He kept telling himself he was infatuated with Perry. She was so small, like a fragile china doll. Yet the fire within her surprised him. He'd have to handle her with care, but handle her he would. What did Abram's and Molly's warnings matter once she was in his arms? She responded with zeal to his every move, with a fire equal to his own. They were both two starving peasants at a banquet. Today they would have their fill of one another.
The two hours passed slowly as Hunter thought of the lady who waited below. He almost bolted and ran from the wheel when Cap appeared to relieve him, not even noticing the captain's smile as he dropped below deck.
A moment later Hunter turned the door handle to Perry's room. He'd hoped to find her still asleep so he could study her beauty in the morning light. To his surprise her bed was neatly made and she was nowhere in sight. He stepped across the hall, thinking she must have spent the night in his bed. But again, to his disappointment, there was no one in the cabin.
Hunter moved rapidly down the small corridor to the galley and dining area, impatience showing in his stride. He stepped into the small dining room and in frustration snapped, "Perry!"
"Yes?" Her musical voice drifted from the galley as she stepped to the door. Her blue dress was almost completely covered with a large cook's apron. Her hair was pulled neatly to the back of her neck by a long blue ribbon. She held both flour-covered hands palms up in the air as she looked at him.
"Hunter," she answered in a low voice, "sit down and I'll finish cooking your breakfast. It seems the cook needs sleep, so I volunteered to make breakfast for anyone awake."
Hunter sat down at the end of the long table. Food was not foremost in his mind, hut he was polite. Through the open galley door he watched her as she moved skillfully around the kitchen. He could smell the hot biscuits and ham she was cooking. Five minutes passed before she set a plate of food in front of him. The appetizing aroma surrounded him, and Hunter suddenly realized how hungry he was after a hard night's work.
When she handed him a cup of coffee, their fingers touched and he smiled up at her. Without responding, she moved to the other end of the table and sat silently, drinking her own coffee. She'd spent most of the night thinking of what she would say, but now, as she watched his gray eyes caressing her, she was speechless. His hair was windblown and half covered his forehead. He looked younger, and his smile came quickly and easily as he glanced up at her between bites.
She felt herself tearing apart at the seams. Half of her demanded she stand by her principles. She had little left but her standards, and if she cast them away, her pride in herself would be tarnished. Yet watching him, she so wanted to close the distance between them. Even in the morning light she could still feel his warm hands moving slowly over her. But she must have his love, not just his loving. For without love their physical union would be cheapened.
Hunter pushed his empty plate aside and lifted his coffee mug. "That was a very fine breakfast." He smiled, willing to play her game for a time. After all, they had all day.
"Thank you," Perry whispered as she stood and removed her apron. She folded it neatly and began her planned speech. "About last night…"
If Hunter had known more about women, he might have hesitated instead of rushing in. "Perry, come here," he demanded in a low voice seasoned with passion. "Come closer." He pushed away from the table and opened his arms, indicating she should sit on his lap. He'd waited long enough for her to be near him. Whatever she had to say could be said as he held her close.
Anger fired within her. He was ordering her around as if she were a child. He wasn't asking but telling. Every fiber within her rebelled. Why was it men always treated women as children, to be coaxed and pampered?
Perry stood her ground. "About last night…" she tried again as he folded his arms and leaned back in his chair. "I realize there were many factors contributing to what happened. The storm, my fright, your anger." She hesitated. She must finish what she had to say without looking into his eyes. "I want you to know I don't hold you entirely responsible. However, today is another day, and we can start again as if last night never happened."
The front two legs of Hunter's chair fell to the floor with a thud as he stood. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Perry?" He moved toward her. "Are you saying you wish to forget what we both felt last night?" If he could but touch her, he'd make her little speech worthless.
Stepping around the table, Perry widened the distance between them. "Last night never happened, Hunter. I hold you to your word as a gentleman." She lifted her chin in pride and stubbornness.
"Damn the promise!" he shouted as he shoved a chair out of his path. "I want you." Passion filled his voice. "And you want me!"
Perry's eyes widened at his frankness, and she could find no way to deny his statement. Yet anger flared once again. He spoke not of love but of need. "You said you'd not touch me until I came to you. And need or no need, Hunter Kirkland, I'll not come to you." Her hands balled into fists at her side as she backed away, keeping the table between them.
He moved closer. "Perry, you couldn't have been so warm in my arms a few hours ago and now be made of stone. I-"
Shaking her head, she cried, "I'll not listen to you!"
"If I can touch you," Hunter answered, "you'll hear me.
Perry matched his every advance with retreating steps. They moved as fixtures on a merry-go-round with the table always between them.
"You'll understand my promise was folly when…" He couldn't believe she was shattering his dream.
"Need I carry my pistol to keep you away? For I assure you, I'll not hesitate." Anger flashed in her eyes. "Are you so like your cousin that I must fight or bend to your will?"
Straightening, he backed away. Perry's comparison of him to Wade stung like a slap. He pushed his eyebrows together and studied her. "I'm not like Wade." His voice was cold and firm. "You wound me, madam, even to make the comparison. You shall have your wish. Last night never happened, and I'll make no advance toward you." He stared at her with icy, pain-filled eyes. "You've no need to carry a weapon. Your demands injure me far more than a bullet."
Hunter opened the door. "If you will excuse me, I must get a few hours sleep. I find my dreams much less painful than present company. Good day."
With a slam of the door he was gone, and Perry was alone. She'd won, yet where was the victory? She'd talked him into making no more advances toward her. She'd erased his smiling, confident manner to watch a cold, controlled mask return. Perry slammed her fist on the table in anger. "Why do I have to love such a man?" she whispered. "Why couldn't he just once speak of love and not of need?" She had to be more than just a woman he bedded. She'd settle for nothing less than being the one he loved.
Perry wiped tears from her flushed cheeks. Let him sleep, she would busy herself in the small kitchen. She might know little about sailing, but she did know how to cook. Attacking her job with an energy born of frustration, she stayed in the galley all morning. She was relieved when the cook finally awoke to serve a late lunch that she'd prepared for the crew. As the men gathered around the table she wandered above deck for some fresh air. The morning's work had dulled her anger.
A cool breeze greeted her as she opened the hatch. She welcomed the fresh air to clear her thoughts. Casting her gaze around, she met a sky that mirrored her mood. The clouds hung low as rumors of rain whispered in the wind. She climbed up to the open deck where the captain stood idly smoking his pipe. He smiled a greeting before continuing his study of the sky.