by Annie Seaton
Jake put the turn signal on and pulled the car off to the side of the road. Gracie reached up and brushed her fingers against his cheek.
“Thank you,” she said.
He leaned over, put his hands on her shoulders, and held her gaze. “I meant it. You are brave and I admire you.”
“No, thank you for trusting me,” she replied just before she pressed her lips on his mouth and need shot through him. Her lips opened beneath his and he closed his eyes as she leaned into him.
Honesty…no deception. If only he could hold onto it. The warmth surging through him calmed him and he wished he could take her away from her worry. He was going to have a damned good go at solving it and keeping her safe at the same time.
Reluctantly, Jake pulled away. “We have to go. I’ll do tonight and pull the pin…and then you can stay with me for a few weeks before you go back to school. What do you think?”
“Sounds like a good plan.”
Jake wasn’t worried about them being caught on the security camera of the marina tonight as they headed down toward the sloop. The port was bustling as the day trips came back in from the outer reef and the islands. Backpackers and tourists milled along the docks, looking sunburned and tired. Their excited chatter washed over Gracie and she promised herself a trip out to the islands before going home. She glanced up at Jake. Maybe he’d come out for a day trip. He’d said his job was over and he was going to hand it back to the insurance company, so he didn’t care who saw them tonight. He may have time to spend with her and relax. Her fingers itched with the need to smooth the lines from his forehead.
Now he was finishing off the photographic surveillance of the Midas, the need for secrecy was over. His arm was loosely draped around her shoulders, and every time he looked down at her and grinned, a thrill of anticipation shot through her. Thoughts of Regan had been pushed to the back of her mind and Gracie was determined that once she saw her sister on the boat tonight, she’d move on. Jake’s words had reinforced her decision to accept it and go.
She’d have a holiday with Jake and see where that went. Then go back to Ashby Downs, pack up, and find another school somewhere else. If things didn’t work out with Jake, that was fine. She was strong enough now to stand on her own two feet and didn’t need anyone taking care of her. The thought of going back and standing up to David before she left was quite appealing.
“What are you smiling about?” Jake’s mouth was close to her ear and his breath sent a thrill shooting downward.
“Nothing much,” she replied. “Just happy this is all coming to an end.”
“Thanks.” Jake put on a sad face.
“You know what I mean.” She bumped him with her hip and his rucksack almost fell. “Oops, sorry.”
His white teeth flashed as he shot her a grin. “You’ll pay for that later.”
They reached the sloop and Jake held his hand out to help her across the narrow strip of water. The storm had blown itself out and the rain had cleared. A spectacular sunset was lighting the western sky, the pink clouds edged with gold.
All was quiet across the water despite the Midas being lit up brightly. The deck light and colored lights around the middle deck were on but there was no one in sight.
“Where is everyone?” Gracie asked.
“Always starts late.” Jake stowed his rucksack on top of the cupboard and reached for her. “We’ve got time to go out and have a meal. No one will arrive on the boat until around nine o’clock.”
Warmth engulfed her as he put his arms round her and held her close. She closed her eyes and listened to his steady heartbeat thudding against her ear.
“I’m starving.” Jake pulled back and his face was alight with mischief—he looked so different from the dark and mysterious stranger who had grabbed her in this same cabin only a few days ago. “How about we go get some pizza?”
Gracie batted him away with a laugh. “We…or rather…you had pizza for lunch. I didn’t end up getting anything.”
“You got me.”
She smiled up at him. “Yes, I did but I’m still hungry. Can we sit down and have a proper meal—with vegetables?
“There’s a good hotel around near Muddy Bay. They’re quick and I’ll make sure we’re back in time.”
A brief flicker of uncertainty rippled through Gracie. “Wouldn’t it just be easier if we went to the boat together and asked to see Regan…or Carla?”
Jake lifted her chin and held her gaze, his expression serious once more.
“No. Even though you think you’ve overreacted, I disagree. I know for sure there is something going on…and I have a fair idea of what it is.”
Gracie wondered if she should mention the bags she saw, but before she could speak, Jake bent and dropped a quick kiss on her lips.
“Come on, let’s go eat.”
The sun slipped down behind the mountains as they strolled around the bay toward the hotel and Gracie stared across at the water at the distant islands. They were bathed in soft light and seemed to be floating on the horizon. As the light faded, the colors deepened until they were consumed by the darkness and Gracie shivered.
“Jake? Don’t you find it strange that there was no one on the boat? If they had a trip to the rainforest, they would have been back by now and there should have been some sign of life with the staff on board…if there is a party tonight.”
Something tugged at her mind and then she realized. “Shannon insisted there was a party tonight when she was explaining where all the guests were.” She remembered the conversation with the girl in the coffee shop before she’d started work. “But the girl in the shop that is doing the catering was quite clear it was tomorrow…because I remember saying to her I didn’t know if I’d be working or not.”
They were halfway around the waterfront and Gracie stopped suddenly, pulling Jake to a halt beside her. “And then when I questioned Shannon, she changed her story. Why would she do that?”
