First Mates. Cecelia Dowdy

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СКАЧАТЬ that night, as they watched the comedy show, Rainy laughed so hard that tears came to her eyes. After the show, they returned to the upper deck.

      Scents of luscious berries, fruits and desserts wafted around the deck as the crew prepared for the midnight buffet. As the workers carved a mermaid-shaped ice sculpture, Rainy prepared a plate of food and they sat at a table to enjoy their late snack. “I’m going to gain ten pounds by the time this cruise is over.” She patted her full stomach.

      He perused her from head to toe with his hazel eyes. “I don’t think gaining a few pounds will hurt you at all.” She flushed with pleasure. She sometimes worried about her weight and it was nice that Winston liked her appearance.

      Early the following day, she met Winston for another breakfast date. As she slathered butter and syrup over her hotcakes, she caught him staring at her.

      A fluttering ripple of butterflies seemed to move through her stomach. He quickly looked away, focusing on his plate of scrambled eggs and bacon. “What’s the matter?” she asked before taking a bite of sausage.

      “I’m just concerned that I’m monopolizing your time on this cruise. I know you came here to relax and everything and…”

      She shrugged. “And what?”

      “Well, I just hope you don’t mind spending so much time with me. We barely know each other.” He gazed at the other passengers enjoying their breakfasts. “This ship is full of people and I don’t even think you’ve had the opportunity to mingle with the other guests.”

      I can’t believe he seems to be on the verge of apologizing for spending time with me. A horrifying thought entered her mind. What if he’s only spending time with me because he feels sorry for me? What if he wants to be rid of me for the rest of the cruise so that he can meet other women?

      She sliced her fork through the stack of pancakes, but she’d lost her appetite. “Look, if you’re having second thoughts about spending the day together—”

      “No,” he said quickly, “it’s not that. I just don’t want to make you feel like I’m pushing myself on you. If you get tired of my company then you’ll need to say something, because…” He glanced toward the windows before looking at her again. “Because, I haven’t had such a good time in ages. I’m glad I met you, and I enjoy your company.”

      Mentally sighing with relief, she gazed into his hazel eyes. “I’m glad we met, too. I’m looking forward to seeing Cozumel today.”

      After enjoying their meal, they boarded the small boat with other passengers for the short ride to Cozumel. The crewman announced the last boat returning to the cruise ship would leave at midnight.

      They strolled the crowded port area, gazing into store windows. Natives walked the streets, speaking only Spanish. Rainy gazed at her surroundings in wonderment, knowing it would be impossible to see everything in one day.

      She admired Winston’s strong legs as she walked beside him. “I’m going to need to get a few things for some people at home,” he said.

      “Me, too. Why don’t we go shopping first?” After they visited several stores, she checked her watch. “We’ve only been gone for a few hours, and I already feel beat.” She clutched her bags of gifts as they continued to wander the streets. She pulled her gift list from her tote bag. Every name was crossed out except for one. Winston’s name was the last one on the list. She crumpled the paper and when they passed a trash can, she threw it away. I don’t want him to know I’m buying him a birthday card!

      He entered a sandwich shop. “I’ll get a few cold drinks.”

      “Okay, I’ll be in there in a minute. I still have a thing or two to buy.”

      He chuckled as he entered the shop. “You’ve already purchased enough gifts for half the city of Miami.”

      She left him for a few moments and found a secluded gift shop. She found a pile of greeting cards and she flipped through them. A card with a striking picture of the ocean caught her eye. After reading the greeting, she decided it was perfect for Winston. The words were warm and simple and she was sure he would like it. After purchasing the card, she signed it and carefully placed it into her purse.

      After she joined Winston in the sandwich shop, they decided to spend the rest of the day on the beach. They found a local man to transport them to the best swimming location. He recommended a shallow beach where they could play with the colorful fish. The local welcomed them into his car. The engine sputtered several times before it finally started.

      Minutes later, they were transported to the most exquisite beach Rainy had ever seen. She removed her T-shirt and shorts and stepped into the gentle cool royal-blue water. The fish swam around her legs, and she opened a bag of stale bread she’d purchased from the shop and fed the small critters.

      As the day progressed, she watched Winston slice through the water like an expert. A few times, she noticed his frown as he looked to the horizon.

      Too soon, their romantic day was over. She closed her eyes as they took the boat back to the ship. She could barely lift her legs as she climbed the ladder onto the large boat. She noticed it was seven o’clock. “Dinner is casual tonight.”

      He touched her arm as he walked her to the cabin. “I’m glad about that. I don’t have the energy to put on a tux tonight.”

      When she returned to her room, she took a long hot shower, hoping the water would soothe her aching muscles.

      Winston’s hard knock announced his arrival. “Hey, beautiful,” he greeted. As they strolled to the dining room, they saw that the place was cluttered with passengers. The buffet was almost empty, and harried crewmen bustled from the kitchen with steaming trays to replenish the food supply. The noise level reached a deafening pitch, and Rainy wondered how they would communicate during dinner.

      A server approached, leading them farther into the room. “We only have one dinner seating tonight instead of two. Just sit wherever you can. I’ll be around to get your drink orders later.”

      They walked through the crowded dining area until Winston spotted a couple leaving a table. They plopped into the chairs. Another couple occupied the remaining two seats. After they got their food and said a quick prayer, they attempted to enjoy their meal. She struggled to stay awake as she ate her crab cakes and salad. She declined dessert, and Winston suggested strolling on the deck before heading back to their cabins.

      Rainy sighed as they walked outside. She leaned on the railing and stared at the dark sky. The moon was an ivory circle amid the blackness. Clouds floated by, enshrouding the moon with their shadows.

      “Isn’t it pretty?” she asked, tilting her head toward the sky.

      “It’s a perfect night. A wonderful end to a perfect day.” As he escorted her back to her cabin, she yawned.

      “Tired?”

      “Yes. I know I’m going to sleep good tonight.” When they arrived at her cabin, he caressed her cheek. Rays of warmth and passion clouded her fatigued brain, and she was reminded of the dangers of being alone with a man. She swallowed as she gazed into his hazel eyes.

      “You have circles under your eyes. You need to get to sleep.” He crowned her with a warm smile. “Good night.”

      She СКАЧАТЬ