Temptation: 3 (Timeless Series) (5 page)

“Geoff would never try to stop me.” Her gaze pierced his, one that said she meant every word. “I chose my destiny and fully intend to follow it.” She pounded the table with so much force, the silverware bounced. As if sensing she’d gone a little overboard, judging by the stunned reactions of those around her,
she inhaled a deep breath. It took a moment, but once she achieved control, she smiled sweetly. “As thoughtful as your concern is, neither of us need it. We both have plans and we mean to follow them.”

“I, for one, love the independent women who know their own minds. They are so, um, how you say? Refreshing?
Oui
, that is it, refreshing, eh,
mon capitaine
?”

“I totally agree.” Lucas nodded, chuckling.
“Refreshing. Like a new voyage, you never know what to expect.” Turning to the ladies, he added, “We’ll be pulling anchor in the middle of the night, so don’t be alarmed if you feel movement.”

Parker’s focus remained on Penny, sensing that his scrutiny somehow irritated her.

“How long will we be at sea?” she asked the captain, ignoring him, appearing quite content with his brother’s and the chef’s timely diversion to move the conversation away from her plans.

“Several weeks, depending on the weather.
Hopefully we won’t run into any tropical storms. This is a fairly modern ship and I’ve a steam engine on board, which helps when the winds are light.”

Hillman, who’d been quiet throughout most of the meal, chimed in. “You’re lucky to be on board this ship.
The captain has several others that haven’t been modified and are much slower.”

“Yes, this ship is definitely my fastest, which is why I’m on it.” Lucas stood, picking up his empty glass. He walked to the sideboard. “Would anyone care for another drink before Jacques serves dessert?”

“It’s time I took my leave.” Hillman scooted back his chair and stood. “I have first watch and I need a clear head.” He turned and bowed. “Ladies, it’s been a pleasure. If there is anything I can do to make your voyage more comfortable, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

Lucas waved him off amid the ladies’ good-byes,
then glanced at his brother. “How ’bout you, Parker? Need a refill?”

Parker stood and sauntered to the sideboard. “I’m weary to the bone. It’s been a long forty-eight hours. I think I’ll pass on dessert and take a drink to my cabin.” Turning back to the chef, he smiled ruefully.
“Sorry, Jacques. I mean no disrespect.”

Jacques also stood, shaking his head. “No need for excuses,
mon ami
. For tomorrow, I promise a tantalizing breakfast, one the taste buds will appreciate.”

“Ah, something to look forward to,” Parker answered, chuckling. “Knowing I’ll awaken to a feast, I’ll be asleep before my head hits the pillow. I’m also looking forward to waking up and being closer to home, far away from English soil.”

Lucas poured Parker a liberal drink and handed it to him while Jacques replied, before heading toward the galley, “
Oui
, Parker. I’m not crazy about the English soil either.”

Parker glanced at the ladies and nodded. “Miss Layton, Miss Bowers. It’s been a pleasure.”

~~

Lucas held up a bottle of sherry, eyebrows raised high.
“Ladies? More sherry?”

With her attention on Parker’s departing back, Miss Layton nodded. “I’d like another glass.”

“So will I,” Miss Bowers said.

Once they had their drinks, Jacques served dessert. Not fifteen minutes later, Miss Layton rose with praise for the meal gushing from her lips. “It’s been a long day and I’m also tired,” she added. The moment she got up, Miss Bowers followed.

As the two fled, Lucas grinned at his French chef, raising a brow. “Well, ’tis just you and me again. Care for a game of poker?”

“
Non
,” Jacques said. “You cheat.”

“I do not,” Lucas denied, not at all put off with his claim. His tumultuous nature never ceased to amuse him. Despite his small stature, Jacques Moreau was a tempestuous man who loved the ladies. He was also one of the few men on board with which he shared such a familiarity.

The two had been together too many years now for Jacques to worry about curbing his tongue. The fact that he knew his way around a ship’s galley made him indispensable because Lucas liked the finer things in life, enjoying not only good food while sailing, but good spirits as well. Jacques’s connections with French wineries provided his chef with even more job security.

“I’m just a better bluffer than you and that makes you mad.”

“
Oui
, but I prefer to think of it as cheating, not bluffing. It is much easier on my, how you say, ego?
N’est-ce pas
?”

“All right, if not poker, how ’bout chess?
You seem to beat me at that more than I beat you.”

