Read Online Under the Moon Gate by Marilyn Baron - Free Book Online

this?”
    “At sea, I guess. You learn to cook or you starve. Actually, my Grandmother Simone taught me.”
    “Did you mean what you said about teaching me to cook? I want to learn.”
    “Sure. Next time I make a meal, you’ll be my assistant.”
    “Wonderful. Meanwhile, I’ll be studying some of my grandmother’s cookbooks.”
    Patience got up and stared out the window at the Fair Winds .
    “It’s still there. I thought the fire was just a bad dream. Why did you dock your boat here?”
    “So I could keep an eye on both her and you. I’ll take you out for a sail this morning.”
    “Is she seaworthy?”
    “She’s in great shape, thanks to you. You were a big help last night. I want to take her out for a while, and I want you to come, too.”
    “I don’t think so.”
    “Are you afraid to be alone with me?”
    “Apparently I was alone with you last night.”
    “There. You see? And nothing happened, did it?”
    “I should hope not. And nothing is going to happen. I expect you to behave like a gentleman for the short time you’re here.”
    “I won’t attack you, if that’s what you’re worried about. Now where’s the journal?”
    “I’ve put it away in a safe place,” she said, slipping out of the room to the cedar chest under the stairwell. “Where you can’t find it.” She opened the chest—and gasped. “The journal, it’s gone! What have you done with it?”
    He reached inside his coat. “Is this what you’re looking for?”
    She glared when she caught the glint in his eye. “Hand it over,” Patience growled, reaching for it.
    Nathaniel shifted it behind his back, and she reached her arm around his waist. He moved it to the other hand, and she reached around his other side until she had both arms around him.
    “Darling, I didn’t know you cared,” he said, closing his arms around her and pulling her roughly against him.
    “Take your hands off me and give me back my journal.”
    “What will you give me for it? How about a kiss?”
    “How about a kick?” she countered, kicking him in the shin.
    “Ouch! You fight dirty.” But he wouldn’t let her go, instead bringing his mouth down and pressing it against hers, unlocking her lips with his tongue. Invading her. She fought to catch her breath. She tried to fight him but then found herself responding to his touch.
    He was so tender, so gentle, and yet so demanding. She went soft, her vision blurred, and somehow her arms wound around his shoulders and she was nestled close to him, lifting her mouth to his for more. The kiss seemed to go on forever. She wanted it to. Her breasts felt full against his chest, and she felt his heart beating.
    He grabbed her and lifted her up against him. “Patience,” he whispered. “Closer, come closer. You taste so good. I knew it would be like this. I can’t get enough of you.”
    She fought her way out of his embrace and grabbed the journal. “Well, I’ve already had enough of you,” she answered as she spun out of his arms.
    He grabbed her hand. “You want more. I felt it.” His breath was coming in heavy spurts now.
    “You’re dreaming, sailor boy. I just wanted the journal, and now I’ve got it. Have you read it?”
    “Only the first section.”
    Patience frowned. “Then I guess you think you have your answer. You’ve already made your mind up about my grandfather.”
    “I don’t know what to think,” Nathaniel said. “When will you read the rest?”
    “As soon as you leave me alone. Which can’t be soon enough.”
    “I’ll get the boat ready. After you’ve read some more, come down and we’ll set sail. Will you come?”
    “Anything to get rid of you, to get a moment’s peace,” she said, then added playfully, “and Cousin…”
    “Yes?”
    “Thanks for breakfast.”
    He smiled and turned to leave. “We’re going diving,” he called back over his shoulder. “I have wetsuits and towels on board. Don’t make me wait too long.”
    Patience sat on the couch in the