"How sad." Mary-Kate felt a twinge at her heart. No wonder he hadn't been very sympathetic. He was upset over his broken engagement. She felt a little more kindly toward him.
"Maybe she wasn't the right one for him. We are isolated. Most of us who live here like it that way. Who's to say? Gracious, it's been years. Time enough he should find someone else. You want anything more?"
"Nothing, this was delicious." Mary-Kate was dying to learn more, but Nora was finished. She shuffled back to the kitchen, leaving Mary-Kate to mull over the few tidbits she'd dropped. How long ago was years? What had happened to Melissa? And did that really explain why he was bad-tempered? Surely if it had been years ago, he would have got over her?
The evening loomed out endlessly before Mary-Kate when she'd finished. She carried her dishes into the kitchen, wanting to talk further with Nora.
"I was at a nice beach this morning, but it was quite a walk from the house. Is there one closer?" she asked as she put the dishes in the sink.
"Sure is, just off the back lanai. Nice sandy beach, no undertows. About a five-minute walk."
"How far is town?" Mary-Kate asked. If she could just find some way to communicate with the Lombard’s, surely they'd return for her. She couldn't wait three weeks for a supply boat. She could call for credit on her bankcard. Inform someone about her passport. There must be something she could do besides just sitting around hoping they'd return for her.
"A few miles down the road. It's not really a town, more of a village. We have a supply boat that comes out and brings things; what you need? Dane said I was to get you whatever you need."
"I'm fine for now. I want to find a way to get in touch with the boat I came on. Dane said there were no phones."
"Too far to run the line. We've got shortwave, though," Nora said as she rinsed the last dish. “That might reach your boat.”
Mary-Kate wondered why Dane hadn't told her that. He knew she was desperate to get in touch with the Lombard’s. Surely shortwave would work as well as a phone, maybe better? Maybe it could directly contact the ship.
"I'm off now. I'll be back for breakfast. Good night." Nora gave a cheery wave and pushed through the back screen door, the soft slap, slap of her sandals fading as she headed for home.
Mary-Kate walked slowly through the dining room, back to the living room. There were no books in sight, no magazines, no TV. The room struck her as austere and impersonal. It could be the lobby of a small hotel.
It was none of her business. But she'd decorate it differently if it were up to her. She imagined what changes she would make to the room to make it more appealing, more welcoming.
After a few minutes she gave up and walked to the front door; it was still light out— maybe she'd walk to the beach. After all, she might as well make the most of the situation in which she'd found herself. A walk along a tropical beach in the moonlight would be romantic.
Too bad she was alone. It'd be nice to share the evening with someone. When the image of Dane Carmichael flashed in her mind, she quickly shook her head to clear it. She would not be drawn into a fantasy starring her reluctant host, though it would be easy to do. She remembered his silvery eyes, his sexy body and the panther-like way in which he moved. Thinking about him caused her heart rate to increase. Definitely not someone to fantasize about—too disturbing.
She found the path easily and followed it to the beach. When she saw it wash was enchanted. It was a jewel. The sand was white, sparkling in the last of the sun. The water, which kissed the shore, was deep blue and the small wavelets that broke on the sand hardly caused a ripple in the still lagoon. The cove was sheltered on three sides by the shore, the land encircling the water as if with loving arms, opening only to the left, to the open sea. A reef beyond the opening stopped the ocean swells to keep the lagoon peaceful and serene.
Mary-Kate kicked off her sandals relishing the still warm sand. She walked along the water's edge, giving herself up to the enjoyment of the evening. Forgetting for a few minutes her predicament. Walking at the edge of the lagoon, the sand was a firm bed beneath her feet, as the water swirled gently around her ankles. The air was cooler than earlier but pleasantly balmy. The palms and ferns that ringed the cove gave the illusion of primordial times. From the beach, Mary-Kate could see nothing man-made. It was as if she were alone in the world.
