” Conner smiled, “but it’s worth it, right?” Tessa nodded. “I don’t think I could do this with anyone else Conner. I don’t think I’d w...nt to. Ever.” There was only one way Conner knew how to respond to that. He propped himself up on his elbow and kissed her. They didn’t stay outside for too long, Tessa wasn’t ready for it. When they went back inside there was a comfortable calm, but Conner noticed that when Tessa locked the door she almost looked regretful. He felt a moment of concern and it. I don't want to go there alone." You won't be alone. All your friends are already there. You said so yourself." I know," she said, lowering her voice as she sat in my bed right next to me. She held my hand, her soft hands caressing my studded bracelet and wristbands. "But I want you to come with me. I feel safe when you're around."I was surprised by her confession of vulnerability and her willingness to accept my protection. I had learned a few things with the boys... I had learned how to fight. “That’s the thing. I feel safe with you. Safer than I’ve been since ... you know.”So that is how I ended up in the fore-cabin, instead of the master cabin with the longer bed, sharing the space with a lithe, thermals-clad, young woman.I slept well. Very well, but not too long. I left Clara in bed and went about preparing for the day. I boiled the kettle twice, and filled a couple of Thermos flasks, one with coffee, one with hot water, and put the kettle back on to heat while I worked on deck.. Finally, he heard it: the sweet voice with its slightly musical lilt reached his ears, causing his stomach to do flip-flops. He took a deep breath, steadying himself. C’mon. You can do this. She’s beautiful, but you’ll never know if she’ll be yours until you ask her. Taking one last breath, he shut his locker door resolutely, and made his way down the hall, counting the fifteen lockers that separated his from Sophie’s. She didn’t say anything, so he assumed she hadn’t noticed his presence. He.