“We’re in public now,” he said. “Shall I help you undress?”
This time, she didn’tpretendto throw sand; it hit him square in the chest. “Hey!”
“Dirt for a dirty suggestion.”
He raised his hands in the air. “I told you I would help in any way possible. I was merely trying to keep my word.”
“Hm hmm. Keep reading.”
“Number four: Attend a university lecture.”
He fell silent. This was decidedly different from the previous items and merited a considerate reply. He could tell by the way she held her breath that she expected a flippant answer. Well, too bad. “My best friend teaches forestry at the University of Washington. I’m sure he’d let you sit in on one of his lectures.”
She wrapped her arms around her knees. “You don’t think it’s silly?”
“Not at all. Scores of women are attending university, so why shouldn’t you?”
“I always wondered if I would make a good university student.”
“With that mind of yours? There’s no doubt that you would be anexcellentstudent.”
A pleased smile tugged the corners of her mouth. “Then, yes. It would be a most welcome introduction.”
Mack was tempted to lean forward and cup her cheek. Instead, he cleared his throat and returned to the list. He turned the paper over.
“Four? That’s it?”
“Fourfor now.That wasn’t much time to ponder my life's circumstances.”
He held out his hand. “The pencil, if you please.”
“Why?”
“I have some ideas on how you can achieve full liberation.”
Doubt and eagerness warred on her face, but she handed him the pencil. “Why do I have the feeling I might regret this?”
“First, let’s add the things you’ve already done on this trip.”
He jotted a few items, and unsurprisingly, Winnie couldn’t contain her curiosity. She scooted closer and peered over his shoulder.
“Number five: Survive a steamboat accident.” Her eyes danced with mirth. “I do believe you’re right. My father would never let me do that.”
“He’d rather you die?” he asked in a scandalized tone.
She nudged him with her elbow and continued reading. “Number six: Spend the night outdoors with a strange man.”
“Happy to be of service.”
She was about to reply when her gaze caught the third item he’d written. Her lips parted in surprise, and he held his breath. Had he played his cards right?
“Number seven: Swim in the Puget Sound.”
He gestured to the placid waves in front of them. “What more perfect time than now?”
She glanced at the ocean and then back to him. “Isn’t it too cold?”
“If my Swedish friends do it for the health benefits, so can we.”
