Sammy in Italy (Single Wide Female Travels #2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

came from the other side of the boat.  
    “Do you hear that, Max? What is it?”  
    “I’m not sure.” Max peered around. “Maybe some kind of bird?”  
    “Is everything okay?” The gondolier slowed the boat.  
    “I just heard a strange noise.” I frowned. “I’m sure it’s nothing.”
    “What did it sound like?”
    “A chirp—kind of like a bird.”
    “Oh.” He cleared his throat. “Let’s just get back to the dock.”
    “Why?” I raised an eyebrow. “Is something wrong.”
    “Sometimes a slow leak can sound a bit like a chirp. It’s best that we return to the dock.”  
    “It’s leaking?” I looked over at Max. “Are we going to sink?”
    “No, I’m sure we won’t. Let’s just try to enjoy the ride, hm?” He pulled me close and kissed me.
    I tried to enjoy the moment. I tried to savor the sensation of his lips against mine. It should have been a perfect romantic experience, but my heart was pounding for other reasons.
    I’d read that the waters of Venice were quite deep. Would we have to swim? What if I cramped up? The thought made my heart race even faster.  
    “Sammy?” Max pulled away and looked into my eyes. “Are you okay? You’re shaking.”
    “I want to get off at the next dock. I’m afraid we’re going to sink.”
    Max sighed and looked up at the gondolier. “He doesn’t look worried.”
    “Would he tell us if he was?” I whispered my words and hoped that the man wouldn’t be offended if he heard them.
    Max frowned. “Sir? Are we in any danger?”  
    “No, it may not be a leak at all. It’s just better to be on the cautious side.”  
    “See?” Max smiled and tried to draw me back into another kiss.
    I relaxed and returned the kiss. How many other chances would I have to kiss Max on a gondola?
    The boat dipped a bit more than I expected.  
    “Ouch.” Max drew back and put his fingers on his bottom lip. “You bit me.” He laughed around the accusation.  
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I just felt that dip and I thought—”  
    “Sorry, I was going a bit faster than usual.” The gondolier frowned. “We’re almost to the dock.”  
    I didn’t know if I could wait that long. My stomach churned along with the pounding of my heart.
    Max squeezed my hand. “It’s going to be okay, Sammy. See, the dock’s right over there.” He pointed to the dock.
    When I turned to look, I turned faster than I intended. The boat rocked.
    The gondolier wavered. “Please, be still.”

Chapter 10

    My cheeks burned as I tried to be as still as possible, but when there was a loud shriek, I had to turn and look. The boat rocked again. This time, the gondolier more than wavered, he was about to fall off the side of the boat. I knew that it was my fault.
    In a split-second, I jumped up and grabbed for his hand. He gasped as I pulled him back to safety. For an instant I was a hero. However, in the next moment, that sensation of victory was gone—and replaced by a sensation of falling.  
    “Sammy!” Max lunged for me.
    I crashed into the water with an impact that I’m sure affected all of the gondolas in the water. As the water washed over me, I struggled to get to the surface. My shoes, my clothes—even my hair—all grew heavy. The panic that gripped me didn’t help. I thrashed to keep my head above the water.
    Max’s hand thrust through my wild splashing and seized my wrist. He tugged hard to pull me back toward the side of the gondola.  
    “Climb in.” Max’s concerned eyes locked to mine.  
    “No, no! Please don’t do that.” The gondolier crouched down to look at me. “If you try to climb in, the entire boat can capsize. We are very near to the dock. Can you hold on until we get there?”
    I nodded and hoped that the water splashing on my face hid my tears. I was sure that everyone within eyesight was staring at me. I kicked my feet a little in an attempt to help the boat along. In my mind my tumble from the boat was a clear sign that any