She did just that. The head held a shower, sink and toilet. Sparse but efficient. She found a towel and stepped into the stall, then let out a groan when the hot water hit her. Had a shower ever felt this good? She would never take life’s pleasures for granted again.
She used Jack’s shampoo to wash her hair and scrubbed her body with his soap until she glowed. Then she quickly washed her dress and undergarments and wrung them out. With reluctance, she turned off the water and climbed out, but she wanted to save enough hot water for Jack.
Leaving her gown drying on the towel rack, she saw Jack had hung a t-shirt on the hook on back of the door. She hadn’t even heard him come in. Then again, she’d been in total bliss in the shower. He could have fired off a grenade and she wouldn’t have heard it.
Taking it off the hook, she slipped it over her head. Oh, boy, it smelled like Jack. Unable to resist, she inhaled deeply and sighed. He had taken good care of her on that island. Before bitter memories could rush in, she opened the door and walked out. Delicious scents came from the ki-galley so she followed her nose.
Jack stood in front of a stove, stirring something in a pot. He still wore his wet clothes.
As if sensing her gaze on him, he turned and glanced over his shoulder. For a moment his hand stilled and he stopped stirring, his eyes traveling slowly over her from head to toe. Darci swallowed, feeling it like a caress.
When his eyes met hers, they were dark with hunger. Darci responded, her nipples tightening beneath the t-shirt and her knees going weak. She considered skipping dinner and asking him to take her to bed.
“I see the shirt fits,” he said, looking away. “Soup’s almost ready.”
Disappointed that he was also a man with morals who wouldn’t take advantage of a woman who needed food, water and rest, she slid into the L-shaped booth and tucked a leg beneath her.
“Thanks for loaning it to me. That smells wonderful. I can finish heating it if you want to go shower.”
He set the spoon down on top of the stove. “Deal. I won’t be long.”
He disappeared into the head and a few seconds later she heard the shower turn on. She let her mind wander and imagined a naked Jack in the shower, hands braced against the wall as water sluiced down his muscle-packed body, leaving little trails over his tanned skin. She imagined herself in there with him following those trails with her tongue. What would he do if she joined him?
Shifting in her seat, Darci pushed the thoughts out of her mind. When that didn’t work, she got up and walked over to the stove. Tomato soup. Yummy. She stirred it and laid the spoon back down, wishing she could forget about Jack in the shower.
On the counter next to the stove sat a plate covered with a towel. She lifted the corner and found a pile of grilled cheese sandwiches. A classic mix that sounded delicious right now. Going to the small fridge, she opened it and grabbed a bottle of water. She had it half gone by time Jack walked out of the head, wearing nothing but a towel.
Darci dropped the bottle, spilling water all over the floor.
“Oh, sorry.” She tore her eyes off him. No woman should have to withstand Jack in nothing but a towel.
“Don’t worry about it, this is a boat, remember? I’ll be right back.”
He disappeared down a hallway in the back of the boat and Darci berated herself for being so clumsy. She’d seen Jack half-naked when she treated his wound. Why should the sight of him in nothing but a towel shake her up? Because she was a woman and the man was sexy as sin.
Finding a kitchen rag, she cleaned up the mess. Then poured the soup into the two bowls she found in the overhead cupboards. Her stomach rallied now, ready for food.
The boat rocked gently beneath her, but it didn’t worry her, knowing they were in a marina and not in the middle of the ocean.
“You found the bowls.” Jack walked into the galley.
Darci glanced over to see he had changed into a pair of cargo shorts and tan colored t-shirt that reminded her of the camouflage soldiers wore in the desert. It hugged his chest and biceps and made her mouth water for a whole other reason.
He looked as good in clothes as he did out, and she was falling for him. Hard. And right now she didn’t care that it didn’t fit into her life; she lived in the moment.
“Jack, what did you do with my necklace?”
“It’s in my safe. Trust me, no one will find it.”
She nodded. Always protecting her. “Thank you. Well, I’m starved. Let’s eat.”
