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“Mia,” Devin started then sighed. This was how it started. This was how she’d tie the anchor to his neck and sink him to the ocean floor. With the pleading look in those beautiful pale green eyes. “Why this house, Mia?” It wasn’t just she who was uncomfortable at the inn, he was as well. While there was little to choose from that was between the two points they needed to keep in mind, it was something else about this home. She could look elsewhere if she really wanted. He didn’t think it was the modern convenience of having water pipes. “What is it that draws you to thishouse?”
He watched her drop her head and knew she was thinking over what factor to use to convince him. “The sea, Captain. The sea is just beyond the back steps. I can hear it from the balcony off the bedroom. Please,Captain.”
“Say my name, Mia.” He’d been sure that was it. They might find another house, but it wouldn’t have such access to the water. Mia needed to have at least access to thewaves.
“Please, Devin. Please we can share the cost. Fifty-fifty, is only sixty to each of us and that’s less than the most you set as budget. Even if only half my things are on the ship they’ll fill this house wellenough.”
Devin looked over the house again. It was a good choice, something he once dreamed of living in as a child before he’d discovered life at sea. And if they were to have children, the house was large enough to accommodate that. But how to concede without giving Mia the impression she’d have the same success each time she discounted his preferences? “This house makes you happy?” he asked and saw her nod and grow more hopeful. “And you think it a good investment ofyourmoney?” Again, she nodded and her smile grew. “Then I suppose we should return to the inn and pack ourthings.”
“Oh, Devin,” she squealed and threw her arms around him. “You won’t be sorry. I’ll make it a fine home. Iwill.”
“You’d better as some of the price comes out of your pay,” Devin said and hugged her close. It was a lost cause. Now, he completely understood the commodore’s dilemma in dealing withMia.
“Half, aye. I understand.” Mia said as she leaned against him and looked at the house they justbought.
“Not half, you’ll be responsible for only thirty-five percent. I’ll pay the rest,” Devin told her setting herback.
“Wait,” she said and scowled at him. “No, that isn’tfair.”
“Mia,” Devin said then laughed not understanding why she’d protest thearrangement.
“No, then the house will be more yours than mine. It wouldn’t be worse were we still on the ship that was completely yours. Fifty-fifty, Devin. Equalpartners.”
The business side of Mia was showing. As was her wont to captain the ship. He hardly needed to control her in such a manner; they were with sure winds in their relationship. Each knew their duties. But he could give her something in this. It was after all in a home a woman shone. Every skill from setting course to holding it through a storm was a woman’s job in a home, men… they simply existed there for the most part. Still, “Let’s agree to fifty-five/forty-five. Captain.” He pointed to himself. “First mate.” He pointed toher.
“Pax,” she said holding out herhand.
“Pax,” Devin said shaking it before she again jumped againsthim.
When Mia’s belongs arrived ten days later he gave thanks he’d not forced her to take something smaller. They had a good deal of fun setting up house and even more christening each room with their wild love making. How he managed not to fall asleep each day in his office at the college he could only guess. Between home and work and their social obligations, it took very little time for both of them to tire of it all. When they’d walk down to the beach each night and stare at the water, Devin knew it wasn’t only he who was finding life on land harder than they first thought it would be. And after a few uncomfortable parties more, he knew he’d need to remove Mia from at least their social obligations before too much of her fire wasdoused.
Chapter 7
Mia waitedin the shelter of the doorway as the coach rolled up. It wasn’t one like she expected. This larger vehicle wasn’t like the small cozy one she and Devin drove out in. Though the more room she’d have for what she’d planned for the trip home would benice.
This gathering had been horrific. It couldn’t have been worse if Lady Mallory had attended. She could only give thanks for that, and that Devin wasn’t as good at listening to what was said around him. Hearing how many men questioned his manhood because he supported her in her sailing abilities did more than sting, they shamed her. Her abilities on ship, and his praise of them, shouldn’t take anything from him in anyone’sopinion.
Devin wasn’t just a great captain, he was a great man, a wonderful husband. And while he took no slight from the looks given when he publicly praised and admitted to loving her, Mia did. What was wrong with society that they should discredit a man for behaving exactly as they all stated theyshould.
It seemed to Mia lubbers were more talk than anything. Loyalty and faithfulness as well as holding the line to a shipmate weren’t truly qualities they aspired to. She’d like to see any of them survive with such attitudes aboard a working ship. Most, she was certain, would never make it back toshore.
“It’s the last coach, Mrs. Winthrop,” Mr. Brinks said, stepping up before the footman could to open the door for her. “I fear it’s going to be crowded. I’m going to sit topside, if youlike?”
Mia ground her teeth, and shook her head. Exactly what she didn’t want. She’d yet to get the chance to see what it felt like with Devin in her channel while they rocked inside a carriage. She’d a plan to find out tonight as the ride was more than an hour just back to the academy. With a sigh she stepped inside and was barely able to move her skirts aside before four others piled in. A good number of them men she’d heard disparaging Devin. Mocking him as being mate in his home and notcaptain.
“What are you thinking, Mrs. Winthrop?” Devin’s voice startled her as he waited for a man to slide over so that he could sit next toher.
“Pardon, Captain?” she asked as she leaned against him even as two more men climbed inside, and she could hear several settling in the spaceoutside.
“I saw that smile on your face. Have you some mutiny planned I should know about?” Devin asked, putting his arm around her and pulling her closer to make moreroom.
“Mutiny?” Mia gasped then smiled up at him. “I don’tmutiny.”
Devin laughed and kissed her temple as the coach lurched forward. “Of course you don’t. What was I thinking?” Mia was the only one who understood the sarcasm in his reply. That was confirmed when she heard a man whisper she didn’t need to mutiny if she captained the ship. If Devin heard, he didn’t react. “So, what were you thinking with your wicked little smile, pirate?” he said in her ear so only she couldhear.
With a sigh Mia set her hand on his thigh and said rather clear and loud. “I’m just sad we don’t have a private carriageyet.”
Devin laughed. “Still struggling to get Grim in the publicones?”
