Falling For Jack Read Free Page A

can fix it. Why don’t you make us a cup of coffee?” he suggested, a look of innocence on his face as he took control of this outspoken young woman.
    “I’m not going into that dirty kitchen. It’s disgusting.”
    “It’s called a galley, and I’m sure you can overcome your sensitivities if you want me to get Jezebel going again.”
    She glared at him and disappeared into the galley.
    He grinned. Jezebel had chosen to break down right opposite his island as if she knew she was home. He tried to start the engine a couple of times, but she refused to cooperate and was obviously in need of some serious nurturing. Shrugging, Jack made a quick call on the ship radio connecting with his mate on the shore, Dave Shelton, and explained what had happened.
    “Dave, can you ring Seagull Island and tell them the lady with the rental won’t be there tonight?” He heard Dave’s agreement before the radio gave an ominous crackle and went dead.
    Well, that was that . Jack sat on his favorite chair and propped his feet on the rail. He guessed it wouldn’t hurt for Miss High and Mighty to rough it for a night. “Good girl, Jezebel,” he mouthed, as the clatter of pots and pans resounded from below deck.
    It was a good twenty minutes before he heard Lara’s feet on the stairs, and he quickly stood pretending to wipe his brow with a towel in mock exasperation. She emerged carrying a steaming mug of coffee which she pushed unceremoniously into Jack’s waiting hands.
    “Any luck?”
    “Nope.”
    “Can you radio for help?”
    “That’s conked out as well.”
    “You can use my cell phone.”
    “I don’t think so.”
    “Why not? You’re welcome to use it.” She pulled it from her pocket then gaped at it. “There’s no signal.”
    “I know. We’re just out of range. You won’t be able to use your phone from now on.”
    His heart softened at the stricken expression on her face and he realized she was frightened. Of course she would be. Stuck out here with a strange man who might take advantage of her.
    He took a sip of coffee. “Look, it will be dusk in about an hour. Here’s what I suggest we do.” He nodded toward the island. “I’ve got a holiday home over there. We can row over in the dinghy and stay there for the night. At least, we can have a shower and there are beds to sleep in. Then in the morning, I’ll get Jezebel started and we’ll be on our way.”
    “Are there other houses on the island—other people?”
    “No. But I have provisions that I keep there. Also, there will be hot water and cool drinks as soon as I get the generator going.”
    He held her gaze as her green eyes probed his in the fading light. He knew she was considering whether she could trust him. He wondered if he could trust himself. She was gorgeous, her hair a blonde cloud around her heart-shaped face and her eyes huge as she studied him.
    “All right,” she agreed. “There doesn’t seem much else we can do. I’ll pay you extra money for the use of your home.”
    Jack didn’t answer as he threw the dregs of his coffee overboard. Did everything have to come down to money with this woman? It was getting under his skin.
    He gathered some items of clothing and toiletries from the cabin and, glancing at the galley, was surprised to find it spotless with all of the dishes and pans washed and neatly stacked on the shelves. Impressive. He had never seen Jezebel’s galley so clean.
    Lowering the dinghy into the water, he loaded one of Lara’s cases after she had checked and repacked what she needed. He then rowed them effortlessly across the short stretch of water to the shore.
    Carrying her case, he led the way from the beach, through some trees then stood back. With a dramatic wave of his arm, he indicated the cottage in the clearing wondering what her reaction would be.
    “There you go, Lara. Welcome to my luxurious holiday home.”

 
     
     
     
     
    Two
     
    She was stunned into silence as she gaped at the ramshackle house