“How come? It was an accident, right?”
“Yes, however, there’s always been a feud over who has the right to these waters. Besides, not only will they lose their catch for the day, but those nets that Frank’s cutting through like paper are expensive.”
“Will he have to pay for them?”
“He’s supposed to. A lot of sailors, however, don’t turn themselves in to the Coast Guard. If he doesn’t and he’s caught, he’ll find himself paying a fine in addition to the cost of repairing the net.”
“Look, there’s the finish line.” Sandra pointed at the orange circle and the committee boat bobbing in the water.
“We have another first place, Ms. Harris. I’ll have to give you credit for having sailed three good races, after all.”
“What do you mean, after all? You didn’t think I could do it, did you?” She widened her eyes and batted her lashes. Luke chuckled at her over dramatization.
“Frankly Sandy, I didn’t know,” he replied thoughtfully. There’s nothing else like racing a small cat or a dingy in the ocean. Many a fine sailor has walked away from the challenge throwing up their lunch. The only thing I was sure of was I wouldn’t let you get scared or hurt, even if it meant pulling out of the regatta.
“Well,” Sandra said, crossing her arms over her chest and tilting her chin upwards before she continued. “I had a good time. What do you think of that?”
“I was hoping you would. I don’t know why I had any doubts.” He shook his head in mock exaggeration. “After all, you are Ben’s daughter.”
They both laughed as they cleared the finish line in front of the rest of the fleet.
“Yes, I suppose you’re right. Like my father, I’ve always loved the water. Mom about had a coronary when I took up sailboarding. She’d really flip if she realized what I was up to now.”
Arching an eyebrow in speculation, Luke chuckled. “I think you’re right. I do hope she learns to accept the Sea Breeze and me, however.”
“You do?” Sandra asked, unwilling to believe the unwritten implications in his words.
“Yes, I do.” He reached for her hand and gave it a hardy squeeze. “I have no intentions of losing you and you have no intentions of losing the Sea Breeze.”
“I see. You can’t do without my crewing abilities.”
“Your crewing abilities are fine. It’s your bedside manner I don’t wish to do without.”
“We do make a good team, don’t we?” she asked and let out a husky laugh.
“The best. I’d take it to the bank.”
* * *
Once on shore, Sandra stayed to help Luke take down the sails and wash the salt water off the hulls. They worked together with ease. She was amazed at how relaxed she had become around him after their day on the water. Perhaps, he was right. Maybe they could manage not to compete against each other. Had she been being stubborn about all this?
Luke examined his watch and then eyed Sandra thoughtfully. “They’ll be serving dinner in about an hour. If you want to run to your house and get into dry clothes, you should have enough time.”
“What about you?”
“I’ll be fine. I have another change in the car and there’s a public shower across the street.”
“Don’t be silly. I have have two perfectly good showers. I’ll take the one upstairs and you can use the one in the shop. It’s the least I can do.”
“Very well. If you insist,” he replied with a warm smile.
Sandra watched Luke’s expression grow solemn as he stared at something behind her. Turning around to see what had made him frown, she saw Frank and Jenny striding toward them.
As though trying to protect Sandra, Luke stepped to the side of her and moved to close the distance between him and Frank. “Good race, guys,” he said in a monotone voice as he stuck out his hand in greeting.
“The hell it was,” Frank snarled, ignoring Luke’s outstretched hand. “You got lucky, damn lucky, that’s all.”
“Yeah, we did. You had us worried there at the end.” Luke conceded in the same monotone as thin lines around his eyes tightened in irritation. “Did you run into a net?”
“Why do you ask?”
“I saw your boat slow down near the trawler. I assumed you were cutting through nets. That was Eustice Emenacker’s boat. You’d better go talk to him and settle the matter sooner than later.”
“Keep what you saw between you and your crew, Caldwell. We’re not reporting the incident and I don’t want to hear that you’ve reported it either.
“Frank, if you don’t do what’s right, you’ll make it hard on all of us.”
