Free Three Weeks Last Spring by Victoria Howard Page B

routine. She kept herself occupied by alternatively catching up with her reading and, between breaks in the rainstorms, visiting the island's museums and window shopping in the local art, craft and antique shops in Friday and Roche Harbor s .
     
    As for Walker, Skye saw no more of him. She was sure he was somewhere in the vicinity, but for the time being at least, he was keeping out of her way, and that suited her fine.
     
    Debbie had phoned the day after Walker's early morning visit and had arranged to fly up for the weekend. Skye was looking forward to seeing her friend again, as it was nearly two years since they'd spent any quality time together. Their friendship , sustained by frequent e-mails and long distance phone calls, had survived well.
     
    After three action-filled days enjoying every tourist attraction San Juan Island had to offer, they join ed one of the many charte r boats on a trip to watch the K iller whales known locally as Orcas . And were enthralled by the sight of the huge mammals splashing and cavorting in the prote cted waters around the islands.
     
    Debbie's stay drew to a close, time passing too quickly for them, as it always did. As had become their custom over the years, they planned to spend their last night enjoy ing a meal and sampl ing the local nightli fe in one of Friday Harbor 's more prestigious restaurants .
     
    Walker was about to leave when he saw Skye and another woman enter. He’d only dropped in for a meal and a quick drink before returning to the Lodge . What a coincidence, that his tenant should choose this particular restaurant and bar for an evening out. He ordered another beer and settled down to watch. He had a feeling the evening was about to become interesting, very interesting indeed.
     
    The two women didn't have to wait long before a waiter showed them to a table by the window overlooking the marina . As they crossed the dining room they were oblivious to the fact that nearly every male in the room under the age of s ixty watched their progression.
     
    Their appearance was striking, one auburn-haired and the other titian. They complimented each well. At first glance they appeared to be of similar height; although on closer inspection Walker could see that Skye's companion was taller by a couple of inches. Skye looked stunning. She was dressed in a calf length jade green dress, which caressed every inch of her figure like a lover. It set off her colo u ring to perfection.
     
    Caught off guard by the intense feeling of desire that surged though his veins, Walker willed his body to still, but his body was having none of it. He wanted to pull Skye into his arms and kiss her until she was senseless. Why did his tenant have to be so troublesome and so darned sexy? The first he could cope with, the second might just earn him yet another cold shower.
     
    Skye's companion was dressed all in black, a perfect foil for her vibrant hair and pale skin. Both were beautiful in their own way, although Walker preferred Skye's delicate features and softer colo u ring to the more dramatic woman by her side.
     
    To anyone who might appear interested, they were just two friends out for the evening. Walker, however, wasn't just anyone. His curiosity was aroused. Either his tenant made friends very quickly or she had an associate here on the island. In which case, why had she arranged to meet her in a very public place, rather than at the cabin, wh ere they wouldn't be overheard?
     
    E nquiring from a passing waiter what the two women were drinking, Walker ordered a round of drinks and had them delivered to their table. He watched their reaction in the mirror above the bar. Skye's companion appeared to ask who had bought them a drink. When the waiter pointed him out, she turned, gave him a dazzling smile, and raised her glass in ack nowledgement of his generosity.
     
    "Who was he pointing to? Skye asked. "Please don't tell me it was the geriatric with the walking stick."
     
    "Don't be