Page 102 of Fierce Seas


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“Thanks a bunch, Danny,” she replied, then tilting her head to the side, she murmured, “Would you be interested in joining this tired hairdresser for a drink to celebrate your new look?”

“Sure would, though I want to pick up some new clothes first. Is there a men’s store nearby that will still be open? You’re welcome to join me if you want. I could use a woman’s opinion.”

“Yes and yes,” she replied enthusiastically.

Leaving the salon and walking only a few doors down, they entered a trendy men’s boutique. Though Dan kept a poker face, he noticed a couple of young women shoot him admiring glances. His ego soared. It had been a long time since girls had given him a second look.

With the help of an eager salesman and Roxy’s suggestions, Dan left no longer a crumpled mess carrying a canvas tote, but a sharply dressed, well-heeled man with a leather satchel in his hand.

Transferring the gun, cash, and phone into the expensive bag in the dressing room had been the only nerve-racking moment. The salesclerk had poked his head in just as Dan was moving the revolver. He was only saved because he’d wrapped it in his old T-shirt.

Feeling better than he had in months, he suggested dinner at an upscale restaurant. Enjoying a delicious meal accompanied by a bottle of chardonnay, he found himself genuinely drawn to the bubbly beautician, and Roxy didn’t hold back. Reaching across the table and taking his hand, she made no bones about her attraction to him. As they left the eatery and ambled down the street, she looped her arm through his.

“Would you like to come back to my place for a nightcap?” she asked, the sparkle in her eye and flirtatious note to her voice making it clear a drink was the last thing on her mind.

The thought of devouring her voluptuous body and sleeping in a safe haven was too good to pass up. Abruptly pausing his step and turning to face her, he slid his free hand into her hair, and dropped his lips on hers.

The kiss sent his heart hammering and his cock surging to life. As he slowly pulled back and gazed down at her pretty face, he realized there was a chance he might be able to swerve off his dangerous path. But there was one thing he had to do before he could exit.

“Roxy, by any chance do you know anyone who owns a motorboat and would be willing to rent it to me for cash, no questions asked? Not now of course. In the morning,” he added, lowering his voice.

“I sure do,” she replied with a happy grin. “You’re looking at her.”

Jack had returned, and while he and Scott discussed the details for seizing the encampment, Elizabeth sat quietly, listening intently. Even with David Clark’s invaluable input, there were many elements that needed to be perfectly coordinated. But no word from Ewen, Elizabeth was becoming anxious. When Jack finally left, she ambled up to the telescope, and peered out at the moonlit ocean.

“It’s hard to believe there’s so much chaos around us,” she murmured as Scott walked up and stood beside her. “Aren’t you the least bit worried?”

“I’m not worried, but I’m always concerned when I’m going into an elaborate operation.”

“What about Ewen? Why hasn’t he called? If he can’t get that tracker into Sonny’s private quarters, how will you do it? And listening to Jack talk about capturing the encampment, good grief, it’s so complex. Then there’s Dan Miller. He’s still on the loose. There’s so much going on, how can you not help but worry?”

“Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair,” he said patiently. “It gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you anywhere.”

A soft smile curled her lips. “Where did you pick that up?”

“I stole it from a Brit I met overseas. Elizabeth,” he continued, lowering his voice. “I’ve learned most situations are not black and white.”

“More like varying shades of gray?” she quipped with a wink. “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. What are you trying to say?”

“Don’t apologize, it’s actually relevant. There’s an adage, see what I see, feel what I feel, hear what I hear, then maybe you’ll understand why I do what I do. Until then, don’t judge me. You may see me as too strict or too demanding, but it comes from…”

“From what?” she asked, not understanding the odd look on his face.

“It comes from how much I care. Elizabeth, I love you, every exasperating, gorgeous inch of you.”

Her heart springing in her chest, she tried to find her voice but her throat constricted, refusing to let her speak.

“I love you too, Scott,” she finally managed, throwing her arms around his neck. “When I left here and went back to Los Angeles, you were like a shadow following me around. I couldn’t shake you, no matter how hard I tried.”

“Yeah, I thought about you too, every day,” he mumbled. “You’re not leaving again, and that’s an order.”

“You don’t have to worry, Captain Scott. I’m not going anywhere.”

Scott was about to seal his words with a kiss when his phone rang. Though loath to let Elizabeth go, he hurried back to his desk.

“It’s Ewen,” he exclaimed, glancing at the screen then snatching it up. “Hello?”

“Hey, Scott, I assume you overheard Conchello inviting me to his private quarters at the party tomorrow night. Is that any help to you?”

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