Jack took the bowls while she grabbed the plates and two bottles of water and led her to the table. They sat down and ate in silence, both too hungry for conversation. Darci finished her soup and ate one and a half sandwiches; Jack polished off the rest. When she finished, she sat back and sighed with content.
“Well, there’s two of three,” she said.
Jack smiled. “Your bed is ready whenever you are. Fresh sheets and everything.”
“You changed the sheets for me?”
Jack grinned. “Impressed?”
She returned the grin. “I think I am. You sure know how to pamper a girl.”
He laughed at that. “Honey, if grilled cheese and tomato soup is pampering, then you’re in for a real treat when I take you to Demarco’s.”
The thought of going anywhere with Jack sounded like a good time. But for now she was content to be here, off that island and away from the evil twins.
“Come on, let’s get you to bed before you fall over,” Jack said, rising to his feet and holding out a hand to her.
“Sounds good to me. Let me get the dishes first.”
“Nope, off to bed. I’ll clean this up.”
Letting him pull her to her feet, she followed him down the hall. “You’re a good man, Jack Taggart.”
“Yeah, well, don’t tell anybody. Might ruin my reputation.”
She laughed as he led her down a hallway and opened one of the doors to a magnificent room with a full-size bed that looked soft and enticing. The forest green blanket called her name.
Jack barely had time to pull back the covers before she fell face first into the bed and let out a groan.
“Oh, this feels so good. Good night, Jack.”
She barely felt the blankets being pulled over her or Jack’s whispered reply as she dropped off to sleep.
Chapter Seven
Jack stared at the nine-inch television screen on the counter. Absently he beat six eggs in a bowl. He set the bowl down, picked up a knife and chopped onion and pepper, his eyes on the screen. Not good.
“You’re going to cut yourself doing that,” a sleepy voice said from behind him.
Jack turned to see Darci standing a few feet away. She looked pleasantly rumpled, as if she’d just woken up from a long night of mind-blowing sex. Her dark hair hung in tousled curls over her shoulders, sexy as hell. Her color looked better, not as pale as yesterday. The morning-after look she had going on made her look more beautiful than any woman he’d ever laid eyes on.
His gaze caught on her long, shapely legs stretching for miles beneath the t-shirt that looked better on her than it did him. Why did a woman in a man’s shirt stir up all kinds of primal instincts in a man? Those instincts reared their stubborn heads right now and it took all his effort to tramp them down. If he didn’t exercise control he’d be stripping that t-shirt off and having his way with her. On the table, floor, counter, wherever.
Looking away, he said, “Nah, I could do this in my sleep. Sleep well?”
She let out a long, contented sigh and Jack couldn’t stop himself from glancing over his shoulder at her again. Big mistake. She stretched like a satisfied feline, arms over her head and a smile playing on her lips. His t-shirt rode up higher, revealing the soft flesh of her inner thighs and Jack sliced through his finger instead of the pepper.
He didn’t feel the pain past the ache burning in his groin, but Darci noticed. She rushed to his side and clasped his hand. Too distracted by the smell of his soap on her skin, he didn’t notic
e.
“Here, run water on it. I told you you’d cut yourself by not paying attention,” she scolded as she turned on the faucet and pulled his hand underneath the running water.
Jack glanced down at the tiny cut on his forefinger, wondering why she was making a big deal out of it. Nothing more than a scratch. She should be more concerned with where his thoughts were headed. Her skin felt like silk where it touched his, her hair brushed his arm, her scent wrapped around him.
The cold shower he’d taken this morning hadn’t done a thing for his libido.
“Do you have any Band-Aids?” she asked, sounding weak.
She passed out at the sight of blood; how could he have forgotten that? Even though the water washed away the blood, he noticed the gray pallor to her skin and the way she gripped his hand tightly.
“Ah, honey, you know you faint at the sight of blood. What’re you doing?” He turned off the water and led her away from the sink to the table.
