Free Wings of the Morning (Kensington Chronicles) by Lori Wick Page B

was on a walk. Dallas had
    other things he could do, many in fact, but until he had made
    things right between Smokey and him, he would not go to
    work.
    "About last night, Smokey," Dallas finally began, and
    Smokey turned to look at him where he stood a short distance
    from her. "In my surprise I handled the situation very badly.
    I'm sorry."
    "Thank you," Smokey said simply, and let her eyes rest on
    him for a moment more. His presence made her so aware of
    her rather plain looks and dowdy clothes that she couldn't get
    comfortable around him. After just a few seconds, Smokey
    transferred her gaze out to sea. She was surprised when
    Dallas did not bid her goodbye and leave.
    She was even more surprised when he sat down on the
    rock beside her. There was nothing improper in the gesture,
    in fact he was two feet away, but she felt his closeness like an
    embrace.
    "When do you sail again?"
    Smokey answered without looking at himj it was easier
    that way. "We're scheduled to leave tomorrow."
    "Will you be gone long?"
    "We'll be back a few days before Christmas."
    "May I sail with you?"
    Even though the question surprised her, she answered
    immediately. "I don't take passengers."
    "I meant as a crewman."
    Smokey chuckled; she couldn't help herself. "Captains do not make good crewmen."
    "I would" Dallas' deep, solemn tone forced Smokey to
    look at him. He was staring at her intently.
    He's serious/ she thought incredulously.
    "Why?" she managed out loud
    "Because I want to study the Aramis."
    "Why?" Smokey asked again, beginning to think this conversation
    absurd
    Dallas sighed It was a reasonable question, but so hard to
    answer.
    "I don't want to sail all my life." Dallas* eyes were now back
    to sea, his voice wistful. "When my parents moved south, a
    man they'd known for years took over my father's company.
    Buck had his own business to run, and I was too inexperienced
    to understand we were being swindled until it was too
    late. We were nearly broke in six months. Now I want to build
    the business up again, and my sailing is simply a means to that
    end. When I have enough capital, I want to build ships, and
    studying the Aramis would be invaluable to that trade."
    "Knight Crafts," Smokey said when the realization dawned
    "They're fine ships."
    "I think so. I realize we were one of the smaller lines, but
    it's my dream to see the company in full production again."
    80
    "What happens to your ship in the next few weeks?"
    "It needs repairs, and because it's been a busy year, my
    crew is ready for a break. I would work hard for you," Dallas
    added, "and take orders with the rest of the men."
    Smokey wondered that she was actually considering it.
    Nate had impaled his hand on their last voyage, and as of a
    week ago, it was still infected. They could sail without him; it
    wouldn't be the first time they were shorthanded, or Dallas
    could take his place. Of course he probably wouldn't want the
    job when he learned it was the most insignificant position on
    the ship.
    "I have an opening, but there's nothing very glamorous
    about it."
    "I would take any job in order to be on theAramis when
    you sail."
    "You'd be a cabin boy of sorts, taking everyone's grief and
    seeing to every dirty job on ship, including the care of my
    clothes, my cabin, and the officers' quarters, and without a
    word of complaint."
    "I was cabin boy to my uncle for two years. I can do the
    job." Dallas' eyes were alive with excitement.
    "All right," Smokey agreed before she could change her
    mind
    "Great!"
    Without even looking at him, Smokey knew his smile was a
    mile wide.
    "Do your officers call you Smokey or Captain Simmons?"
    Dallas asked, his voice respectful.
    "Captain Simmons," Smokey said with an unladylike snort.
    "I should be so lucky!"
    It was a cryptic remark, but Dallas was given no chance to
    question her. Smokey pushed to her feet, jumped down to the
    beach without help, and took a few steps away. She turned
    back to him, as though suddenly