Free Course of the Heart by Cam Dawson Page A

him, it would be “breathtaking.” As he relished the moment, Sam appeared in the middle of his view, as she moved up the ladder.
    For a moment he forgot how to breathe. It was hard to put into words how her appearance made the setting complete. Her long dark hair tossed in the gentle breeze, and he was amazed at how beautiful she was, even at that early hour, without make-up, wearing oversized shorts and a baggy tee. The sweat suit was gone.
    “Good morning,” she said, as she came up to him.
    It was all he could do to swallow. “Good morning, back at ya. Did you sleep well?”
    “Like a baby.”
    Until that moment, he hadn’t noticed the coffee mugs in her hands. She sat one on the starboard settee. From a pocket she produced a breakfast bar. “Brought you breakfast.”
    “Thanks.” He realized how comfortable the morning felt. Although she kept his senses on alert, having her around was so natural. Of all the times he had started a new day with a woman on his boat, none compared with the peace that now surrounded him. That in itself was a first for him. Most of the mornings after weren’t the least bit comfortable and usually came with guilt or a hangover, and the need to get away as quickly and as possible.
    She sat on the settee and turned her head toward the east, sipping her coffee, and taking in the scenery. As he munched on his breakfast bar, standing at the wheel, he found he couldn’t take his eyes from her as she sat in the foreground of the morning’s display of splendor. The breeze played through her hair, making its way across the cockpit toward him, bringing her fresh, sweet girl scent. As he washed his breakfast bar down with a sip of coffee, she turned and caught him staring. He looked away, set the mug in the holder on the wheel pedestal, and started removing the mainsail cover. She stood and helped.
    “I figure we’ll reach Andros Town by noon.” He stifled a yawn. “That will give me some time to get to the bank and store and provision up before dark.”
    “And have a little time for shopping?” she asked meekly. Even that expression was sexy as hell. “I know you must be getting tired of me wearing your clothes.”
    “You are welcome to whatever clothes you can find on this tub. But yes, you should have plenty of time to shop. Not sure what’s there, but hopefully we can find a good place to dock and eat. Most of the island’s people live along the eastern shore of the island. But the good news for you is that there are three airports on Andros. If you want to change your mind about the journey, this might be a good place for you to make your escape.”
    Drew thought he detected a different, uneasy look on Sam’s face.
    “Great, you’ll finally be rid of me.”
    He couldn’t help but pick up on the sarcasm. “I thought this was what you wanted.”
    “Yes, of course this is what I want.” She touched his arm. Had he missed her suggestion of waiting until they arrived at the US Virgins? “I guess I’m just a little nervous.”
    “Well you can stop worrying. I’ll be right there with you until you walk onto that plane. And we’ll get there early enough to make sure we scope out the other passengers to make sure that no undesirables get on the plane with you.”
    “Thank you.”
    “According to my conversation with the attorney, the money is at a Scotia Bank in Andros Town. I’m thinking we dock overnight and after I get the money, maybe spring for a steak or seafood dinner tonight in town. That should give us time to get you a flight out the next day.”
    Sam poked her lip out and frowned. “You don’t like my cooking?”
    “Your cooking is great, but tonight you get the night off. Tonight we’ll let someone else do the cooking and clean-up.”
    “Aye, aye, Cap’n.” She stood rigid and saluted.
    The winds cooperated and by late morning Drew dropped sails and motored into an inlet near the immigration office at Andros Town. After clearing customs, they motored