“Save your sermon. I have as much right to sail in these waters as those damn fishermen. They think they own the whole ocean.” Frank suddenly became quiet as he stared past Luke.
Turning to see what had caught his attention, Sandra saw a short dark haired woman coming their way wearing a pair of jeans and a regatta T-shirt and pumps. Bernice, Sandra thought with relief.
“Good job guys,” she yelled in a bubbly voice. Frank’s face puckered like a prune as he glared at her without saying a word.
Bernice appeared oblivious to his hostility as she smiled pleasantly at Frank and Jenny, then continued. “Listen, the Coast Guard is up at the hotel asking questions about a fishing net incident. Did you all see anything out there?”
Luke’s eyes narrowed as he glared at Frank, but he remained silent.
“What’re they looking for?” Frank asked.
“Seems, a sailboat went through some fishing nets,” she replied with a shrug.
“Someone who was racing today?” Frank asked, too innocently. “It could’ve been a pleasure sailor?”
“They seem awful sure of themselves,” Bernice said.
“We’ll all be up to talk to them shortly. Won’t we?” Luke commanded in a parental tone.
“Yea, sure. Why not?” Frank shot Luke an angry glare while he continued to grimace.
“Very Well,” Bernice stated in a shaky voice as she eyed the two sailors suspiciously. “I’ll tell them you’ll be up shortly to talk to them.” Not waiting for a reply, the older woman turned and plowed up the hill in her sand filled pumps.
“Sandy, why don’t you go and get cleaned up. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” The muscles in Luke’s jaws tightened as he spoke.
“Sure. I’ll leave the side entry open for you.” Sandra conjured up a smile for the three sailors standing there glaring at one another. “See you in a bit,” she said in parting and walked towards the hotel. She didn’t like leaving Luke outnumbered, however, she knew, he could take care of himself.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
What to do now? she wondered, staring thoughtfully into the mirror. She’d touched up her makeup twice and fixed her hair each time she passed the mirror. Anticipation had her nerves frayed. She could brew a fresh pitcher of tea with spearmint. Luke did like spearmint in his tea, didn’t he? The things she didn’t know about the man now in her shower.
Trying to make herself busy, she went to the kitchen. While the water heated to a boil, she arranged a pitcher, glasses, sugar on a tray. She’d actually sailed in a catamaran race with Luke and won, she told herself with a smile.
The kettle squealed shrilly. Taking the pot from the stove, she dunked two tea bags into the pot and watched the clear liquid turn brown. Was he dressing now? She couldn’t hear the shower. She closed her eyes and she could smell the sensual scent of soap. Sandra poured the darkened brew into the ice filled pitcher. A light rap sounded on the door. “Come in,” she called, her heart beating a bit faster. She heard the door open and soft footsteps entered the room.
“Hi there,” Luke drawled. “You look great.”
“Thanks. You don’t look like the same man I left out there on the beach either,” she told him as she watched him walk towards her.
Luke rubbed a hand over his close shave face. “I borrowed one of Ben’s old razors. I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, of course not.”
“Is that ice tea with . . . spearmint?”
“Would you like a glass?” she asked, feeling unusually timid.
“I’d love some with sugar, please.” A lustful gleam sparkled in his coal blue eyes.
Turning to fix two glasses, Sandra could feel his warm gaze following her every movement. “Did you get Jenny and Frank’s situation squared away with the Coast Guard?” she asked over her shoulder in an attempt to settle her nerves.
“Who me? I simply pointed them in the right direction. They took care of the rest.”
“You can be pretty persuasive, but I’d bet there was a bit more to it than that.” Sandra held out the cold glass of tea in her hand. He wrapped his hand around hers in a familiar gesture. As she looked up into his face, butterflies batted at her stomach.
Luke used his free hand to grasp her waist and pull her into him. As he removed the glass from her hand and sat it on the counter, the soft floral fragrance of her filled his senses. His breath caught in his throat. He ached for her. Leaning back against a bar stool, he drew her between his thighs. Like sand in an hour glass, she melted into his hard form.
