Sea Star Legacy Read online

  Hurrying out of the office, she locked the shop’s front door and went upstairs to change. She didn’t know what to wear. He’d said, they would be sailing then they would eat dinner or had it been the other way around. Sandra shook her head in irritation at her inability to remember. When Luke Caldwell was around, she always had trouble thinking straight. Even now, the mere thought of him sent her emotions into overdrive. She couldn’t recall any man having ever had such a mind boggling effect on her.

  Agonizing over the decision, she forced herself to choose her peach colored cotton shorts and a white and peach striped knit shirt. The warm color of the shorts made her beige legs appear somewhat tan, she thought with relief as she studied herself in the mirror. Before coming to Fort Walton Beach, she’d spent every weekend she had free, sailing her board at Lake Keystone, but her complexion still paled in comparison to the other Florida residence.

  She shouldn’t feel so self-conscious, Sandra thought. It wasn’t like they were going to a fancy dinner club. Getting dressed shouldn’t be so hard. In fact, it really wasn’t a date. Luke was simply a friend of her father who wanted to help her settle into the area. She was going with him to learn more about sailing and her father’s business. Nothing more, she assured herself as she pulled out a banana clip and slipped it into her hair. Scowling at her reflection, she realized the only person she was fooling was herself. Simple acquaintances didn’t kiss you the way Luke had kissed her. Nor did you feel like your world had been turned upside down every time you went near a friend.

  Okay, so she liked him. No, it was more than like, she decided as she went to pack a bathing suit. You liked a girlfriend, a brother. Lust was probably the best word to describe it. Had it been that long since she’d dated someone regularly? she wondered, looking absently down at the cluster of bathing suits she’d brought with her. Her favorite Hawaiian print two piece caught her immediate attention. Did she dare wear the skimpy little suit? No, she decided with a sigh. She’d feel uncomfortable, as though she were setting out to attract his attention. Better to stick with the swimsuit she wore to swim laps in at the club. It wasn’t much to look at however, she wouldn’t have to worry about any part of her anatomy slipping out.

  Turning to stuff the plain blue bathing suit into the canvas beach bag, she changed her mind again. You’re being silly, she told herself. Wear the two piece suit you like. It isn’t like you’re sixteen and going out on your first date. You’re a grown woman with your own company. How are you going to handle the Sea Breeze, if you can’t handle a simple dinner engagement? Engagement, yes that is what is was a dinner engagement.

  Just as she traded out the suits, a heavy knock on the door startled her. Moving to answer it, Sandra felt her stomach flutter with anticipation and she almost dropped the small tote. She stopped only long enough to place the duffle on the bed and ran downstairs.

  Through the panes of the glass, she could see Luke waiting for her. The luscious black curls that normally hung down over his forehead were combed back neatly. His face was close shaven. The sharp angles of his profile appeared smooth and tempting. He wore a royal blue shirt with an open V-neck and baggy, wheat colored, sand digger pants. The buttons left open on his shirt revealed dark wisps of hair. Though separated by the glass, Sandra could feel sparks building between them like an electrical storm irrupting into an uncontrollable maelstrom.

  Her hand started for the door handle, but froze as their eyes met. A moment passed in silence then Luke smiled and reached for the knob. The handle clicked but refused to open. Sandra’s heart accelerated its beat into a frantic tempo. Fumbling with the latch, she finally unlocked the door and stepped back to let him enter.

  “You look great,” he said in a low husky voice which brought a rush of excitement racing up her spine. His eyes beamed their appreciation for her.

  “Thanks.” Sandra blushed as she realized he had never seen her with even the least bit of makeup on before. “Am I dressed okay?”

  “You look good enough to be the main course,” Luke told her, immediately regretting his words. She did look delicious, but what a clumsy line. Everything about her made him feel off balance. It was as if he were fourteen again and trying to learn the mysteries and pleasures of the gentler sex. At the mellow age of thirty-two, he rarely met a woman who peaked his interest the way Sandra did, much less made him react in such unpredictable ways.

