The Devil She Knew by Talia Hunter

Author:Talia Hunter [Hunter, Talia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-11-13T16:00:00+00:00

12

Nate screwed the dashboard cover back on with satisfaction. After replacing every burnt-out wire and re-checking them twice, he’d finally found a loose connection in the ignition system. The engine would start now, he was sure.

Just in time, it seemed, because an amazing smell was floating out of the galley, an aroma that made his mouth water and his stomach rumble. Wonderful smells had been coming out for at least the last half hour, but this latest one was impossible to ignore.

He went down to the galley. Suzie must have washed her hair, because it hung down her back in wet tendrils. She looked different without her mass of bright red curls around her face. Instead it was slicked back, lying flat, which accentuated her cheekbones and the shape of her face.

He started to tell her how beautiful she was, then saw the dishes on the bench in the galley, and forgot what he was saying. The delicious smells were more than matched by the presentation of the squid. She’d cooked it a few different ways: one plate held battered slices, another had a fragrant sauce, and on a third, the squid had been grilled and tossed with seasonings. How on earth had she done that? Was there a hidden pantry on this boat filled with gourmet ingredients?

“Good timing,” she said. “Lunch is ready. Shall we eat in the cockpit?”

“I’ll get the cider.” He went out to the transom and pulled up the wet socks. The bottles felt nice and cold, and by the time he got back into the cockpit, Suzie had set up the table and was carrying up the dishes. He fetched a couple of glasses, poured the cider and sat down with her.

“Cheers.” They clinked their glasses together, and he added, “Let’s drink to the most delicious meal I’ve ever seen.”

“You haven’t tried it yet.”

“If it tastes even half as good as it smells, I vote you do all the cooking from now on.”

Only there wouldn’t be any more cooking to do. She was desperate to get off the boat, and he’d fixed the engine so she could do just that. They wouldn’t get to spend the night together. Instead, she’d be on a plane to LA, and he might never see her again. A damn shame.

But it was for the best. Nobody but her could tempt him to break his rules.

No regrets, remember?

He chose the closest dish, battered squid pieces, and dug his fork into it. Then realized she was watching him with an anxious expression. Surely she couldn’t be worried he wouldn’t like it? The smell already had him salivating.

Nate put the squid in his mouth and closed his eyes to better savor the delicate flavor. The batter was light and fluffy. Biting into it, he got a tang of chili, followed by a hint of lime. And then the fresh squid, the glorious, tender meat, perfectly cooked inside its delicious parcel.

He couldn’t help smiling as he chewed, and when he opened his eyes she was smiling back at him.

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