beat that smug idiot to a pulp if we found out.” Cole nodded. “Probably.” Track met his gaze again. “I’m glad to see that you could get him in a better mood that quickly.” “So am I.” Track gave Tan a look. “He obviously likes you. Don’t mess it up.” “Wouldn’t dream of it… but I can’t make a promise. I’m not that experienced when it comes to that sort of thing, so I will probably mess things up. Not intentionally, but I can’t guarantee that I won’t.” Track gave him a crooked smile. “I think you’ll be all right… And if there is anything you wish to know, don’t hesitate to ask.” Cole nodded. “I’ll remember that.” Track gave Cole a genuine smile before giving Cole a pat on the shoulder and walking off.
After seeing Track walk over to Ezur by the main mast, Cole glanced over at Tan again. He met Tan’s gaze and shared a smile with him before picking up the tub to put it away. He knew that hug had been the beginning of something. Even Track and the others had noticed the change between them. Cole only hoped he wouldn’t disappoint or do something stupid with his lack of experience.
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Cole balanced the tray in his hands as he walked up the stairs to the corridor outside his and the captain’s cabin. At least the wind was calm, even if the heavens had decided to wash the ship for them. There was even a small puddle of water inside the door to the deck in the corridor.
The captain’s cabin was empty when he stepped inside. Tan probably stood by the wheel, or if he exchanged a few words with Track before leaving the wheel to him. Cole walked over to the desk to leave the tray where he usually left it.
