Coast Guard Sweetheart (5 page)

Clambering onto the dock, he cranked the faucet and freed the hose wound around a piling. “Max, your turn first.”

Max shivered in his cut off jeans and Chincoteague Pony Roundup shirt. He shimmied when the cold spray of water hit his head. Sawyer kept the nozzle trained on Max's short crop of hair until the curls resumed their natural carrot-topped hue. Bobbing on his tippy toes, Max closed his eyes as Sawyer spray washed his face, neck and clothes.

A brown puddle formed at Max's feet. “Look at the dirt coming off me, Aunt Honey. Cool.”

She grimaced. “And thanks to you both, I've got mud caked in places I don't want to think about.”

Aboot
... She flushed as Sawyer rolled his tongue in his cheek.

“I'd leave that go if I were you, Kole. Max, get the bucket out of the canoe and then you're in charge of cleaning the canoe and the paddles.”

A gust of wind buffeted Braeden's sailboat, the
Seas the Day
, tied at the slip on the other side of the dock. Shuddering in his wet clothes, Max grabbed the clam bucket. “I'll take these to the kitchen and be right back.”

“You better,” she called after Max, disappearing up the path to the house. “Granddad will have your head if you don't make sure the equipment is clean.”

Sawyer held up the nozzle. “Your turn to come clean, Beatrice.”

Honey gave him her best put-a-Coastie-in-his-place look. “I don't need your help.”

Sawyer smiled. “Thing is, I'm learning everyone needs help from time to time.”

Honey turned the hose on herself. “Not from you, I don't.” She shut her eyes and allowed the water to trickle over her head, neck, shirt and shorts. She opened her eyes to find Sawyer studying her with an unwavering focus.

“What?” she grunted.

“You missed a spot—several huge chunks in fact—in your hair.”

Honey tilted her head over the side of the pier, her hair dangling over the tidal creek. She ran the hose water and her hand through her shoulder-length hair. “Am I good now?”

“From where I stand, you always look good. But no, you've still got mud in that hard to reach place on the crown of your head. Here.” He reached for the hose. “Let me.”

She eyed him for a second before surrendering the hose. He gave her a crooked smile meant to reassure. Instead, it curled her toes and jump-started her pulse.

“Lean your head...” Sawyer directed the stream of water and finger-combed the mud out of the strands of her hair. “Good. Stay like that. There...”

At his touch, she squeezed her eyes shut and reminded herself to breathe. In and out. Like Sawyer appeared in her life. Here today—

“Okay. I think I got it.”

Eyes wide open and with tingles frolicking like dancing dolphins across her skin, she realized he hadn't stepped away. But he dropped his hand with the hose to his thigh. And his free hand?

It still lingered, woven into the locks of her hair.

Only inches away, his eyes had gone a smoky blue. She took a quick breath. He cradled the nape of her neck and drew her closer.

In the circle of his arms, she soaked in his warmth. He tilted his head. Her lips parted.

“Honey!”

She jerked. Sawyer stepped back.

Amelia waved from the screened porch. “Honey! Sawyer!”

“She shouldn't be on her feet. Doctor's orders.”

But Amelia came down the steps and let the screen door bang shut behind her. Sawyer turned off the faucet and recoiled the hose.

“What's wrong?” Honey surged forward, clasping Amelia's sleeve. “Did the contractions return? Do we need to take you to the hospital?”

Amelia shook her head. “No. I'm fine. But Braeden called. Thought Sawyer might be here.” A smile lifted her cheeks. “Turns out he was right.”

Sawyer's posture altered, becoming all business. “Is there a problem at the station?”

Amelia moistened her lips. “Braeden's calling for the off-watch Station Kiptohanock crew to report to headquarters. The forecast's changed. The tropical depression skipped tropical storm status and mushroomed into Hurricane Zelda.”

“What's its current status?” Sawyer frowned. “And where is it projected to make landfall?”