Luke pressed his face into the silken locks of her hair and breathed in. “It isn’t fair, Sandra,” he whispered into her neck. “There isn’t anything about you, I don’t love.
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”
“We have the rest of our lives to answer those types of questions.” He cupped her face between his hands and stared into her eyes. Looking into their hazy depths made his heart shutter. How was he going to convince her that there had never been anyone in his life who meant as much to him as she did?
“I don’t even know if you like spearmint tea,” she blurted out defensively.
“I like tea, okay.” He nibbled at her lower lip, savoring the taste of her soft skin until he heard her murmur a sigh of pleasure.
“I love you, Sandy,” he whispered.
“But,” she opened her eyes wide and took in a deep breath, “you don’t know anything about me.”
“Oh no? I know you’re kind hearted. You enjoy the ocean, sailing and competition. You make the most wonderful murmuring noises . . .” Luke nuzzled into her neck and trailed wet kisses from behind her earlobe down her neck. “Need I continue? What else is there to know?”
* * *
Returning to the Holiday Inn, Luke and Sandra ate dinner near the outdoor pool with the other sailors, exchanging racing stories until it was time to present the awards.
The tall man who had been running the regatta, Tom Finn, stood upon the raised deck. “Ladies and gentlemen, skippers and crew, if I may have your attention, I would like to acknowledge the finishers of this year’s Fall Fest Regatta.”
Bending down into a large brown box next to him, he lifted out a sculpture sitting atop a wooden block. “The first place trophy goes to the same fine people who helped to sponsor the regatta. They are two of the best boat suppliers in Florida, Luke Caldwell and Sandra Harris.”
Sandra felt her face redden as the crowd applauded. Luke stood, grabbed her hand and pulled her up from her chair. The touch of his hand in hers steadied her nerves as they ascended the small platform.
Tom handed Luke the sculpture then shook his hand. “Would you like to say a few words?”
“Sure.” Luke moved to the center of the stage. I’d like to thank everyone who came out and participated in this year’s regatta. A special thanks to the race committee who laid us a great course to follow.” He shifted his weight from one foot to the other and looked out at the audience. “It’s an honor to be taking home this trophy. The competition was among the best I’ve ever sailed against.” Luke smiled and lifted the sculpture with pride to the crowd. Then he stepped to the side so Sandra would be standing text to Tom.
Her throat went numb as Tom Finn handed her the smaller version of Luke’s trophy. She accepted the delicate piece in her hand. Two dolphins were held in motion by wire in an invisible body of water.
“Would you say a few words to everyone?” Tom asked as he touched her shoulder lightly.
She nodded in reply and peered out into the crowd of smiling faces. The damp evening breeze blew through her hair contrasting sharply with the dry taste forming in her mouth. Absently, she used her hand to comb her hair back.
“I’d like to thank Luke for asking me to crew for him today,” she began. “Both racing and getting to know this sailboat fleet has been an experience.” The crowd chuckled and whispered amongst themselves. Glancing down upon the trophy again, she composed her thoughts. “I’ve only been in Fort Walton now a little over two months and I already feel a part of this exciting community. Thank you, not only for the trophy, but for welcoming me here and supporting the Sea Breeze.” The crowd applauded. Sandra gazed over at Luke. He nodded his approval as the corners of his mouth teased at a grin.
Not knowing exactly how to make her exit, Sandra lifted the trophy as she’d seen Luke do and beamed at the crowd. Luke took her hand again and led her down the steps to their seat near the pool. She could feel the warm presence of his body next to hers. She ached to grab him and wrap her arms tightly about him. To tell him how much all this meant to her. For the first time in her life, she was a part of her father’s world, even if he wasn’t there. She now knew what had drawn Ben Harris to this elusive place. Why he’d left Oklahoma and that he’d wanted her to be with him. She’d always known in her heart her father wouldn’t abandon his family. If only she’d listened to those feelings instead of her mother’s hurtful words.
