First Mates

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Epilogue

Chapter One

Rainy Jackson peeked into the crowded dining room of the cruise ship. Stepping away from the entrance, she glanced down the empty hallway. Pacing down the hall, she ran her fingers through her hair. What am I supposed to do now? Was traveling alone a mistake?

Heavy footsteps pounded on the plush carpet. A voice, deep and masculine, resounded in the deserted foyer. “Hello.”

She jerked toward the passenger, almost spraining her neck. While rubbing her collarbone, she gazed at the attractive man she’d seen earlier in the lounge. A warm smile graced his full lips as his presence filled the hallway.

Rainy tore her eyes away from the stranger, glancing into the crowded dining room again. She licked her lips before responding. “Hi.”

His light-brown eyes seemed to pierce into hers. “Are you traveling alone?”

She touched her shorts. Should she have ironed them before coming to dinner?

After swallowing nervously, she nodded. “My best friends practically forced me to take this cruise.”

He chuckled. “Really? My brother had to make me go on this cruise. He even bought my ticket.” He paused as he continued to stare. “Did you want to eat together?”

She nodded. “Okay.”

They entered the dining room and a waiter approached, clutching two menus. “Are the two of you dining together?” Rainy nodded and as she strolled behind her dinner companion, she watched his dark jeans hug his lean hips.

The waiter placed their menus on the table. “Enjoy your meal.”

After settling into the padded chair, she slipped her shoes off and wiggled her toes in the plush cranberry-colored carpet. Photos of the aqua sea decorated the cream-colored walls. Voices droned in the dining room as contented travelers enjoyed their evening meal. “You know, I’ve never been on a cruise before. I was afraid of getting seasick. But I kind of like the gentle rocking of the boat.”

He opened his menu. “Yeah, I know what you mean.”

She tried to read her menu, continuing to steal glances at her dinner partner. Long thick lashes surrounded his hazel eyes. She sighed. I could get lost looking into his eyes. He looked up and their eyes locked. She quickly looked away. He chuckled. “What’s so funny?” she asked.

He put his menu aside. “We’re about to share a meal, and I don’t even know your name.” Tremors of delight coursed through her veins as he spoke.

“My name is Lorraine. Lorraine Jackson.” They shared a firm handshake as he introduced himself.

“I’m Winston Michaels.” She reluctantly released his hand.

“Everybody calls me Rainy, though.” She pretended to study her menu.

The waiter returned to their table a short time later. “Would either of you care to order a drink? We have several wine selections to choose from.”

He closed his menu. “I don’t drink alcohol. Just bring me a Coke.”

“I’ll have the same.” She gazed at her dinner companion with new respect. Could it be possible that he was a Christian, a child of God? Since her experience with her ex-fiancé, Jordan, it was hard for her to judge men. She slightly shook her head, dispelling the unpleasant thoughts about her recent breakup.

“Are you okay?”

“Uh, yes, why?”

“You seemed upset.” Ripples of pleasure flowed through her as she gazed into his hazel eyes.

The waiter returned with their sodas. “Would you care to order now?”

She ordered the first item listed. “I’ll have the fish and scallops.”

“What side dishes do you want with that?” the waiter asked. He recited the choices and she made her selections.

Winston placed a straw into his drink. “That sounds good. I’ll have the same.” Once the waiter was gone, he selected a roll from the cloth-covered basket and slathered it with butter.

“So, tell me what a lovely lady like you is doing here all alone on this cruise.”

She sighed, still trying to push the unpleasant memories away. “I’ve been through a lot the past few months, so my friends felt I needed a break. They insisted I take a vacation and soon enough, I agreed with them.”

“Oh?” His expression turned curious. “Were you under a lot of stress with your job?”

She shook her head. “Honestly, no. Actually, work has been a good reprieve for me. I’ve never worked so many hours of overtime in my life as I have these past couple of months. I even brought some things to work on while I’m here.”

“You brought work to do while you’re on vacation?”

She nodded. “Yes, I have. I don’t like to be alone for very long with nothing to do.” She told him about her job in the accounting department of a prominent Miami newspaper.

“That’s where you work?”

“Yes, I enjoy working with numbers. The accounting manager found another job, and since I was working so many hours anyway, I was the right candidate for the promotion.” She told him about the trials and tribulations of running a successful accounting department. She was still talking when the waiter returned with their food. The aroma of steamed fish filled the air.

Winston bowed his head and Rainy lowered hers. Lord, thank You for this wonderful meal, and thank You for allowing someone to share it with me. Please guide and strengthen both me and Winston during this cruise. Amen. She opened her eyes and witnessed a smile soften his full lips.

She cut into her fish. “So why are you on this cruise alone?”

“Well, for the same reason as you. I’ve been through a lot over the past six months and my brother gave me this cruise as a birthday gift.”

“When is your birthday?”

“This Sunday, the last day of the cruise. I’ll be thirty-five.” He frowned as he ate a potato.