South of Heaven (22 page)

Harvey walked over to Lindsey.

“Hey, Harvey, how you doing?”

“I’m doing great thanks, and you? What happened with her cheek?”

“She had a run in with a flying buckle during the storm. Scared the hell out of me, but otherwise, I couldn’t be better.” She smiled as she watched Kendra with her crew.

Harvey took a bite of his burger. “You two finally figured it out?”

Lindsey looked at him. “Figured what out? What are you talking about, Harvey?”

“What the rest of us have known for a few weeks now.” He chuckled.

“Known what?”

“That the two of you were meant to be together. I’ve never seen Kendra so happy. There’s a connection between the two of you. It’s like a magnet, pulling you two together.”

She looked at him and smiled.

“Even now, you can’t keep your eyes off her.”

Lindsey blushed. “Are you okay with us being together?”

“We were all just wondering how long it was gonna take y’all to figure it out,” he teased. “Me and the boys are happy for both of you.”

Tears filled her eyes as he hugged her. “Thanks, Harvey.”

Kendra looked over to see Lindsey hugging Harvey. “I wonder what that’s all about.”

“Harvey’s probably giving her the talk,” Charlie answered.

Kendra whipped her head around to look at him. “What are you talking about?”

“You know, the talk,” he said making quotation marks in the air with his fingers. “The one where he warns her about breaking your heart, and finding herself fish bait if she does.”

“What…” she stammered.

“Someone has to tell you two, it’s okay with us if you’re in love.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Apparently to everyone except for the two of y’all. We’ve known for weeks now.”

She shook her head and chuckled. “Thanks, Charlie. The acceptance of the crew means a lot to us.”

“Well, both of you mean a lot to us. Personally, I’ve never worked for someone who treated me like family the way you do,” he said, choking back emotions.

“You are my family, Charlie, always have been, always will be.”

“We want y’all to feel comfortable around us and just be who you are.”

It was Kendra’s turn to wipe tears back. She winced when she wiped her right cheek.

“By the way, what happened to your face? Did Lindsey have to smack you to finally get you to notice her?”

“What?”

“That’s one heck of a shiner you’re sporting.”

“No, smart ass, a buckle came free during the storm and sliced open my cheek.”

“Uh huh, likely story,” he teased.

Kendra shook her head, but chuckled.

“Are we heading back out in the morning?”

“Nope, we’re going to wait until Tuesday. We thought everyone might need another day at home. I’ve got supplies being delivered tomorrow, so we’ll be ready to head out early the next day.”

“We’ll be there, Captain. Do you need help tomorrow?”

“Thanks, but no. It’ll give me something to do before I go collect Dad at the airport.”

“If you change your mind, just give me a call.”

“I will, Charlie, thanks.”

She caught Lindsey’s eyes and smiled. “I think it’s time for us to head back into town.”

Charlie chuckled. “I reckon so.”

†

“I think it’s time for our bath,” Kendra announced when they pulled into the drive.

Lindsey smiled at her. “That sounds good to me.”

They climbed the stairs and Kendra started the water in her tub. “Do you mind some bubbles?”

“Not at all,” Lindsey called from her bedroom.

Kendra chuckled. “Did you get the same third degree from Harvey that I did from Charlie, about us taking so long to realize we were in love?”

“Yeah. Harvey said they were beginning to wonder what they needed to do to bring it to our attention. You know, I think it’s so cool that the guys are so accepting of our relationship. I’m not so sure that would happen on Dad’s boat.”

“We have the best crew ever,” Kendra reminded her.

“That we do.”

Kendra stepped into the tub and looked at Lindsey. “Do you want front or back?”

“I’ll take the front.” Lindsey climbed into the tub and settled into the warm water and laid her head back on Kendra’s shoulder. “This was a great idea. The water is heavenly.”

“I can’t imagine heaven would be any better than this.”

“I’ll take this spot just south of heaven any day then,” Lindsey purred as Kendra’s arms wrapped around her body.

Kendra chuckled. “Just south of heaven. That sounds like a good name for a boat.”

“Always thinking like a captain.” Lindsey turned her head to look up at Kendra.

“Not always.” Kendra smiled, and leaned down to kiss her softly.

†

The fire that ignited from their kisses spilled over to the bedroom. They took advantage of the luxury of time to explore one another’s bodies as they made love into the night.

Lindsey rested her chin atop her hands spread across Kendra’s chest. “Will it always be this special between us?”

“I think we can only grow closer. We have a great start to build on.” Kendra smiled. “For the first time in a long time, I regret making a decision to jump right back into the routine of work.” She locked eyes with Lindsey. “I would love a few weeks alone with you.”

Lindsey felt a tear slide down her cheek. “We will have our time, but for now we’ve got a season to finish. It’s important for the entire crew and our futures to do well on our first season.”

Kendra wiped away the tear with her thumb. “I promise at the end of red season we will have that time together.”

“I’m gonna hold you to that, Captain.”

“I’m thinking some time spent in the mountains out west could be fun.”

“That sounds wonderful to me. I’ve never taken a true vacation.”

“We’ll have to make that happen.” Kendra pulled Lindsey into her arms.

