Destination Romance

by Barbara McMahon

  She pushed the heavy door, the suffocating heat hitting her like a blow in the face. Whew, she stopped by the building to get her breath, it was awful after the coolness of the store.

  'Going my way?' a familiar voice accosted her.

  Lexy looked up to familiar blue eyes gazing down on her, and smiled.

  'Hi, Dominic, I was going to lunch now, where are you going?'

  'Lunch. Have it with me. Any place special?'

  'I don't know many restaurant here in Bridgetown, but I want one that has cream-filled pastries for dessert,' she admitted with a smile. 'They're a weakness of mine.'

  His smile almost stopped her breath, it was warm and friendly and a little more. 'I know just the place, honey, come with me.'

  The casual endearment did strange things to Lexy's heart and she felt in that instance that she’d follow him anywhere as long as he smiled at her like that and called her honey.

  They had a lovely lunch at a small teashop just a stone's throw from Broad Street. It was comfortably full, without being crowded and they were able to find a table near a window. For dessert Lexy had her large, rich, chocolate-covered éclair. She joyfully savored every mouthful causing Dominic's eyes to gleam in amusement. They were lingering over the last of their beverages when Dominic mentioned the party that evening.

  'It's casual, you know, so jeans or shorts are appropriate,' he smiled.

  Lexy licked her lips, suddenly dry. 'I won't be going,' she said in her soft voice. 'I already explained to Sarah. I –um–there are some old friends here and I'm spending the evening with them. Tomorrow, too,' she added quickly. She shrugged helplessly. 'I'm sorry. I did enjoy meeting Robin and Sarah. I think they’re both delightful people.'

  If Dominic regretted her missing the party, he made no sign. He murmured a brief, 'Sorry you'll miss it,' and closed the subject.

  'What time are you meeting your friends, Lexy?' he asked as they prepared to leave the teashop.

  'About–about five,' she stammered, surely the party would not begin before then.

  'That leaves us the afternoon together. Would you like to see Sam Lord's castle, a sugar refinery, take a walk along the wharf?'

  'Yes,' she said promptly. It sounded like a fun afternoon in his company, away from the boat, away from people who knew them. She’d get her books tomorrow. That would fill in the time the Frazer’s thought she had committed to friends.

  'Yes, what?' he asked.

  'All of them, if we have time?'

  Dominic sat back in his chair and chuckled. 'I don't know, we can try. What we miss, maybe your friends will take you to see.'

  'Umm.' She was non-committal.

  He paid the bill and hailed a cab. After a brief stop at the marina to drop off her purchases, they headed inland. Sam Lord's castle was a must-see for the tourists in Barbados. Sam Lord had been a pirate who had lured ships on to the rocks along Barbados' Atlantic coast, salvaging their cargo. He built himself a grand mansion overlooking the cliffs he used, and the workmanship was splendid. He’d had the money to import Italian craftsmen to complete the house and it was said he spared no expense to have the finest house in the Caribbean.

  As they rode along the main highway from Bridgetown to the castle, Dominic explained that it had recently been purchased by an American hotel firm and they had discreetly added buildings nearby and turned the entire complex into an unusual and expensive resort.

  'For only a small charge, however, the public can still view the Castle. The furnishings are the original, or replicas of the same. The view is fantastic,' Dominic said.

  Lexy was eager to see the landmark. She had not taken the tour when she’d been on Barbados before.

  After touring the complex, they headed back towards Bridgetown. On the way, the road curved near a sugar refinery, which was open to the public.

  Lexy was fascinated at the steps taken to transform the raw cane to molasses, then refined white and brown sugars. The large vats, the heat and the strong smells only added to the interest she found in the process. At the tour's end she bought a small sample pack, for a souvenir. A small reminder of a happy afternoon.

  They waited in front of the refinery for a cab, standing in the shade of a palm tree. Dominic casually checked his watch.

  'How late is it?' she asked reluctantly.

  'After four. I'm afraid we'll have to give the wharf a miss, if you don't want to be late meeting your friends.'

