Chapter 28

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Sam lounged against the wall sipping her wine as Martin moved around the galley preparing their dinner. They hadn't said a word to each other since they came below. Martin put a tray of crab cakes in the oven and glanced at Sam before turning his attention to the main course. He skillfully sliced apart the thick pork chops before spooning the stuffing inside. She loved watching him work in the kitchen. When they were dating he would often cook them dinner or make waffles on Sunday mornings as they lounged and read the New York Times. She always knew he loved to eat but she never saw him as the type to cook as well. It was one of those little details she cherished knowing about Martin.

When he was finished preparing the entree, he deftly switched them out with the crab cakes in the oven, putting the flaky appetizers on a plate as he turned to look at Sam. "It gets kinda hot down here with the oven. Do you want to eat on the deck?"

Her heart skipped a beat and she said, "That'd be nice."

Martin picked up the wine bottle, his glass, some extra plates and the crab cakes. "Can you grab that blanket?" He nodded towards a pale blue blanket on the bench.

Sam picked it up and followed Martin. On deck, Sam spread the blanket out and they sat down to eat. They were both quiet, each lost in their own thoughts as they drank their wine and nibbled on crab cakes.

"Is Viv okay?" Martin quietly asked.

Sam swallowed a mouthful of the sweet crab meat and gently replied, "She's really hurt. She thinks she is responsible for everything that happened between us and feels guilty."

Martin nodded. "I was a real jerk to her today when she was just trying to be helpful." Martin released an audible sigh. "I'll call her in the morning to apologize." He tilted his head and added, "Maybe send her flowers back in New York. What flowers are best when you want to say, 'Sorry I was a complete ass.'?"

"Well, pink roses mean friendship." Sam said, adding with a smile, "You can never go wrong with roses."

Martin looked at her and nodded his head, returning his attention to his wine. They sat in silence but it wasn't tense; just quiet and introspective. After a few more minutes Martin stood and picked up the plates, "I'll go get dinner."

"Do you need any help?" Sam asked as she moved to stand up.

"No, I got it. I'll be right back." Martin motioned for her to sit back down so she did. As he disappeared below deck, Sam had to admit that while the evening was not going as she had initially hoped; it was much better than she had anticipated. Although, she couldn't help but worry that Martin was withdrawing into himself; she knew all the signs of building emotional barriers. It broke her heart to know that Martin may be more guarded in relationships because of her.

There was a cool salty breeze and Sam shuddered; suddenly regretting having worn a sleeveless top. She rubbed her arms in an attempt to get some warmth. She wished that Martin could wrap his arms around her to keep her warm, but that seemed highly unlikely.

When Martin returned, he was carrying a tray loaded with bowls and plates. Sam helped him by taking a few items and was rewarded with an appreciative smile. After all of the food was put on the blanket, she noticed that Martin had tied a hooded sweat jacket around his waist. He untied it and handed it to her, and said, "It can get chilly. I thought you might need this."

"Thank you." She was touched that he had considered her even if they weren't on the best of terms. She put the jacket on, and while it wasn't his arms, it smelled like him and that was close enough. She sat down and took the plate Martin offered. "Wow, it looks delicious."

"Thanks."

The both began eating their dinner and Sam, not wanting more silence, asked. "Who's Muireann?" Martin looked at her slightly perplexed. "Isn't it a custom to name boats after a woman?"

Martin's mouth was full of food so he chewed quickly and answered. "Yes. My dad wanted to name her 'Katherine' but my mom insisted that she wanted to be the only Katherine in his life."

"So, why Muireann?" Sam asked, lifting a fork full of food into her mouth.

"Well, it's Irish and my dad liked the story behind it." Martin took a sip of his wine before beginning, "Muireann is the name of an Irish mermaid. There are two variations of the name: Muireann or Muirín. They are both derived from the old Irish words 'muir' which means 'the sea' and 'gein' which means 'birth.' In the 6th century, fisherman in Lough Neagh caught Muireann in their nets. Realizing, she was a prize, they took her to Saint Congall. While Congall was talking to her, he discovered that she was not only 300-hundred years old but also a pagan. So, he baptized her and she was transformed her into a human woman, making it possible for her to go to heaven."

