She did her best to hang on to her seat and stay out of his way.
Once connected, the whaler was lifted high into the air by the crane, and this ride was no less nerve-wracking than the two-hour boat trip to the islands or the precarious jump shed taken a few moments ago. She gripped the aluminum bench until her knuckles went white. When the boat shuddered to a stop over dry land, she breathed a sigh of relief and flexed her icy hands.
She couldnt believe she was actually here. Southeast Farallon Island was an odd place, like no other on earth, and the first thing that struck her was the noise. It was nature in chaos. The sound of crashing surf and cawing birds reverberated in her ears, and wind whipped at her clothes, like children vying for attention.
Jason grinned at the boom operator, clearly at home in this wild place. Thanks, Liz, he shouted, raising his voice to be heard above the cacophony.
The woman at the controls watched while Jason helped Daniela climb from the dangling boat, her expression cool.
Daniela stepped forward to introduce herself. Liz? Im Daniela Flores.
Elizabeth Winters, she said, extending a slender, black-gloved hand.
Daniela accepted her handshake with an uncertain smile.
Im the only one allowed to call her Liz, Jason explained, hefting the duffel bag over his shoulder. Because were special friends.
Elizabeth regarded him like he was something unpleasant stuck to the bottom of her shoe. Daniela didnt know what to make of her. She was tall and slim, dressed in weatherproof fabric from head to toe, with a gray-blue windbreaker that matched the color of her eyes. A thick auburn braid trailed over one shoulder, and she had the delicate skin of a redhead. Her face was pale and freckled and very lovely.
Ill refrain from sharing my pet name for you, she said drily.
He laughed, delighted to have irked her. Elizabeth seemed more annoyed than amused. Perhaps she was immune to charming men.
Daniela decided that she liked her. How is your conservation project coming along? she asked as they followed Jason down the steep, pebble-strewn path toward the house. I was fascinated by the study you published recently on the black-feathered cormorant.
Elizabeths cheeks flushed with pleasure. Thank you. The islands get so much attention for their sharks. She made a face at Jasons well-formed back, as if he were responsible for the Farallones notoriety. Many of the birds here are more unique, and in far greater need of protection, but the majority of funding is spent on shark research. Investors with deep pockets love to see red water and flashing teeth.
Watch your step, Jason reminded, turning toward Elizabeth and placing his hand on her slim waist.
She tensed at his touch. Im fine.
Nodding, he released her and continued on.
Daniela traversed the slope with caution, feeling rocks crumble and roll like ball bearings beneath her booted feet.
Where was I? Elizabeth asked.
Flashing teeth, Daniela supplied, eyes cast downward.
Oh, right. The tourists come for the sharks as well. Boatloads of gawkers cruise by every weekend. I mean, this is supposed to be an animal sanctuary. Last Sunday they all but ruined my chances at seeing two blue-crested warblers mate
Her rising voice shut off like a switch as she lost her footing. Quick as lightning, Jason caught her by both arms and hauled her against him, saving her from a nasty tumble down the side of the cliff.
She stared up at him, wide-eyed and short of breath.
Like I said, he murmured, letting her go. Watch your step.
Sorry. With a trilling laugh, she glanced back at Daniela. I tend to get overexcited, talking about my causes.
No need to apologize for being passionate, Daniela said, intrigued by the subject matter. Not to mention the byplay between Elizabeth and Jason. How close do the tourists get? she asked as they started down the hill again. I thought the waters here were too treacherous for recreational boaters.
Oh, they are, Jason replied. But a cage-diving operation comes during shark season. They dock a couple of hundred feet offshore, drop the cages and throw out chum.
Daniela was shocked. They chum? Near the islands? The practice of throwing out shark bait, a noxious mixture of blood and fish parts, was looked down on by scientists. It changed the animals natural behavior and made them less wary of humans.
Yeah. Its not illegal.
She arrived at the base of the slope, where the ground was more stable. I cant imagine getting in the water here. Even with a steel cage for protection.
Crazy thrill seekers, Jason said, winking at Elizabeth. Obviously, his profession as a shark researcher put him in the same category. Daniela is here to observe the Steller sea lion. Shes from the Scripps Institute in San Diego.
