First Mates by Cecelia Dowdy Read Free Book Online

farther.
    â€œYou’re funny. That woman was flirting with me. If you had stuck around long enough, you would have seen me leave her after a few minutes of small talk. Her name is Carol, and I think she came on this cruise to find a man.”
    â€œSo, this Carol woman was flirting with you?”
    He chuckled again. “Of course. Listen, whenever I travel alone I always have at least one woman proposition me for a date. Hey, I’m a good-looking man, so it’s something you have to get used to,” he said with a smile. But she couldn’t get accustomed to women flirting with Winston. “I’m sure you have the same problem.”
    â€œNo, I don’t.”
    He continued to smile as she gazed at him. “Yes, you do. Haven’t you noticed the men ogling you since we’ve been on this cruise?”
    â€œThey have?” She furrowed her forehead as they continued to walk. “No, I guess I haven’t noticed.”
    â€œWell, I have. Do you know what I was worried about when you said you needed a break for the day?” They turned a corner. She barely noticed the throngs of people as they passed by. She was in a secluded world with Winston.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œWell, I was worried that you would find another companion. I thought you wouldn’t want to see me anymore during the entire trip.” He stopped walking and gave her an intense look. She breathed the humid summer air, trying to calm her thudding heart.
    â€œI don’t think you realize just how beautiful you are. We’ve been on this sidewalk for close to fifteen minutes and two men have already taken a second look at you. I am very glad to hear that you were jealous to see me with Carol.”
    Her lips curved into a smile. “Why?”
    â€œWell, since you were jealous, it at least shows that you care about me and about our friendship.”
    He continued, “And when we dock in Miami, I planto continue seeing you, that is, if you have no objections.”
    She smiled, gripping the handle of her purse. “I definitely have no objections.”
    â€œLet’s just have a good time today, okay?”
    She nodded eagerly, looking forward to the day.
    A cab escorted them to the beach and she enjoyed the warm sand swishing through her toes as they walked the shoreline. Being with Winston wrapped her with warm wonderful feelings. Feelings she hoped and prayed would develop into something beautiful. She opened her camera and caught Winston’s essence on film.
    All too soon, evening arrived. He unzipped his backpack, producing two tickets to a sunset buffet. “Do you want to go?” He waved the slips of paper in the air.
    â€œAre you sure we’ll be back in time to board the boat?”
    Grinning widely, he tilted his head toward the ticket booth. “I’ve already checked things out while you were laying on the beach. We’ll be back in plenty of time to get back on our boat. I’ve already made all of the arrangements.”
    Hours later, they entered the restaurant with several couples. An open bar graced the reception area and mouthwatering Cayman foods were arranged in elaborate crystal bowls. Her stomach growled, reminding her she had not eaten since breakfast. She piled her plate with fresh crabmeat, lobster, rice and potatoes. Luscious fruit-filled desserts topped their meal. Rainywas about to enjoy her first bite of strawberry pie when Winston placed his hand over hers. “No, don’t eat that yet.”
    â€œWhy?” As she held her fork in midair, she wondered if he’d lost his mind.
    â€œBecause I’ve been wanting to do something since I first met you, but I’ve been too embarrassed to ask.”
    â€œWell, what did you want to do?” Her mouth watered for her strawberry pie. Layers of fresh berries and cream cheese were encased in the piecrust.
    â€œI want to feed you.”
    Her eyes widened as she gazed at the other people