In the kitchen, she took a burlap bag from a shelf. Shaking it out, she handed it to the officer. “Hold this and I’ll fill it for you.”
A crate of papaya sat on the counter and she grabbed one. The fruit had been delivered that past morning. “How much do you think you can carry?”
“Are you questioning my strength?” Something sparkled in his eyes. A quick flash of mischief, there and gone in a flash.
“Of course not.” She couldn’t help another look at his arms. He could probably carry ten full bags without breaking a sweat. Maybe more.You’re staring like you’ve never seen a man before.With a jerk, she twisted back toward the crate and began to transfer the fruit.
When she emptied the crate, she added a round of waxed cheese. With very little room left in the bag, she glanced around the kitchen. The three loaves of bread she’d made earlier would fit. She pulled them free from the cloth she’d wrapped them in and set them on top of the cheese.
“Did you bake these?”
She nodded.
“They look lovely.”
Her pulse jumped at the murmured words. They stood still for several wild beats of her heart before he cleared his throat and took a step back. “I must go.”
“Yes.” Her throat had gone dry and she swallowed. “Make sure you get fresh barrels of water down at the docks. Even at this hour, there should be someone down there who can get you some. Tell them to charge my father’s account.”
This time, he led the way to the door and she followed him out onto the porch. He started down the stairs and admiration flowedthrough her. Here was a man willing to risk everything for his friend, a man who didn’t waver in the face of danger. An uncomfortable tightness surrounded her heart. He had no idea what he was getting into.
“Officer Caldwell?”
He paused and turned, those blue eyes locking on hers once again.
“Be careful. Thorne is…Well, he’s cunning. Even when you think you’re about to win, he’ll surprise you. There’s a reason he has never been captured.”
His face softened. “Thank you, Miss…” He shifted the sack to his other hand. “I’m sorry, I do not even know your name.”
Warmth pooled at her cheeks. “Josephine. Josephine Montclair.”
“Miss Montclair. And thank you for your hospitality. I will not forget you.” His gaze traveled over her as if trying to commit her to memory.
Her heart stuttered as the heat in her face traveled straight through the rest of her body. Before she could form a response, he bowed and turned down the stairs. With several long strides, he passed through their gate and onto the quiet street.
Josephine stood still, waiting until he disappeared from sight before turning back toward the house. The mockingbird’s shrill call rang out to break the silence and her lips curved.
Everything most certainly happened for a reason.
Chapter One
Tortuga
Nearly two months later
No one noticedthe delicate chink of bone dice against glass.
At least no one besides Josephine.
She couldn’t fault them. With a grin, she lifted her gaze from the hazard table. No fewer than two dozen pirates had crammed into the tavern. Two dozen very drunk pirates.
Now was her time to shine.
Not with the dice though. She dropped off the mugs of ale she had brought over and made her way toward the back tables where several games of Vingt-et-un had started. Her hips swayed with her best sashay and she stopped at an empty chair between a group of younger pirates.
“Is this spot taken?”
The men about fell from their seats to make room for her to slide in. She took her time settling, deliberately drawing out the moment as she slowly retrieved her money purse from between her breasts. They stared with mouths agape. Just like she wanted them to.