  In an attempt at ignoring his remark, Sandra picked up her keys off the banister and placed them in her front pocket. “Are we eating first?”

  “No. I sailed the catamaran over. I thought we’d sail to Pensacola and then we’d eat, if you don’t mind?”

  A large lump of tension knotted in her stomach as she anticipated her first catamaran ride. “Sure. Let’s go,” she said and tried to force a smile to her lips. After all, she was in expert hands, she reminded herself.

  Her thoughts wandered back to the calm lakes of Oklahoma where she’d learned to sail her sailboard. She’d never feared anything about those murky waters. Catfish and an occasional wind warning were the extent of the perils there. Every once in a while a swimmer would drown trying to swim across a cove. However, it was usually a case of too much brew and not enough good sense.

  Approaching her, Luke lightly ran the back of his hand down her arm. “Are you feeling all right?”

  “Sure.” Sandra bit her lower lip. “I was thinking about how different Oklahoma lakes are from the gulf.”

  “You’ll do fine, he assured her, noticing her obvious hesitancy. “The Show Time is as gentle as any Oklahoma thoroughbred horse. Trust me.” Luke flashed her a smile of encouragement. He’d seen many a lake sailor seasick and white knuckled. Her accident in the bay had probably affected her more than she wanted to admit. She might have not even realized it until now. He would have to be careful not to scare her. Today, he’d take it slow and easy.

  Sandra stared into Luke’s pale blue eyes. The Show Time was as gentle as a thoroughbred, he’d said. That didn’t tell her a thing. She supposed she should know something of horses after living in Oklahoma all her life, but she didn’t. What she did know was how superb Luke looked as the light caught the silvery strands in his dark hair, dusky blue sparks shimmered in his eyes impishly.

  “You do trust me, don’t you?”

  “Oh, it’s not that. I just got lost in thought. That’s all,” Sandra said, trying to force her voice to sound convincing and confident. She sure didn’t want him to know the owner of the Sea Breeze was scared to go out on a catamaran. The expression on Luke’s face, however, told her she hadn’t succeeded in her lie.

  Having left the shop, they walked down to the beach. Sandra instantly noticed the sleek catamaran resting on the shore. The hulls were a glossy eggshell white with the same enviable new sheen about it as a new car. Stripes of varying widths in several shades of blue ran the length of the boat. The sails were pure white. Royal blue telltale wind indicators blew across its surface, capturing Sandra’s attention. They were the same type she used on her sailboard. Suddenly, she wished she’d taken the time to put the board on top of her car before she’d left Tulsa. The Sea Breeze had a variety of sailboards she could use, but they all sailed differently. The way things had been going there was not telling when she’d get an opportunity to get back and pack the rest of her things.

  Interrupting her thoughts, Luke held out a crisp new life jacket for her. She stared down at the spotless blue fabric which matched the colors in the boat before she accepted it. Had he purchased the jacket for her? She wondered as she felt her palms start to perspire. As she slipped it over her shirt, she breathed in the unmistakable smell of new fabric dyes.

  “The jacket fits perfectly. Thank you,” she managed, giving him a smile.

  “I thought the size would be right, Luke said easily as though he were quite accustomed to outfitting women.

  Sandra watched him stretch into his own jacket. The long panels of tufting made his chest look twice as wide. His arms displayed
a coffee with cream colored tan against the pale blue material. Sandra knew she was staring. She should look away, but her gaze remained transfixed on his every movement.

  “Here, you’ll need these if you don’t want rope burns on your hands,” he said, tossing a pair of leather gloves to her. A devilish grin graced his mouth. Though he hadn’t said anything, she knew he’d noticed her blatant stares.

  “You’ve thought of everything, I see.”

  “A good sailor is a bit like a Scout, they’re always prepared.”

  “Always?”

  “Most always.” Luke cocked an eyebrow up in a challenge as his gaze met hers.

  Studying his face for the meaning to his words, Sandra noticed a pale line of skin behind his left ear. The sun slid away from a shadowy cloud, revealing the scar further. It was a good inch long. Sandra wondered how he’d gotten it. Was it a fight over a woman, his honor, or simply an accident? Her eyes met his. The expression on his face had grown somber under her scrutiny.

