Author's note: Sorry another shorter chapter. Hope y'all are enjoying this cruise. Leave a review on your way out. Happy reading. Dark rolling sea.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Rachel woke the next morning in the bed by herself. She saw the time and was instantly mad at herself. She had slept in. She got up and checked the stateroom but didn't find Tom, nor did she really expect to. She quickly changed back into her clothes folding his sweats and setting them on the edge of the bed. She checked her lab first but saw that all the doses of the vaccine and the cure had been cleared out already. She continued on and checked for the helo. It was gone. Deciding her only other options was to go to the bridge, she headed in that direction.
She saw Tom in his chair on the bridge and walked up next to him. A few of the other people snuck a glance at her, she figured they were wondering why Dr. Scott had missed the mission. Tom glanced over at her and smiled.
"Glad you could join us, Dr. Scott," he said softly, his eyes sparkling. She shook her head.
"You didn't wake me," she whispered so only he could hear. He shrugged and picked up his binoculars again, watching the shore.
"You'll be happy to hear the mission is underway and distribution is going to plan per Vulture team's last report."
"I am happy to hear that."
"Once everyone is back on board we will head for Norfolk."
"How long will it take?"
"If we're lucky, about two weeks," he replied. Rachel could tell something was on his mind, but she didn't want to push in front of the crew on the bridge.
"Mind if I hang out here until the mission is done?"
"Not at all," he said, handing her the binoculars. She smiled and brushed her fingers along his as she took them.
Rachel stood on the helo pad on the aft deck watching the sun set on the horizon of the ocean. The distribution had been a success with no issues. As soon as they had all crew back on-board Captain Chandler had given the order to head for Norfolk. Someone came up to the railing next to her and leaned on it. She looked over to see Tom standing there.
She looked back at the sunset and shifted slightly to settle her shoulder against his. He leaned in slightly but remained silent. They watched as the sun continued to sink, enjoying the view, and the quiet. As the night air grew darker with the impending night, Rachel finally pushed from the railing and walked behind him, her fingers tracing over the embroidered letters of his name on his pants.
Rachel stopped herself from looking back. She sensed as Tom hesitated for a moment then followed her. She entered her lab and checked to make sure everything was back where it should be. She heard Tom come in. She turned to see him sitting on the table watching her. A quiet moment passed between them, and Rachel could tell there was something on his mind.
"Are you hungry?" he finally asked, and she nodded, but didn't move. He continued to stare at her. Rachel was beginning to feel a little nervous under his scrutiny and wondered what was weighing so heavily on his mind. He finally stood from the table and beckoned her towards him with his arm. "Come on, let's find something to eat."
They walked to the wardroom and found Commander Slattery and Tex already at the table eating. After securing their food they joined the two men at the table. Tom shifted his chair, so he was closer to her and rested his leg against hers. She expected the room to be tense, but it seemed that Tex and Tom had come to terms and there was no ill will, at least outwardly.
The company was actually quite enjoyable and eventually Slattery and Tex finished their meals and made their exits, Slattery to the bridge for duty and Tex to his quarters with the crew. Tom reached over and took Rachel's hand caressing her fingers gently. Rachel was starting to worry about his quietness this evening. There was something brewing in the mind of Captain Chandler, and she wondered what it was.
She waited for him to say something, but he simply continued to stare at her while caressing her hand. He abruptly stood, pulling her to her feet with him. His tug forced her to step forward and he caught her in his arms pulling her head into his chest. She stood cradled against him, listening to his heart, his breathing, waiting for him to confront whatever demon was tormenting him. She reached her point of patience and pulled herself from his grasp and looked up at him, cupping each side of his jaw in her hands. He closed his eyes.
"Tom," she said softly, and waited for him to open his eyes. It took him a long moment, but he finally opened them. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," he mumbled as he forced a smile across his lips. It never reached his eyes, and she knew he was still holding onto something. "It's getting late."
"Tom, I can tell something is on your mind," Rachel tried again. He shook his head slowly side to side.
"It's okay."
"You can talk to me," she pleaded.
"I know. In time, I promise," he mumbled and leaned in and kissed her. "Where are you staying tonight?" The question caught her off guard. She hadn't really thought about that or what that question could mean.
"Where do you want me to stay tonight?" she asked. She was rewarded with a real smile that lit up his eyes, making them a beautiful shade of light blue.
"With me, always with me," he breathed out. She nodded and let him lead her towards his stateroom.
To Be Continued…
