Page 48 of Grave Peril

*****

This time, Rip used a hired car as a way of varying the mode of transportation. The destination was Kemah, a city on Galveston Bay, some distance from Houston. The Kemah boardwalk overlooked the bay. It was a sprawling entertainment area on the waterfront that included dining, as well as exhibits and theme-park rides.

“This place wouldn’t have been my guess,” Lela said.

“Exactly, and that’s why I chose it. It’s certainly not a cartel hangout, and it’s not a location where the FBI would expect you to go.” Rip smiled. “And then there’s the being-a-couple thing—just one more way to throw them off.”

“What do you mean?”

Rip guided her along the boardwalk to the marina, where he paid cash for a night in a houseboat. “It’s a bed and breakfast,” he said.

Lela grinned “Of course it is.”

The boat was tied up near a fishing dock, close to the boardwalk. Rip stepped aboard then assisted Lela. The remodeled houseboat had both air conditioning and heating. There were two TVs, and the one in the bedroom was equipped for movie watching.

The kitchen was fully set up, but Lela doubted she would do any cooking there. On the front patio, a comfy swing had been provided. “Are we going to take the boat out, too?”

“Of course,” Rip said. “What’s the point of staying on a boat if you don’t go out on the water?”

Lela laughed. “I’m kind of liking this couple thing.” And she was. For a short while, she didn’t have to look over her shoulder.

“I figured this will give us a chance to regroup. A few theme-park rides should clear our heads,” Rip said. “And if that doesn’t work, a cruise out in the bay will give us a chance to come up with a plan.”

Lela linked her arm with Rip’s. “I’m sure.” She winked. “Then let’s go.”

The brochure listing the rides at the boardwalk claimed the fun never stopped. And so it seemed. The rides certainly didn’t stop. Rip’s favorite was the HypnoSpin, which was precisely what it sounded like. Lela’s pick was the sixty-five-foot Ferris wheel.

The thrills just kept on coming. Rip suggested Pharaoh’s Fury, but Lela observed the pendulum ride and opted to skip it. “Too much for me. My stomach couldn’t take it.”

Instead she urged Rip to the Boardwalk Tower. It was a place to kick back and take a break. From up high, Lela watched the activity on the boardwalk and the surrounding bay. She could see for miles.

Although Rip seemed to have a good time, he didn’t completely relax. He had a way of taking in the environment and staying alert. Lela was used to it, and glad that he did so. She felt safer that way.

The rest of the afternoon, Lela engaged in more tranquil activities. She did a little shopping, and bought a new t-shirt. Later, Rip suggested an early dinner, and she was all for it. He took her to a place along the water that served authentic Mexican dishes.

The restaurant had a variety of tequilas on hand, so Rip ordered some special margaritas. Lela scanned the menu for a few of the traditional dishes that she didn’t often find on menus.

“I’ll have the spicy tacos,” Lela said, then read to Rip, “Bacon-wrapped shrimp rolled in corn tortillas with tomatillo sauce, cabbage, jalapeño cheese, and cilantro.”

“That has to be good.”

“Probably not as good as my mother makes, but it will really hit the spot,” Lela said. “What looks good to you?”

Rip looked into her eyes, and warmth filled Lela’s body. She wondered what he was going to say.

“Uh, I think I’ll have the fajita steak. I’m a beef guy.” Rip took a gulp of his margarita, and the awkward moment passed.

But Lela’s mind drifted to subjects she’d be better off avoiding. After her disappointing marriage, she’d sworn off love and men—or love, anyway. It wasn’t that she hadn’t gone on dates, but she hadn’t intended to have a serious relationship.

She’d married young, and her husband’s betrayal had cut deep. The emotional wound had taken a while to heal. Although she’d swear she was over it, the thought of putting her heart on the line still made her cringe.

Trusting a man with her love was risky. But Rip wasn’t just any man. He was loyal and caring. His story of devotion to Isabel had touched her. He cared deeply.

That said a lot about his character. Yet Lela wanted to avoid intimacy. Sex would probably be fantastic with Rip. But she couldn’t envision a one-night stand. In other circumstances, she might go with a night of pleasure. But Rip deserved more.

“What are you thinking about?” Rip’s eyes burned into her.

Lela’s cheeks warmed. She could lie, but she had a feeling that he’d see right through her. “About you, actually.”

---