Elizabeths brows rose. Excellent. Thats a top-notch organization.
Oh, yes, Daniela said, unable to contain her own excitement. Were collecting the necessary data to keep the Steller on the endangered list. I hope my work here makes a difference.
So do I, Elizabeth said kindly.
Weve got an awesome crew this season. Jason shifted the weight of her duffel as he approached the front door of the house. Brent Masterson is here, filming some footage for his documentary. Taryn Evans is one of the most enthusiastic interns Ive ever met. And although Dr. Fitzwilliam had to back out at the last minute, his replacement is a name Im sure youll recognize. Weve snagged the leading shark expert in the Western Hemisphere
Danielas stomach dropped as soon as he opened the door. For, standing behind it was a man she recognized very well, indeed. The leading shark expert of the Western Hemisphere had his hands all over a gorgeous blonde, laughing as he tried to wrestle her to the ground.
Sean Carmichael, Jason finished, gazing upon Danielas ex-husband with hero-worship in his eyes.
Chapter 2
Sean disentangled himself from the young woman quickly, his face going slack. The football the pair had been grappling over dropped to the threadbare rug with a solid thud.
Still laughing, the girl picked it up off the floor and straightened, running a hand through her long, wavy hair.
Daniela hated her immediately.
Im Taryn, the girl said, a dimple appearing in her sunny cheek.
Daniela, she murmured in response, managing a limp handshake. She felt bloodless, as though her spirit had been drained from her, sucked out by the island wind and taken far away, across the turbulent sea.
Why was Sean here? He was supposed to be in Baja California. Shed checked.
An uncomfortable silence, punctuated by the ticking of a clock on the far wall, seemed to stretch out into an eternity. Jason looked back and forth between Daniela and Sean, puzzled by the tension in the room. Do you two know each other?
Sean recovered first. Hed always been quick on his feet. Shes my ex-wife, he said, explaining their relationship in the same tone hed have used to mention a vague professional connection. He gave her a polite nod. Hello, Daniela.
Although it took an effort, she inclined her head, acknowledging him in the same detached manner. Sean.
Taryn nibbled on her lush lower lip, as if trying to figure out if Danielas presence meant her fun and games with Sean were over.
Although it took an effort, she inclined her head, acknowledging him in the same detached manner. Sean.
Taryn nibbled on her lush lower lip, as if trying to figure out if Danielas presence meant her fun and games with Sean were over.
Jason also seemed to be considering the ramifications. Is there a problem?
Yes, Sean said.
No, said Daniela at the same time.
Jason frowned. She doesnt have a restraining order against you or anything, does she?
Sean shot him a dark look, insulted by the suggestion that a woman would require protection from him. Of course not.
Accepting the answer without question, Jason turned his attention back to Daniela, a hint of regret in his eyes. Being a lowly seal researcher, rather than a leading shark expert, she was the more dispensable of the two.
Her mood plummeted. She didnt need a weather diagram to know which way the wind blew on Farallon Island. Sean was a superstar in this field, and his unscheduled visit here was a coup. Compared to him, she was nobody. Jason Ruiz wouldnt care how pretty she was if Sean wanted her gone.
She forced herself to meet Seans eyes. Can we talk outside?
Sure, he muttered, grabbing a jacket off the dilapidated couch in the living room. On his way out, he exchanged a glance with Taryn, conveying a silent, intimate message that cut Daniela to the quick.
Taryn watched them depart with undisguised interest.
Daniela walked about a dozen steps from the house and stopped, hugging her arms around her body. Because the island was covered by sharp rocks, kamikaze seagulls and 5,000-pound elephant seals, it was no place to take a leisurely stroll.
At least the wind would make their conversation impossible to overhear. It blew her hair in every direction, whipping the shoulder-length strands against her cheeks.
She stared out at the horizon, collecting her thoughts. Although she disliked being at Seans mercy, shed have to suck it up and make nice. There was so much riding on this project. Her career, the causeher peace of mind, even. In a way, shed come here to find herself.
Shed been lost for so long.
Spending time on a deserted island with her ex-husband wasnt going to be easy, but she was a survivor. Shed lived through worse than this. Compared to some of the other challenges shed faced in her life, his presence was a minor roadblock.
