“My God, Summer, it’s a miracle that you are alive,” Victor gasps when she is finished.
“I am sorry that I’m here under false pretenses, Mr. Yates but I needed a place to wait. I am sure my brother has gotten my letter by now and he will be here soon.”
“Summer, the port in Boston has been closed. No ships are allowed in or out of Boston until they stop the spread. The mail is being routed through New York by train, then on to ships. Your brother will not get through, he will be rerouted through another port. Possibly, New York.”
Summer goes quiet for a minute before uttering, “That settles it then! I shall leave in the morning for New York. I will meet him…” Victor stares at her like she has lost her mind.
“You will do no such thing! New York is no place for a young woman alone, I won’t hear of it.”
“I am sorry to have been such a burden to you, Mr. Yates...”
“Victor,” he growls interrupting her.
“You are exasperating, Victor! I need to get to my brother, what part of this do you not understand.” She snaps at him with her hands on her hips. The purple on her face is standing out against the pale skin.
“I understand perfectly, Miss Denning. You are in danger and I owe you for saving my son’s life. I shall escort you to New York and help you find your brother.”
Summer smiles and his heart skips a beat. He is finding it increasingly difficult to keep his hands to himself.
“Truly?” She gasps and she crosses the room in a flash wrapping her arms around him in a hug of joy.
“Oh, thank you, Mr. Yates!” She says and this time the tears on her cheeks are joyful tears.
His smile fades and he takes her face and wipes her tears away with his thumb before he tastes her mouth. It is a sweet kiss, full of promise and hope. His mustache tickles her and he savors the salty taste of tears mixed with whiskey.
Summer freezes as he explores her mouth and sighs pressing her body tighter against his. When the kiss changes, growing more intense, she yelps at the pain from her busted lip. “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He states, backing away from her.
“You didn’t hurt me. I am going back to London with my brother, Mr. Yates. I wouldn’t want to do anything to hurt Jonah. You feel sorry for me and responsible, that is all.”
Victor is grinning at her. “Don’t presume to know my feelings, Summer. We’ve only just begun to get to know each other. I wouldn’t do anything to damage your family name. We shall travel to New York, as soon as I can make arrangements. You should get some rest now. Good night, Miss Denning.”
Summer watches him go and is dazed. He kissed her and she kissed him back. “You know better than that,” she chides herself and marches to her desk. “The last thing I need is to get involved with a man and sully my rep…” Summer laughs at herself. “You had your senses knocked out of you when that pig hit you. There is no one left who cares.”
She promised Jonah a pirate story and that is what he will get. Time to stop feeling sorry for herself and she dips her pen into the well and begins. Two hours later when Victor returns to wake her, he finds her sleeping at the desk.
‘Summer?’ He shakes her gently stepping back when she jerks awake and stares at him in confusion.
‘You are supposed to be sleeping,’ he grumbles at her.
‘Why, you just keep waking me,’ she stands up and grins at him. ‘You don’t have to keep coming in here. I am tougher than I look.’
‘Maybe I like being the face you see when you open your eyes.’ He leans close and her breath catches. She attempts to back away, but the desk chair blocks her.
‘Easy, don’t hurt yourself.’ He gently guides her to her bed.
‘I think it would be best if you stayed out of my room, for both our sakes,’ she whispers.
Victor grins and reaches for the belt of her robe and she inhales and grabs his hand. ‘Sir, you are overstepping your bounds!’ He fists his hand into her belt and pulls her body close to his.
‘Perhaps, but I only want to help you get into bed.’ His mouth teases hers and she sighs as he unties the belt and slips the heavy robe from her shoulders. Her breasts instantly react, and she helps him lift the shirt over his head. Her hands roam over his muscular chest and her mouth follows tasting him.
‘Summer, I want you!’ Victor growls and she smiles as his hands run over her body.
‘Then take me,’ she demands.
“Summer.” Victor shakes her and she jerks awake at the desk. Shocked at the turn her dream was taking, she blushes bright red and jumps to her feet.
“I’m awake!” She says and backs away from him only to fall backwards into her chair.
“Easy. You’re supposed to be in bed not sitting at this desk. What in the world are you doing?” He gently takes her arm and pulls her back towards the bed. Her heart begins to beat faster, and she draws her arm loose from his grip.
“I was writing Jonah a pirate story. I promised him one. Mr. Yates, I think it would be best if you stayed out of my room.” She snaps at him all the while thanking God, he can’t read her mind!
“Soon enough, Summer. For tonight I have to wake
