Fatal Tide - Iris Johansen [54]
She nodded. “Phil was studying vents in this region when it occurred to him that this area could definitely be the place. Have you checked us into a hotel?”
“Hotels are a risk. We're staying on the Trina. It's docked only about ten minutes' walk from here and I can control security while we're on it.”
“I don't care where we stay. I just want a bed.”
“That's right.” His expression was grim. “That bastard hasn't been letting you sleep much.”
“I can't sleep long tonight either. Six hours tops and then I have to get back to the dolphins. Will you send a messenger back to tell the kids where I'll be?”
“As soon as we get to the ship.” He took her elbow. “Come on. I'll have Billy make us a snack and then you can hit the hay.”
Billy? Oh, yes, the cook. That day on the Trina seemed a hundred years ago. “Is the entire crew on the ship?”
“No, just Billy. Except for two sentries to guard the tank, I gave the rest shore leave. I don't know how long we're going to have to be gone. Maybe I don't have quite so much faith in Pete and Susie as you do.”
“I never said I was sure. I just think the chances are good.” She glanced sideways at him. “You've kept your word. You've done everything I've asked. I know how much you want this. I'll try not to disappoint you.”
“I won't be disappointed. If we get Archer, I'll consider it a win. Sometimes I think I want Archer almost as much as I do Marinth.”
“Almost is the key word.” The Trina was just ahead and it was as beautiful as she remembered it. “Nothing is as important as Marinth. I understand. It's like a fever.”
“There are fevers and then there are fevers.” He helped her up the gangplank. “I don't think it's wise to discuss fever at the moment.”
“Why not? It was always Phil's dream to—” She forgot what she was saying. Heat. She looked away and drew a deep breath. “Okay, we won't talk about fever.”
“Coward,” he taunted softly. “I thought you'd meet the challenge.”
“Then say what you mean.” She forced herself to look back at him. “Don't play with words. I'm not good at games.”
His smile faded. “Neither am I. You caught me off guard. I didn't expect you to feel it too.”
She hadn't expected it either. It had come like a lightning strike—hot, searing, intensely sexual. She was still in shock.
“It's okay,” he said quietly. “I'm not going to take advantage of a weak moment.” He nodded at the stairs leading to the cabins. “I told Cal to put your suitcase in the first cabin on the right. I think you'll have everything you need.”
She didn't want to leave him, she realized in astonishment. “Thank you.” She moved slowly toward the stairs. Jesus, what the devil was happening?
She was neither stupid nor innocent. She knew what was happening. It was just that it had never happened to her before.
She looked back over her shoulder as she reached the steps. He was still standing there watching her. Strong, vital, and powerfully, sensually male.
Heat.
She hurried down the steps.
She drew a deep breath and opened the door of Kelby's cabin.
“Look, I'm sorry to intrude, but I—”
He wasn't there. Yet it had to be over two hours since she'd left him on deck.
She walked down the hall and slowly climbed the steps to the upper deck. He was standing at the rail looking out at the sea.
“Kelby.”
He turned to look at her. “A problem?”
“Yes.” Her voice was shaking. “And I don't know what to do about it. I can't sleep and I feel—” She moved to stand in front of him. “But I don't think it's going to go away, so I have to deal with it.” She put her hand on his chest. She felt his heart jump and his muscles stiffen beneath her touch. “Carolyn would say it's a healthy development.”
“And you respect her opinion. I don't care why or how, just so it happens.” He put his hand on her throat. “You're so damn delicate. I'm not the gentlest man in the world. I'll get caught up and I'll go too fast— I'm afraid I'll hurt you.”
“Bullshit. I'm not delicate. I'm strong, and don't you forget it.”
He chuckled. “I promise I won't forget.