Heart of the Storm (Harlequin Historical) by Burton Mary

Author:Burton, Mary [Burton, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises
Published: 2012-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Rachel stood on the beach as Ben and Timothy rowed the last wave in. The waves crashed around them as they hopped out of the boat in the knee-deep water and pulled the dory to shore. Boxes filled the boat.

She hugged her shawl around her shoulders. Ben’s hair was wet as were his pants and the shirt under his jacket. A jolt of worry snapped through her body.

Rachel met them at the water’s edge. She was careful to stay out of the surf and to keep her boots dry. “What happened?”

Ben’s gaze caught hers. Dark and hot, it sent rivulets of desire through her. “No, trouble,” he said. “Just doing a bit of scavenging.”

Timothy grinned. “He found three cases of wine on the Anna St. Claire. Said me and Callie could use them for our wedding.”

She glanced at Ben, wondering why he’d venture to the ship. “What a wonderful gift for you.”

Timothy picked up a crate. “Is it any good?

Rachel lifted a bottle. “Ah, yes, this is very fine indeed. It’s a French red. The year is excellent and you’ll find the taste not too sweet or bitter.”

The boy shrugged. “I’m an ale man myself.”

Rachel knew fine wines, Ben mused. Another detail to add to his meager collection of information he knew about her. “Why don’t you get those boxes up to the boathouse?”

“Oh, yeah, sure. Be back in a minute for the others.” He hurried away.

Ben pulled the boat away from the surf.

“You found the wine in the captain’s cabin,” Rachel said.

“Sitting right there by the bunk without a one broken.”

“When you spoke of the scavengers before, there was an edge of distaste in your voice. You’re not the kind of man that goes back for a case of wine.”

He unloaded the two remaining cases and set them on the beach. “I didn’t go back for the wine.”

“Then what?”

He reached under his coat and pulled out her purse. He laid the purse in her hand. “This.”

“Why would you take such a risk?”

“I’m assuming there were no trunks to be found in the hold of the ship.”

She fingered the mother-of-pearl design. “No, there weren’t.”

“Then you hold all the connections to your past.”

“Why?”

“You’ve a chance for a fresh start now, Rachel.” His expression was unreadable. “Didn’t you say it had all your money?”

“Yes, it does.”

He moved closer to her. “Open it.”

Tearing her gaze from his, she snapped open the purse. Tucked inside were the wet bills and the volume of poems her mother had given her.

He glanced at the purse. “It should all dry in the sun.”

Tears sprang in her eyes. “This is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me.”

He lifted his gaze to hers. They’d darkened with an unreadable emotion. Slowly he leaned forward until his lips almost touched hers. “I want you to stay,” he said, his voice hoarse. “But I want you to have a choice.”

He brushed a curl from her face. Her smooth skin felt so good against his skin. For a moment they stood on the shore, her skirts moving in the breeze, flapping around his legs.

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