  Lexy's spirits dropped, though she pinned a bright smile on her face. The precious afternoon was going by faster than she thought. If only there were some way to stop the time, keep it still on these happy hours. She had enjoyed their time together. They’d discussed current events, authors, and music–finding a lot in common, a lot of mutual likes. She could feel the warmth in their relationship, a strong liking, not only on her part, but with Dominic, too.

  She almost changed her mind about the party, almost told Dominic to heck with her imaginary friends, she'd return to Robin's with him. She was reluctant to let him go, reluctant to delay the growing awareness between them. But she must. It would only be for a day and a half, then they would be together for a month, only the two of them, alone on the Marybeth. When he wasn't working, they’d have loads of time to explore their feelings, have them grow. She smiled in anticipation. It should be a wonderful cruise.

  The cab drew up.

  'I'll take this cab out to Robin's after I drop you. Where to?'

  'The Coral Reef,' she said, naming a large hotel in town.

  They were silent in the cab, watching the scenes flash by, each aware that the time was fleeting, unable to stretch it out. When the hotel was in sight, Dominic turned to her.

  'We'll sail the day after tomorrow. Will you have enough time to get everything?'

  'Oh, yes, I plan to do a lot tomorrow, uh, while my friends are doing some business here. I plan to have everything delivered early Thursday morning, and I'll pack it away as it comes in. Should be ready before mid-morning.'

  'Good, I think the tide turns at eleven, but we don't have to sail precisely at that time, we'll use the engine to take her out.'

  The cab drew up to the hotel and stopped.

  'Tell Robin and Sarah thanks again for me,' she muttered hurriedly, scrambling out.

  Dominic followed her out. 'I'll see you, then, Thursday morning. Here's a spare key to the cabin, in case you arrive earlier than I.' He looked down at her a moment, then reached his hand to the back of her head, drawing her close and kissing her lightly on the mouth.

  'See you Thursday, Lexy,' he said huskily, and was gone.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Dazed, Lexy watched the cab pull out and merge in the busy afternoon traffic. Gradually she became aware of the hustle and bustle of the pedestrians. Looking around she got her bearings and began walking up the street. She would stay in the Sundowner Hotel, on a small side street. She’d heard of it before, and it was close to Broad Street, quiet and cheap.

  Lexy passed a restless night, thinking of Dominic Frazer and the impromptu party Sarah had arranged. She longed to be there, to be with him, even though she knew she had done the correct thing in refusing the invitation. She reminded herself she couldn’t afford to mingle, be drawn into friendships. She had set her course, now she must stick to it.

  Maybe things would be different this time. She and Dominic were already friends—maybe they would draw closer, come to trust each other, believe in each other. Then, she could tell Dominic. He would understand, he would believe her and then she’d be like other women, who fall in love, get married. The past would lose its power over her once and for all. She smiled at her daydreams. Longing for that moment to come. But she would bide her time in patience, and when the moment was right, tell him her story. Maybe when the cruise ended, maybe before.

  The next day Lexy set out early to the addresses Dominic had provided. She’d spent the evening in the hotel planning meals that would be easy and quick to fix in the small galley, listing items she
needed that would provide nutrition and have visual appeal. She had no difficulty in finding the stores, or in arranging to have the supplies delivered to the Marybeth. The establishments had dealt with Dominic before and appreciated his patronage.

  That out of the way, Lexy went to find a bank and a bookshop.

  At three o'clock a taxi deposited her at the foot of the pier. She unloaded her sacks of books, stacking them beside the ramp to the dock. Paying the driver, she lifted one bag and started down the pier. The party on the cruiser still seemed in full swing and Lexy wondered if it was the same one, or a new one started that day.

  The sloop looked lonely and deserted when she came abreast of it. She hopped lightly aboard and put her bag by the cabin door. Taking the precious key from her denim shoulder bag, she unlocked the door, hooking it open.

  It took her two more trips to bring all her purchases aboard. She was hot and sweating by that time, and thought longingly of the cool pool at the Frazer’s. The cabin was like a furnace, hot and still. She dumped her books on the bunk and got a clean change of clothes from her drawers. She would organize her things when they left port—it was too hot now and she wasn't staying long enough to open all the portholes and try to cool the cabin down.

