First Mates

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Authors: Cecelia Dowdy
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church’s address, too.
    â€œIt would probably be best if we meet at the church at six o’clock this evening.”
    â€œI’ll be there, sweetheart.” He touched her cheek.

Chapter Six
    W inston strolled beside Rainy as they left the evening church service and walked toward her car. Clusters of parishioners flowed out of the small church, some of the women openly staring at him. The women at Rainy’s church sure are nosy! Rainy managed to introduce him to a few of the church members before service started, but he couldn’t help but notice the curious glances he received after the introductions.
    He guided her away from the small crowd, giving them some privacy. “I’m not ready to go home yet. Let’s go out for ice cream,” he suggested.
    â€œYou’re on. But after ice cream I’ll definitely have to make my way home. I’ve got tons of laundry to do and then I’ve got to get ready for work tomorrow.”
    As they approached the car, her step faltered as she suddenly grabbed his hand and clutched it so hard that her long nails dug into his skin. Her chocolate-browneyes widened when she spotted a tall man with a mustache and beard leaning against her vehicle. He wore an expensive business suit and sported a gold ring on his index finger. His skin was the color of hazelnuts and he stared at Rainy as he clutched a briefcase.
    Tension filled the air as she squeezed his hand again. “What are you doing here?” she breathed.
    â€œWho is this?” asked Winston.
    The stranger glared at Winston. “It’s none of your business who I am. Me and Rainy have things to discuss.”
    Darkness enshrouded the small parking lot and curls of steam rose in the humid air from the recent rainfall, lending the man a sinister appearance. Winston sensed this stranger was bad news, and he didn’t want him around Rainy.
    Winston stood in front of Rainy, blocking her from the stranger’s view. “She obviously doesn’t want to speak with you.”
    The stranger replied with authority. “This is none of your concern. I need to speak with her alone. We have unfinished business to discuss.”
    Winston stepped closer to the stranger, causing him to cringe. “You’re not talking to her unless I’m around.”
    She grabbed Winston’s hand. “It’s okay. I’ll talk to him.”
    â€œWho is this?” asked Winston again.
    â€œIt’s Jordan.” She spoke so softly that he could barely hear her. He squeezed her hand, taking a deepbreath. This pompous, no-good, arrogant man used to be Rainy’s boyfriend? He couldn’t believe it.
    â€œI refuse to leave you alone with him.”
    â€œNo, I want to speak with him.”
    She suddenly released his hand as waves of sadness filled his heart. He sighed. “I’ll be over here if you need me.” He pointed toward a tree before he walked a few feet away, watching them as they spoke. Her body seemed to shake as she wrung her hands. Their hushed tones carried in the warm humid air.
    While they were on their cruise, she failed to tell him why her boyfriend had broken up with her. What in the world are they arguing about?
    Â 
    Sparks of shock and confusion shot through her when she saw her former fiancé. He looked the same. The new gold ring on his finger gleamed in the darkness. “What are you doing here, Jordan?” she practically growled. The mound of pain he burdened upon her had yet to disappear. She continued to look at him as he rubbed his hands, his dark eyes full of anticipation.
    â€œYou look even prettier than the last time I saw you.” He stroked her hair and she stepped away from his touch. “Remember how I used to compliment your hair? I always said it was soft as the finest silk.”
    She cringed as she continued to stare. She recalled taking him to the airport and walking with him to the international terminal. They’d

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