Read Online Second on the Right by Elizabeth Los - Free Book Online Page B

received my
email and are working on it? You could have replied to the email.
So, why the call?” James asked, suspicion in his tone.
    Patrick chuckled quietly. “You are too smart
for your own good. Your brother called me. Says your parents are
pretty worried.”
    James rolled his eyes.
    “I heard that!” Patrick exclaimed.
    James started to say, “There’s no way—”
    “I know you, James….know you like the back of
my hand… Huh, never noticed that spot before. Probably should have
it checked out,” Patrick said, rambling on.
    “Right. You can tell my parents and my
brother, I am fine. Everything is fine. The cruise is fine .”
The more James spoke, the more it sounded as if he were spitting
the words out. His irritation rose.
    “Okay now. Calm down there, buddy. You know
they just want you to be happy,” Patrick explained.
    “I don’t need their concern. I can take care
of myself!” James snapped. He had grown tired of the constant
pestering. Then, wearily, he apologized, “Sorry Patrick. I’m
just—”
    “Don’t worry about it. I hear you. Look, they
wanted me to call and see how you were doing. You’ve been under a
lot of pressure lately with work. I’ll report back that you are
thoroughly enjoying your trip, which is why you haven’t
called.”
    James smiled. “Thanks. I can always count on
you.”
    “But seriously, you gonna tell me?” Patrick
asked.
    “Huh? Tell you what?” he asked, confused by
the turn in conversation.
    “Her name. Marty said you met a girl. So?”
Patrick waited.
    James sighed. He had never actually admitted
to meeting someone, but once again Martin’s sixth sense paid off.
“Eileen. Her name is Eileen, but I don’t think she’s interested in
me. I blew it today.”
    “It couldn’t have been that bad. You’re an
eligible bachelor,” Patrick replied, trying to offer
encouragement.
    “You weren’t there! If you had seen
me…Patrick, I was way too forward, in a crazy sort of way. I kissed
her hand.”
    “That’s not too bad. Actually, chicks dig
that sorta thing,” Patrick replied.
    James laughed nervously. “Oh, that’s not
where it ends. I tried to kiss her. I have no idea why, but I was
leaning in, almost mesmerized.”
    “Oh, boy.”
    “Yeah. She went into a panic and ran for her
room as fast as possible. I asked her to meet me tonight at a
party, but I’ll be surprised if she shows. She just wasn’t
interested.” James sighed.
    “You know it wasn’t that. Take it slow.
You’re a smart guy. I’m sure you’ll figure things out.”
    “Right. Well, thanks for calling.” James
frowned, thoughts of Eileen pulling his focus away from the
conversation.
    “Anytime. Hey, let me know how things turn
out, will ya? If you need someone to talk to, I’ll be here when you
return. In fact, I’ll keep a seat warm at the Black Duck.”
    “Thanks. Goodbye Patrick.” James ended the
call and leaned back in his chair. Patrick was right. He needed to
take it slow, but he should not give up. He knew Eileen was worth
it.

Chapter 9
    January 31, 1652, night
    Eileen shivered. She had kicked her blanket
off during the night. Reaching blindly in the dark, she pulled her
covers up to her neck. She curled into a fetal position as much as
possible in the hammock. Warmth and sleep washed over her.
    Creak.
    Her eyes flew open.
    What was that? she thought.
    She was sure she had heard something in the
cabin. Eileen chided herself at the silly thought. The Mistral
Thief was an old wooden ship, so it stood to reason shifting
and creaking would occur. Somehow, this felt different. She
couldn’t understand why. Goose bumps ran down her arms.
    It’s just the cold , she thought.
    She turned in her hammock, facing the
captain. She could hear him snoring. She yawned and snuggled back
down. Her eyes slowly shut as sleep again claimed her.
    Creak.
    Eileen woke with a start. Carefully, she
peeled back the privacy sheet. A lump caught in her throat. The
cabin door was open. She