  She up-ended her bags of books, choosing a mystery to take back to the hotel. She scattered her new library about, pleased with her selections and anxious to get started on reading them all. Mysteries, biographies, adventure stories, one or two non-fiction ones on sailing and tropical fish, one on poetry. She picked the last one up and smiled jeeringly at herself. 'Getting soft in your old age, girl.' She tossed it back and pulled the door closed.

  Soon she was on her way back to the Sundowner. She toyed briefly with the idea of calling Dominic and saying her friends had left earlier than expected, but she’d feel too foolish. Tomorrow would come soon enough.

  Lexy was up early the next morning. After a quick breakfast she paid her bill and caught a cab for the marina. When she paid off the driver she noticed a small bakery further along the road. With a happy smile she walked down the pier. Later, when the stores had arrived and been put away, she would dash over to the bakery and get some cream cakes and fruit tarts for the trip. They would be fine for a day or two, a last taste of city life.

  It was still early, not yet eight, when Lexy opened the cabin door. Dominic had not arrived, so she set to work quickly. She was anxious to impress him with her dedication and determination. She opened the portholes, catching a little of the still cool morning breeze, blowing some of the staleness from the ship. She washed down the galley and sitting areas, and took all the old supplies from the storage bins. The goods arriving this morning would go in first, leaving these older tins and boxes to be put back in on top.

  Right at nine the delivery boy hailed the sloop. Between them, all stores were loaded and put away before ten. Lexy thanked him for his help, giving him a generous tip. She danced a little step with glee. Things were going so well. Now, to go for the cakes and she would be ready when Dominic arrived.

  'Good morning, Lexy.' Dominic was framed in the doorway, having boarded so quietly she had not heard him.

  'Good morning, Dominic.' She stopped, bereft of further words, her heart tripping in her chest. He looked so familiar, so dear. She smiled shyly, glad to see him.

  He swung casually into the cabin, a box of paper on one hand, the new printer in his other. Putting both on the table he scanned the cabin.

  'Food not come yet?' he asked.

  'Oh, yes, all put away. I told them to deliver early and they complied. I think I have everything. I only want to dash over to the bakery for a couple of cakes, and I'll be ready.'

  'Good. Plenty of time, though. My cousin brought me over and I've still got some things in his car. Come on, I'll walk with you back up the pier.'

  He helped her on to the dock, falling in with her smaller steps as they headed to shore.

  'How did you find your friends? Did you get to go to the wharf?' he asked.

  'Uh, they were fine. Actually we were too busy catching up on news and all to go about much. Next time, maybe. How was the party?'

  'I enjoyed it.' He glinted a smile down to her. 'I could have enjoyed it more.'

  Lexy felt her heart swell with happiness. What a nice thing to say.

  They parted at the shore, Lexy for the bakery, now opened, and Dominic for the city parking lot.

  'See you soon, we'll be shoving off in a little while, I've already cleared it with the marina.'

  'Fine,' she smiled back, 'I won't be long.'

  She walked slowly to the bakery, savoring the pleasant morning. Being by the sea, it was cooler than the town, the air circulated and moved, affording the illusion of coolness. She entered the shop, spending some fifteen minutes selecting cakes and tarts for their first nights out. The lady behind the counter was a friendly soul and very interested to learn of Lexy's job and destination.

  'Wish I had something with a paid vacation at the end of it,' she declared as she put the cakes carefully into a pink cardboard box. 'Course I can get in a sail and a bit of a swim here, so it's not all bad,' she said cheerily.

  Lexy walked back, bubbling with happiness. Soon they would be on their way, leaving the heat and bother of town life behind for several weeks. Days of sun and swimming, reading and generally enjoying life. Days with just herself and Dominic.

  As she reached the sloop she could hear the murmur of voices from within. Dominic's cousin had evidently waited to meet her. She grinned, boarding the boat as quietly as Dominic had earlier.

  She started down the steep steps into the cabin, gaily dangling the pink bakery box.