  “So, you’re putting me to work are you?” she asked in a light hearted fashion, trying to divert his attention.

  Luke shrugged. “I’d never ask you to do anything you didn’t enjoy.” A mischievous smile lifted his full lips while his eyes lingered over her arms and hands. “Some say sailing a catamaran is better than sex.”

  Sandra fought to keep the fire from her cheeks. The glint in his eyes told her that he was getting no end of pleasure from teasing her. “And . . . what do you say?” she mumbled while she tugged a glove over her hand and waited for his reply.

  Luke’s eyes widened in mock surprise, for a brief fleeting moment, however, Sandra thought she saw desire hidden in their cool blue depths. Her heart nosedived into her stomach. Had the same flame of bubbling passion which threatened to consume her affected him too?

  “I say, it all depends on the tempo of the dance.” The deep husky tone of his voice sent a wave of awareness over her.

  Not wanting her emotions to show, Sandra gave Luke her back and pretended to be involved in putting the other glove on. Wiggling the tips of her fingers into place, her heart pounded relentlessly in her chest. Exactly what were Luke Caldwell’s flirtations leading up to? Whatever his intentions, they spelled out trouble. She didn’t know why she felt so drawn to the blue eyed pirate who stood next to her. However, that in itself made for dangerous business. She had to keep her life focused on the Sea Breeze, not Luke Caldwell.

  “Get on board and I’ll push her into the surf.” Luke gave Sandra a wink and turned his side to the boat. “When I tell you, drop the dagger board there next to you down.”

  Striding into the surf, Luke pushed the bow of the boat through the waves with skill. The boat rose to the top of a swell and fell to the bottom with a crash. Fear gripped Sandra. She turned to look for the reassurance of Luke’s presence beside her, but he was gone. He’d moved from the front of the boat. The catamaran lurched to the side. She heard the sound of ratchets pulling in the sail. Looking over her shoulder, she found Luke at the back of the boat.

  “Push your board down,” Luke commanded.

  Sandra reached around to the oblong board behind her and pushed it into the water. The boat surged through the crystalline waters, the waves crashing into the sides of the hulls. Sandra could feel the boat’s acceleration and movement throughout her body like a wave of nervous excitement.

  A thick sounding line popped, the boat slowed. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Luke holding the tiller in one hand and the main line which controlled the sail in the other. His legs were stretched half the length of the boat and his bare feet were pressed into the back beam for leverage. Clean, pale toe nails were surrounded by tanned flesh that formed slender feet.

  Closing her eyes, Sandra took in a refreshing breath, relieved to be out of the wrath of the incoming breakers.

  “It’ll be a long, upwind leg before we have to tack back. You can relax, now.”

  “That was some wild ride back there. Is it always that rough coming through the breakers? Sandra asked, facing the beguiling sea mariner. His black hair blown back by the wind, his eyes glistened with pure delight.

  “Yes, it gets pretty tricky sometimes. We’re lucky, tonight. The winds are mild and the sea is calm. King Triton must be smiling on us,” he said with a wink.

  “Leaning back against the shroud, Sandra let the breeze run its invisible fingers through her shoulder length locks. Why had she been so scared to go back into the bay? She wondered as her feelings of nervous apprehension were replaced with a warm shower of contentment. Riding the gentle slosh of the waves with the wind blowing across her face felt wonderful. There were no rules out here. No telephones to ring and no unwanted thoughts to conjure up feelings of guilt over what you should be doing. No questions to be answered. That was what had attracted her to sailboarding. But this . . . well, somehow it was different. She saw a smile grace Luke’s sculptured face. Could the euphoria she felt be because of the company she kept rather than the boat she was sailing on? Not that it mattered, regardless of the consequences, Sandra felt caught up in the joy of the moment.

