The day on the beach with Joshua far surpassed any other day that Lynna had spent in this lush tropical paradise. Joshua rolled up his breeches and waded in the water with Crystal, taking her hands to jump the incoming waves. The threesome walked for miles up the beach and found several perfect spiral shells, which were presented to Lynna to add to her collection jar.
After their walk, they picnicked on fried chicken and corn on the cob under the shade of a giant tree. Lynna and Joshua gazed with longing into each other’s eyes, while Crystal frolicked in the nearby surf. Watching Joshua with Crystal, Lynna marveled at what a wonderful father he would make someday.
If only he could father her children.
What a wonderful life that would be.
That night Joshua’s words, “I will wait for you to come to me tonight,” drummed furiously in Lynna’s ears. She had laughed at him then, but what a fool she had been. Now her body craved his sweet touch, the pleasure that he alone could give her.
Unable to sleep, she was still awake when she heard his door close, and she waited. He had left shortly after their return from the beach. She listened until there was no more movement in his room and wondered where he had been all day. He was in the next room, so close. She imagined his hard, masculine body stretched out on the bed, a lazy grin tugging at the corners of his mouth, his emerald eyes shining. So sure she would come. Sure that no woman could long resist his masculine charm.
Relaxing in the now tepid water, she allowed her mind to wander. Closing her eyes as a delicious languor settled over her, she erased from mind all the unpleasant thoughts, leaving only Joshua. In her vision, his smiling eyes beckoned her. Michael was due home tomorrow. Tonight would be their last night together. Would she deny herself one last night in the arms of the only man she would ever love?
No.
She would not.
Standing, she briskly dried her body until her skin shone pink, then slipped into a thin cotton robe, tying the sash at her tiny waist with suddenly nervous hands. Her heart pounded against her chest as she quietly opened her door and slipped into the dimly lit corridor.
Trembling hands turned the knob and pushed open the door to his room. He was on the bed, just as she had imagined. His even breathing assured her that he was asleep and that she still had time to change her mind. In all honesty, she was feeling rather piqued that he had lost no sleep worrying over whether or not she would come.
She bent to touch him, her hand longing to caress his sleeping features. Coming to her senses, she jerked her hand back. What had come over her? This was utter foolishness. Not only was she married, but she was in another man’s bedroom desperately wanting him to make love to her. She rushed through the open balcony doors, hoping the evening breeze would cool her heated skin and clear her befuddled mind.
The air was sweet, the crisp trade winds blowing down from the mountain fanning her hair out behind her and shaping her thin robe to her slim body. She desired Joshua and longed for him to take her into his arms and make her forget, as only he could do.
“I have been waiting for you, my love.” he whispered behind her.
Just hearing his voice sent chills shivering down her spine. “I needed to talk to you,” she lied, suddenly ashamed of her wanton behavior.
“You don’t want talk, Lynna. We both want the same thing.” Putting his arms around her, he nuzzled her neck. “This is why you came.” He turned her around, holding her face in his hands, emerald eyes meeting crystal blue. “Let me love you.”
“Yes.” Their lips met in a tender kiss as he lifted her easily and carried her to the bed where he joined her. “Yes, Joshua.”
What followed was the stuff that dreams are made of.
Just as they were sitting down to breakfast, Sam came rushing into the house. “I think we got troubles, lad,” his voice was ragged, out of breath.
“What is the cause of your obvious distress, Sam?” Joshua queried, immediately concerned for the safety of his crew.
“There may not be any trouble, but a ship just dropped anchor in harbor. It’s flying the Jolly Roger.” His eyes were wide with alarm. “The ship’s got everybody running to their houses and boarding their windows.”
“Have my horse saddled. I will be down to the harbor presently.” Joshua needed time alone with Lynna before he must leave her. Drawing her into his arms, he gave her a tender kiss filled with passion. “Remember this. We will continue when I return. You and Crystal stay inside today.”
“Joshua, will there be trouble?” she whispered around the sudden lump in her throat.
“No, it’s probably just a show of force,” he said, attempting to allay her fears. “Pirates have a reputation to uphold. There are too many armed ships in the harbor for them to openly attack us.”
Not long after Joshua left, Michael returned home, tense and as nervous as a caged animal. “Where’s the boss?” He stormed through the door without even pausing to greet his new bride.
“I assume you are speaking of Captain Jordon. If so, one of his men came with an urgent message that he should return to his ship.” Lynna assumed his agitation was caused by the appearance of the pirate vessel as well.
“Well, what was the damn message?” he practically shouted at her.
“It would seem that a pirate ship has anchored in the harbor, and Sam was worried that there might be trouble.”
Why was he shouting at her, and why was he suddenly so concerned with Joshua’s whereabouts?
“So, you are acquainted with Sam, are you?” Michael snapped.
“Yes, we met when I was a passenger on Captain Jordan’s ship.”
His attitude changed abruptly, in a split second, to that of a kind and caring husband. “How would you like to ride into town with me?”
“You have just returned from town, Michael.” Lynna was puzzled by his erratic behavior. “Why do you wish to go again so soon?”
Pausing for only a second, he said, “With all the talk of pirates, I forgot about the list of supplies Sadie asked me to bring back.” He glanced at her askance, adding, “Surely my darling wife will not refuse me the pleasure of her company.”
“Of course not, Michael.” Even though she had no desire to accompany him, she saw no way out of it. “I will just get my wrap.”
“Good.” He waved his hand dismissing her. “Go ready Crystal so we can be on our way.”
The day was terribly hot and the three occupants were perspiring profusely when Michael stopped the carriage on a hill overlooking the harbor. “How does a cool drink of lemonade sound for my two favorite ladies?”
We cannot be your two favorite ladies, too, papa.” Crystal giggled. “Uncle Joshua said we were his two favorite ladies.”
“Did he now?” Michael ground out, giving Lynna a look of pure contempt. Stopping the carriage abruptly, he reached to caress the line of her jaw with a trembling hand. “Well then, I guess your Uncle Joshua and I will just have to…share this beautiful mermaid.”
Lynna gasped, gazing across the harbor in search of the Windjammer. Michael knew!
“Drink up, girls,” His grin was one of pure malice that sent shivers racing down Lynna’s spine. “It’s going to be a bumpy ride.”
Chapter 31