She could almost forgive those obnoxious teenagers for stranding her here. What a special place.
She walked to the far edge, where the cove opened to the sea, watching the waves crash in their mesmerizing way on the barrier reef. Time seemed to stand still as she soaked up the peace and serenity, cares and worries forgotten. She watched until the sunset and the light faded, until only the roar of the breakers indicated the location of the reef.
The stars shone brightly in the tropical night sky, undimmed by city lights, or smog or clouds. As she walked back along the water's edge, she tried to remember the constellations she had learned as a child. She could see the Big Dipper, lower on the horizon than she viewed from home. She had no names for other stars.
It was still early when she reached her shoes. The night was warm, the water inviting. Just beyond the palms a fat, bright moon began its nightly journey arching into the black sky.
On impulse, Mary-Kate drew the dress over her head and waded out into the silky warm water. It felt like a bath, the warm water velvety as she moved through it. The ground sloped gently, and soon she was swimming. It was heavenly. The water seemed to caress her every move. When she grew tired, she headed for shore, floating to relax, to extend her stay for as long as possible. If she were a mermaid she could dive beneath the surface and explore the enchanting depths below. She smiled at the silly dream.
"Do you need a towel?" Dane's voice startled her. Mary-Kate came instantly upright, her toes barely touching the bottom. Wildly her eyes searched for him. He was on the beach, a tall, dark figure silhouetted in the moonlight.
"You scared me," she said, conscious of her state of undress, of the awkwardness of the situation. He stood right beside her dress.
"How long have you been there?" she called, wondering what he could see in the darkness.
"A while. It's dangerous to swim alone, especially just after you eat. Shall I join you?"
"No! I mean, I was planning to get out."
"Oh? I'll walk back with you, then. The path is hard to find in the darkness." He switched on a flashlight for a second.
Mary-Kate tiptoed closer. How was she to get her dress with him standing there?
"You don't have to wait for me," she told him desperately.
“No worries.” He leaned over and straightened, holding her dress. "I have your dress right here." Was there a trace of amusement in his voice?
"Just leave it; I'll be out in a moment."
"Why, Miss O'Donnell, I would never be so unchivalrous."
There was more than a hint of amusement in his voice.
"I don't know how long I'll be. The water is so warm and nice." Please, please let him go away. “I'm sure to find my way back.”
"I've all the time in the world. I needed a break from the paperwork I was doing. It's nice here. Maybe I'll join you. I haven't had a good swim in a while."
He pulled his shirt over his head, startling Mary Kate. She bit her lip. She didn't know this man. She certainly didn't want him swimming out to where she was.
"If you must know, I have nothing on," she snapped. Apparently he was totally oblivious to hints.
"And I thought schoolteachers were so prim and proper.” His amusement vanished. “Don't you know anyone could have walked by? There are over two hundred people who work on the island."
"No one came until you came along."
"I wondered if you were wearing your suit."
"It's a great idea; I sure will from now on!" In fact, she'd wear it all the time just to be sure.
“Joyce got you some clothes, I see. I should have asked at dinner; do they fit? She's not as busty as you.
"
Mary-Kate's face flushed. Great, he thought she was top-heavy!
"Roy's loss," he murmured.
At the awkward situation his presence caused; she was glad he couldn't see her in the darkness.
"The clothes are fine. I'm glad she can spare them," she stammered out, willing him to leave. She couldn't get out of the water with him standing there! Yet she couldn't stay in all night. She was already getting tired and, despite the warmth of the water, she was growing cold.
"Come on out; I'll be a gentleman this once and turn my back," he said.
With a wary eye on the man, she moved slowly out of the sea, the water streaming as she rose, her body glistening in the bright moonlight. She felt as if she were walking out on a lighted stage.
Dane held her dress out to one side, his back directly before her. She reached for the dress. For a second he held on, and then released it.
Mary-Kate quickly pulled it on. It was hard to pull down over her wet skin, and once in place it molded itself to her body, the water like glue.