“There’ll be a party, Gracie. They haven’t missed a night in three weeks.” Jake stopped and pointed across the road. “Come on, this is where we’re eating.”
They dodged the traffic and ran across the road to the waterfront hotel. Flaming torches on timber poles lined the path to the main door and the outdoor tables were quickly filling with guests. They waited to be seated and Gracie bit back laughter as the waitress told them it was busy because it was wood-fired pizza night.
Jake held up his hands innocently. “I didn’t know, honestly.”
“Well, I’m going to have the vegetarian pizza.”
She sat back and observed him as he ordered their drinks. It was the first time she’d had the opportunity to really look at him. They’d either been arguing or in the dark.
Or in a swimming pool…or in bed.
Propping her chin in her hand, she let her eyes travel down from his hairline, past his dark blue eyes to his mouth. A small scar marked his strong jaw near his ear and continued faintly down the side of his tanned neck and a ripple of desire shot through her as he smiled up at the waitress.
When the girl moved onto the next table, Gracie lifted her hand and lightly brushed her fingers against the scar.
“More police injuries?” she asked.
Jake grabbed her fingers and her stomach fluttered. “A skateboard crash when I was a teenager.”
He smiled as he entwined his fingers through hers. “Gracie, what are you going to do after tonight? Once you see that your sister is okay?”
“I’ll probably go to a hotel and have a bit of a holiday.”
Jake shook his head. “It’ll be too late when we leave the sloop. Stay at my place? I’m going to take a few days off before the next job. Spend some time with me?” His voice was husky and his eyes held hers. “We could relax together. I think we could both do with a break. It’s been a bit intense around here the past few days. What do you think?”
Gracie dropped her eyes and nodded slowly, finding it hard to believe that Jake wanted to spend time w
ith her. Her expression must have revealed her thoughts because he tipped his finger under her chin and lifted her face to his.
“What are you thinking? Ex-cop hooks up with boring schoolteacher?”
“Something like that,” she admitted.
“How about sexy lady hooks up with guy who finds her beautiful and isn’t able to keep his hands off her?”
“Jake!” Her schoolmarm voice resurfaced before she caught his eye and giggled. “Yes, I appreciate the offer. A short holiday is just what I need and then I have to go back and sort out my life.”
She told him about Ashby Downs and her job, but only briefly mentioned David and his proposal.
“I told him no and that’s about when Regan was coming to see me and the last time I heard from her.”
“Well, if you need any support when you go back there… you have my number.”
“Thank you.” Gracie laughed as the waitress placed a large tray of pizza in front of them and Jake screwed his nose up.
“Vegetarian is good for you.” She injected a schoolmarm tone into her voice.
Yes, miss.” He returned her smile and she watched thoughtfully as Jake demolished a large piece.
Trust had to be earned and she wondered if she had placed her trust in him too quickly. But she’d had no choice, the way circumstances had panned out. Reaching for a slice of pizza, she scowled at the direction her thoughts were taking.
It was time to stop being so serious and enjoy what life threw at her. And if that included Jake, she could see she was going to be satisfied…for a while anyway.
“Gracie! Fancy bumping into you so soon.” The familiar voice came from behind her and Gracie turned around quickly. Shannon and Mick were about to be seated at the table across the path from them and Shannon flicked a curious glance at Jake.
“Hello, Shannon.” Gracie swallowed nervously as she caught Mick’s eye and he grinned at her. He shifted his gaze to Jake and the color drained from his face. Mick sat down and turned away, staring across at the water.
“Night out?” Shannon was obviously waiting for an introduction and Gracie introduced her to Jake.
“Yes, just a quick dinner and then home.”
“See you at work tomorrow.” Shannon smiled and walked across to her table. Mick grabbed her shoulder and they held a whispered conversation, before standing and leaving the restaurant.
“Strange.” Jake looked after them, his expression thoughtful.
“Does he know you?” Gracie chewed her lip nervously.
“Ah…yes,” Jake replied. “Not recently. But we did have some…er…how would I put it? We had some interesting encounters while I was with Queensland Police. Young Michael is well known to the local command.”
“I think he’s the one who followed me,” Gracie said. “And he said he was the one who was in my hotel room. Why would he even tell me that?”
“I’d say he was trying to frighten you. He’s a thug.”
She dropped her head in her hands and sighed. “Nothing makes sense.”
…
Jake picked up the binoculars for the third time and scanned the deck of the Midas.
“Looks like we’ve had a wasted trip tonight.”
When they’d come back from dinner and strolled through the marina, only the soft murmur of conversations from the crew on the small yachts moored alongside them broke the silence. The Midas floated silently in her berth and Jake had narrowed his eyes. The deck lights had been turned off and the security lighting was the only light shining from the large cruiser.
“I was right. There’s no party tonight.” Gracie folded her arms and stared across at the white cruiser sitting silently at the end of the row. “I wonder where they’ve gone? Maybe they haven’t got back from their day trip yet?” Worry about Regan began to surface once more.
“It’s okay. You can see her tomorrow night. One more day won’t hurt.” Even though his words were intended to calm her, Gracie could hear the doubt in Jake’s voice.
