She related some of her fears to Ian later. The whole evening had been fraught with tension as far as Julie was concerned, especially when Jake had tried to monopolise her again, and she had escaped early, but she was still not asleep when her twin turned in.
Sitting up in bed, with her hands clutched about her knees, she said, ‘I’m scared, Ian; I’m convinced Cameron knows. He keeps making subtle hints about our relationship.’
Ian shook his head dismissively. ‘You’re imagining it. He’s never said anything to me.’
‘I’m not,’ she insisted. ‘He’s just waiting for us to slip up, I know he is. I wish you wouldn’t keep your head in the sand. Haven’t you noticed anything at all?’
‘Nothing,’ he answered. ‘He’s always more than friendly.’ And no matter what she said he still thought there was no likelihood of Cameron discovering they were brother and sister.
To Julie’s relief, Cameron spent no more time at camp, having evidently satisfied himself that she was up to the work. She took time off during the hottest part of each day, to swim and cool herself down, but it was not so much fun on her own.
On Cameron’s return each evening they discussed the notes she had typed, and although Julie struggled desperately against her attraction for him, telling herself that it was a futile, senseless emotion, she could not stop herself feeling excited when they stood close. It was impossible not to breathe him in, almost to taste his essential maleness.
And once the notes were finished, once Cameron declared they were ready to leave for Vulcan, Julie’s fears increased.
Ian, on the other hand, was pulsing with excitement. To work alone with the great Cameron Storm was his dearest wish, and on the morning they were to depart he was up at the crack of dawn, waking Julie too. ‘Come on, come on. Get yourself ready.’
She was nowhere near as thrilled; the whole trip spelled disaster. How could they possibly keep their secret living in such close proximity? Cameron would be sure to tell that they weren’t lovers now.
After breakfast the three of them, plus Jake—who was going to bring the boat back for use by other team members in their absence—took the Jeep to the harbour where the cabin cruiser was anchored. Everything they would need had already been loaded.
Climbing on board Sea Lady, Julie somehow caught her toe and stumbled, and when Cameron held out his hand to steady her the current of electricity that shot through her body was tangible evidence of the trials that were to come.
Quickly she snatched away, missing his sharp frown, and ducked into the cabin, intending to remain there until her cheeks had cooled and she felt able to face him without giving away her inner torment. She really had tried to be strong where Cameron was concerned, but it wasn’t working very well.
She stood staring out of the window, watching Santa Cruz get smaller and smaller, wishing she weren’t quite so responsive to Cameron. If she wasn’t careful it would be her downfall.
Suddenly his voice came from behind her, and as she had not heard him enter the cabin, had not sensed his presence, she gave a startled jump, turning around to face him with saucer-like eyes, her heart pitter-patter-ing within her breast.
‘What are you doing?’ he asked roughly. He wore blue denims today and a T-shirt, and he looked devastatingly masculine.
Julie lifted her shoulders and tried to sound casual. ‘Just looking, just watching.’ His nearness caused a stampede, pulses racing desperately out of time with each other.
‘You could do that on deck.’
‘I’ll come up in a minute,’ she said quietly, trying to make it sound as though nothing was wrong.
But he did not leave it there. His blue eyes pierced hers, as if trying to look into the very depths of her mind. ‘What is wrong, Julie?’
Her heart hammered, but she shook her head and tried to deny her fears. ‘Nothing.’
Cameron’s eyes narrowed disbelievingly. ‘Nothing, and you’re behaving like this? I believe you’re lying. I believe we have a very considerable problem—don’t think I didn’t notice that you snatched away from me like a scalded cat.’ His lips tightened as he spoke. ‘But—as we’re to work and live so closely together—I suggest you hide your dislike of me, or whatever it is that is festering in your mind, otherwise this whole undertaking will be a disaster. Is that understood?’
It was a relief that he had misread her action, a welcome relief. Julie felt herself smiling. Life would be a whole lot easier if he really thought that she did not like him. ‘I’ll try,’ she said.
