UNFINISHED BUSINESS. The words echoed in Cassies thoughts after she and Dan lapsed into silence. One minute they were crazy in loveand just plain crazyand the next, they were married. Admit it. You were a flake. You ran away in a full-blown panic.
Her compatibility list would ensure that never happened again. She rubbed her notepad as though it were a magic amulet.
Sammy huddled in the tote bag. She had to admit the bows and bells were a little flaky, but she couldnt seem to eradicate that last flake. She picked him up and leaned against the helm again. Thornton braced himself in the walkway between the two seats, his head up and lips flapping in the wind. He and Dan had similar poseswell, except for the flapping lips, thank goodnessand she found herself smiling at them. Shed looked into Dans eyes: he had the heart of a poet, too.
Thornton likes being out on the boat, she said.
Thor, he corrected in that deep voice. Sammy did, too, until you sissified him.
Oh, pooh, I did not. Dogs arent trapped in the macho male syndrome like men are.
Sammy barked, and his bell jingled.
Oh, is that what we are? I was wondering what it was. Goodie, I can break out my pink bows.
Youre just jealous of Sammys ability to express his feminine side without compromising his male values. He has no qualms about his maleness, despite the lack of, er, certain male appendages. But you, on the other hand, feel that expressing your feminine side would expose your vulnerabilities and lessen your manhood, which is obviously in question.
He just looked at her for a minute, his mouth slightly agape. He slapped his hand over that mouth. Youre already making me crazy again.
Ive got an extra bow if youd like to try expressing yourself.
An extra? His laugh sounded strangled. My hairs too short.
His hair was still thick, no longer than the base of his neck, and was now rakishly ruffled by the wind. He turned Bob Marley and the Wailers up a little louder. He always did like that tropical music, and she always thought of Dan when she heard it.
She grinned. Maybe I wasnt talking about your hair.
He made a choking sound, but quickly regrouped. I can arrange that.
I challenge you to take that first step in exploring your feminine side by yourself.
He stared at her, slapped his forehead, and returned to his driving. She was making him crazy. And for one crazy moment, she wanted to be that impulsive woman shed been with him. She tamped down the pitty-pat of her heart. Bad idea! Very bad idea!
A boat named The Bimini Twist whizzed past, sending a cacophony of catcalls with Dans name attached and something about a fishing goddess. He veered off to the right, taking Gordon Pass out to the Gulf. With a flush, she realized those men thought she was Dans bow ornament.
What was that about a fishing goddess? she asked.
The huge mansions of Port Royal slid by them on the right, and the lush mangroves filled the left with their green. White egrets prowled among the branches that grew all spindly just over the waters surface, reminding her of her legs.
I guess they figure since Im the fishing god, you must be my fishing goddess.
She quirked an eyebrow. Yeah, I meant to ask you about that fishing god stuff.
He lifted a shoulder. What can I say? They recognize greatness.
The fish, you mean?
That boyish laugh sounded again. You could say that. Ive won this tournament for the last four years. I have an innate sense about where the fish are. And you know what your role is as my goddess, dont you?
To filet that fishy ego of yours. After he laughed, she said, But doesnt being a fishing god give you an unfair advantage?
Thats why Im not officially participating this year. Im just here for the thrill of the hunt, the excitement of the battle and the victory of the catch.
Oh, brother. Am I even worthy of standing in the glow of your greatness? She remembered a line from Waynes World and started mock bowing with her arms outstretched. Were not worthy, were not worthy.
He gave her a little hand wave, and used the mangled French accent and lines from their favorite Monty Python movie, The Holy Grail. I fart in your general direction!
She covered her mouth, but couldnt keep back the snort of laughter. Did we really sit up all night and have Monty Python film festivals? Or was that some warped dream?
He grinned. Its true, Im afraid. Then again, we were a bit warped, werent we?
A bit? How many times did we watch the dead parrot routine?
And still roll on the floor laughing?
Their eyes met over their laughter, and she remembered how they cuddled up in front of the television all night watching Monty Python tapesamong other activities. Her laugh slowly came to a stop, her smile faded. So did his. Good times.