Amelia took a deep breath. “It's Category 4 and gaining speed. Braeden's meeting now with Accomack County Emergency Management officials to coordinate strategies. Landfall is estimated to occur somewhere between Hatteras and Ocean City.”

Worry prickled Honey. “Putting the Shore right in the middle of its path.”

“Like a bull's-eye.” Sawyer's mouth tightened. “Increasing our chances for major storm damage.”

“What about the Decoy Festival this weekend? Has it been cancelled?”

“The storm's headed our way, but not till later this week. So for now, the festival's still a go.” Amelia swallowed. “But it's going to get bad. Maybe mandatory evacuations if it truly veers in our direction.”

Honey sniffed. “Real Shoremen don't leave because the wind changes direction. We stand our ground.”

“It's a bad wind that never changes.” Amelia gave Honey a pointed look. “And I'm not just talking about a hurricane.”

Sawyer's brow furrowed into a V. “If the Coast Guard tells you to go, you better go.” He surveyed his mud-splattered clothing. “Good thing I keep a spare uniform in my vehicle.”

Come to think of it, she'd have known Sawyer was back in town if she'd spotted that flashy blue convertible of his.

Honey flicked him a look. “You better hose off first, Coastie, or you'll ruin your fancy car.”

“Sold it. Got me a truck like I had in Oklahoma.”

Avoiding her gaze, he headed toward the dock once more. “I better get moving. Cool off while I'm at it, too.”

Him and her both.

But a truck? Sawyer Kole had a truck?

She wondered why he'd made the change. Wondered what the change signified about him. Maybe more in keeping with his true cowboy nature?

From the house, Max bellowed for Mimi. Amelia trudged uphill, leaving Honey staring after Sawyer's broad-shouldered back.

Because most of all, Honey wondered why in the name of flying Long Johns she still cared.

Chapter Five

L
abor Day weekend was always busy for the small boat station, even without a hurricane bearing down on the Eastern Shore.

Sawyer had spent the past twenty-four hours on patrol, boarding and citing a plethora of recreational boats on this last official weekend of summer. Citations included reckless endangerment due to excessive speed in the harbor and/or alcohol, which didn't mix with driving a boat any more than it did with driving a vehicle. Too many vessels also lacked mandatory safety equipment—like life jackets—on board.

Midday Saturday word came of a collision out in the channel beyond the Kiptohanock marina. Sawyer and his crew launched the twenty-four-foot Special Purpose Shallow Water craft and arrived on the scene ten minutes after the call. They found two mangled Jet Skis dead in the water.

A charter captain Sawyer recognized from the Sandpiper had witnessed the accident and called it in. The captain and several other good Samaritans who'd stopped to offer assistance dog-paddled in the water near the wreckage tending to the injured. Sawyer came alongside with the rescue boat.

“One Jet Ski carried a single rider.” The captain kept a firm grip on an unconscious man in his early twenties floating on his back. “The other ski contained two. A male and female.”

The crew pulled the more injured man from the water immediately. Reaves went to work on the unresponsive jet skier. Sawyer and Wiggins secured the remaining two college-aged kids on board. The female clutched her arm like a broken bird wing to her chest.

“Make sure EMS is waiting on the dock,” Sawyer instructed. “Reaves?”

On her knees bending over the first victim, she shook her head. “He's breathing. I put a neck brace on him, but I suspect some degree of head injury. We need to get him to shore like yesterday.”

“Roger that.” With all souls accounted for and safely aboard, Sawyer hit the throttle and chugged the boat toward Kiptohanock.

The waves were choppy, though the incoming storm was still well out to sea somewhere off the Carolina coast. Like him, the crew felt the tension, their nerve endings thrumming at the palpable change in the air. Urgency mounted in Sawyer's chest to get the injured to shore while not jarring any more than necessary the unconscious man, who might also have spinal injuries.

