Moonlight on Water by Jo Ann Ferguson

Author:Jo Ann Ferguson
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781453248317
Publisher: Open Road Media

Fifteen

A fist pounded on the door.

Wyatt opened his eyes and yawned. The dawn’s gray was only beginning to chase away the darkness. Or was that fog or rain? A second storm had ripped along the river valley less than an hour ago. It had been more violent than the first.

He started to swing his feet over the side of the bed, then paused. A smile curved along his lips as he gazed at how his blanket followed Rachel’s beguiling body. Her passion had not surprised him, for he had seen her leap to the defense of River’s Haven so often, but her eagerness had thrilled him. She might wear puritanical dress when she visited The Ohio Star, but she was a wanton who was receptive to every pleasure he had taught her.

And she had taught him, he reminded himself with a silent laugh. He had not guessed that he had so much to learn from this sweet innocent.

He forced his hand not to slip along her, for he wanted to watch her sleep a moment longer. Her black hair was spread beneath her, but he could admire the glistening warmth of her cheek and her soft pink lips that had been so luscious beneath his.

He could no longer resist. He ran a single finger along her cheek, and, opening her eyes, she rolled onto her back to smile drowsily up at him. Her hand raised toward him, but she stiffened when someone struck the door again.

“Wait here,” Wyatt said, pulling on his trousers as he went to the door. He looked back at the bed. Rachel held the blanket up to her chin, and her hair flowed down over her like melted chocolate. He doubted if he had ever seen a more appealing sight.

The fist hit the door a third time.

Throwing it open, he was astonished to see Horace on the other side. He started to ask his partner why he was bothering him now, but Horace gasped, “Fire!”

“Fire?” He cursed as the unmistakable odor of smoke curled around him. It had not been fog clouding the windows. “Where?”

“At the bow.”

“The boiler room—”

“Not there. On this deck and the one above. We’ve got to get help to put it out.”

“K. C.?”

“She’s right here.” Horace tugged the little girl around him. K. C.’s eyes were heavy with sleep and fear.

“Go! I’ll be right behind you.”

His partner nodded and raced away.

Wyatt turned. Rachel had pulled on her dress and was buttoning it into place. Taking K. C. by the hand, he drew the little girl into his quarters.

“Honey, the boat’s on fire.” He stuffed his feet into his boots.

“I heard,” Rachel replied. “Do you think lightning hit it?”

“No, I suspect heaven’s wrath was less involved than men’s fury.”

She choked out a denial, then turned to pick his gun up off the windowsill. She handed it to him.

“Thanks,” he said. “Finish dressing and head for the stern.”

“I can help—”

“Just get to the stairs right away.”

“All right. If I can help, call me. Please.”

He nodded, caressing her cheek.

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