wrath of the Sea Queen by Cynthia Woods Read Free Book Online Page B

airport.  She was headed to a medical conference for the week, and C a eli was going along to keep her company .  Ben was glad that he did n o t have to spend the week listening to medical speeches or sitting in the hot sun on a sandy beach.  He was even more relieved that Salma was not one of those women who needed him to be present at every event.  Ben was more than happy to let the ladies enjoy this trip together while he and Vin spen t a more peaceful week at Ben's lake house fishing and playing cards.  Luckily for him, he and Vin were as close of friends as were Salma and C a eli .  As Ben helped Salma into the jeep , he was smiling at his incredible good fortune.  She was more than he ever dared to hope for in his life.
     
     
    An hour later, Vin and C a eli were standing in the airport lobby saying goodbye.  Vin took a good, long look at C a eli in her jeans and baby blue blouse and smiled.
    "You lost a few pounds while you were in New York, but you still look amazing in those jeans ."
    He smiled and kissed her again .  Vin was attempting to distract her from thinking about another week's separation .  She did not deal well with parting from those she loved .  Vin had seen it once over ten years ago when her grandmother left on a trip to Egypt.  It had upset C a eli considerably.  Then, a few weeks ago, Vin actually felt he r distress t hrough their special connection.  He was surprised to fe e l the physical ache that the separation caused C a eli when she left for New York .  Vin attributed it to the fact that C a eli had experienced so much loss in her life at such a young age , and h e underst oo d how that had left its mark on her.  He did not want C a eli to let that sadness ruin her trip and was trying to occupy her with more pleasing thoughts until Salma arrived.   Admittedly, he derived as mu ch pleasure out of the distraction as he offered C a eli.
    "You ' re hopeless, Vin."
    "That's what you keep telling me.   What's this?"  Vin looked down at a sealed envelope that C a eli pressed into his hand.
    "It's another surprise.  It is even better than t he outfit I showed you earlier."
    "Somehow, I seriously doubt that words on paper can top that," he smiled at the remembered image and the sudden color on C a eli 's cheeks.
    "Ok, but don't read it until after our flight leaves," C a eli flashed him her best mischievous smile.
    "I'm definitely intrigued.  You know I'm going to read it as soon as I get to the parking lot."
    "I know.  You have absolutely no patience."
    Despite her best attempts to smile and be happy, C a eli could not hold back a single tear as it slid down her cheek.  Though she was not normally quick to tear s , she was unable to stifle her emotion .  Vin reached out and wiped the tear away.
    " Now cut that out.  This is supposed to be a fun vacation, " Vin laughed as he hugged her tightly once more.
    " It will be , and I a m looking forward to the trip despite what I look like on the outside at the moment .  Leaving you has th is effect on me.  I can't help it. "
    "I'm going to miss you, too.  Promise me that you will be careful down there.  Try to keep Salma out of trouble."  Vin was only half-joking, and C a eli understood.
    "I will.  Now, i f you don't make this a quick farewell, I wi ll be terrible company by the time Salma gets here , " C a eli smiled up into Vin's bright blue eyes as she took a step out of his embrace , wiping away the remaining wetness at the corner of her eye.
    " D on’t' worry, Vin.  Perhaps I can find another handsome, young face for her to stare at on the plane.  That might take her mind off of you and kee p me out of trouble as well. "   The remark came from a tall , attractive woman, with long, dark hair pulled back into a ponytail , smiling broadly as she approached .  The lady walked up to them from the parking lot entrance , and a familiar man stayed close to her side.  The middle-aged lady laughed as she gave C a eli a hug.
    Vin