Falling for Jack (Falling In Love) - By Christina Carlisle Page 0,3
her hips.
She looked down at his bent head. His hair was thick and wavy as it blew in the breeze, and she had a sudden longing to touch it—to savor the texture beneath her fingers. To caress it. Shocked at her wayward thoughts, she turned, placing both hands on the wheel.
“You better put on your jacket,” she said, annoyed at the slight quiver in her voice. “I’ll drive the boat.”
“You steer a boat and her name is Jezebel,” Jack responded as he reached for his life jacket on the deck behind him and put it on.
She stepped to one side as he took over the wheel.
“It seems a big fuss about nothing,” she said, more to hide the strange emotion this fisherman had evoked than anything else. “How long before we reach the island?”
“About thirty minutes. That’s still long enough for accidents to occur. It’s also long enough to get burnt by the sun and wind,” he added, his blue gaze focused on her face.
“I’ve got sun block cream with me.”
“Then go and put some on—and your hat.”
She hesitated. “You’re so bossy.” She gasped as she blurted out the words.
To her surprise, he threw back his head and laughed, a rich, glorious sound. “So are you, lady. So are you.” He was still laughing as she made her way to the cabin.
Managing to retrieve her tube of sun block and her mobile phone, she tied on her sun hat and made her way to the back of the boat, well away from Jack. Rude man. She had been about to apologize but, perhaps, would rethink that now. Besides, they would be at the island shortly and she would never see him again.
She soothed the protective cream on her exposed skin knowing from her years spent in Australia that her fair skin would easily burn. Lifting a hand, she removed her hat and pulled the clasp from her flaxen blonde hair releasing it from its smart chignon so it cascaded onto her shoulders. That was better. She was in more of a holiday mood, but first she had to let her parents know where she was.
Pressing a button on her cell phone, she waited for the international connection which put her directly through to the palace.
“May I speak with Queen Francesca, please?” she asked, automatically speaking in her own language. “This is Princess Lara.”
The next moment, she spoke to her mother thousands of miles away in the tiny principality of Challoner in Northern Europe.
“Lara, darling, how are you? What’s that strange noise I can hear? Are you phoning from the university?”
“Hello, Mummy. The noise is from this ship I’m on. I’ve decided to spend a few days at a holiday resort off the South Australian coast.”
There was silence for several seconds then her mother continued, “That sounds lovely. Are Jade and Kate with you?”
She swallowed. Here comes the awkward part. It was natural for her mother to think her best friends would be with her. They had spent so many holidays together. “No. Jade has gone to work in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, and Kate has a job with a big winery here.”
“Well, at least Mark is with you.”
She rushed the next few words. “Mummy, actually I’m on my own. I just want a few days in the sun relaxing and reading without anyone around. No detectives, no maids—in fact, no babysitters.”
“Do you think that’s wise, dear? Where exactly are you staying? Will you be safe?”
“I have rented a lovely, secure holiday home on the beach. There are lots of people on the island, plus some good shops. I’ll be fine.” She paused before plowing on. “I need a few days before I fly home next week, Mummy. It’s been a tiring year at college, and this is my little treat for me. I hope you and father don’t mind.”
Her mother’s tone softened and Lara had to strain to hear her against the wind. “I understand better than you think. I know only too well what it’s like to be constantly in the public eye. Your father and I have granted your wish to attend boarding school and University in Australia—”
“I know.” She broke in having heard her mother’s lecture many times before.
“But, it has always been on the proviso you will come home and take up your royal duties along side of your brother,” her mother continued hardly missing a beat.
“I appreciate everything, Mummy.”
“So, have your days of freedom if you must, with your father and my blessing