  'I got us some lovely cakes for dessert, two cream ones!' she said smiling across the cabin at Dominic, he and his cousin seated at the table, Dominic facing aft, towards her.

  At the sound of her voice Dominic's cousin turned, a sardonic grin covering his face at the sight of her.

  'Well, well, well. Sexy Lexy. I wondered if it were you.' A malicious smile covered the man's face. His hair was dark, growing thick and long, his clothes were tight fitting and colorful, his sardonic expression masking his otherwise pleasant features.

  Lexy's complexion paled as much as it could beneath her deep tan, her eyes widened in shocked disbelief.

  'Joey Compton,' she whispered, darting a nervous glance at Dominic, reluctantly returning her eyes back to the other man. She felt sick, as if someone had punched her in the stomach. She swallowed hard. Joey Compton was the last person she had expected to see today or had ever wanted to see again.

  She moved slowly across the cabin, carefully placing the pink bakery box on the small counter, her mind spinning frantically. Reluctantly she turned back to face the two men, leaning against the sink's edge, depending upon it to keep her upright, her legs as weak as jelly, a sick feeling spreading in her stomach.

  Dominic looked puzzled. 'You two know each other?' he asked. He was startled by Joey's greeting to Lexy.

  Lexy's eyes pleaded with Joey Compton, but he sneered at her, raking her slight figure as she stood there before them. 'Sure I know her, have known her for years. Tried to get her to live with me once,' he inclined his head, mocking her. 'But I didn't have enough money for Sexy Lexy, huh, sweetheart?'

  She was shaking her head from side to side, her eyes held by Joey's. 'No,' she spoke in a hoarse voice. 'No, Joey, don't do this.'

  'What do you mean, Joe?' Dominic bit out, his eyes hard on his cousin.

  'Miss Lexy here is what was known in the good old days as a high-price courtesan.'

  'That's not true, that's not true!' she protested, her tongue licking her lips. Why did Joe have to show up now, just when she had a chance of things improving, a chance for some happiness!

  'She lived with Miles Jackson for a number of years, till he tired of her and decided to marry a respectable girl. He passed her along to Tom Bullocks. After six months or so Tom was killed. That's when I made my offer, but she turned me down for
some guy named Benson.’ Joey tossed off the information, his eyes compelling, forcing Lexy to watch him.

  'Bateson,' she corrected involuntarily, 'and it's not true, Joey, so don't keep talking. You don’t know anything.'

  'Oh, but it is true, sweets,' he sneered, leaning on the table, snaring her with his narrowed eyes, reveling in her distress, in the rigid attention of his cousin. 'Amelia Jackson told me all about you, she almost didn't marry Miles because of you. What about your escapade in merry old England?'

  'Stop it, Joey, just stop.' She looked at Dominic, her face reflecting her distress, hurt and bewilderment showing in her large gray eyes. Surely Dominic would stand her friend.

  Dominic sat as if carved from stone, his eyes narrowed and assessing. He studied her for a moment as if he had never seen her, then turned to Joey.

  'What escapade in England?'

  'No,' she protested, tears welling in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks. 'Please!' Lexy's hands came up and pressed on the pain in her chest. Why was he doing this to her? For revenge because she had refused to sleep with him? That had happened ages ago. Why wouldn't he stop? He was ruining everything.

  'She was sleeping around with some married guy in England. When her family couldn't get her to stop, they cut her off and turned her out without a penny.'

  Dominic's cold blue eyes swiveled to Lexy, his teeth clenched, his hand a hard fist on the table. 'Is any of this true?'

  She shook her head to clear the pain, she could not see him clearly, only swimmingly through her tears. 'It's not like Joey says.' Her voice was ragged; she seemed to draw into herself, as if to ward off a blow.

  'No good, babe,' Joey said breezily. 'Can't expect cousin Dominic, who has always been so true to his first love, to forgive so much in a tramp like you. I'm not as picky, but even I wouldn't want such shop-worn goods now. A fling is one thing, but Sarah intimated marriage last night, and that would never, never do. Not for our family.'