Her Holiday Miracle. Joanna Neil
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them and exchanged banter, simply enjoying the freedom of letting herself go for a while. Her hair tumbled this way and that over her bare shoulders and her skirt gently swirled around her thighs as she sashayed to the beat of steel drums. She hadn’t felt this unrestrained in a long time.
The music stopped for a moment as the latest song came to an end and she stood still, attuning herself to the rhythm of the boat as it crested the waves.
‘Shall we go and stand by the deck rail for a while?’ William suggested, and she nodded, going with him and turning her face to the cooling breeze as the boat ploughed through the waves.
Standing with her by the rail, he put an arm around her shoulders to point out dolphins in the distance, playing in the clear, crystal water.
She felt a prickling at the back of her neck and looked around, suddenly distracted. The man at the rail flicked a glance in her direction, inclining his head in acknowledgement, his eyes narrowed against the glare of the sun. Was he still intent on watching her? Or was it William he was keeping an eye on?
William spoke to her, cutting into her thoughts. ‘Perhaps we might see each other again—hang around together from time to time? Don’t get me wrong—I know you’re not looking for a relationship and neither am I—but we do have something in common. We’ve both been hurt and we could be friends, maybe?’
‘Yes, I’d like that.’ It would be good to have a friend out here.
She looked out over the blue water once more. The island of St Marie-Rose was drawing closer, its green-clad mountains beckoning, while picturesque white-painted houses nestled among the trees on the hillsides—a perfect invitation to visit.
‘Whereabouts are you staying?’ he asked.
‘Tamarind Bay. My sister’s renting a house there … well, nothing quite so grand as a house—it’s more of a cabin, really. She was lucky to get it—it’s quite secluded, apparently, near to a small private marina. The owner of the property is a friend.’
He frowned. ‘That’s the opposite direction from me. We’re all staying at a rental place in the north of the island. Still …’ He brightened. ‘It’s not too far away. It’s not that big an island. You could go from one end to the other in two or three hours.’ He smiled. ‘There aren’t that many bars and nightclubs in Tamarind Bay. I’m sure I’ll manage to find you again. Maybe I could have your phone number? I could help cheer you up.’ He made a wry face. ‘Heck—we could cheer each other up.’
She nodded and smiled in response, but she wasn’t about to commit to anything. She wasn’t averse to having fun—in fact it would be great—but above all she’d come out here to spend time with Emma.
The catamaran moved into place alongside the dock at St Marie-Rose just a few minutes later and they readied themselves to disembark. Ahead of them, William’s cousin was among the first to leave the boat.
William helped her with her bags as they negotiated the steps to the quay. She paused for a moment to look around, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction as she took in the curve of the bay, with its wide strip of golden sand and palms that tilted towards the sun, their green fronds drifting gently in the light breeze.
‘Are you going to be okay getting to your sister’s place?’ William asked as they stood among the melee of disembarking passengers. ‘Tamarind Bay’s about an hour’s drive south from here.’ He seemed concerned, anxious to stay with her, but also aware of his friends waiting for him a short distance away. ‘I could find you a taxi. Better still, I could ask my cousin—’
‘No, please don’t do that,’ she said hurriedly. ‘Don’t worry about me. I’ll be absolutely fine. Go and join your mates. Enjoy the rest of your holiday.’
‘Okay …’ He frowned. ‘I suppose so … if you’re sure?’
‘I am.’
Reluctantly he walked away, and she looked around to see if there were any cabs left for hire. A man thrust a leaflet into her hands—an advertisement for sea trips to the local islands—and she glanced at it briefly. In the meantime passengers were still getting off the ferry, descending upon every waiting vehicle.
‘I help you, lady—yes?’ A dark-skinned, athletic-looking young man came to stand beside Becky on the dock. ‘You need help with your bags?’
‘No … no, thank you.’ Becky gave him a tentative smile. She’d been warned by the tour company about hustlers, and though he seemed innocent enough she was cautious. Perhaps he had a car somewhere, but from his manner she seriously doubted he was a legitimate cab driver. ‘I’ll be fine. I’m sure I can manage.’
Unfortunately, her suitcase was still back at the airport, but she had her hand luggage with her—a holdall and a roomy bag.
He shook his head. ‘You give me money—I take your bags for you.’ He bent down and started to grasp the handles of her overnight bag.
‘No, no … please don’t do that … I can manage,’ she said again, but he wasn’t listening.
‘I take care of it for you,’ he said.
‘No—I’d rather you didn’t do that.’
She tried to reach for her bag but he was too quick for her, deftly swinging it away from her into the air. She sucked in a sharp breath. How on earth was she going to deal with him? Should she kick up a fuss? Call Security? Where was Security around here?
Even as the thoughts darted through her head the man she’d seen earlier stepped forward. He moved so fast she blinked in surprise, watching as he came up to the stranger, gripped the handles of her bag firmly and wrenched them from him. Rebecca was stunned. He was lithe and supple, his body honed to perfection. It was simply amazing to watch him in action.
His steel-grey gaze cut through the young man like a lance. ‘She told you that she didn’t want your help. Now I’m telling you—leave her alone.’
It was clear he meant business. It was there in the clipped tone of his voice and in the firm thrust of his taut, angular jaw. Even Rebecca was in awe of him, and she was an innocent bystander.
‘Okay. Okay.’ The young man held up his hands in submission, backing off. ‘I didn’t mean any harm. I’m going.’ He looked wary, taken completely aback by the opposition that seemed to have erupted out of nowhere.
Her rescuer watched him leave. ‘He won’t bother you any more,’ he said.
‘No. I see that.’ She sent him a grateful glance, her green eyes drinking him in. The youth was hurrying away along the quayside, anxious to stay out of trouble. ‘Thank you. I wasn’t sure whether there were any security people around here. They didn’t seem necessary. Everything looked so peaceful.’
His mouth made a wry curve. ‘It is—usually. But anywhere you go you might find people who want to supplement their income any way they can.’
‘I suppose so.’ She used the leaflet to fan her cheeks against the heat. How did he manage to look so cool and in control? He must be used to the conditions out here.
‘I’m Cade, by the way,’ he said. ‘I’m William’s cousin. He may have mentioned me.’
He held out a hand to her and she slipped her palm briefly into his. His grasp was firm and reassuringly strong.
‘Rebecca,’ she answered. ‘Yes, he did. Thanks again for your help.’
‘You’re welcome.’ He gave her a thoughtful look. ‘I couldn’t help overhearing some of your conversation with William on board. You said you were staying at Tamarind Bay—that’s roughly where I’m headed. Near there, anyway. I have a place in the hills above the bay. I could give you a lift, if you like?’
‘Um … that’s okay, thanks. I don’t mind waiting for a taxi. I don’t want to put you out.’ She didn’t know him, after all, so why would she