“I’m so disappointed. I thought it would be all over tonight.” She slid across the banquette seat behind the small table and looked up at him. “Tell me what you think is really going on here, Jake? Do you know any more than you’ve told me?” Her voice trembled and she clasped her hands together on the table. “I had myself convinced, fool that I am, that everything was going to be all right.”
“I told you the truth the other night. I am taking the photos for an insurance company. I’ll admit it is a strange job, but I don’t know much more than that.”
“Honestly?”
Jake turned away from her and ran his hand through his hair. She was getting used to his mannerisms and could pick up on his frustration.
“Look, I might have picked up a bit more information from a couple of mates…but nothing concrete. I know there is a police operation in place and I have a feeling that I’ve been hired to take photos for more than insurance purposes.” Jake walked around to the edge of the table and crouched down next to her. “But I honestly don’t know any more than I’ve put together. I do know that most of the crewmen on the Midas are shady characters and that adds up to something not quite right on a yacht belonging to a multimillionaire like Cabal.”
“Tell me about him? Tell me about this guy who Regan has got herself hooked up with.”
Jake held her gaze, his face so close, his breath warmed her cheek. “That’s the strange part of it. I’ve never heard of him before. He just appeared out of nowhere. The Midas arrived just after the insurance company contracted me for the surveillance and Cabal was on it. My mate tells me he’s been throwing a lot of money around town as well.”
She leaned back against the seat and put both her hands over her eyes. “It’s not over, Jake. I’m going back on the boat tomorrow to see if I can find out more about Regan.”
“Fuck that, Gracie.” Jake almost spat the words as he frowned at her “You’re not.”
“I am.” She lifted her gaze to his and dared him to disagree. “I’ll be careful again. I’ll just see Regan and if she’s not there, I’ll get straight off the boat and you can take me to the police. Deal?”
“Have you got any idea of the danger you might be putting yourself into? Your sister is still missing and it’s obvious that it’s connected with her being on the Midas.”
“And that’s exactly why I have to go back there. She’s not missing any more. They said she’d be back.”
“And you believed them? You’ve been on the fucking boat already. You’re not going there again. It’s as simple as that.”
“What gives you the right to tell me what to do?” Anger flared in Gracie’s chest and she folded her arms and glared at him.
“Just think about it, Gracie. You don’t have to be a cop to know how bad this whole thing smells. Christ, you even thought you’d been followed today and then you point out that thug to me? Give me a break. You are not going back on that boat.”
“I am not an innocent, Jake. No matter what you think.”
“No, you showed me that in the pool, didn’t you?” His voice was cold and he turned away from her.
“And you’re showing me what a know-it-all jerk you are.”
How dare he throw that back at her? As soon as this was sorted tomorrow, he could go take a flying jump. There was no way she was spending any more time than necessary with him.
Jake stood and grabbed his rucksack off the cupboard and strode to the door. “I’m going back to the house. Are you coming with me?”
Gracie followed him off the boat and along the dock, up the ramp, and through the car park and not one more word was said by either of them.
Chapter Seventeen
Gracie simmered in silence as Jake drove them back to his house. The wheels hummed on the bitumen road and the motor purred quietly but apart from that there was silence. She ventured a look from under her lashes as they turned onto the unpaved road leading to his place. His jaw was set and he stared grimly at the road ahead of them
. How could a night change so quickly?
Pah, he said he respected her for being brave. But as soon as she tried to call the shots, he went all moody on her. That was the last thing she needed. Tomorrow, she would either see Regan or go to the police and then she was on the first flight out of here.
Stuff him and his moods. She didn’t need him and she wouldn’t put up with it.
Jake turned into the garage and flicked the remote to close the doors.
“I’m going to bed,” he said shortly and left Gracie to get her own bags out of the car as he limped through the door into the house.
“Fine, so am I.”
Good.
She didn’t want to talk about it anymore. Her mind was set. She knew what she was going to do and no amount of talking on his part would have changed it anyway.
…
Jake woke alone, angry with himself that Gracie wasn’t beside him. No matter how they’d argued, he couldn’t get enough of her. She was beautiful and sexy, determined and brave.
And crazy. The thought of her going back on the boat was pure madness and he was going to do his best this morning to convince her it was too dangerous. He’d been so pissed off last night he’d really stuffed up things between them. This morning he would stay calm and explain logically without bossing her around. He groaned as he rolled out of bed and searched for his shorts. That had been such a low comment he’d made about her innocence; he knew by the look on her face it had cut deep.
His knee was as sore as hell, the long walk from the marina to the hotel last night hadn’t been such a good idea. He hadn’t done his physio-exercises for a few days and now the joint clicked and locked as he turned down the hall.
“Shit.” He bent over and grabbed his knee as the pain shot down his leg.
“Good morning to you, too.” Gracie stood in the doorway of the guest room. “Still in a snit?”
He opened his mouth to explain and then closed it as his gaze settled on her. She was dressed in that ridiculous uniform of the Midas.
“I wasn’t,” he replied and leveled his gaze at her clothes. “But I am now.”