“
Oui, I could be persuaded to play chess. You cannot cheat at chess.”

Chuckling, he stood to get the chessboard and pieces. “Good. I’m too energized to relax and turn in early.”

“We have an interesting journey this voyage, eh,
mon capitaine
?” Jacques said after several minutes of play.

Lucas
puffed on his pipe without answering for several minutes, keeping his attention on the board while deciding his next move. Once his hand left the chess piece, he stretched his legs out in front of him. Finally he nodded. “Very interesting. Two ladies on board always make for an interesting journey.”

“I was talking about the look in Parker’s eyes when he spies the pretty lady,” Jacques replied, making his move.

“Yes, I noticed his interest earlier.” He broke off, concentrating on the board again. “You’re not making this easy, are you?”

Jacques grinned, obviously pleased with stumping his captain. “If it was easy, I would not wish to play.”

Grinning back, Lucas slid his bishop into place. Then he said nonchalantly, “I’ve already warned him away, but it may not be enough.”

“Parker, he is honorable? The
mademoiselles seem so naive. I don’t see the problem.”

“Normally I’d agree, but those two together seem combustible.” Lucas sighed, watching Jacques take his turn. He spent another long moment in thought before advancing his rook. “I want to avoid problems with Markham Collingswood.
Wouldn’t do for his brother’s charge to be seduced under my watch. In close quarters, emotions have a way of veering out of hand.”

“I will focus on the pretty mademoiselle and keep her out of the way. That is an easy task.”

Lucas laughed. “You do that, Jacques. And I’ll work on keeping Parker occupied. Maybe between the two of us we can avert trouble.”

Parker strode onto the higher deck. Lucas stood at the helm as he advanced to the railing where he focused on the wonderful sight of blue on all sides. The brisk wind whipped his reddish-blond hair about and felt invigorating on his face. Waves hit the bow. The sound, along with the gentle rocking motion of the ship slicing through water, filled him with a calming sense of peace.

“You’re up early.”

Parker glanced up to see Lucas eyeing him speculatively. He nodded. “I love the sunrise, especially after storms have passed.”

“Aye.
My sentiments exactly. ’Tis a beautiful morning. After a cleansing rain, sunrise does seem to be more vivid, the air more clear.”

“It’s been too long since I’ve seen one off the water.” Parker’s gaze returned to the seas.

“If I didn’t sail, I’d have a home such as yours above the bluffs of the Chesapeake.”

“I spend far too long away from that home.”

Lucas gave a disbelieving grunt.

“You doubt my claim?”

“Aye.” Lucas chuckled. “I know you too well.”

When Parker started to disagree, he put up a hand. “You’re a nomad like me, Parker. You’ve a beautiful home that you let our mother run and you’re never there. Face it. Neither of us is happy unless we’re off finding adventure.”

“Perhaps you’re right.” Parker sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Lately I feel as if I need home.” Since boarding, he hadn’t been able to dismiss thoughts of those poor townsfolk in such dire need after the mine cave-in. He felt almost guilty for surviving and thriving after a similar fate when so many others had nothing. In less than twenty-four hours, he’d begun to crave more purpose. To do something to help the downtrodden and better their lot in life, but he had no idea of how to go about it, or what he could do to make a real difference.

“Have you ever thought about settling down and having a family?”

He laughed. “About as often as you do, I’m sure. After Lady Margaret, I’ve sworn off marriage. It isn’t in my future any more than yours.”

“I’m not the one wishing for home,” his brother said, grinning back.

“That’s because you have no home to wish for.”

“I’m always home on the sea.” Lucas’s grin died and he silently eyed him. When he didn’t say anything further, Parker’s eyebrows rose, as if to say “What?” In answer, he said, “I noticed your reaction to the lovely Miss Layton during dinner.
Has me worried.”

“You’ve already warned me off, so why would you worry?”

“I don’t know. You tell me.”

Parker placed his hand over his heart, adding an innocent air to his manner. “You wound me with your lack of faith.”

Lucas’s expression didn’t change as he held Parker’s gaze, causing him to squirm a bit.

“I need no conscience, Lucas,” he finally said with a self-deprecating laugh. “I’ll not deny my attraction.” His gaze roamed over the water. “But I’m not some green boy without control who can’t hold the lure at bay. I’ll keep my needs in check. You have my word.”

“Good. Then you agree it’s best to avoid contact as much as possible.”