“I don’t faint at the sight of blood,” she muttered, allowing him to push her into the booth.
Jack smiled. She did have that little stubborn streak. “Lean back and close your eyes while I get you a glass of water.”
“Okay, but only for a minute. Then we need to get you a Band-Aid.” She scooted backward on the bench and leaned against the wall.
He was pretty sure he didn’t have any Band-Aids on board. By time he got her a bottle of water, the bleeding had stopped. She sipped the water, not looking at his finger, and within minutes looked better. Jack sat on the other side of her, waiting for her color to return.
A few minutes later she returned to normal. “So what were you making?”
“Omelet, without peppers. How about cheese instead?”
She perked up. “Omelets? Really? That sounds delicious. Lots of cheese in mine. Is that coffee I smell?”
“Freshly brewed.”
“Oh, my hero.” She smiled and slid out of the booth. Jack stayed still and enjoyed the view for a moment while Darci poured herself a cup of steaming hot coffee. He watched her take a sip, close her eyes and moan. He almost groaned at the sheer pleasure of watching her.
“This is really good.” She took another sip. “Hey, what’s that?”
He turned his attention to the television where a weatherman illustrated an area of storms on a map. Jack rose and moved to her side.
Damn. He’d hoped the storm would turn south, but it looked to be heading due west. Not good.
“That,” he said, not bothering to turn up the volume, “is a tropical storm.” Just an hour ago it had been a tropical depression but they’d upgraded it, which meant wind speeds were between 39-73mph. Not so good.
“A tropical storm?” she repeated, staring at the screen. “Will it reach us?”
He didn’t want to scare her, but he also wouldn’t lie. “It’s headed right for us.”
As he said it, a warning popped up on the screen that told viewers a tropical storm watch had been issued for their area.
“A watch? What exactly does that mean?” Darci asked, setting her cup down on the counter.
“It means high winds and rain are possible within the next thirty-six hours, but not guaranteed. Right now they’re tracking the storm and alerting us to the possibility.”
“Oh, that’s not so bad. It could miss us entirely, then?”
Jack nodded, though something told him they weren’t going to be that lucky. They were smack dab in the middle of hurricane season in the tropics.
“Possibly,” Jack agreed. “Why don’t you sit and enjoy your coffee while I finish breakfast.”
Darci refilled her cup and carried it to the booth. He got to work on the omelets, not wanting to waste any time.
“Jack? What’s going to happen?”
He didn’t pretend not to understand. What would happen to them?
Dumping the eggs into a skillet, he said, “We’re going to hole up in one of the local hotels until the storm passes. It isn’t safe here. I’m going to get your things from your villa after we finish breakfast.”
“What do you mean you’re going to get my things? What about me?”
Adding onion and cheese to the skillet, Jack said, “You’re going to stay on the boat while I’m gone so I know you’re safe.”
“Is that necessary? They couldn’t possibly know where to find me.”
“Trust me, Darci, if they want to find you, they will, and I won’t risk it.”
He didn’t miss the shudder his words evoked. He knew how hard it was for civilians to understand. He understood it very well and would do his best to make sure she never had to deal with it again.
After a moment of silence as she digested what he’d said, she spoke softly. “Have you always been this vigilant?”
Jack grinned and grabbed two plates out of the cupboard above his head. “It’s been suggested a time or two.” He flipped the omelet onto a plate, cut it in half and carried both plates to the table. He slid in next to her.
“I don’t know what to say, Jack. I never thought this would go so far. You really believe they won’t give up?” She swallowed hard.
“Let’s take it one step at a time.”
To his relief, she picked up her fork and cut into her omelet. But she didn’t take a bite. Instead, she looked up at him, her eyes bright against her pale skin.
“Do you think they’re here now?”
“Yes, I do, but they don’t know where we are. No one knows my boat and they aren’t going to. You’ll be safe here.”
“I know I’m safe with you, but…”
Something else bothered her. Something besides the bad guys. She stared at her plate now, pushing her food around.