"Thank you," she said, "I'm decent." She wrung the water from her hair. Letting go, it hung dripping on her shoulders.
"Too bad." He turned to survey her in the moonlight. His face was in shadow, but Mary-Kate felt his look. He reached out and pushed back her hair, his fingers lingering on the edge of her face, on her neck. Slowly, he drew her closer. Mary-Kate was shocked at his touch, at the way her heart began pounding; she could scarcely breathe. He was so near that his body filled her senses.
"Your skin is cool from the water," he commented ever so softly before his lips covered hers, moving persuasively.
Involuntarily Mary-Kate responded, her own lips parting slightly. Momentarily lost to the tropical romance as soon as she realized what was happening, she yanked herself from his arms, frowning up at him, knowing he could see her clearly in the bright moonlight, wishing she could see his face.
"And what was that for?" She was proud that her voice came out strong. None of the trembling she felt inside was evident in her tone. "Droit de seigneur?" Just because he owned the whole island didn't give him the right to make a pass.
"If you like. Isn't that why you came here, away from the village? I aim to keep my guests happy, give them what they want." His voice was mocking, his tone totally unrepentant.
"No, it's not why I came to swim!"
"What game are you playing, what tactics shall we see over the next few weeks? Damsel in distress? Playing on my sympathies until your friends return for you? Hoping they don't return before I fall victim to your charms?"
Mary-Kate was stunned by his thoughts. He didn't believe her! She stepped back another step, putting much needed distance between them.
"I'm going back to the house. Maybe in the morning there will be a way off this island—and away from you!" She whirled around and started up the path to the house. In two seconds, he fell into step with her.
Dane was silent as they climbed up the short incline to the house, throwing her a glance from time to time. Mary-Kate pushed herself to keep up the pace, her emotions in turmoil. How dared he kiss her? And how could she have responded? She'd just met the man! She kept her eyes averted, though her body clamored for another kiss. She longed for the sanctuary of her room. She needed to get her head on straight.
Dane paused at the lanai edge, watching her as she mumbled a quick good night, hurrying away, toward her room.
She waited a moment before flicking the light switch and flooding her room with light, trying to gain some control over her tingling awareness of the man. She glanced around the room, her gaze stopping on the mirror across the room. The dress clung to her like a second skin, molding her breasts, outlining her slim waist, her rounded hips. She pulled the dress away, when she let go, it clung to her again. No wonder he had looked at her as they walked. The moonlight would not have hidden much.
She'd learned her lesson; she would never go to the beach without her bathing suit in the future, no matter how alone she might think she was. And she'd keep a wary eye out for Mr. Dane Carmichael.
She was out of the shower, wrapped in one of the voluminous towels, when a knock sounded at her door. She opened it an inch, peering around the edge.
Dane stood before her, his eyes silvery, his tan dark in the dim light from the hall. Boldly, he pushed the door open. "I didn't think you had anything to sleep in, so I brought you a couple of T-shirts." He held out the folded cotton shirts, his eyes trailing down the toweling, resting on the soft skin at its edge.
"Thank you." She reached for them, conscious of her covering or lack thereof, the intimacy of the situation. While the towel actually covered her far more than her swimsuit, she felt exposed.
"About what happened at the beach--" he began.
Mary-Kate held her breath; she had deliberately refused to think about their encounter, afraid of where her thoughts would take her. She licked her lips in remembrance.
He frowned. "I was going to apologize but, if you keep looking so enticing, maybe I won't. I wonder what you look like fully clothed?"
Mary-Kate dropped her eyes, confused, heat rising in her cheeks.
"Maybe you were left behind, or maybe you stayed, hoping for more than an extended vacation. I'm willing to play the game however you want it, but understand that when that supply ship leaves you will be on it. No commitment, no recriminations, nothing beyond the days you are here."
