“Huh?” Jim turned to her again, his face red.
“Would it be so bad? One kiss? Just a friendly kiss.” How could she say such a thing? But how else could she end the attention? How else could she protect Jim from teasing?
Jim stared down at her, his eyebrows twisted. “A ... friendly kiss?”
Oh, for heaven’s sake, the man would never act. Only she could end the shouting, the laughter, the tension.
“Kiss her! Kiss her!”
Mary threw her arms around his neck, drew his head down, and kissed him full on the lips.
He stiffened, but then his arms circled her waist and gathered her close.
Was he? Yes, he was kissing her back.
Around her, the chants melted away and disappeared in a blue haze. All she sensed, all she cared about, was the gentleness, the firmness of his kiss, his embrace, the way every bone in her body turned to jelly and only the strength of his arms held her up.
But how long had they been kissing in that glorious blue haze? A split second ... or a week?
Mary eased back.
Slowly, Jim opened his eyes. Never had she seen them so close—the brown mixed with green, the tiny golden rays, the intelligence and humor and thoughtfulness she adored.
Oh dear. What would he say? Her breath caught and her lips wouldn’t move, swollen by the kiss. Should she apologize? Should she blurt out her love for him? What?
One corner of his mouth bent up. “Just a friendly kiss, eh?”
So that’s how they’d handle it. “What kind of friend would I be if I let those men tease you?”
Then he gave her the grin she loved, but fuller than ever, and he tipped his cap to her. “Till I return.” Up the gangplank he went, his stride long. At the top, he turned and waved at her.
She waved back, her own grin bursting forth. Oh goodness, it wasn’t her imagination, not at all. Something was happening—somethinghadhappened.
Only then did she realize no one was chanting or laughing or staring at her anymore. How strange that she’d dissipated the attention by accepting it and stepping into the limelight for one blissful moment.
Mary hugged herself and bounced on her toes. Oh, what one kiss could do.
24
Like a pretty red beacon on the wharf, Mary grinned and waved.
With great effort, Jim resisted the urge to race back to her. It had really happened. Shehadkissed him. She hadkissedhim. If that was how she said good-bye, he couldn’t wait to say hello.
Only one problem.Shehad kissedhim. Why hadn’t he initiated that kiss? After all, she invited him, gave him permission, but he’d just stared at her like an imbecile until she’d been forced to act.
At least he’d had the presence of mind to kiss her back. He’d have to make up for it when he returned. His smile returned, he gave her one last wave, and he stepped onto the deck of theAtwood.
Arch leaned against the bridge superstructure. “Well, well, well. Jim Avery has suddenly acquired a taste for quiet brunettes.”
Jim tried to look noncommittal. “Just a friendly kiss, she said.”
“Friendly? She didn’t kiss me like that.”
“Guess you’re not her friend.”
Arch laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. “It’s about time, old man.”
Yeah, it was. Joy erased his noncommittal façade. “I’d better get to my station.”
