Page 23 of The Swan Syndicate #1

The more she stayed busy, the less she thought about the ship or being seasick.

The herbs helped, but she was running low.

She’d been taking more than necessary, but better safe than sorry was a motto she could agree with.

And she didn’t want to waste the motion sickness pills if she didn’t have to.

With any luck, there would be an apothecary at the next port.

She’d take half a pill later and conserve what herbs were left. Her concerns resolved for the moment, she rolled up her sleeves and got to work. She was comfortable in the galley, and it didn’t take long to have dishes and pots cleaned and stowed.

She cleaned off the tables, swept the floor, and then scanned the area, searching for anything out of place or forgotten.

Satisfied with a job well done, she considered putting coffee on for Jamie’s meeting.

Before she had a chance, Cook raced down the steps and pulled up short. He glanced around the room.

“You put me to shame,” he said. “I don’t think the galley has ever looked so clean.”

She grinned. “I think you’ve been around the Irish too long with that silver tongue.”

“I was just coming down to start the coffee and prepare something for the meeting. Jamie says he’ll be ready in an hour. Then I’ll need to start preparing something more substantial for lunch.”

“I was just thinking about coffee.”

He donned an apron that could use a good cleaning around his waist. “You should get some rest. You’ve been on your feet since you woke.”

She was going to argue, but he was right, and it had little to do with how much she worked. The bed was calling her name. She wasn’t used to getting up before dawn. “I’ll agree as long as you don’t argue when it’s time to help with lunch.”

He just waved her away, but she caught his grin. The closer she got to the cabin, the heavier her legs grew. With the earlier excitement and then the cleaning, the last bits of her adrenaline were fading.

When she opened the cabin door, she was surprised to find Beckworth on the bed. He was fully clothed, lying on his back with a pillow stuffed under his head and a book resting on his chest. He’d fallen asleep while reading.

She loved these moments when she could just look at him. He was such a handsome man, and sometimes she wanted to pinch herself whenever she was reminded how much he loved her and how much she loved him. She removed her shirt and pants but left on her undergarments.

She carefully removed the book and checked the title— Tales of an Uneventful Voyage— before laying it on the side table.

No wonder he fell asleep. She crept onto the bed and lay next to him, her head resting on his shoulder.

His steady breathing never changed, and for the first time since they’d left the cove, she noted the movements of the ship.

The gentle rocking in combination with Beckworth’s rhythmic heartbeat lulled her toward sleep.

“I love you, Teddy,” slipped out as the world morphed into a dream.

Warm hands stroked her body. They started along her thighs and worked their way over her hips and belly, lightly squeezing a nipple before sliding back down again.

A hard chest nestled along her back, and tender kisses touched her shoulder before sliding to her neck, creating heat in her lower belly as the hand roamed lower.

An eye popped open.

Small circles played on her hip, and she smiled.

Not dreaming after all.

She gave a soft moan, encouraging the man pressed against her. He nuzzled deeper into her neck.

“I love you, too.” The soft circles on her hip turned into a light massage. “Even when you drive me mad with your antics.”

Her laugh was a throaty chuckle as she rolled over, her breasts meeting his chest. His kiss was slow and tender. Like the mornings when they spent hours in bed—talking, making love, and planning the rest of their day.

Through the haze of growing passion, the slight lurch of the ship reminded her of where they were.

“Isn’t Jamie calling for a meeting soon?”

“There’s time.” He rolled over, wrapping a leg around hers. His ministrations intensified until she melted under the touches and continuing strokes. “There’s always time for us.”

She ran her hands over his shoulders before scraping her nails down his back. This man put up with her stubbornness. Had sacrificed so much for her. At times was filled with such frustration she wondered why he stayed.

There were so many good times. Laughter and wonder. Each day full of discoveries—how he thought, what he found funny, his attempts at cooking, his favorite movies. Did he find her just as interesting?

His kiss wasn’t as tender this time, and she hugged him tight, terrified to let go. He had to see how much she wanted to be his partner. Not someone he left behind. She made a personal commitment to show him how well they worked together.

Then he pushed his knee between her legs, and she arched her back, wrapping her legs around his waist. She stopped thinking and worrying.

It was impossible with the thrumming of her body as it shut down her mind as emotions and sensations took control.

They were one, and she held back her scream as her release came.

Then his lips covered hers to smother her moans.

She held on, nipping at his chin, then his ear until his own pleasure ripped out of him. It took a moment before he moved, but he didn’t go far. His arm lay over her, claiming her.

This was the best holiday getaway ever.