He ignored her startled look, and drew her tightly into his arms, his kiss hard and long, his hands molding her body to his. The towel loosened and Mary-Kate clutched for it as Dane released her. Her eyes were huge as she stared up at him, her heart pounding. She wished she could come up with some suitable retort that would blast him to kingdom come, but her mind was mush.
"Good night, Mary-Kate." His tone was mocking. He swung away to walk down the hall.
Mary-Kate slammed the door, her knees trembling, furious at him, at herself. She leaned against the door, his words tumbling over and over in her head. He was convinced she was here to make a play for him. What an ego. She had only met the man that day! He had no business kissing her at all! Though she knew rich men thought themselves above ordinary behavior. Look at Rob and his father. Dane was the same, thought he could do as he pleased, and never mind how others felt.
She pushed herself upright, glancing at the shirts he'd brought. He had the wrong impression of her, and she had done nothing but foster it. Tomorrow she'd set him straight. And stay as far away from him as she could.
Dressing for bed, she reviewed the day. She had loved the little beach she'd found when their party had come ashore that morning. The setting matched her fantasy of what a tropical beach should be--clean, fine white sand, sparkling blue water, warm weather, and sweetly scented air. It was not her fault Rob had left her behind, no matter what Dane thought.
A vision of Dane danced before her—tall and virile. He was totally unlike the men she worked with at school. She lightly brushed her lips, reliving his kisses, a sense of anticipation building. What if he did fall for her? She'd love to walk away when the boat arrived. She'd show him she could flirt and kiss and then walk away.
She shook her head. He was so out of her league it wasn't funny. She'd better concentrate on getting herself safely home.
Turning out the light, Mary-Kate opened the French doors to admit the warm night air. The sweet perfume of the ginger and plumeria scented the gentle breeze. Their fragrance invaded her room, evoking dreams of love and romance.
Dane's soft cotton T-shirt was large enough on her to come well down her thighs, the much-washed cotton felt soft against her skin, falling in folds as it encompassed her. His body had touched the soothing cotton. His shoulders, broader than hers, had filled the shirt. It hung loose on her, but she hugged it to her, knowing it was rubbing her skin where it had once rubbed against his. A strangely erotic feeling bloomed with the knowledge.
She had better get away, get off the island before its magic refused to let
her.
CHAPTER THREE
Bright sunshine woke Mary-Kate. The sun streamed in through the opened French doors, the temperature already hot. The pleasant breeze of last night had gone. Mary-Kate stumbled out of bed and closed the doors, pulling the shades to block the heat. The palms were still, the sun already well up. How late had she slept?
She dressed in another of the loose-fitting sundresses, wondering if there was any kind of store around where she could purchase some things for herself. She frowned, remembering her lack of money. Dare she ask Dane Carmichael for a job? After her show of independence yesterday, what scathing remarks would he make at such a request? Yet what else could she do? She hated the thought of taking and taking and giving nothing in return. There was a limit to hospitality for a stranger.
She found her way to the dining room, and was surprised to see Dane eating, though he had papers spread out all around. Did he work all the time?
She stood in the sunbeams from the window feeling the pleasant warmth. This room was cooler than her bedroom. He looked at her, his gaze skimming her dress. A muscle tightened in his cheek.
"Good morning." She said politely, better able to cope today. Her hair was clean and brushed, curly but tidy. She wasn't hot, sweaty or wet with salt water. And she was fully clothed. He wore shorts again, though his cotton shirt was buttoned this morning. He still looked athletic, strong, poised as if his energy was only temporarily leashed.
"Hmm." He returned to his papers.
Mary-Kate sat at the table just as Nora entered bringing juice and a large bowl of assorted fruits.
“Start with juice and some of these mangos and papaya. They're fresh today. I'll be back with your breakfast soon.”
When she left the room, Mary-Kate looked over at Dane.
"Do you know exactly when the supply boat will be here?" she asked.
"Not the exact day. Around the end of the month." He picked up another report.
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