Everyone clapped. Sandra jerked from her thoughts, watched as Jenny and Frank went up to claim their second place awards. Nothing was said about the incident with the fishing nets. Had things really been made right with Eustice? she wondered. Studying the crowd, she tried to find Eustice or Bernice. She finally located Bernice standing next to a middle aged man with a balding hairline and a rounded waist. Dressed in an inexpensive suit, he appeared to be enjoying the attention Bernice was giving him. Probably the manager of the hotel, Sandra guessed.
Another round of applause invaded her speculation. Jenn and Frank sat down. Tom Finn remained on the small platform motioning for the crowd to settle down.
“Before we conclude for the evening,” he shouted above the crowd. I’d again like to thank everyone who made contributions or donated their time to make the regatta a success. There’s still plenty of food, wine and beer. Please feel free to hang around and celebrate until it’s gone. Thanks.” He waved goodbye and stepped down from the makeshift stage.
“What would you like to do now, my first place winning crew member?” Luke teased.
“Hum,” she murmured, watching the setting sun as it showered a myriad of colors upon the water. “Why don’t we go for a walk down the beach?”
“Sounds good to me,” he replied.
Turning her attention to her mariner, Sandra watched as the subtle light picked up the silver salted strands in his hair. She lifted her hand and hesitated before she allowed herself to run her fingers through his dark locks. His hair felt thick and soft to her touch, tickling the insides of her fingers. He gazed on her face. His expression told her, he was pleasantly surprised by her intimate gesture.
Sliding her fingers from his hair, she let her index finger trail down the side of his face to his neck until her hand rested on his firm shoulder. He took in a deep breath and held it. A faint shudder ran through him. Releasing a long breath, he grinned sheepishly.
The flicker in his eyes filled her with excitement as a sickening thought nagged at the back of her mind. Would they be able to put their business interests behind them? She’d never know until she listened to her heart and took the chance. Too many years had passed with her living her life in a protective cocoon. It was time to give love a shot. If she got hurt, so be it. Everything in life had a price including loneliness.
“Shall I refill our glasses first?” he asked.
“No.” She
grasped his hand in hers and took a step towards the beach. “Let’s just walk.”
When they reached the end of the boardwalk, Sandra stopped and took off her sandals. She motioned for Luke to do likewise. Grasping her sandals in one hand, she grabbed Luke’s free hand and led him to the shoreline. While curls of water lapped between her toes and the loose sand tickled the bottoms of her feet waves rushed in and out. Having decided to give in to her feelings, she suddenly felt carefree, like a young child playing on the beach.
Slowing his pace to match Sandra’s, Luke watched each step she took. The sand oozed between her big toe and wrapped itself around her foot. Never before had he thought anyone’s feet were sensuous, but he couldn’t help feeling that way about hers. His stomach fluttered with anticipation as he became aware of every change of pressure in the touch of their hands. Heaven help him, he loved this woman. Had his scheme worked? The race had gone well and now . . . now she was finally letting her guard down. For the first time, she seemed to be at ease with him.
When they neared the Sea Breeze her steps slowed. In the dusky twilight, he could barely make out the building. Would she ask him in? He wanted to tell her how important she was to him; make her understand how much he needed her. Let her know how he ached to have her near him.
She dropped her hand from his and stared at the shop.
“What is it?”
“That’s strange. I thought I saw a light flicker of light through the front door. It wasn’t a lamp or fixture though more like a flashlight.”
“I’d better check it out,” Luke stated in a cool tone.
“And leave me here on the beach not knowing what’s going on? I don’t think so.”
“You win, but keep quiet and let me lead the way.”
Apprehension thundered through Sandra as they approached the shop’s entrance. Something didn’t feel right. There weren’t any lights on and everything appeared normal. If only she could convince her pounding heart that everything was fine.
Sea Star Legacy Page 26
