Read Online Marooned with a Millionaire by Kristi Gold - Free Book Online Page A

life.
    Jack had his back to Lizzie, so she couldn’t see his reaction to their visitors. She suspected he was greatly relieved. If they could catch a ride back to port, then he would be rid of her, once and for all.
    When Lizzie made her way to Jack’s side, Scruffy winked at her. “Howdy, ma’am. The captain here didn’t tell us he had a pretty lady on board.”
    Oh, get real. Lizzie decided he’d been a charm-school reject. “We’re certainly glad to see you guys. For a while we thought—”
    â€œThat we’re the only fools out here,” Jack interrupted.
    â€œHaving some problems?” Flattop said, leering at Lizzie as though she were an all-you-can-gorge buffet.
    â€œThe engine’s not working,” Lizzie responded.
    Jack sent her a cautioning look. “We’re having a few problems. The mainsail blew out and my engine’s having problems cranking. I’m working on that now.”
    â€œWe can give you a ride back to port,” Scruffy offered.
    Lizzie grinned. “That would be—”
    â€œUnnecessary.” Jack slipped his arm around her waist, taking Lizzie by surprise. “We don’t want to leave the boat. My wife and I are on our honeymoon.”
    Wife? Honeymoon? Lizzie bit back the urge to sayshe was still impatiently waiting for the consummation.
    Jack brushed a kiss across her lips, shocking her into silence. “We haven’t really minded being stranded, if you catch my drift.”
    The seedy duo cackled. “Yeah, we know exactly what you mean,” Scruffy said, followed by another wink. “Anything we can do? We wouldn’t mind taking your lady back to port with us until help arrives.”
    Jack gave Lizzie another squeeze. “I can’t stand being a moment without her.”
    Flattop pulled a toothpick from his shirt pocket and flipped it between his bulbous lips. “Well, we’d be glad to call for help but our radio’s shorted out. Problems with yours?”
    â€œYeah.” Jack sounded as if he didn’t want to make that admission. “I should have it repaired soon.”
    Scruffy shot a glance over his shoulder. “Hope you get it fixed soon. The storm’s looking real bad, a nasty northwesterly that’s gonna push you out to sea. That’s why we’re going in. Hate to have to cut short our fishing trip because of the weather, but that’s just luck of the draw.”
    Lizzie tried to temper Jack’s scowl by turning on the sugar-sweet act. “Do you fellows mind notifying the Coast Guard when you’re back in port?” She whisked a kiss over Jack’s jaw and patted his chest. “My husband and I would greatly appreciate it.”
    Flattop started the boat. “Will do. In the meantime, batten down the hatches. It’s gonna get rough.The weather service is calling for gale-force winds. Are you sure you don’t want to ride back with us?”
    â€œShe’s sure,” Jack said gruffly.
    Lizzie felt the first tiny frisson of anxiety over the loss of their only human lifeline, and she used the term “human” loosely. “Thanks, but I’ll stay here with my hubby. He’ll take good care of me.”
    Jack tensed against her side as Flattop said, “Good luck and have a good time.” Their raucous laughter could be heard over the engine’s roar as they sped off.
    Once they disappeared over the horizon, Jack dropped his arm from around Lizzie and started away.
    â€œWait a minute, Ahab.”
    He turned, his expression taut, his eyes holding the cast of concern. “What?”
    â€œWhy didn’t you let me go with them?”
    He folded his arms across his chest, looking altogether perturbed. “Not a banner idea.”
    â€œWhy? If I’d gone with them, I could have made the call for help myself.”
    â€œYou would have never made it to port. Those guys would have had their way with you