‘You’ll do more than try,’ he barked, ‘otherwise you and Ian will be back in England before you know what’s hit you. We work as a team here or not at all.’ His harsh tone scraped over her nerve-endings like a piece of coarse sandpaper. ‘Now, I suggest you get back on deck and start behaving yourself.’ He stood back for her to precede him.
Jake was steering and he smiled at her cheerfully, seeming to see nothing wrong. ‘This is the life, eh?’
She paused at his side. ‘It’s lovely, isn’t it? How we long for perfect blue skies such as this in England.’
He grinned. ‘A typical Pommy, always talking about the weather.’
Julie laughed. ‘I guess we do; we’re never satisfied.’
‘I suppose you’ll be complaining of the heat next?’ he jeered good-humouredly.
‘I’m already finding it a trifle enervating,’ she agreed, still smiling.
‘You’ll get used to it.’ And then, in a much lower, conspiratorial tone, ‘It’s a pity you and Ian couldn’t be alone. Castaways on a desert island and all that. The boss will be a real thorn in your side.’
Julie looked cautiously at Cameron, who was now talking to Ian, and answered in an equally low voice, ‘Don’t you believe it.’
Jake evidently thought she and Ian had already made their plans and he roared with knowing laughter, causing the others to look at them with sudden questioning interest. Ian merely smiled when he caught her eye, but Cameron frowned harshly, and when a few minutes later she left Jake’s side to join her brother, who was now sitting on the foredeck, he waylaid her.
‘It’s a dangerous game you’re playing, Mrs Drummond.’ His blue eyes were hidden behind a pair of dark sunglasses, but his lean body was tense.
‘What do you mean?’
‘You and Jake.’
She gave a laugh. ‘Jake is merely being friendly.’
‘Too friendly,’ he growled.
‘You’re seeing things that are not there,’ she said tightly.
‘Am I?’ Brows slid smoothly upwards. ‘You’ve made your preferences very clear, but it’s Ian I feel sorry for.’
Julie’s eyes flashed. ‘Ian knows there’s nothing between Jake and me, and if he doesn’t object to me talking to him then I don’t see why you should.’
‘So long as talking is all you do,’ he warned. ‘From my point of view I think you should pay more attention to your husband. You spend remarkably little time together—considering.’
Be careful, Julie, be careful, she warned herself, don’t say something you’ll regret. ‘It’s difficult,’ she said quietly, ‘when he’s so busy all the time.’
‘Is that a complaint?’ Blue eyes glittered dangerously and menacingly.
‘Of course not,’ she answered. Why did he insist on misinterpreting everything she said? ‘I understood the position before I came. You’re making mountains out of molehills, Mr Storm. Ian isn’t complaining about the situation, and nor am I.’
He looked at her closely, intently, and Julie knew it was imperative that she change the subject. She gave a wide, hopefully reassuring smile. ‘I like the boat. It’s very nice.’
‘It does the job,’ he growled.
‘Do you ever sleep on it?’ She had noticed two berths.
‘Rarely.’ He seemed impatient with her questioning, as though he knew it was a ploy on her part. ‘It’s used mainly to ferry the team around. Do you like boats?’
‘I’ve never really be
en on one,’ she admitted.
Eyebrows rose. ‘Now that is strange—’ and his eyes looked deeply into hers ‘—because Ian definitely told me that you spent your honeymoon cruising the Greek Islands.’
Julie gave an embarrassed laugh that was half a cough. ‘A cruise liner hardly counts, does it? It’s more like a hotel.’ Damn! What else had he told this man, for heaven’s sake? How careful did she have to be? Lord, the whole thing was like treading on eggshells.
‘You mean,’ he challenged mockingly, ‘that you were so taken up with each other that you hardly noticed your surroundings?’
Julie hated his taunts, and it took all her willpower not to retaliate. ‘Something like that.’
‘I guess the honeymoon stage finished quickly.’ An eyebrow quirked. ‘I haven’t noticed any urgency on either part to fall into each other’s arms. Maybe you should join your—husband now?’ he suggested with a wicked smile. ‘And make the most of the next hour or so. Once we’re on Vulcan he’ll be working so hard that you definitely won’t see much of him.’