“Avoidance might be a little difficult, given such close quarters. I refuse to hole up in my cabin because you chose to take on passengers.”

“When you put it like that, it does sound unreasonable. Just don’t be alone with her. Use either Jacques or me as a buffer.”

“I don’t believe this.” Parker’s amused laughter carried in the steady breeze. “I’m a grown man, Lucas. I have no need of chaperones.”

“Why do you think mothers are so intent on them? They know more than their daughters.”

“Is my word not enough?”

Lucas heaved a heavy sigh. “I mean no insult.”

“Then why do I feel insulted?” Parker’s chin inched higher. He couldn’t expel the indignation from his voice. “Have a little faith in my honor.”

“I do have faith, but I have a feeling there’s more to this than meets the eye.”

“You’d take me to task for a simple attraction?” Now his tone was curious.

“You didn’t watch the two of you together last night. The best way to describe the situation is an explosion about to happen. I intend to keep the fuse from being lit is all.”

“You’re worrying over nothing.”
Dismissing his brother’s concerns with the wave of his hand, Parker scoffed, “You put too much meaning into a mere attraction, one easily kept in check. She’s simply a female, and though lovely, she’s nothing I can’t handle.”

“That puts my mind at ease.” Lucas’s expression belied his comment.

Parker chuckled. “Why all this concern over a passenger?”

“Geoffrey Collingswood placed the two women into my care. His brother is one of my biggest clients and wields power in shipping. I’ve spent years building a good relationship with the duke and I have no intention of insulting him by not taking care of his brother’s charge.”

“Now you see why I dislike men of power. They use it to make others’ lives uncomfortable.”

“In this instance you are wrong.”

“I doubt that.” Parker shook his head. Lucas was too trusting and didn’t understand about such men as he’d dealt with for years. “They’re all users. Men like Sterling, men without honor.”

“Markham Collingswood is an honorable man, which is exactly the distinction that makes me want to please him.”

“I’ve yet to meet an honorable man of wealth,” Parker exclaimed sardonically.

“You’re wealthy,” Lucas shot back, his back going ramrod. “By your own admission, are you telling me you aren’t honorable—that I can’t trust your promise?” He reached for his pipe.

Parker’s lips curled into a snarl. “No, you twist my meaning.”

“Men should be judged by their actions, not their titles or wealth, or for that matter, their lack of them.” He lit his pipe. “
Which is how I judge Markham.” He blew the words out in a puff. “Although an aristocrat with means, he’s never treated me with anything other than respect and dignity. I enjoy our working relationship and have no intention of letting anything destroy it.”

“You think something happening between Miss Layton and myself would cause a rift?”

“Don’t you? Tell me you wouldn’t feel put out with someone who would seduce Catherine?”

Parker raked a hand through his hair and sighed.
“Point taken.” He’d kill anyone who took advantage of his baby sister. Despite the fact she was no longer a “baby,” but a woman reaching her twenty-fourth year, both he and Lucas were still protective of her. A sheepish grin spread across his face. “I’ll steer clear of the lady while on this ship. I give you my word.”

“I’m counting on it.”

“So when’s breakfast?” Parker asked, changing the subject. “I’m starved.”

Lucas grunted. “Jacques is below. Go down and ask him.”

“You’re not coming?” He pivoted, searching his brother’s face.

“Not yet. Hillman doesn’t relieve me for another hour, but I’m ready for a cup of coffee.”

Parker left to find Jacques, who was busy cooking when he poked his head in the galley.

A ready smile lit the chef’s face. “
Bonjour
, Parker. Your breakfast is almost ready. Go! Sit! I bring it to you.”

“Is coffee ready? I’d like a cup. Also, I’ll take one to Lucas.”

Jacques pulled out two tin mugs, nodding to a pot on the stove. “
Merci.
Tell Lucas I did not forget him, I just got a little behind. Twenty men all hungry at the same time makes me late.”

“If it tastes as good as it smells
, the wait will be worth it.” Parker poured two cups and then headed back out. After delivering the coffee to Lucas, he entered the officers’ dining room.

Movement at the table caught his attention. He stopped short and then grinned.
The sight of the prim and proper Miss Layton eating her breakfast like a lady to the manor born evoked more than an urge to smile. The petite blonde, dressed in a blue and green muslin gown, had the appearance of a wild, uncultivated garden on a summer’s day, not a complete contradiction to the hoyden so vehemently decrying her intentions last night. Yet this lovely creature was like a breath of fresh spring air and watching her thus, a sliver of attraction slid into his consciousness.

