First Mates Read Online Free PDF Page A

lost her appetite. “Look, if you’re having second thoughts about spending the day together—”
    â€œNo,” he said quickly, “it’s not that. I just don’t want to make you feel like I’m pushing myself on you. If you get tired of my company then you’ll need to say something, because…” He glanced toward the windows before looking at her again. “Because, I haven’t had such a good time in ages. I’m glad I met you, and I enjoy your company.”
    Mentally sighing with relief, she gazed into his hazel eyes. “I’m glad we met, too. I’m looking forward to seeing Cozumel today.”
    After enjoying their meal, they boarded the small boat with other passengers for the short ride to Cozumel. The crewman announced the last boat returning to the cruise ship would leave at midnight.
    They strolled the crowded port area, gazing into store windows. Natives walked the streets, speaking only Spanish. Rainy gazed at her surroundings in wonderment, knowing it would be impossible to see everything in one day.
    She admired Winston’s strong legs as she walked beside him. “I’m going to need to get a few things for some people at home,” he said.
    â€œMe, too. Why don’t we go shopping first?” After they visited several stores, she checked her watch. “We’ve only been gone for a few hours, and I already feel beat.” She clutched her bags of gifts as they continued to wander the streets. She pulled her gift list from her tote bag. Every name was crossed out except for one. Winston’s name was the last one on the list. She crumpled the paper and when they passed a trash can, she threw it away. I don’t want him to know I’m buying him a birthday card!
    He entered a sandwich shop. “I’ll get a few cold drinks.”
    â€œOkay, I’ll be in there in a minute. I still have a thing or two to buy.”
    He chuckled as he entered the shop. “You’ve already purchased enough gifts for half the city of Miami.”
    She left him for a few moments and found a secluded gift shop. She found a pile of greeting cards and she flipped through them. A card with a striking picture of the ocean caught her eye. After reading the greeting, she decided it was perfect for Winston. The words were warm and simple and she was sure he would like it. After purchasing the card, she signed it and carefully placed it into her purse.
    After she joined Winston in the sandwich shop, they decided to spend the rest of the day on the beach. They found a local man to transport them to the best swimming location. He recommended a shallow beach where they could play with the colorful fish. The local welcomed them into his car. The engine sputtered several times before it finally started.
    Minutes later, they were transported to the most exquisite beach Rainy had ever seen. She removed her T-shirt and shorts and stepped into the gentle cool royal-blue water. The fish swam around her legs, and she opened a bag of stale bread she’d purchased from the shop and fed the small critters.
    As the day progressed, she watched Winston slice through the water like an expert. A few times, she noticed his frown as he looked to the horizon.
    Too soon, their romantic day was over. She closed her eyes as they took the boat back to the ship. Shecould barely lift her legs as she climbed the ladder onto the large boat. She noticed it was seven o’clock. “Dinner is casual tonight.”
    He touched her arm as he walked her to the cabin. “I’m glad about that. I don’t have the energy to put on a tux tonight.”
    When she returned to her room, she took a long hot shower, hoping the water would soothe her aching muscles.
    Winston’s hard knock announced his arrival. “Hey, beautiful,” he greeted. As they strolled to the dining room, they saw that the place was cluttered with passengers. The buffet was almost