Page 72 of Critical Doubt

She was already beginning to see. His breath came easier the closer they got to the coast. He was starting to look more like the irresistibly sexy man who had first swept her off her feet. It was going to take some work to remember that they weren't on a date. But she had to remember. Both their lives could depend on it.

Chapter Seventeen

Chesapeake Bay wasa large estuary that stretched from Maryland to Virginia and was fed by hundreds of rivers and creeks. Chesapeake Beach, Maryland was only forty-five minutes from DC, but felt like a million miles away. It was a small, charming town with bay views at every turn, as well as seafood cafés touting everything from Maryland blue crabs to fresh-caught rockfish, blue fish and oysters. For a fisherman, it was a good place to set up shop.

Ryker parked at the marina and gave her a happy smile as they got out of the car. "Are you hungry? We can grab some chowder to go over there." He tipped his head to a small shack called Chowder Heaven. "It's good."

"I can smell it from here," she said, following him across the parking lot and into the café.

An older woman gave Ryker a questioning smile as they stepped up to the small counter. "Where have you been?"

"Had to go out of town."

"Well I'm glad you're back. Thought I'd lost my best customer."

"Not a chance. We'll take two large chowders with a loaf of bread."

"You got it."

"Do you want anything else, Savannah? I probably should have let you order for yourself."

"Since the menu basically consists of chowder and bread, I'm good," she said with a smile.

A moment later, the woman handed them a large brown bag. "I threw in some of your favorite oatmeal raisin cookies," she said. "Just in case you or your friend have a sweet tooth."

"You're too good, Lois," Ryker said.

"Oh, I know. That's what everyone tells me when I give them cookies. Don't be a stranger now."

"I won't be. I'll see you later."

As they left the restaurant, she said, "I hope your boat isn't too far away, because my stomach is rumbling."

"It's not far at all."

"So, do you eat here every day?"

"Sometimes I manage every other day. On the off days, I'll cook up whatever fish I've caught on a grill on the boat."

"It really is a simple life, isn't it?"

"Yes. Or at least it was," he said, his tone changing.

She was sorry to see the grin fade from his lips. But, hopefully, the boat would bring back the smile.

Ryker opened a gate and they walked down a long dock to a boat with the nameEscapescrawled on the side.

"The name is perfect."

"It is. The previous owner named the boat, but when I saw the wordEscape, it cinched the deal. At that moment, it was all I wanted to do." He helped her on board. "Welcome to my home."

The boat was in great condition. Clearly, Ryker took good care of it. And while there was a lingering smell of fish, it wasn't overpowering. He gave her a quick tour of the boat from the fishing deck that could also be enclosed during cold weather to the cockpit, which apparently had all the bells and whistles to not only sail but find fish. Downstairs, there was a galley with fridge, microwave, and grill, and a stateroom with attached bathroom.

"It's nicer than I thought," she said, as she stopped by his perfectly made bed. "Can't shake your military training, can you?"

"Nope."

"I like your home. It's cozy."