Theyd been married for more than five years; surely they could put up with each other for a few short weeks.
You look good, he said, after a long moment.
Surprised by the compliment, she turned to face him.
Your hair is longer, he added unnecessarily. And you seem His gaze dropped to her breasts, which were impossible to hide, even in a boxy windbreaker. Healthier, he muttered, a flush creeping up his neck.
If he meant to flatter her, he was off base. After the accident, shed cropped her hair short, and in the following year shed lost a lot of weight. Shed overheard him telling his best friend that she resembled a scrawny boy.
One careless remark, never discussed, never repeated, but it had damaged their already strained relationship. The last thing she needed was a reminder that he liked long, luscious hair and generous curves.
Sexist pig.
He was looking a bit rawboned himself, but she didnt say that. Lean or not, he was the picture of health. Shedding a few pounds only made his shoulders appear broader and his face more angular. Underneath his clothes, she knew he would be perfectly cut, all lovely muscles etched into sun-bronzed flesh.
Beautiful bastard.
His hair was longer, too, curling at the edge of his collar, as if hed been too busy to have it trimmed. He hadnt bothered to shave in a few days, either. His whiskers appeared thicker than ever, but she knew from experience that they would feel soft to the touch. Her fingertips tingled at the memory of exploring his stubbly jaw and hard mouth. Both were deceptively rough-looking.
She resisted the absurd longing to lift her hand to his face. I need this, she said in a low voice.
Sean shook his head. You dont belong here, Dani. Its too harsh, too volatile. Yourenot equipped.
That isnt fair, she said. You havent even seen me since
Whens the last time you had an anxiety attack? he interrupted.
Crossing her arms over her chest, she studied the horizon instead of him. Breathe, she reminded herself. Just breathe.
A month ago? A week?
I can handle it. Hed witnessed her worst breakdowns, so she couldnt blame him for being concerned. She could, however, resent him for treating her like an invalid, and for thinking she was weak. Im stronger now.
His eyes wandered over her face. Are you?
Yes! You really think that teenybopper you were playing full-contact with is tougher than I am? After all Ive been through?
Shes twenty-four.
Jealousy burned within her, hot and bright. Did you interrogate her this way, too? Make sure she was mentally fit?
I didnt have to. Shes veryeasygoing.
Daniela choked out a laugh. Nothing he could have said would hurt more. Compared to her, everyone seemed easy. How perfect for you.
He didnt disagree.
She pushed the pain of his betrayal aside, searching for the right words to convince him. Ive been on the waiting list for over a year, Sean. Dont take this opportunity away from me because you came out here on a whim. Please.
He shifted from one foot to the other, his face taut. Theres been an incident.
What kind of incident?
Someone skinned a seal pup.
The breath rushed from her lungs. When?
A few days ago. We found it on the north side.
Daniela blinked a few times, struggling to understand. The body washed up?
No. It was fresh.
Thats impossible! The island is virtually inaccessible.
He inclined his head in agreement. Virtually.
Who would do that?
Maybe a disgruntled fisherman, or a member of the cage-diving crew. Either way, its been damned odd around here lately. Were all on edge. The last thing I want is for you to come across some crazyanti-environmentalist. He was quiet for a moment, his gaze searching hers. I dont want you to get hurt.
A lump rose to her throat. She swallowed hard, thinking shed much rather deal with his criticism than his tenderness. I wont, she promised, her voice huskier than usual. I appreciate your concern, but I cant run away at the first sign of trouble. I need to face my fears, Sean. I came here to move on.
His eyes darkened with a sharp, indefinable emotion. She knew the situation was difficult for him, too. Much of what had gone wrong between them had been her fault; shed given up on their marriage long before he had.
And when she realized her mistake, it had been too late.
The radio under his jacket crackled with disturbance. Shark attack, southwest side. Near Skull Rock. Looks like a big one.
It was a mans voice, one she didnt recognize. Sean unclipped his radio and responded with an affirmative, glancing up toward the lighthouse. Beside it, there was a lone figure, waving his arms in the direction of the attack.
Jason flew out of the house, a digital video camera in his hands, his open jacket flapping behind him. There was no more time for negotiation. Whos with me? he said, heading toward the landing.