Page 43 of Hidden Raphael
Chapter 12
In her room, she came out of the hot shower with her hair in a warm towel. Kimberly stared at her computer on her way to the closet. She chewed her lip. It was all charged, and she still hadn't checked her history. She'd make a horrible spy with her lack of follow-through.
First she powered it up, and then left to go get her hairbrush. She took care of the mess on her head and then sat down at her computer.
The files about her mother and sister had been opened. Someone knew their details. Her family would have been in danger, if Raphael hadn’t killed Roger. The thought left her numb.
Warmth overtook her from the inside out. She checked her browser history and realized. Someone had read her blog. Online. Roger had found a way to access the internet. Sure, he could have stolen her identity information, but she hadn't had much money in the bank anyhow. She smiled brighter. There was no way Raphael had time to take her computer, go online, and then lie to her about a connection. If Roger found a way to connect, she could too.
If she could, she'd tell her mother and sister she was alive.
She threw her hands into the air and did a victory dance.
Yeah. She jumped off the bed and shuffled to change out of her silk nightgown.
Raphael had promised breakfast, and her stomach grumbled. She'd go on the search back to the wreck, but then later on the hunt for Wi-Fi became her number one mission.
Roger and what happened here would have to wait. He was dead, after all.
She could email her mother and sister. This mattered more. Kimberly closed her eyes. Her mother would know what to do. She always had an answer.
She flung open her door and decided she couldn’t hold still anymore. Her feet pounded the floor as she jogged downstairs.
Was her rush to be near Raphael again?
No. Her impossible questions again. Once everyone knew she was here, perhaps a special boat might arrive.
The other night's kiss flashed in her mind on the last three steps. She'd like more than just a kiss from him. She’d opened her mouth to forbidden fruit, and liked the taste.
Raphael's strong arms, wide shoulders, and rock-hard muscles would be delicious to lick all over. He'd taste like pine mixed with pure testosterone. If she slept with Raphael, would that somehow change her? A smile broke out on her face at her visuals.
There was no way lust would turn into love like in the stories she'd read. She sighed. Realism had helped her with many things, and she'd survive the intensity that was Raphael Murphy, if he gave her a chance.
Her head grew lighter as she rounded the corner and headed past the library toward the dining hall. Perhaps they'd do more than kiss next time.
The rubber of her soles squeaked as she stopped and peered inside. She saw Raphael at the table with the newspaper and his coffee. The table held toast, a cut-up apple, and her hot chocolate.
Problems were never solved in a day, and Kimberly needed to learn patience and to set more of a schedule. There was a lot to do. Contact with civilization would be nice. She sighed as she sat down and picked up the hot chocolate.
Raphael's eyebrow quirked. He'd taste better than liquid cocoa deliciousness.
She sipped the drink again and smiled.
"Are you well?" Raphael cut a piece of his apple and stared at her hard, like he held his tongue.
"Of course." She nodded. "You added marshmallows."
He lowered his newspaper and folded it to the side. She glanced at the date, realizing it was a July edition. Months ago. He showed off his dimples. "A brisk morning swim in the cold Atlantic would need TLC, and you strike me as a girl who likes marshmallows."
Her hand went to her chest. "What girl doesn't like marshmallows?"
He shook his head. "The ones that aren't you."
She grinned like the Cheshire Cat. Raphael was her hero. She could be reckless. "You're right."
"Good to hear." He leaned back in his seat. "Other than ghosts, do you have more plans today?"
"Do you have dive equipment?" She buttered her toast and avoided his gaze. She'd not mention the internet, not yet. He had said he intended to be alone here and cut himself off. She licked the creamy remains from her lips and said, "I saw something sparkle in the cockpit, like a safe or a lockbox, and I am afraid Harry is still floating around as a corpse in there."
