Read Online South of Heaven by Ali Spooner - Free Book Online Page B

has hit me, yet. It still feels like a dream.”
    “Soon to be a reality?”
    Kendra finally turned to look at Lindsey with the sparkle of excitement in her green eyes.
    “Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the experience,” Lindsey said.
    “You’ve more than earned your way on board. You’ve worked hard and are keeping the boys on their toes.”
    “I enjoy working with the guys.” Lindsey shrugged.
    “It’s great having you on board.” Kendra couldn’t believe she had admitted that out loud. Get a grip, you’re still the Captain, she thought. as she pulled into the fueling station, cut the engine and secured the lines.
    “Fill her up please, Ben,” she told the attendant.
    “You got it, Captain Drake. You want to wait inside where it’s cool?”
    “No way, this is such a beautiful day.”
    He smiled at the two women. “Made even more so by you two ladies.”
    “Lindsey, this is Ben. Beware of the sweet talkin’,” she warned.
    “Aye, aye, Captain.” Lindsey shot a wink to Ben.
    Ben went about preparing the boat for fueling as the two women walked over to the railing to gaze across the open Gulf.
    There was a flash of lightning many miles away. “I hope that brings us some rain,” Kendra remarked.
    “Has it been a drought season?”
    “No, we’ve had some rain, but a good thunderstorm this time of year helps to keep the water temps down in the Gulf. Cooler water means less of a chance for something tropical to develop.”
    “Ah, I see. Let’s hope for rain then.” Lindsey leaned into the railing next to Kendra. “I could get used to this view. The water is so gorgeous here.”
    “Not at all like you’re used to?”
    Lindsey smiled. “The Outer Banks have their own type of beauty, but the water here is unbelievable, so clean, and clear. The color reminds me of your eyes.”
    Kendra felt the heat rise from her neck into her cheeks. She noticed the cringe on Lindsey’s face.
    “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you. It was meant as a compliment.”
    “No problem.” Kendra walked away to check on the progress of the refueling.
    “You are a complete idiot,” she heard Lindsey growl to herself.
    Her heart was racing as she walked away from Lindsey. She needed to put some distance between them before she said something she would later regret. “How’s it coming, Ben?
    “Almost done here, Captain. Hey I heard you got your license to fish reds. Congratulations.”
    “Thanks, Ben, we head out Monday. I can’t wait to get out there.”
    “I bet. I know you’ll do well, but good luck.” He removed the nozzle and replaced the fuel cap. “Add it to your account?”
    “Yes, please. I’ll see you later this week to top off the tank and fill up the reserve tanks.”
    “See you then, Captain.” He grinned and stepped back onto the boardwalk.
    She glanced back to find Lindsey still staring across the water as she slipped inside the wheelhouse and drove for home.
    Lindsey tossed the lines onto the boardwalk when they reached the slip, and stepped from the boat to begin securing the lines.
    She killed the engine, and locked the wheelhouse before picking up the bucket of shrimp to join Lindsey on the boardwalk.
    Lindsey reached for the bucket, avoiding eye contact with Kendra. “I’ll take care of these,” she replied, and rushed ahead of Kendra.
    “Hey,” Kendra called out, and Lindsey stopped in her tracks.
    “Thanks for the compliment. You can relax, okay, no harm, no foul.”
    A smile of relief crossed her face. “I’m going to clean these for dinner.”
    “Do you need help?”
    “No, I’ve got this. You can check on your Dad, and I’ll bring them in once I’ve finished cleaning.”
    “Okay, you know where everything’s stored in the outbuilding. I’ll check on Dad and get a shower in. Thanks.”
    “You’re welcome,” Lindsey replied, and slowed her pace to walk beside her in a comfortable silence.

    †

    “Welcome home, honey,” Kevin told her when she