She touched her notepad. Well, those crazy days are behind me now.
Thats too bad.
Is not.
He put on his sunglasses and concentrated on the water ahead. Her heart went pitty-pat again. Not a good sign. She felt an odd swell of pride as she studied him, captain of his boat, straight shoulders and lifted chin. Singing the words to No Woman No Cry with his slightly off-key voice.
She picked up the tape case to distract herself. No wonder they laughed me out of that karaoke bar years ago. I thought this song was Nose runnin, nose wipe.
He laughed. Is that what you were singing?
Well, could I help it if the darned screen wasnt working right?
Well, you did trip and spill your margarita on the machine.
Only after you pinched my butt as I walked up there.
He grinned, and then reached out toward her derriere. I couldnt resist.
She held Sammy between them like a hairy shield. Resist now, buddy!
It didnt have the desired effect. Dan laughed again. Cassie, you really havent changed much.
I have, too! She juggled Sammy and opened her notepad. See! Look at all the items Ive marked off my lists. I am an organized, sensible woman!
He moved closer, making her feel not the least bit sensible. And Ill bet by the time you get off this boat, youll be crazy about me all over again.
Lordy, shed just gotten on the boat and she was already feeling kind of crazy. Not that shed act on it. No way, uh-uh. She fumbled with her notepad. See, theres nothing about being crazy about you in here. She moved her finger over Pick up doggie biscuits and Buy new pooper-scooper.
I think Im honored. He scanned the list. You dont do anything thats not on your lists, then?
Other than, you know, the basic daily stuff, no, not a thing, I live and die by these lists, these lists are what make me a responsible adult who doesnt do impulsive things that could cause trouble for herself and others, and who doesntIm doing it again, arent I? She backed away from him, took a breath and turned to her bad habits page. Beneath Cluttered desk, she wrote, Skimble scambleagain. She wanted to write Heart going pitty-pat over Danagain but she held back, since he was watching.
He was assessing her with those hazel eyes of his. Then he took the pen and turned to a new page. He wrote Dans List and beneath that, Find out how much of the old Cass is buried beneath these silly lists.
She tugged the notepad back and wrote None!
4
DAN AND CASSIE FOLLOWED the shoreline of Keewaydin Island, a thin strip of land separating the inland waterway from the Gulf. Vacation cabins were sprinkled among the tall Australian pines, high up on stilts to prevent flooding during storms. She remembered where the land narrowed, the private little place known as Fantasy Island among the boating crowd. She and Dan couldnt afford a honeymoon trip, so theyd camped out there over the weekend. Boy, had he made a fantasy or two come true.
She shook her head. Enough of those thoughts!
Mosquitoes? he asked, peering at her over the rim of his sunglasses.
Yes, nasty little creatures. She made a show of slapping her neck and then him for causing her errant thoughts.
Geez, that one must have been the size of Sammy, he said when she smacked a good one on his shoulder.
Sammy barked in agreement.
It was, she said with a solemn nod. And theres another one right there She started moving forward, but he grabbed her hand and linked their fingers.
Ill take my chances with the mosquito, thank you.
Fine. Let it suck all your blood out. I can use you as a flag to signal for help.
He stared at her. How can you talk like that and keep a straight face?
She gave him an innocent look. She was startled by their joined hands and extricated herself. With a flush on her face, she forced her gaze out to the Gulf. Wow, I forgot how beautiful it is out here.
Green water stretched out to the west and seemed to drop right off the horizon. Two pelicans glided just a few feet above the waters smooth surface hunting for breakfast. One of them dive-bombed the water with an ungainly splash.
He cut the engine and became very still. I can feel them.
Feel who? She looked around with a worried expression.
The fish. He took off his sunglasses and let the boat idle as he scanned the waters.
Is this how yousense them?
Shh He looked the picture of concentration. His eyes narrowed, zoning in on one spot, then another. His spread fingers followed his gaze, like one of those water-searching twigs.
All the boats in the area slowed their engines, and the men on board watched Dan, presumably waiting for the fishing god to choose his spot. She rolled her eyes. They sure did take this seriously.
Shh, he said again.
I didnt say anything.