Julie gladly took the excuse to escape, joining her brother on the foredeck, sitting down beside him and heaving a troubled sigh.
‘What’s wrong, Sis?’
Why was he so singularly blind? she wondered. ‘This,’ she hissed. ‘Cameron, you and me—everything.’
He looked at her with a questioning frown.
‘He just mentioned our “honeymoon”. We were talking about boats. I almost put my foot in it. I didn’t know you’d told him we’d been cruising. What else is there I should know?’
Ian put his big capable hand over hers. ‘Lord, I don’t know; we’ve talked about all sorts of things. Don’t worry so much; I have complete faith in you. You’re good at improvising. I know you won’t let me down.’
‘Not deliberately,’ she whispered fiercely, ‘but it’s all getting a bit too much. I don’t know whether I can cope.’
‘Will you quit looking so enraged?’ he admonished. ‘Or Cameron really will think there’s something wrong.’ He draped his arm about her and Julie dropped her head on his shoulder.
‘I’m sorry,’ she said, managing a wan smile, ‘but he’s even accused me of making a play for Jake. The man’s unbelievable.’
‘That, I can understand,’ said Ian, ‘though I think it’s the other way round. Jake seems very taken with you.’
Julie looked horrified. ‘Surely not? You’re wrong; he’s just being friendly.’
‘That’s not what it looks like,’ he warned her. ‘And I’m not the only one who thinks so.’
‘So oughtn’t you to be playing the irate husband?’ she asked. ‘Lord, Ian, the success of our plan depends as much on you as me.’
‘Take it easy, Sis.’ He grinned. ‘Once we’re on Vulcan nothing can go wrong.’
‘Cameron thinks you’re not loving enough.’
‘Then I’ll be loving. I don’t want to ruin everything at this stage. Working alone with Cameron is far more than I’d ever imagined. It’s such an honour. I’m so proud and so happy.’ His arm tightened about her shoulders, but Julie was all too conscious of Cameron’s piercing eyes on their backs.
However, when a school of dolphins playfully rushed along in their bow-wave, calling out to each other in happy, high-pitched squeaks, she became totally entranced and was able to forget her uneasiness for a while.
Vulcan was one of the most westerly islands in the archipelago and it seemed remarkably small as they approached, with steep rocky sides that made landing look impossible. ‘Is this it?’ she enquired incredulously.
‘This is it,’ Cameron agreed. He had taken over from Jake and was steering the boat skilfully. Julie could still not see anywhere to land and was amazed when a tiny inlet emerged between the volcanic cliffs and a long, narrow, dazzling coral beach became visible.
He dropped anchor and they made several journeys with the dinghy to take their supplies ashore. Unable to stand back and let the men do all the work, Julie helped load the numerous boxes and bags, even a small Calor-gas refrigerator! It was surprising how much they needed.
She and Jake were laughing over one particularly heavy crate, that between them they were trying to heave into position ready for handing down into the dinghy, when Cameron barked loudly, ‘Enough! Julie, leave it. Jake, you steady the dinghy.’
His brow was as black as a storm-cloud and Julie felt a quiver of fear; she had not even realised he’d returned from his last trip. Even Jake looked suprised at the harshness of his tone.
With remarkable alacrity Jake jumped into the dinghy while Cameron climbed back on board and tied a rope around the crate, before lowering it down and then making a signal for Jake to take the tiny boat ashore.
Julie felt impending disaster.
‘Didn’t my warning make any difference?’ he barked.
‘I was merely helping Jake.’
Dark brows rose. ‘It didn’t look like that to me. I was afraid something like this would happen the moment I set eyes on you.’
‘And what is that supposed to mean?’ she riposted. She was finding it very difficult to understand him. He had given her a lecture on hiding her dislike and yet he was making his very clear. It was definitely a no-win situation, a one-sided affair.
‘You respond to flattery like flower petals to the sun, that’s what it means,’ he growled.