Chapter Sixteen

The morning dawned beautifully. Kendra woke to find Lindsey watching her closely. “Have you been awake long?”

“No, not really, just a few minutes. I love waking up next to you.”

Kendra took Lindsey in her arms. “Do you think you could handle this for the next fifty years or so?”

Lindsey snuggled into her warmth. “Ask me again in ten years.”

Kendra grinned. “I can’t imagine waking up to anyone else now.” Her fingers played in Lindsey’s short hair. In the quiet, she could hear their breathing, each breath in unison as they lay together. She smiled to herself thinking how perfectly matched they had turned out to be. Everything seemed to be falling into place, and man, did she feel good about life.

Lindsey could feel the beating of Kendra’s heart as her head rested on her chest. Lindsey’s hand reached to cover a breast and she felt Kendra’s heart begin to race. She tossed a leg over Kendra’s and propped her head on her hand as she looked into Kendra’s sparkling green eyes.

“I get so lost looking into your eyes.”

“You’re right here with me, baby.” Kendra’s fingertips traced down Lindsey’s strong jaw, “Right where you’re meant to be.”

Lindsey let her hand drift slowly down Kendra’s body until she reached her center. Wetness coated her curls, betraying Kendra’s excitement as she moaned softly in anticipation. Lindsey’s fingertips gently parted the velvety folds, drawing the wetness upward as her thumb circled Kendra’s swollen clit. She planted a tender kiss on Kendra’s lips, which deepened into a fevered kiss as Kendra’s lips parted, inviting her inside. Lindsey’s other hand gently cupped a breast as her mouth left a molten trail of kisses down Kendra’s neck until her tongue lavished the hardened nipple. Lindsey’s fingers glided easily through her wetness. Kendra’s muscles welcomed her fingers, closing tightly around them as they worked deeper inside.

Kendra’s hips moved in rhythm with Lindsey’s fingers as her arousal soared. The heat of Lindsey’s breath on her skin left her body feverish with desire. She could feel a swarm of butterflies taking flight deep in her stomach as her muscles began to quiver with the approach of her climax. Her hand roamed across Lindsey’s back and down her hip to rest over her heated mound.

Lindsey moaned deeply as fingers penetrated her, matching the rhythm of their lovemaking. Lindsey felt her arousal cresting and lifted her mouth from Kendra’s breast. “Come with me, Kendra,” she groaned.

“I’m right there with you, baby,” Kendra answered and with a final thrust she cried out in pleasure. “Oh God, yes, Lindsey.”

The sound of Kendra’s desire was all Lindsey needed to topple over the edge of desire and she filled her hand with warm juices as she released.

“Damn, that felt good,” she purred as she locked eyes with Kendra.

Lindsey kissed her sweetly and propped her head on her hand as she smiled down at Kendra. “I know it’s impossible, but I’d love to start every morning like this.”

“We’ll make as many of them happen as we can,” Kendra promised. She ran her fingers through Lindsey’s hair. The alarm rang, shattering their tender moment. Kendra chuckled and reached over to smack it.

“Duty calls,” she growled, then pulled Lindsey down for another kiss. “Will you shower with me?”

“I’d love to. Will we have time for lunch before you leave to pick up your dad?”

“I think so, but I have a different idea. Let’s shower and walk down to the boat. You can make us some of your monster omelets while I work on deck.”

“That does sound good to me.”

Kendra noticed the stillness of the house when they came downstairs. The generator, which had softly hummed as it powered the house, was silent. Realizing that the power had returned, she reached over and flipped the light switch. “Let there be light.” She grinned.

“Does that mean the power has been restored to the rest of town?”

“Probably so,” Kendra answered. “We bounce back pretty quickly in these parts.”

“Good to know. Come on, I’m starving.”

“I’m right behind you.” Kendra slipped her cell phone in its holster and followed Lindsey out the door.

†

“Can we share a peaceful cup of coffee before we get busy?” Lindsey asked.

“I think we’ve got time for that.” Kendra slipped into a chair in the galley.

Lindsey brought them cups and sat across from Kendra. “You’re sure wearing a beautiful smile today.”

Kendra reached across the table and held her hand. “That’s because you make me a very happy woman.”

“I second that. My heart has never felt this full before.” Lindsey took a sip of her coffee. “Do you plan to tell your dad about us today?”

“He already knows something is happening between us, so it may be more confirmation for him. He really likes you, too.”

Lindsey sighed. “I wish my dad was as willing to accept my sexuality.”

Kendra squeezed her hand. “Hopefully he’ll come around eventually. I wouldn’t be surprised if Dad talks to him at some point, to break the ice a bit.”

“You’re blessed to have him as a father.”

“Yeah, I am. He’s been my best friend for most of my life.”

†

Kendra began removing the gear from storage while Lindsey cooked breakfast. They would have just enough time to eat before the supplies arrived. When Lindsey called her inside to eat, her stomach answered the call with a loud growl in anticipation of the meal.

“Would you like juice or more coffee, Kendra?”

“Both actually.”

“That sounds good to me, too.” Lindsey brought the coffee pot over to refill their cups and then poured glasses of juice.