Sam shook her head, indignant. "Just another example of a female who's just hanging out, doing her thing when a bunch of men come along and turn her world upside down. Maybe she was happy being a mermaid. Did they ask her if she wanted to be turned into a woman? I bet not."

Martin eyed her carefully and Sam was worried that he was offended that she was making fun of his story about the boat's namesake. She was about to apologize when he started laughing.

"Sorry, I guess I just never thought of it that way, poor Muireann." Martin commented, bemused.

Sam was grateful that her little burst of outrage about a mythical figure provided a bit of levity. The rest of the dinner flew by once the tension had dissipated. When they were done eating they went below, cleaning and talking about nothing in particular; stories about Martin's family's sailing trips and growing up in Kenosha versus Washington. When they were done Martin grabbed another bottle of wine and they sat on the deck under a starry sky. The night wore on and Sam knew they couldn't dance around the real reason they were here anymore.

"Martin," Sam waited for Martin look at her before continuing, "What do you want?"

He studied her face, took a deep breath and said, "I don't know. I care about you a lot, Sam, but I don't know if I am willing to risk getting hurt again."

Sam steeled her nerves, "You weren't the only one hurt Martin. I was in the relationship, too. I was hurt when you left." Martin's eyes met hers. "I am taking just a big as chance as you are in trying again."

Martin didn't say anything but nodded his head in agreement. He eyed her and Sam wondered if it hadn't occurred to him that she was as invested in their relationship as he was. He broke his stare and turned his focus out onto the water for several minutes.

"Martin, talk to me." Sam urged.

Martin stuck his tongue out between his lips, Sam knew him well enough to know that meant he was concentrating. "Sam, you've had time to think about what you want; to decide to make changes or fix things. But to me, a lot of the stuff that happened between us is still very recent." Martin softly replied. "I know you said that it isn't because I was injured but I can't help but wonder."

"What do I have to do to convince you that isn't the reason." Sam asked.

"I just need time. It feels like everything is happening so fast."

Sam studied his expression before gently replying, "I can give you time." She paused for a few beats before playfully adding, "What do you need, a week?"

Thankfully, Martin knew she was joking and grinned at her. He turned his gaze back out onto the water. "According to my doctor, he'll give me clean bill of health in two weeks; which means I can be back in NY by the end of the month."

"That's great." She replied.

"Can we continue this conversation then?" Martin turned back to look at her. "Maybe go out on an actual date and see how it goes from there?"

"I'd like that." Then Sam mischievously added, "Just as long as you don't take any dating advice from Danny."

Martin laughed and answered, "You got it."

They shared a smiled and just looked at one another feeling confident that they were finally getting on the same page.

"It's getting late and you have to testify tomorrow, I should go." Sam stood up and began gathering her things. As she was preparing to leave she remembered that she had on his jacket. She turned back to Martin and started unzipping it, when she stopped half-way and asked, "Is it okay if I take this with me?" She wondered if Martin would get the underlying meaning.

He looked at her before stepping forward and zipping it back up. "Absolutely."

He was so close Sam could feel his warm breath on her face. The air around them was electric but neither of them moved. Finally, Sam looked up into his eyes and said, "Okay, thanks. Goodnight."

Martin's eyes remained on her as he whispered, "Goodnight."

Sam nodded her head and turned to leave when she stopped and said, "Oh, one more thing..."

"What?" He asked.

"This…" Sam grabbed Martin by his shirt, reaching up and pressing her lips to his. He was stunned at first but slowly he relaxed into the kiss, parting his lips to give her access, their tongues mingling and tasting. She sucked on his lower lip wondering how she could have almost forgotten how perfectly his lips fit against hers. He tasted like the wine they were drinking and something that was distinctly his own flavor. Sam could feel her entire body go flush as she roped her arms around his shoulders without breaking contact. Martin moved his arms around her waist, slowly making his way to her lower back and pulling her closer to him; molding her frame to his. It felt raw, feral and passionate. She smiled against his lips when she felt the affect their kiss was having on his body.

When they finally broke apart, Sam tucked her head under his chin, smiling against his neck and breathed, "I'll see you in New York, Martin Fitzgerald."

She stepped back, looked him in his eyes before turning walking away into the night.

End Book II

To be continued in Book III