Julie shook her head. ‘This is unbelievable. Go ask Ian what I’m like, he’ll soon tell you that you’re making a mistake. I’m not interested in Jake.’
Cameron gave a twisted smile. ‘I’ve no doubt Ian knows very well indeed what you’re like.’
Julie let out an exasperated sigh. ‘So you’re going to stick to your opinion that I flirt with every single man I meet? What’s going to happen when the three of us are alone on Vulcan? Will you accuse me of making a play for you then?’
He gave a loud guffaw. ‘I don’t think you’d dare, which is a blessing, because having to continually reject your advances would certainly make the next few weeks very difficult.’
‘You swine!’ Julie lifted her hand to strike him, but again thought better of it and turned away. Almost immediately, however, she swung back to face him. ‘You’re a bastard, do you know that? Getting a job with you was the worst thing Ian ever did.’
‘And I’m beginning to think it was the worst thing I ever did suggesting he bring his wife with him,’ Cameron returned brutally. ‘I thought I was doing him a favour. Instead it would appear I’ve done myself a great disservice.’
CHAPTER FIVE
JULIE’S eyes flashed into Cameron’s face. ‘I beg your pardon? You were doing Ian no favour. All you were after was a copy-typist and a cook—free, gratis and for nothing. I don’t believe you would have made such a suggestion if I hadn’t had the necessary qualifications. No other men have brought their wives, and I know some of them are married because Jake told me.’
‘Jake told you?’ Disapproving brows rose yet again. ‘You would appear to have had some deep and meaningful discussions.’
‘And you have a sick mind,’ she retored. ‘But you can think what you like; my conscience is clear.’ Out of the corner of her eye she could see Jake coming back with the dinghy, and knew he must be wondering what was going on. He had no idea that Cameron had warned her off him, that his chief saw things that were not there. She moved to the other side of the cruiser, watching the mocking-birds and the boobies who were showing a keen interest in all the activity.
“That’s the lot,’ Cameron announced brusquely as Jake climbed on board. ‘You can take Sea Lady back now. I’ll see you in a month’s time. You’ve got the list of food we’ll need?’
Jake nodded.
He was bringing more supplies! ‘How long are we going to stay?’ she asked, panic in her voice.
‘As long as it takes,’ came Cameron’s curt response, which was no answer at all as far as she was concerned.
Jake lifted an eyebrow as he looked at Julie, telling her withou
t words that he did not understand what was going on, but that she had his sympathies.
‘Goodbye, Jake,’ she said, as she began to climb down into the bobbing dinghy, ‘I’ll see you in a month, I guess.’
Cameron followed her, started the outboard motor, and they skimmed the waves as they left Sea Lady behind and joined Julie’s brother on Vulcan Island.
It did not take the men long to erect the tents and to Julie’s delight and amazement she and Ian each had one of their own.
‘We always use these smaller tents when we sojourn on other islands,’ Cameron remarked coolly. ‘I do apologise. I trust it won’t put too much strain on your—relationship.’ He looked pointedly at Julie as he spoke.
Ian answered. ‘Think nothing of it—we’ll survive. What do you say, Julie?’ He put his arm about her and she smiled up into his face.
‘I’ll try not to complain.’
Cameron’s eyes were unreadable behind his dark glasses, but there was an irritatingly mocking curve to his lips and Julie turned away. ‘I’ll get us something to eat.’
While the men were erecting their sleeping quarters she had sorted and stacked their food supplies into the store tent—and still the mocking-birds watched and waited, and Julie knew she would have to be careful that they did not steal their precious food.
Their cooking stove was nothing like as big as the one at the main camp: still fuelled by Calor gas but with only a couple of rings and a grill. They had sea bass and boiled potatoes, and fresh papaya for dessert, eating at a collapsible table they had also brought with them. It was not very big and twice Julie’s knee touched Cameron’s and she jerked away, and on each occasion he frowned—and she knew exactly what he was thinking.
Stolen Feelings (Island Romances) Page 6