In His Sails Read Online Free Page A

laughed. “True. But I’d stay out of your way. I’ve got some work to do anyway.”
    “On the boat? What could a lifesaver do on a boat in the middle of the ocean?”
    “The lifeguard gig is my a job. My other passion is writing. I have a book in the works. I write my best stuff when I’m alone at sea. Helps me think. It might help you think, too. What do you say?”
    “I’m not sure.”
    “It’s fine. I understand. But if you want to, the offer is there.” His fingers entwined in mine and my heart beat faster. He looked away at the sea, lost in thought.
    “Okay, when?”
    He turned back to look at me. “How about this afternoon? I’ll grab us something to eat and we can get away, and be back before it gets too late.”
     
     

Chapter 8
     
    David’s boat was a wh ite sailing boat with the name Drummer Boy painted black on the side. The sails were down, but it was still impressive enough for me to murmur appreciatively. It was about the size of our whole cabin back at the holiday park.
    “You like?” he asked, as he placed a wicker basket full of food on board.
    “It’s amazing. I’ve never been on a boat like this before.” I ran my hand over the silver railing to steady myself as I stepped on deck. The ground shifted and rocked under my feet.
    “Well it’s only part sailboat, part motor boat. Best of both worlds.” He held his hand for me as we walked to a seat at the end, behind the steering controls.
    The seat cushions were the colour of his eyes. Deep blue.
    “Why is it called drummer boy? Christmas carol fan?” I raised an eyebrow as I grinned at him.
    He looked serious. “I played around in a band in high school with a bunch of mates and I played the drum. Badly. It’s to remind me that you don’t always get everything you want.”
    “I thought those names were meant to be inspirational or something?”
    “You need that reminder. That not everything always works out how you think it will.”
    I shivered as he started the engine, the hull vibrating and the motor purred as he set out from the jetty.
    I had to admit that feeling the breeze and the salt spray on your face was exhilarating. It was just what I needed. My hair whipped behind me, my face smoothed from the speed. When we were out far enough to see the shore, but for no one to see us in return, he stopped the motor and put the sails up. It was quiet, the gentle lapping of the water against the side of the boat like a lovers caress. A gentle breeze cooled the sun’s stare on my skin.
    “We won’t drift far, not enough wind today,” he said. “But I love the boat with its sails out. Don’t you?”
    It did look impressive.
    “So you want to think first, or eat?”
    “Think?” He must have taken my question as a definitive answer because he led me down to a lower deck, which was like a tiny studio apartment with a bed, kitchen and bathroom. On one side wall was a small desk with a laptop on it.
    He touched the side of my arm. “Call me when you need me, I’ll be above deck.”
    I don’t know what I expected, but I was surprised that he left me alone. Where was the hot seduction on a yacht in the middle of the ocean? We seemed to have gone from potential love interests to mere friends. I wasn’t used to guys treating me like this.
    I sat on his bed, rested my arms on my knees and cupped my chin in my hands.
    Did he not feel the same rush of blood as I did when he touched me? Did his stomach not fill with tiny butterflies like mine did when he looked at me?
    Or perhaps he was being nice? I didn’t want nice. Not right now.
    I sighed and ran my hand over his bedspread, then laid down on it, staring up at the ceiling. I wanted him to kiss me, take my mind off everything.
    But I was here to think about what to do to sort out my life. I sat back up. As hard as I could to concentrate on where I might live, or what I should do with my life, all I could think about was David above deck. His footsteps above my head and me lying