But you were thinking.
He pushed the gas lever and they headed for Shell Island, a spot of land where Capri Pass led to Marco Island. He found a place where the mangroves grew out over the water and dropped anchor. Everyone else tried to grab a place nearby, all fighting for position.
Ill bet youre a popular partner for tournaments, she said.
I get a call or two. I used to have fishing-related companies sponsor me for the big tournaments, but now I sponsor myself. Then I get to keep all the money. He opened a tackle box built right into the boats interior.
Im impressed. I didnt realize you could actually make a living doing this. She sat on the backbench next to him, studying the tackle in the shelves. There are so many types of lures, so many colors.
Depends on what you want the fish to think it is: bugs, crabs or frogs. She watched him tie the lure to his fishing line as though hed done it a million times. Of course, he probably had. Then you have to take water condition and time of day into consideration.
Sounds complicated. She opened her bag and started pulling out the stuff shed brought, and then readied her notepad. Water bowl for Sammy, check. Sunblock, check. Fishing magazine, check. Mosquito repellent, check. Bottled water
Good grief, Cass, did you bring your whole medicine chest?
Fifty-two percent of it. Dental floss, check. Bandages since were going to be around hooks, check. Spray bottle of water for when it gets too hot, check. Handi Wipes in case I have to touch a fish, check. I made a list of everything I thought Id need. See? No more living by the seat of my pants.
He rolled his eyes. Well, at least were saved if, horror of horrors, we have food between our teeth.
You remember what happened on our honeymoon, dont you?
His expression became sultry. Quite often, actually.
Puh-leeze! Im not talking about the great sex, the never-ending kisses, the baby oil incident or the skinny-dipping in the moonlight, Im talking about thethe. Her face flushed red-hot. What am I talking about? Oh! Im talking about forgetting the mosquito repellent, bringing only half of the equipment for the tent
We remembered the wine
But not the corkscrew.
He tilted his head. And the radio for romantic music.
But no batteries. And our clothes drifted away on the tide.
He stepped closer and tugged at the sleeve of her shirt. So we had to spend the rest of the weekend naked.
She caught herself sucking on the butter rum. And the tent fell down.
So we had to sleep under the stars.
With the mosquitoes.
So I had to cover you with my body all night.
She swallowed hard. And then it started raining.
And we made love in the rain.
Her mouth went slack as he stepped even closer, her body heating at the memory of the rain washing over their slick bodies. Of making love with Dan, and worse, of loving Dan. Dan, where were we going with this?
His gaze caressed her mouth. I can think of a few places.
She knew he was going to kiss her. She also knew she wouldnt stop him even though kissing Dan was definitely not on her list. Her heart went pitty-pat as she braced herself for the kind of wonderful kiss she remembered. And then something hairy bobbed up between them.
Augh! He backed up with a grimace, running his hand over his mouth. He licked my mouth!
Well, at least Sammy enjoyed the kiss. And that was far safer than Cassie enjoying it, which she knew she wouldnt have. You know how he hates to be left out.
Im starting to remember.
She snatched up the anglers magazine and chewed the rest of her candy.
Whats that magazine you have there? he asked, taking it from her.
He kicked off his shoes and sat on the edge of the boat, flipping open the magazine. Oops. The magazine fell into the water with a dull splash.
Hey! She leaned over the side and reached for it. Almost. Her fingers were a hairs breadth too short. The magazine floated farther away. Just a little more, a tiny, little moreuh-oh. She couldnt feel the floor of the boat anymore. She started to tip forward. She scrambled backward, her feet kicking in the air.
Ive got you. His arms went around her waist. Unfortunately, he overcompensated a bit. And lost his balance. She supposed she could have helped, but she was distracted by the way his body pressed against hers. Because of that, and the way her body reacted in a flash of heat, she probably, very likely, twisted the wrong way. For a moment, he teetered on the edge, his legs and arms scrabbling for purchase.
She was fighting her own battle for balance, in more ways than one. If he grabbed her, he could easily send her over. Instead he pushed her backwardand tumbled right over the side of the boat. He landed in the water with a splash not very unlike the pelican shed observed earlier.