First Mates Read Online Free PDF

empty, and harried crewmen bustled from the kitchen with steaming trays to replenish the food supply. The noise level reached a deafening pitch, and Rainy wondered how they would communicate during dinner.
    A server approached, leading them farther into the room. “We only have one dinner seating tonight instead of two. Just sit wherever you can. I’ll be around to get your drink orders later.”
    They walked through the crowded dining area until Winston spotted a couple leaving a table. They plopped into the chairs. Another couple occupied the remaining two seats. After they got their food and said a quick prayer, they attempted to enjoy their meal. She struggled to stay awake as she ate her crab cakes and salad. She declined dessert, and Winston suggested strolling on the deck before heading back to their cabins.
    Rainy sighed as they walked outside. She leaned onthe railing and stared at the dark sky. The moon was an ivory circle amid the blackness. Clouds floated by, enshrouding the moon with their shadows.
    â€œIsn’t it pretty?” she asked, tilting her head toward the sky.
    â€œIt’s a perfect night. A wonderful end to a perfect day.” As he escorted her back to her cabin, she yawned.
    â€œTired?”
    â€œYes. I know I’m going to sleep good tonight.” When they arrived at her cabin, he caressed her cheek. Rays of warmth and passion clouded her fatigued brain, and she was reminded of the dangers of being alone with a man. She swallowed as she gazed into his hazel eyes.
    â€œYou have circles under your eyes. You need to get to sleep.” He crowned her with a warm smile. “Good night.”
    She paused. “Good night.” She watched him until he was no longer in sight. She closed the door and walked to her dresser. The boat gently swayed as she touched her cheek. She tried to remember the last time she’d been so happy. As she dressed in her pajamas, a frightening thought entered her mind. The last time I was this happy was when I started dating Jordan.
    He’d romanced her like an expert. He took her to expensive restaurants. He showered her with expensive gifts and roses. He made her feel like a queen. However, that special feeling was burned to ashes. She still had his engagement ring in her jewelry box. She didn’t even know the proper protocol about such things. Was she supposed to return the ring since she was no longergetting married? Jordan had not asked for the ring back, so she didn’t know what to do with it.
    Her fatigue lifted for a few moments as her anxiety returned. She wrote her confusing thoughts in her journal. She was concerned about her budding feelings for Winston Michaels. She was still upset about Jordan’s betrayal. When she was finished with her journal entry, she lay on her bed.
    She prayed to the Lord with her whole heart. She prayed for guidance in her friendship with Winston. She prayed for her memories of Jordan to disappear. She also prayed for the safety of her friends and family. She whispered “Amen” before she fell asleep.
    The next day when Rainy awakened, she opened her curtain and gazed at the ocean view through her window. Rays of platinum sunlight filled her room with warmth. She still wasn’t sure if Winston was the right man for her. She paced and considered her situation, running her fingers through her hair. She plopped into a seat as she made a decision. I think I need to stay away from Winston for a few days. The last thing I need to do is to get deeply involved with him, only to have him hurt me the way Jordan did.
    She lifted the receiver and dialed a number. “Room service? I’d like to order French toast with maple syrup and a double order of coffee.”
    She replaced the receiver, still agitated. Maybe the coffee would clear the cobwebs from her brain. She barely tasted the meal, she was so preoccupied with her thoughts about Jordan and Winston. When she was finished, she