His more proper name caused him to pause. She was right, and he’d been charged not to get distracted by any female aboard. But—
“I know, but no one will see us here. Even the moon is slight tonight.”
“I don’t want to get you in trouble.”
“And I don’t want to miss this opportunity.” He leaned toward her beautiful face, her warm breath so close it caressed his cheek. She glanced up at him, her eyes expectant, a shy smile playing with the sides of her mouth.
This strong, beautiful, capable woman deserved to be kissed.
She meant so much to him, and he wanted to show her just how much he cared.
Her big eyes searched his, seemingly expectant and hopeful. He grasped her hand, let one hand cradle the back of her neck, and dipped forward.
Her eyes closed, and ever so lightly, their lips met. The feeling was warm and inviting, her mouth responding to his. It felt like acceptance and esteem and excitement all at once.
Never had he kissed a woman before, and he didn’t know it could feel like this. Somehow, no words he could have said would ever convey the same depth of feeling that stirred him. The rules of the ship didn’t matter; this wasright. He knew it. They cared for each other, and their emotions intertwined with their physical caress, and each movement of their fervent kiss confirmed what he knew he’d felt for a while now.
Brisk and heavy footfalls crossing the deck ripped him from his joy. Ann drew back, creating ample distance between them, but it was too late.
“If it isn’t the perfect Mr. Boyd.”
Will’s jaw set.
The oily voice of Crenshaw was too loud for the short space between them. The man’s nose twitched as he spoke.
“Seems to me, you are clearly too close for a gentleman, and especially too close for one of the captain’s mates.”
Will stood ramrod straight. “I assure you everything was honorable here.”
“Hold your tongue,” Crenshaw spat. “You know as well as I do the captain’s command concerning ladies. I will be reporting this to him, straightway.”
Will’s fists clenched, and from the corner of his eye, he saw Ann’s eyes grow wide and pained. He was supposed to be going to the captain’s right now of his own accord.
“You had best come with me, Boyd. Unless you want the captain to come looking for you on deck while the evidence is so clear,” Crenshaw said.
Will’s stomach clenched. “Listen, Crenshaw—”
“Or do you want to go hide in your cabin and pretend you are sick?”
Will took a step forward, wanting to strike the man. But he schooled himself. Now was not the time. Hehadkissed Ann, and it was undoubtedly best if he faced the consequences of that like a man, without casting blame anywhere else.
He didn’t regret it.
“Miss Fowles,” Will said, turning to her, “I am needed with Mr. Crenshaw. Can you make your way back to your quarters?”
“Yes.” Her voice was akin to the squeak of a mouse. Their eyes linked for a moment, and Ann nodded firmly. She took her leave without even a curtsy, walked to the nearest hatchway, and let herself down.
Will didn’t move until she was out of sight. That kiss had been the most blessed part of his life, and now he had to pay the price for it.
When the hatch closed, he spun on his heel and gave a slight nod for Crenshaw to lead the way, cringing when he thought of what the captain would say of his own first mate’s disobedience.
Chapter 33
April 8, 1854
46 days at sea
Ann felt like she’d been shakenfrom a dream that had turned into a nightmare. The cold wood of the hatchway ladder seeped into her skin and burrowed into her soul. The walk back to the small berth outside of the sick bay proved dark and slow. Part of her mind wanted to relive the conversation she’d had on deck with Will and the way he had taken her in his arms and kissed her. But the humiliating and awkward interruption made it too painful to relish the moment.