  We’re going to have to tack in a few minutes. You want to try handling the jib? Luke asked, interrupting her thoughts. Not waiting for a response, he handed her the line. “Think of it as a small replica of your sailboard sail.” His voice was level, though she could read the excitement in it. For the first time since she met Luke, she felt like he thought of her as a capable person.

  “I’ll give it a try. What do I have to do?” she asked with a confidence she didn’t know she had.

  “Take the jib line and snap it out of its jam cleat. When I give you the word, let the slack out of the line and crawl across the trampoline to the other side. Once you hear the mainsail fill, reel the line in. Oh, I almost forgot. When you go across, make sure you duck low to the trampoline. The boom will be going over the top of your head.” Luke patted the long silver beam which held the sail in place with the palm of his hand to reinforce his point.

  “I’m glad you remembered to tell me that small piece of information,” Sandra joked with a laugh.

  “Me, too, I’m not very good at rescuing damsels in distress.” The tone of his voice had changed. He spoke with an air of unnerving seriousness.

  “If I’m the damsel you’re referring to, I think you did an admirable job,” Sandra stated lightly. She marveled at how quickly time could change things. The humiliating experience in the bay now almost seemed laughable. She still didn’t understand what had fueled Luke’s anger that night. She’d find out though. Sandra had never met a person she couldn’t unravel. She supposed it came from all the practice she had as a child deciphering all her mother’s prospective husbands. With each introduction, she would be assured by both her mother and the interested party that they were trying to provide her with a father. It would usually take a while, but sooner or later the man would show his true intentions. Granted, she didn’t make it easy for them to care for her. After all, she had still believed she had a father of her own and wasn’t in the market to be adopted out.

  Sandra shot Luke a reassuring smile as she examined the tanned profile of his face. Yes, this would be one mystery she’d enjoy unfolding. A hard lump formed in her throat. Would he be like the others? All spit and shine on the outside and contemptible inside? Perhaps she should call it quits now before she knew?

  She continued to watch his face as he scanned the horizon, a line in his forehead showed his concentration. Following his gaze, she looked out at the distant shore.

  “What are you looking for?”

  “A tacking line. Get ready, we’re almost there.”

  The boat accelerated. Spray flew up from the hulls splashing onto the front beam. “Let’s do it, he commanded. “Let the jib out.”

  Sandra felt the centrifugal force of the boat tug at her as the boat started to turn.

  “Coming around,” Luke yelled.

  Before she knew what she’d actually done, Sandra found he
rself on the other side of the boat pulling in the line. Instinctively from years of sailing her board, she looked up at the telltales on the jib and trimmed the small sail in. As the jib funneled the air over the powerful mainsail, she felt the catamaran lift. Then the boat burst through the chop. It was exhilarating, as if she were now holding a thin line to control a raging tempest.

  Gazing out over the bow, she could see the restaurants and hotels which dotted the coast line. Crimson hues tinted their windows reflecting the sun. As she looked back over her shoulder, she noticed, the scattering of small gray clouds had multiplied and enlarged since they had left.

  “Are we going to get caught in a storm?” she asked with concern, pointing at the ominous looking collection of developing thunderheads.

  “We’ll be fine. The rain’s out at sea, now. We should easily beat it to land.” His voice sounded reassuring, but he didn’t look at her and his face appeared drawn. Surely he’d tell her if they were going to get caught in a blow. The incident in the bay must have made her paranoid. Just lean back and enjoy the ride, she told herself. It wasn’t that big of a deal anyway. Luke was an experienced sailor and she loved watching a storm. That is, as long as she wasn’t caught in it.

  Sandra forced herself to settle back against the boat’s shroud and exhaled a deep breath, though she continued to watch the horizon. The thick grey clouds were blowing towards them at such a speed that she could now see the sun as it moved closer to its rendezvous with the sea. A myriad of colors shone from the clouds, highlighted by the occasional flicker of lightening. Hues of blue, purple, red and orange painted the surface of the water. Sandra felt a rush of what she could only call serenity fill her with warmth. Despite the storm pressing ever closer to them, everything seemed so right, so peaceful. Why should she fret?