It was with a great deal of relief he steered the response boat into the harbor. The whirling lights of the Accomack County ambulance provided a welcome sight. Wiggins threw the mooring lines to Dawkins on the station pier. Sawyer helped Reaves off-load their patients into the capable hands of the paramedics.

Sawyer glanced toward the square where the Duck Decoy Festival appeared to be in full swing. Non-native come-heres, born-heres and been-heres thronged the green space. Vendors sold a variety of fast food options. The smell of popcorn and clam burgers teased his nostrils. His stomach rumbled.

Reaves laughed. “A long time since breakfast, XPO?”

Sawyer scrubbed his hand over his face. “What breakfast? I'm talking since dinner last night.”

Braeden met them at the station entrance. “If you don't drift far, your crew could take a long overdue break.”

Sawyer scrutinized his crew. Weariness showed on their faces. It was going to be a long weekend. And with the hurricane on the horizon, rest would be a commodity none of them could afford even after the crowds went home late Sunday.

“I'll finish up here. Go ahead and fill your bellies.” Sawyer scanned the square. His eyes roamed past the post office, library, cafe and boat repair shop. “Better get it while you can. But the chief's right, keep an ear out in case we catch another call.”

Wiggins heaved a huge sigh. “Funnel cake here I come.”

Reaves adjusted her headgear. “That's what I'm talking about. That and some foot-long hot dogs.”

Friendly bantering ensued as the junior guardsmen moved toward the food trucks lining the sea wall. Of their own volition, Sawyer's eyes zeroed in on Honey manning a table near the gazebo. A line had formed where she sold tickets to a race involving rubber ducks. His pulse accelerated watching the sea breeze lift and tangle the tendrils of her hair.

She laughed at a remark from one of the come-heres in line. His gut tightened. There was so much he wanted to say to her—needed to say to her—but couldn't.

Despite what her family believed, he'd decided after their near fatal—to his heart—romantic collision on the Duer dock the other day, perhaps it'd be best for him to keep his head down, nose to the Coastie grindstone for the duration. And once the hurricane threat, God willing, petered out next week, ready himself for the Outer Banks assignment Braeden had promised in North Carolina.

Or at least that's what Sawyer told himself every hour on the hour since he'd last spoken to Honey. With effort, he forced his mind back to the job at hand.

He angled toward the station. Away from temptations to his resolve like food and Honey. Though not necessarily in that order. “I'll take care of the paperwork, Chief.”

“First things first, Petty Officer. Rubber duck race commences this afternoon.”

Sawyer paused, his hand on the station door.

“This station has always had a respectable finish at the rubber duck race.” Braeden flicked a languid glance his way. “I'm sure I don't need to remind you that part of the XPO's job at Station Kiptohanock is community relations and maintaining goodwill between the local populace and the Guard.”

Sawyer tensed, unsure where this was headed. “Yes, Chief. I would never damage the stellar relationship the station enjoys with the village.”

Braeden folded his arms across his chest. “That being said, on the other hand, we have a reputation to safeguard. An illustrious race history to preserve. Coastie pride to—”

“If you're trying to get me over to Honey's booth, I think that's a bad idea, Chief.” Sawyer frowned.

Braeden rocked back on his heels. “Wasn't aware you'd been promoted over my head, Kole.” His brown eyes hardened. “Wasn't informed you called the shots around here. Or that your personal agenda topped station business.”

Sawyer went into regulation stance. “No, Chief. Not at all, Chief.”

“Then I suggest you cease and desist from your pity party and get out there and lead from the front. Set the example for the crew. We've got a race to win. You've got to get out there and play if you want to win, Kole. On all fronts. Professional and personal.”

“She's made it real clear about how she feels about me.”

His cheeks heated thinking how close he'd come a few days ago to kissing Honey before Amelia interrupted. He'd promised himself he wouldn't touch, much less kiss, her. But Honey had a curious effect on his best intentions. Like the surf eroding sand castles on the beach.

