Free BayouBabe99er (BookStrand Publishing Romance) by Mickie Sherwood Page A

despair is not my forte.” The deathly quiet played up the sincerity in his voice. He held her at arm’s length while staring right into her eyes for consensus. “Believe me, Sharlene.”
    “I do believe you, Drake.” She yawned just as he released a relieved sigh. “I do, however, resent the oil company’s ploy to make nice for appearances’ sake. Just for the cameras.”
    Sleep dropped on her like a ton of bricks. It became impossible to keep steady on her feet or keep her eyes open. Full-blown fatigue commandeered her body. His weight caused the planks to creak as he sidled within inches of her. His body heat lulled her to lie against him.
    By this time, the drizzle stopped and the sky lightened.
    Guiding her back to the bench, he crooned, “It’s okay to nap, Sharlene.” Drake snuggled her under his arm. “I’ll wake you when Moot gets in.” She read the hopeful expression on his face that she would comply with his wishes, tempting him to put in, “He’s a Mouton, right?”
    She conveniently forgot about the pledge enacted to spare their feelings from hurt. Sharlene curled her legs while fitting her shoulder under Drake’s arm. A staggering breath was her defenses lowering. The thrill of her warm, pliant body nestled into his renewed his hope. She could shove all she wanted. But no way would he let her shove away their burgeoning relationship. Drake gladly welcomed the entanglement, for it held long-lasting promises.

Chapter Thirteen
     
    Streaks of cottony strands highlighted the grayish-blue sky over the village. The sun peeped out, transforming the atmosphere, giving all those who still lingered high hopes for the outcome. Drake’s chin brushed his chest periodically. Refusing to succumb to exhaustion, he kept a diligent lookout for her sake. Sharlene’s head rested comfortably on his lap. She slept on even as a firm hand shook his shoulder.
    His head jerked up, and he worked the kinks out of his neck. He turned and looked directly at Clyde, whose expression was hard to read. Drake laid a protective hand on Sharlene’s shoulder, hoping to get the lowdown before she awakened. He gave Clyde the quiet signal.
    Clyde squatted at Drake’s ear. “They spotted the Babe.” Drake’s neck craned to get a glimpse of Clyde’s features as he spoke because those words could have meant anything. “She cripple, but bobbin’.”
    Something just wasn’t right with the information Clyde shared. “What’s the problem?”
    “No sign’a Moot. Sea too rough to get close.”
    Drake took in the view before him where the weather remained dark and gloomy over the horizon. “So the trawler’s just drifting?”
    “Got a grapple hook on ’er,” he answered. “Can’t raise him on the radio, neither.” Clyde hesitated. “They headed back, boy.”
    Drake’s hand tightened. His eyes closed in disappointment. How could he soften the blow he wondered. Her world was about to fall apart.
    “They ’bout four hours out.”
    Sharlene shifted. He knew it was hard to get the blood flowing in her limbs, for she’d been on one side for so long. Drake removed the slicker trapping her from freely moving. Her look was soft, sleepy looking. Nonetheless, her wide, dry eyes hinted she suspected everything when she dared to search his and Clyde’s faces.
    “You heard?” Drake asked. A nod of her head was his answer. “I’m so sorry, Sharlene.”
    “Go away, Drake.” A note of finality rang in her voice.
    “Sharlene?”
    Her expression vacillated between anger and sorrow. “Uncle Moot wouldn’t’ve been out there trying to squeeze a dime from a nickel if you and your cronies hadn’t screwed things up down here.”
    “You’re upset.”
    “No, I’m pissed!” She switched her emotions off, tuning him out. “Can we take the airboat and meet them, Mr. Clyde?”
    “Look at that sky.” He pointed to the metal gray clouds that blended with the dark waters. “Not on the open water, Sha.”
    “Then is there someone