Page 65 of Trust and Obey

I could see Andy thinking over what to say to me. No doubt he was torn between being an accommodating resort manager who didn’t want to upset his guest and the truth.

“They’re most likely a few hours away,” he admitted.

I swore.

“I know it looks bad,” Kendall said. “But these are very localized storms. They come in and blow out very quickly.”

I threw another glance at the outside window. The rain was coming down as hard as ever, and palm trees were being whipped back and forth. Occasionally, I heard a howl of wind over the hurricane resistant structure. This particular storm was showing no signs of blowing itself out any time soon.

The last conversation I’d had with Lauren had left her crying. Yes, it had to be done and yes, those tears were probably more for show than actual grief. But if she died today, it would be the final conversation I’d had with her. I would carry that in my heart for the rest of my life.

“This EPIRB thing, is there any way we can track the boat using it?”

Andy shook his head, but Kendall said, “Two of our vessels can track an EPIRB signal. But… the device may no longer be with the boat. We would only be tracking the signal. It may have drifted away from the boat.”

I nodded once. “That’s fine. Andy, who’s your best sailor? I know it’s a long shot, but we’re the closest thing Lauren has to help.”

“Mr. Helman—”

“I would compensate them very well,” I said, now desperate. “They could name their price. And I’ll go along to help so they have an extra hand.”

“I cannot ask a member of my staff to risk their life—”

“I’ll do it,” Kendall said.

For the second time, my heart seemed to stop in my chest. Then my resolve firmed. “Are you sure? You can handle a vessel in this kind of weather?”

“Kendall, whatever he’s offering you, it’s not worth your life,” Andy protested.

“We have one that will work, Big Bessa, she should be able to handle the storm just fine,” Kendall said to me before turning to answer Andy. “I’m not doing it for the money. You know this island is my home. We can’t have the bad press of losing a guest out there.”

Then he turned and gave me a very direct look and I could see the meaning in his eyes. He didn’t give a fig about this resort’s reputation. He was doing this all for me.

“Are you sure?” I asked again.

Kendall’s jaw clenched. He looked very strong then, and I knew at that moment I wasn’t falling in love—I had already fallen.

I loved this man.

“I’m sure. Let’s go,” Kendall said.

21

KENDALL

This was dumb, beyond dangerous, and basically flew in the face of every safety protocol ever. The sea was a tempestuous mistress, she took as much as she gave, and she would have no problem smashing a boat to splinters.

If it had been for anyone else, there would have been no question in my mind about attempting a rescue. Sorry, Lauren.

But this wasn’t for her. It was for Deacon. The look in his eyes told me that unless he did everything humanly possible, he would never forgive himself.

So, I volunteered, even though privately I thought Lauren’s chances in a storm-tossed sailboat weren’t good. The least we could do was look for her.

And I had to be there to comfort Deacon, just in case we found the worst.

The driving wind hadn’t slackened in the least as we made our way to the dock. We bent against the storm, holding onto each other for stability as much as everything else to keep our feet under us.

I pointed dead ahead to one of our larger boats. It was a heavy, solid vessel usually used for whale watching. The fabric canopy had been stowed away, but there was a tiny cabin for guest comfort and another one just large enough for the captain and a couple crew members.

---