Page 30 of Fire on the Moon

As Zane headed for the office, she slouched down in her seat. When he came back, he was holding the rental agreement and a list of rules.

“The Lady Slipper is down there.” He pointed to a short wooden dock where several boats were moored.

After grabbing their luggage from the trunk, Zane led her toward their craft. Although she didn’t know a lot about boats, she could see that this one was a classic design, maybe twenty or thirty years old, but it seemed to be well maintained, with fresh varnish on the exposed wood.

“There’s a smaller boat on the back,” she commented as they inspected their new home.

“Yes, a dinghy, on the swim platform.”

“Give me a moment.” He switched on the power connection to the marina’s system then helped her onto the back deck where there was bench seating along the rails and a couple of patio chairs. The surface swayed slightly as their weight tipped the craft to the side.

She stood for a moment, trying to get used to the gentle swaying before stepping into the main cabin.

Apparently the small space functioned as a living room, dining room, galley combination. The couches and eating area were all built in. The upholstery was faded but clean. After giving the seating section a quick inspection, she crossed to the galley, taking note of the small fridge and the two-burner stove, which she assumed ran on propane. Next she checked for pots and pans, utensils and finally provisions.

“The cooking equipment’s okay, but there’s almost nothing here to eat, unless you’re into peanut butter and jelly.”

He wrinkled his nose.

Taking in his reaction, she said, “We’ll have to get supplies.”

“Or I can bring in burgers.”

She countered with, “We passed a small shopping center a little way down the road. We can get groceries.”

After inspecting the common areas, they descended to a lower level with two small cabins, on either side of the hall, each with a curtain instead of a door. Pulling aside one curtain, she stared at a bunk with storage drawers underneath and a shelf above with a little railing along the edge to prevent things from falling off when the boat was moving.

“Which room do you want?” Zane asked.

She gave him a considering look. “If I need to have my own room, you pick one, I’ll take the other,” she answered, knowing she sounded surly.

“I’m trying to keep you safe,” he snapped.

She felt things going downhill again as she asked, “How does keeping your distance make me safe?”

“It focuses my attention where it should be.”

She dragged in a breath and let it out. “Have it your way.”

“Do you think I don’t want to make love to you right now?” he shot back.

“Do you?” She lowered her gaze to the front of his pants.

She could see with that look, she might as well have closed her hand around his cock. Keeping his palms at his sides, he said, “You know damn well I do. But first, I want to be sure the men who killed your uncle don’t kill you. Do you want to be making love a couple of seconds before you get shot?”

The comment landed like a thud against her chest, and she staggered back.

Seeing her reaction, he closed the space between them and pulled her against himself. As they stood swaying in the narrow passageway, he murmured, “I’m sorry. I think we’re both on edge.”

“Uh huh.” Lowering her head to his shoulder, she held on to him, hating to feel needy, but at the same time thankful for his embrace. It flashed through her mind that she could push him now, literally push him against the paneled wall and plaster herself to him. But she wasn’t going to pull any tricks.

“I know you’re trying to do your job,” she whispered.

“If it were just a job, it would be a lot easier.”

“Yes. It’s frustrating to hear you’ve ‘bonded’ with a guy but have to keep your distance.”

“You know I feel the same way. Just think how good it’s going to be when we make love again.”

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