In Deep Waters Read Online Free PDF Page B

Kayla's voice, he turned. "They do when facing a beautiful fairy princess," he said.
    Kayla stood a few feet away from him at the top of the staircase leading to the bow. She wore a navy T-shirt
    with a schooner on the front and a pair of khaki shorts that showed off her long, tanned legs. Legs that went on forever. A dull ache spread through him.
    A no-shorts-allowed rule would come in handy. No, the boys wouldn't go for that. Not in this great weather and with Kayla on board. Nothing was wrong with looking as long as everything else stayed professional. Yeah, Ben could live with that.
    "I'm the princess and Daddy's the monster," Madison said. "Wanna be a princess, too?"
    Playing did not constitute professional behavior in Ben's opinion. Nor did the urge to run his fingers through Kayla's hair. Each strand glistened like gold. No doubt he was catching treasure fever like the rest of the crew. He needed to stay focused. "Miss Waterton has work to do, princess."
    "I have a few minutes to spare." Kayla walked toward him. Her hips swayed seductively. "And I'd love to be a princess, if I'm not intruding."
    She was a siren. She had to be. Ben knew it wasn't his smartest move, but the expectant looks on both Kayla's and Madison's faces made it impossible for him to say no. At least they weren't playing house. Or doctor. "You're not intruding."
    "Thanks," Kayla said.
    Her soft smile tugged at his heart. Ben didn't like it. His heart was off limits to everyone but Madison. She pulled at his heartstrings enough. There wasn't room for anyone else.
    "All princesses have to get in the water," Madison ordered. "Otherwise the monster will get you."
    "Wouldn't want that to happen." Kayla kicked off her deck shoes and stepped into the pool. The water hit mid-calf. "Am I safe now, princess?"
    Madison tilted her chin the same way Kayla had done a few times. "Sit down."
    "I don't want to get my clothes wet. May I stand instead, Your Highness?"
    Madison thought for a moment. "You may."
    Kayla curtsied. "Thank you, princess."
    "Get in the pool with us, Daddy." Madison waved her arm in the air as if she held a magic wand. "You can be the prince."
    Ben stared at the pool. It was already crowded with Madison and Kayla. Besides, he knew princesses liked to dance with princes. At least his princess did. And if Kayla did, too...that would be far from professional. New rule--no dancing among crew members. "I like being the monster."
    Amusement flickered in Kayla's eyes. "It's a fitting role."
    Ben growled, "Thanks."
    "Anytime." She glanced around the bow at the various chairs and loungers. "Nice little pool area."
    Madison splashed water onto the deck. "It's my beach."
    "We call it the beach," Ben said. "There's a cooler with drinks if you get thirsty and the bathroom is right over there."
    Kayla nudged a beach ball to Madison. "Thanks."
    Zach jogged up the stairs, grabbed a soda from the cooler and downed a swig. He let out a loud burp.
    "Excuse you, Uncle Zach," Madison said.
    His gaze fell on Kayla, and Zach blushed.
    "Manners are important." Madison emphasized each word with a pointed finger. Three going on thirty. "Isn't that right, Kayla?"
    Her smile had enough wattage to light a cruise ship. "That's right."
    Zach muttered an apology and took the stairs two at a time.
    Ben laughed. At least Kayla helped with the crew's lack of etiquette. Better manners were needed around here, but sometimes he had trouble remembering that himself.
    "How did it go last night?" he asked.
    Kayla rubbed water on her legs. "We didn't see anything."
    She sounded nonchalant, but Ben heard a twinge of disappointment. "Nothing at all?"
    "Not unless you want to count mud."
    Frustration filled her voice. Bingo. He knew it wouldn't take long, but this was better than he'd hoped for. He bit back a smile.
    Madison splashed him. "Can we play in the mud, Daddy?"
    "Not today, princess."
    She pursed her lips, but before a full-blown pout formed, she reached for her buckets and