“I think I’ll start doubling the egg order. These omelets are fantastic,” Kendra said.

“It’s a good way to use leftovers when we have them.”

“With Charlie around, we don’t have to worry about them often.”

“Did I hear my name being called?” Charlie stuck his head inside the galley.

“Hey, Charlie. We were just talking about leftovers or the lack thereof,” Lindsey teased.

“Mama always told me to clean my plate.” He grinned sheepishly.

“You learned that lesson well. What are you doing here today?” Kendra asked.

He shuffled his feet. “I’ve got a case of cabin fever, so I thought I’d come down and see if you needed any help.”

“We have supplies coming soon, and I want to get the rest of the equipment back in place,” Kendra told him.

“Would you mind some help?”

“I’d love to have your help. Did you have breakfast?”

“Yes, ma’am, but those omelets sure look good.”

“Pour yourself a cup and you can split this one with me, and if you’re still hungry, I’ll cook us another,” Lindsey offered.

“I don’t want to take your breakfast, Lindsey.”

“Just let me grab another plate.”

Charlie poured a cup of coffee and joined them at the table. He watched as Lindsey cut more than half of her omelet and passed it to him. From the way he ravenously attacked the food, Kendra suspected that Charlie’s wife wasn’t much of a cook, or they didn’t have much in the way of groceries. At least during the week she knew he would eat well.

“This is really good, Lindsey.”

“Eat up and I’ll fix another,” she told him.

Lindsey cooked him an even larger omelet and four slices of toast.

Kendra was surprised to see that Charlie eyes had tears in them when Lindsey placed the plate in front of him. She nodded her head toward the door as she locked eyes with Lindsey, who nodded an answer to her wordless question.

“I’m going to check something in the wheelhouse. I’ll see you on deck when you finish eating.” Kendra stood.

“Yes, ma’am,” Charlie answered between bites.

Lindsey returned to her seat at the table after Kendra left the galley. She looked at Charlie. “You can tell me to mind my own business, but is everything all right at home, Charlie?”

Charlie shocked her by breaking down in tears.

She rushed to place her arm around his shoulders. “I didn’t mean to upset you, Charlie.”

“It’s not you, Lindsey. I’m sorry. Things have just been hectic at home.”

“I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“It’s my fault,” he sniffled. “I should have paid closer attention to our finances, but I thought Lucy was paying the bills, until I came home early and found a pile of past due notices. It’s taken everything I’ve made these last few weeks to catch up on the bills. I can barely feed my wife and son.” He broke down in tears.

“Are you caught up yet?”

“I made the last payment Saturday, but it’s left almost nothing for groceries. I feel guilty for eating this breakfast, but I haven’t eaten much since we got home.”

Lindsey reached into her pocket and pulled out her wallet, removing four one-hundred-dollar bills, and placing them on the table beside him. “I want you to finish your meal then go buy some groceries for your family. Kendra and I can handle what needs to be done here.”

“I promise I will pay you back,” he replied, choking back his tears.

“A little bit at a time, but make sure you cover your bills and groceries first,” she instructed him.

“I’m embarrassed to take this from you.”

“You are family to me, Charlie. All you need to do is ask if you need help. We’ve all had our ups and downs. It’s okay to ask for help,” she said in a comforting tone.

“I didn’t come down here to beg, but I could kiss you.”

“Whoa, Charlie, no need for that.” Lindsey patted his hand. “This will stay between us. There’s no need for anyone else to know.”

He looked at her curiously. “What about the captain?”

“We’ve got this covered between you and me, so there’s no need to bring her into this unless you think it’s necessary.”

“Thanks, Lindsey. I hate taking money from you, but I’m at my wits’ end.”

“Just make sure you stay on top of things moving forward. We’re going to make enough money this summer to allow you to put some back in savings.”

“If it weren’t for the checks we’ve gotten from the reds, I’d probably be losing my house.”

“We won’t allow that to happen, I promise.”

He gobbled down the last bite and took to his feet. “Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome. Now go get that shopping done. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“See you, Lindsey.”

She watched him wave to Kendra as he rushed across the deck. Then she took the dishes to the sink to wash them.

†

Kendra looked up from her task to see Charlie exiting the galley. He smiled and waved at her before rushing off the boat. She returned his wave and finished the task she was working on. When Lindsey didn’t follow him from the galley, she went in search of her.

Lindsey was standing at the sink, washing the dishes from breakfast when she entered the galley. “Charlie left out of here like he was on fire.” Kendra walked over next to her.

“He had something come up that he needed to take care of, so I told him we could handle re-stocking the boat.”

“There’s more to it than that, but you aren’t going to tell me, are you?”

“We handled a situation, so there’s no need to bring you into it and cause him embarrassment.”

Kendra wrapped her arms around Lindsey’s waist, hugging her from behind. “Thank you,” she whispered in her ear.

“You’d do the same thing, but you’re welcome. We’re family and have to take care of one another.”

“Yes, we are, and yes, we do.”

Kendra heard the squeal of brakes and looked out the window to see the delivery truck arriving.

“I guess it’s time for us to get to work.” Lindsey placed the dishtowel on the counter before turning in Kendra’s arms for a quick kiss.