Promise of Love by C. M. King Read Free Book Online Page A

Stuart made was something else, wasn't it?” Taylor said. He didn't know how close to her reason for being here he was.
    It was Poloski who spoke to Stuart about the captain showing off the model. Later Stuart had asked Rieko what everyone said about it. Rieko mentioned how much the others had liked it.
    Stuart having turned over that new leaf, had decided all the models he made from now on would be given away, and somehow Taylor was chosen for the next model. It made sense. Beside herself, Stuart was closest to Taylor on the ship.
    When Rieko looked up from her thoughts, Taylor studied her. “You and Stuart?” he asked.
    Rieko shrugged her shoulders. He better not ask for an explanation or want details about the relationship, because she certainly didn't have any.
    She saw a picture of a jet plane on the wall and a small wooden biplane on a shelf. “So, you and Stuart are good friends?” she asked to change the subject.
    "Gettin’ that way,” Taylor replied with a smile.
    Pictures of smiling family, a fishing trophy, and a picture of a motor boat sat above the desk where Taylor worked. “Taylor, could I borrow your camera sometime?” she asked.
    "Sure,” he replied. “Why?"
    "I have tons of photos of friends, but none yet of anybody from the Resolution ,” she said. She saw a picture of a dog on his desk, a happy looking golden retriever.
    "Anybody in particular ya want a picture of?” He couldn't keep the smile off his face. The shelf by the bed held a statue of an old EV suit, a figurine of superman, and a miniature bat mobile with a framed superman comic above.
    "No.” She really did want pictures of them all: Taylor, Shawn, Mike, Doctor Valentine, Poloski, Leeza, and, of course, Stuart. Above the bed hung a framed picture of a black and white pin-up of some old Hollywood actress.
    "I'll agree on one condition,” he said. “Ya gotta get a picture of Stuart smiling.” Rieko just looked back into his sparkling blue eyes. “Ya can think of somethin’ to get him to smile, right?” he asked.
    Rieko nodded in reply. Exactly what type of Stuart smile did Taylor want ? Then, her eyes fell on a small framed photo of the Endeavor, the first FTL capable human ship. She knew she had found just the right model for Taylor.
    "Well, it was nice talking to you.” Rieko stood to leave. She felt more than a little guilty for spying.
    "It was,” Taylor replied. “Ya just tell me whenever you want that camera."
    * * * *
    "The Endeavor ,” Stuart asked. “You sure?"
    Rieko nodded. “Yes.” If he wanted to go and pick something out for himself, Stuart should have said so.
    Stuart finally nodded. “So, Taylor had so much fun last time throwing a party, he decided to do it again?” Sarcasm showed in Stuart's voice. He stood in her quarters decked out in nice clothes, including the bright blue shirt that made his eyes look gorgeous.
    "It was a nice break for the whole crew,” Rieko said over her shoulder. They were on their way to Taylor's latest ‘shindig’ as he referred to it. Tonight Rieko's dress was a shimmering jade green, long and strapless, traded with Ensign Leeza Carpenter for her red one.
    "I suppose.” Stuart gave a sigh.
    She felt his eyes run over her back. Rieko turned to face him, and found his glorious blue eyes filled with desire. “Just because you don't like dancing.” She gave a teasing smile.
    "Who said I didn't like dancing?"
    "Do you?” she asked.
    "I do with you.” Stuart gave a thin smile. He let a finger touch a jade earring. Then his hand drifted down to her waist and gently ran down to her hips. “How many dresses do you have?"
    She shook her head and stepped closer to him. “That's a trade secret."
    His smile deepened. Those intense eyes of his drank her in. His hand gripped her waist as the other ran a finger over her cheek and lips. “We need to be going.” He swallowed harshly.
    "Do we?” Rieko took another step toward him until she leaned up against his chest.
    He rubbed