Damn if the little minx didn’t unsettle him. He stood silently eyeing her unobserved for a moment, trying to decipher why such lustful thoughts had run amuck in his brain ever since he’d first spotted her. Pushing the thoughts aside, he strode into the room. “Good morning. You’re up early.”

Startled from her daydreams, Penny glanced up. “Good morning.”

“I trust you slept well?”

“I slept wonderfully well.” She smiled brightly. “Thank you.”

“So I see.” Both her melodious voice and engaging, shy smile grabbed at his insides, twisted his gut, and sent another zing of heat through his blood. Taking a deep breath, he willfully banished the need she so easily elicited and walked steadfastly toward her. He pulled out a chair and sat across from her, bound and determined not to let this bit of fluff get under his skin. “You look well rested.”

“You’re too kind. And you?” When his eyebrows shot up in question, she bestowed on him another beautiful smile. “Did you sleep well?”

“Oh,
er yes—” He cleared his throat. “Very well.” The soft, accented words, along with her animated smile tugged harder on his willpower. Unable to stop himself from responding to both, he added, grinning like a fool, “Sailing does appear to agree with you.”

“Yes, it does.” She nodded.

“Ah, a seasoned sailor. How refreshing. Most young ladies hate being out on the water.” Another jolt of lust hit him as her grin turned impish, almost playful, right before his eyes.

“Not me. I love sailing. So far, this trip has been an adventure.”

Parker had purposely looked away, but he couldn’t keep his gaze from returning to her face. Not after that statement. “So, you’ve an adventurous nature?” The question just spilled out, as if his mouth had a will of its own.

“Of course.”
Penny chuckled, clearly enjoying the exchange, her manner becoming more mischievous. “Weren’t you listening last night?”

“Yes, but then you were talking about childhood games, not adult adventures,” Parker teased, lacking the desire to stop the conversation from leading into more dangerous territory.

“My adventures do tend to get me into trouble, especially lately.”

“Do they?”

She nodded, not seeming to realize the sexual implications her words wielded. “I’ve always loved adventure. It’s why I’m traveling to America. The fact that I’m older hasn’t changed what I love.”

“I see. So now you love adult adventures?” His eyebrows rose as he awaited her reply.

Suddenly her confidence disappeared. With eyes narrowed and lips pursed, she studied him. Her wary expression amused him. She’d obviously caught the seductive quality in his voice and somehow understood she now broached uncharted territory.

“Of course,” Penny said with renewed certainty a moment later, surprising him. “This entire voyage is an adventure I mean to savor.” Her chin edged a notch higher. “You doubt me?”

“No.” Parker sucked in a gulp of air, impressed she hadn’t backed away from the challenge he’d thrown out, in fact threw out one of her own. He coughed and hastily wiped the incredulous expression off his face. The enticing lady naively spouting off about adult adventures was intoxicating enough, but when he spied the daring gleam in her eyes accompanied with a smile that had suddenly become too dangerous, he almost spilled his coffee.

“Not when they’re spoken with such fervency,” he said, backing away from temptation. He shook his head to extricate other reckless thoughts that wouldn’t budge. Maybe his brother’s idea of providing a buffer wasn’t such a bad one. Retreating further, he asked, “So, where is your lovely companion this morning?”

“Mindy’s not so adventuresome. She’s suffering from a bout of
mal de mer
.”

“She’s not coming to breakfast?”

“Oh, you needn’t worry. Once she finds her sea legs, she won’t hate sailing as much.”

“Too bad she won’t be joining us.” Parker sighed. Would his mind ever shut off? Looking at Miss Layton now, his most prominent thought wasn’t about poor Miss Bowers, but about how quickly he could wipe that elfin smile off her face with kisses.

He closed his eyes, praying for restraint. He hadn’t been attracted to a female in a long while. Had never felt an attraction this strong after such a short time, and here he sat across from the one person he now wanted and couldn’t have. He stifled a laugh. What irony!

Jacques burst into the room just then carrying two hefty plates of food. He placed one in front of Parker and took the other to the empty spot next to Penny and sat.

“Busy morning. Now I eat.” He picked up his fork. After a few minutes, he stopped eating. “Is something wrong?”

“Hmmm?”
Parker met his questioning gaze.

Jacques pointed to his food with his fork. “Eat. If you do not, I will be insulted.”