No.
Josephine almost said it aloud.
He couldn’t leave. Not yet.
She practically ran down the stairs. “It will be faster if he goes now. Your men can ready the ship while we finish the contract and you’ll be able to sail as soon as you arrive.”
His jaw twitched, several days worth of stubble running its length in a masculine shadow. When he glanced between her father and her, she could see the war of morals going on in his head. He would bealone with her if her father left. Americans, always so prim and proper with their endless rules.
“Go, Papa. Tell his men he will be but a quarter hour behind you.” The sailor’s brows rose when she made the decision for him and she gave him a small smile. “If you’ll follow me, Officer Caldwell, I’ll take you to the study.”
She took the lantern from her father and turned, praying the officer would follow. For a few moments, she walked alone. Then, footfalls fell in step behind her.
In the study, Josephine set down the lantern and pulled out a sheet of fresh parchment. While she laid it flat on her father’s desk, the officer positioned himself on the other side and her smile wavered. The room suddenly felt very small. In here, with the flame’s light dancing off the walls, she could not help being acutely aware she was alone with him. His eyes bore into her and she wondered if he were thinking the very same thing.
She took a quill from its holder and dipped the point into the pot of ink. “How much time will you require?”
“Two months should suffice. If I’m not back by then…” He trailed off.
If he didn’t return, it would mean he failed. And failure with Thorne meant only one thing: death. Everyone in the Caribbean knew the name well and made sure to never cross his path. No one had ever done so and lived to tell the tale.
She sucked in a breath.Don’t think like that.
He was young and fit. A navy man. If anyone stood a chance against the bloodthirsty pirate, certainly it would be him.
Those ocean-hued eyes followed her every move as the ink flowed into words and Josephine struggled to keep breathing. Her hand began to shake, the smooth line going askew.
“Have you done this before?”
The skepticism lacing his voice brought her focus back to the taskat hand. “Of course I have. Do you think my father would have entrusted the job to me if I hadn’t?”
He didn’t answer.
She swallowed and continued. “You must like your captain very much to go through such an effort to save him.”
His eyes darkened with intensity. “He is my closest friend. I would die for him. And he would do the same for me.”
The fierce and emotional reply left her at a loss for words as a chasm opened within her. She’d never had a friend she felt that way about. That’s what happened when one grew up on an island surrounded by pirates and smugglers.
“Well then, I wish you success.” She finished and slid the parchment to him. “Would you like me to write out a second copy for you?”
He gave a brisk shake of his head, sending a wave of hair tumbling over his forehead. “That won’t be necessary.”
With a nod, she handed the quill over. Rough fingers brushed hers and a tingle shot up her arm. She rubbed one hand across the skin there, marveling at the lingering warmth as he scrawled his name in a hasty flourish.
He straightened and moved to the side, motioning her forward. And that was it. Their fleeting time together had already come to an end. She left the contract on the desk and led the way back to the foyer.
Josephine came to a stop in front of the door, but didn’t open it. She didn’t want him to leave.Selfish girl. She didn’t care. A few more minutes wouldn’t hurt. Besides, she could offer him some extra help.
“If you don’t mind waiting a few moments, I can pack some provisions for you. The ship will not be stocked well since it hasn’t sailed in a while.”
He glanced at the door. “I should go. The sooner we leave, the better my chances are.”
She pulled her lip between her teeth.
“But, I would be grateful for anything you can offer. The men have had very few rations the last few days and they will need all the strength they can muster if we are to fight Thorne.”
A lightness filled her chest. “Very true. Follow me.”