Jack covered her hand with his, stilling her movements. “What’s on your mind?”
Her uncertain gaze met his. “What about you, Jack? Are you okay with this? I feel like…”
“Like what?”
“A burden.”
Jack grinned and lifted her hand to his lips where he placed a kiss on her knuckles. “Sweetheart, you’re not a burden. I happen to like your company.”
Laughing, Darci wiped moisture off her lashes. “Your one of a kind, Jack Taggart.”
“Does that mean you’re ready to try my world-famous omelet?”
She nodded and picked up her fork again. “World-famous, huh?”
Grinning, he watched her take a bite. She made a show out of chewing and swallowing and then spent a moment deep in thought. He’d been taught by the best cooks in the world. The Demarcos were never wrong when it came to food. She kept him hanging by a thread for another three bites and by the time she spoke he was laughing.
“Okay, world-famous works for me. This is amazing.”
“The food never lies,” he said, finishing off the rest of his.
“How about if I clean, since you cooked.”
“Deal.”
He showed her where to find everything, then left her to it before going above deck and preparing to leave. With luck, the storm would dissipate.
At least that’s what he hoped.
****
Once she finished with the dishes she went into the head to freshen up. She couldn’t find a brush so she finger combed her hair to tame the curls. It helped, but they still sprung in all directions.
Taking a deep breath, she stood there for a moment looking at her reflection in the mirror above the sink. Bruise on her cheek, circles under her eyes, pale skin. She looked like crap. How could she expect Jack to be attracted to her if she looked like something out of a low budget zombie movie?
Last night she’d fallen asleep before her head hit the pillow, much to her annoyance. Sure, she’d been exhausted, but not so much that she didn’t want to wait and see if Jack would make a move. He hadn’t, darn his honorable soul. The man was just too noble for her own good.
Most of the men she dated knew how to have a good time and many propositioned her after a show. Sometimes, if the chemistry worked, she’d a
ccept and allow herself a little fun, but she’d never wanted a man like she wanted Jack. She’d never wanted a man to make a move as much as she did him.
His control amazed her. She’d seen the way he looked at her and it curled her toes every time. What would it be like to see him let go?
Darci’s breath hitched and her nipples tightened. If Jack didn’t kiss her soon she would explode.
Or maybe she imagined things. Maybe he wasn’t interested. Looking at herself now, she could see why not. No, she didn’t believe that for one second. She’d seen the fire burning in his eyes when he looked at her. She’d read his expression before he cut himself this morning. If he didn’t share her feelings then she was farther gone than she’d thought.
Darci sighed heavily. Their lives were in danger and she had sex on the brain. A tropical storm brewed in front of them and bad guys threatened behind them. No relief in sight and her mind was stuck on her attraction to the man who had saved her life. Hero worship to cope with the stress?
Or losing her mind. Maybe the stress got the best of her and she cracked like an egg. Probably. Pretty soon she’d be a basket case.
She met Jack in the hallway.
“Stay here,” he instructed, leading her back into the galley. He kept on walking down the hallway toward the staterooms and she followed him.
“You’re leaving now to get my things?”
She stayed behind him as he turned into the room she’d slept in.
“Tell me which villa is yours.”
Darci watched him reach beneath the bed and pull out a handgun. She rattled off the information as he tucked the gun inside the waistband of his shorts at the small of his back. He straightened and she saw the deadly-looking knife in his hand. This he tucked into a sheath on his belt and covered with his shirt.
“Is all that necessary?” she asked, not liking the fear that trickled down her spine.
Jack rose to his feet to face her. “Yes, it is. You have to trust me, Darci, I know what I’m doing.”
She nodded, taking comfort in the fact he was a Navy SEAL and could handle himself.
Without warning Jack pulled her into his arms and hugged her close, wrapping her in a protective cocoon. Darci wrapped around his waist and held tight, afraid to let go. He smelled of sandalwood and salty ocean air and she buried her nose against his neck, inhaling his scent.
A SEAL's Song Page 8