Sawyer ought to be glad Amelia had intervened. Saved them from disaster. Him, from drowning in something that could never be. Although in contemplating Death by Honey, his heart thudded. What a way to go.

But still a question intruded in his rare moments of downtime since. The question of how Honey would've responded if he'd lost what was left of his mind and actually kissed her.

Would she have slapped him silly? Or—his mouth went dry—kissed him senseless?

“Are you listening to me, XPO?” Braeden's tone snapped Sawyer back to reality. “Or must I add dereliction of duty to the charges you seem to accrue on your record every time you and Honey Duer get within ten feet of each other?”

Sawyer swallowed. “Perhaps why it'd be better if Wiggins or Reaves or—”

“That's an order, Petty Officer.” Braeden clenched his teeth. “If nothing else, it's time to take one for the team, Kole. There's a race to be won. Unless a big call comes in, until further notice, you're on duck duty.”

At rigid attention, Sawyer focused his gaze on the air space above Braeden's right shoulder. “Aye, aye, Chief.”

“I can't take much more of Honey's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde routine at home.” Braeden softened his tone. “She's been surly, alternating with mopey, ever since you were out there the other day.”

Sawyer cut his eyes at Braeden. “I bring out the worst in her, Chief.”

“You bring out the stubborn in each other.” Braeden blew out a breath. “And I'm guessing you haven't yet explained what happened three years ago.”

“I tried to apologize, but she's not interested in my lame excuses. Fact is, I walked away from her. From the best thing that's ever come into my life. We were so...” Sawyer bit his lip. “I can't blame Honey for wanting nothing to do with me. I don't deserve—”

“Stop with the deserving,” Braeden growled. “I don't deserve Amelia. Or Max in my life, either. Much less this chance to be a father in my own right. None of us deserve anything but for the grace of God.”

Braeden gripped Sawyer's shoulder. “And the real fact is, you're like the brother I never had.”

Sawyer tightened his jaw to keep it from quivering.

“I'd love for Honey to make you my brother officially. We all feel that way. We all want you in the family.”

Sawyer cocked his head. “Everyone except for Honey.”

Braeden raked his hand over his head. “It's neck and neck on who's going to win Most Hardheaded between the two of you. Honey with her carefully constructed pretense of indifference or you with your determination to punish yourself.”

“Respectfully, Chief—”

“Respectfully, Kole, I'm ordering you to get over there and buy a rubber ducky. Or two. Or—” Braeden poked a finger in Sawyer's chest. “However many it takes to win the race. It's time for you to get creative, XPO. And I'm not just talking about the race, either.”

“Creative?” Sawyer scowled. “What does that mean?”

“It means it's time to use that head of yours for something more than a hat rack for Coastie headgear. Time to crank the smile Honey finds irresistible up a notch.”

If only...

“Time to make a date and work that incredible Coastie charm you wielded to such tremendous effect three years ago.” Braeden tilted his head. “The legendary charm you hide behind. The same charm with which you reel 'em in.”

“I'm out of the reel 'em in business. Not since Honey.”

“Then I suggest—no, I strongly
advise
—you get to work. Winning not just the hearts and minds of Kiptohanock, but more especially one Beatrice Elizabeth Duer. You roger that, XPO?”

He clicked his heels together and gave Braeden a salute. “Loud and clear, Chief.” He grimaced. “Loud is exactly what happens every time we get too close. Better prepare yourself for fireworks. Explosions.”

“
Semper paratus
, Kole.” Braeden smirked. “Always Ready, after all, is the Coastie motto.”

Right. Famous last words. He'd confronted drug lords and human smugglers on the high seas with less trepidation than facing the beautiful Hostess with the Mostest.

Sawyer took a deep breath before plunging into the midst of the Decoy Festival hordes. Saying a brief, but sincere, prayer. And gathered the remnants of his almost-forgotten swagger.

Time to cowboy up.