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A couple of hours later, the moon hung high in the midnight-black sky and cast a bright glow on the deck of theFortune & Glory.
Curled up in Dylan’s bed, Hollis looked up and out the window at the stars above. A cool breeze blew in and she shivered. She noticed a sweatshirt across the back of a chair next to her and she reached for it, pulled it over her head. The sleeves reached well past her hands and she drew the roomy shirt close and breathed deeply.
God, it smelled like him. Fresh and salty like the ocean. Warmth pooled low in her belly and she imagined what it would be like kissing Dylan. No doubt, toe-curling yumminess.
For the first time in days, Hollis felt safe. With a soft sigh, she snuggled down into Dylan’s scent and soon fell asleep amidst the soft lapping of waves and the gentle rock of the boat.
She had a feeling that she was going to have some very pleasant dreams.
Feeling far from pleasant and folded into the small bunk built into the wall, Dylan groaned and tried to shift into a more comfortable position. But, it was useless. He sat up, stretched his cramped legs and glanced down at Fisher who snored softly. “Glad you’re comfortable,” he muttered. Then, he looked over at his closed bedroom door.
Hollis was in his bed. Soft, warm and curled up in his sheets.Fuck.Now, he was even more uncomfortable and it had nothing to do with his long legs.
Frustrated, Dylan sighed, grabbed his blanket, pillow, and the Ka-Bar that he kept tucked under his pillow and always within reach. He laid down on the floor next to Fisher, forcing himself to think of other things.
Cold water, ice cubes, bull sharks…
It was a long time before he finally dozed off.
Chapter Seven
The early morning sun hit the deck in a warm splash. A seagull cried and Hollis’s eyes opened. She yawned and savored the last few seconds under the toasty covers. Then, she pulled herself up out of Dylan’s bed and, as she stretched, her gaze landed on a nearby chair where a pair of well-worn jeans half-covered a file folder. With a frown, Hollis walked over and reached for it.
Her mouth dropped when she realized it was the exact folder her Dad had given her. The same one that someone had broken into her house and stolen.
That apparently Dylan had stolen.
Oh, God, she felt so stupid.You’re such a fool Hollis.
Last night, a part of her was beginning to trust Dylan and now the jaded side of her laughed and pointed:“You idiot!”
With narrowed eyes, she stomped over to the door.
A disheveled, tired-looking Dylan poured black coffee into two mugs at the counter as Fisher devoured his breakfast.
“Yo, Dylan! I finished the R.O.V.!” Dylan looked up as Hiro walked into the main cabin, headed over and grabbed the second mug. “Thanks, man. I’m dying for some caffeine.”
Fisher wagged his tail at Hiro then returned his attention to his bowl. As Hiro took a sip, Hollis appeared in the bedroom doorway, hair rumpled and still wearing Dylan’s sweatshirt. She held up the folder and looked ready to explode.
Hiro choked mid-sip. He looked from Hollis to Dylan and smirked.
“It’s not what you think,” Dylan said when he saw Hiro’s smirk.God, she looks good in my sweatshirt. Absolutely edible.She also looked perfectly furious.
“You stole this from me?” Hollis asked, voice low and full of accusation.
Dylan frowned. “What? No.”
“I didn’t want to work with you so you just broke into my house and took it? I can’t believe this,” she said.
Hiro looked from Hollis to Dylan and wondered what the hell was going on between them.
“Hollis, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Dylan said. “There was a key in the card I showed you last night. That opened a safe deposit box which heldthatfolder.”
Her accusing gaze softened and she slid down into a chair. She was so confused.
Dylan calmly poured some coffee for Hollis. “Let’s talk,” he said, and handed her the mug.
“I’ll just, ah, go wait out there,” Hiro said, and made a quick exit.
