Thank goodness he had not pushed her away because that would have been beyond humiliating.
He followed her into the hut. “I hope we can have eggs for breakfast. I too am sick of coconuts, berries and passion fruit.”
She smiled. “Of course, and I have already brewed coffee.”
His green eyes warmed. “Thank you. That was considerate.”
“No, thank you,” she said. “I apologize for being difficult when we were the ones who had invaded your home. Thank you for trying to keep us safe when it has not been easy.”
“It really has not been so difficult,” Rhys admitted. “I rather like having you around.”
Her faced heated and she hoped it was her and not that he had lived so long without company that anyone would do.
Uncomfortable with the confession, she busied herself with unpacking the crate. “Did you have any difficulties?”
He then went on to tell her how everything had gone as he had planned from his purchases, a meal at the tavern and listening for information, which was no different than before. The blockade was difficult for everyone on the island and the French were waiting for the British to attack or go away. And, it had been fairly easy to sneak around the port for the wood and tar.”
“What of a hammer and nails?”
“I already have those. Purchased them when I had to make a few repairs here.”
She frowned and turned to him. “How did you manage to bring everything back? You could not have carried everything.”
“I may have also taken a discarded, at least I hope it was, wheelbarrow and filled it with everything and pushed it through the forest.”
“Well, I hope you were not seen,” she scolded.
“I was not. Those who were supposed to be on duty were not very good at keeping watch.”
“Will you start on the boat today?”
“After I have eaten and slept,” he answered. “I was awake all night, remember?”
Her face heated again because she should have been more considerate of his time and exhaustion.
“A good meal and then we will not disturb you.” Tempest then looked around the hut, feeling guilty for the first time for taking his home. “We can be outside if you would like to sleep in the bed.”
Rhys pulled back. “You were that worried about me?”
Tempest looked away and put some eggs in a bowl. “Maybe.”
Eleven
Rhys had fallen asleep with a full belly and a smile.
Tempest had worried about him. So much so that she paced most of the night, at least according to Nicoll who was awakened several times.
She cared about him.
Tempest had apologized and he had meant that he liked having her around.
In fact, he was coming to like her very much. A longing had developed and she was who he thought about the whole time that he was transporting the supplies back to the house, but it had certainly been worth it when she greeted him with a hug, her full breasts pushed against his chest, her stomach against his, and arms about his shoulders.
It had been automatic to pull her tight against him and he would have been quite content to remain that way longer, but he had to go and mention eggs.
It was for the best, however.
This was not a situation where he should court anyone.
