Shipwrecked-Chapter 2
Perry and Della found Jack's boat at the end of the private dock. The sleek, gleaming white, two-masted boat bobbed gently at anchor. The name, Jack's Folly, was painted across the stern in bright turquoise paint. A corresponding turquoise stripe along the side.
"Oh Perry, it's beautiful." Della said, drawing in her breath.
Perry, delighted that she was so taken with the vessel, smiled and opened his mouth to respond when Jack Danvers materialized on deck.
Though only a few years older than Perry, Jack's greying hair made him seem even older. He was slightly taller than the lawyer, and slimmer, with the kind of natural physique and classic features that made most women turn for a second look. Yet despite all of these things in his favor, he paled in comparison with Perry. At least, to a completely unbiased, objective observer like Della.
"About time you two showed up. Come aboard."
When Perry and Della had climbed the gangplank to board the boat, Jack immediately enveloped Della in a tight hug, triggering a frown and scowl from Perry.
Seeing his friend's sour look, Jack just laughed and released Della.
"Easy, Perry. Just my way of welcoming you aboard." Then looking at Della, he added smoothly, "I hope you didn't mind."
Della's hazel eyes danced in merriment as she looked between the two men. Her lips curved up at the corners as a demon of mischief took possession of her.
Deliberately lowering her already sultry voice, she purred, "Of course not, Mr. Danvers. I always enjoy affection from a handsome man."
Jack didn't miss the quick wink. Slipping his arm around her waist, he held her eyes for a long moment before suggesting, "Let's drop the formalities, shall we?You'd best start calling me Jack."
Della gave an exaggerated feminine sigh. "Of course…Jack."
At Perry's low growl, neither Della nor Jack could contain their laughter any longer. "Della, I think we better behave before Perry throws me off my own boat."
But Della continued to laugh until her handsome thundercloud walked over and picked her up. "Maybe a little dip in the ocean will cool your laughter."
Della's laughter turned to shrieks as Perry headed for the side of the boat. "Perry Mason, don't you dare!"
Stopping, he set her on her feet, but kept his arms around her. His eyes were a perfect match to the water below, brilliant blue and a little dangerous.
"Just remember who you are here with, Miss Street."
She tilted her head, considering it for a moment, then thought better of tormenting him. Instead, she wound her arms around his neck and pulled his head down for a long, lingering kiss. "Yes sir, Mr. Mason."
Jack spoke up. "If you two…uh…lovebirds are through playing around…Perry, maybe you could help me get underway."
Perry just laughed, releasing Della. "Of course, Captain Bligh."
Jack grinned over at Della, then inclined his head toward the access to belowdecks. "Della, if you'd like to go below, the aft cabin will be yours."
Della laid her hand on Perry's cheek. "Be good." And with that she flashed their host a beautiful, grateful smile and headed below.
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When Della reached the bottom step, she gave a small gasp. Before her was a large salon, decorated in turquoise and cream, with teakwood accents. Gleaming brass fixtures picked up the soft lighting. On the left side, the port side, she mentally corrected herself, was a comfortable sitting area that obviously doubled as a dinette. On the starboard side was a small galley and bar.
Slightly behind, on the port side, was a well-appointed lavatory. Behind that was the aft cabin. For a reason she couldn't explain, Della hesitated the space of several heartbeats before pushing the door open. Her eyes traveled around the room, missing nothing. The cabin was dominated by a queen bed, which caused Della to blush a deep shade of red. There was also a small dresser and closet. Her suitcase had been placed on the bed.
She was still standing there, nearly transfixed by the bed, when a pair of strong arms encircled her from behind and Perry nuzzled her neck. When Della remained very still, Perry knew what was wrong. Turning her to face him, he lifted a hand to trace her jaw and chin, then smiled at the worried look he saw in her eyes.
"Relax, Della," he said softly, "Didn't you hear Jack say this was your cabin? Just yours, alone. I will be in the forward cabin. Jack is going to be in the salon."
At Della's surprised, yet somewhat relieved expression, Perry's smile widened and his eyes warmed. Then he pressed his lips to her forehead. "You can always trust me. I keep my promises."
Her insides melted a little, but her voice was steady as she said, "Thank you, Perry."
He released her and stood aside. Making a large, sweeping gesture, he asked in his most debonair voice, "Now why don't you come up on deck? Jack tells me we're ready to set sail."
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Della stood with Jack and Perry as the former guided the boat out of the marina. The piloting process was fascinating to her. Della learned that while most of the time the boat would be under sail, it also had a strong motor, which Jack had employed until they were out to sea.
Perry stood behind Della, his arms around her, holding her tightly against his body. He loved the feel of her soft curves, her delicate fragrance which was so uniquely her. She leaned her head back against his broad chest, feeling safe and loved. Since they were at the far end of the marina, it took a few minutes to reach the open water.
"Perry, when we get out to sea, I'm going to let Della steer while you and I get the sails set," Jack informed them.
Perry laughed. "That might be dangerous, Jack. While Della definitely knows her port from her starboard, I'm not as confident she knows north from south!"
"I think you're heading into turbulent waters, Counselor," Jack grunted.
Pershrugged, but his grin widened. "Okay…Canada here we come!" Then he let out a small yelp when Della's elbow connected with his ribs. In retaliation he leaned down and gently nipped her earlobe.
"Ahem!" Jack looked over at the pair. "Della, if you'll come over here, I'll set the wheel, and show you what to do."
Jack explained that while the wheel was locked in position, Della needed to insure the boat kept on it's course. The he showed her where to place her hands on the wheel.
"Ten and two," she quipped, "Just like Dad always taught me."
Despite her initial surprise at seeing what looked like a standard steering wheel rather than the old-fashioned spoked kind found in every pirate movie she had ever seen, Della took to her task with relish. Once she was comfortable, the men proceeded to hoist the sails. Della wasn't surprised that the mainsail was the same bright turquoise and the headsail was cream. After the tour of the vessel, she knew the colors had some sort of significance. She made a mental note to ask Jack about his color choices.
Della watched the two men, noticing how comfortable Perry looked working alongside Jack. It amazed her, as it always did, how much Perry seemed to just…know things. To her knowledge, this was his first time on a boat this size. And yet, he took to it naturally, as though he was just as at home there on the deck as he was in the courtroom. She shook her head, marveling at him. Dressed in jeans and an open-collar navy blue knit shirt, she thought Perry was even more handsome than when he wore his typical suit. As they worked, she noticed the muscles in his arms and back. She had always known how physically strong he was but seeing him moving about, handling all of the physical tasks Jack assigned him, she knew why.
Della found herself lost in the thought of how those arms would feel wrapped around her, while they…
"Della?" Jack had his hand over hers on the wheel. "Are you okay? You aren't getting seasick on me, are you?"
Her startled eyes flew to his.
He grinned reassuringly. "It's just that you looked rather flushed."
"I'm fine Jack. Just enjoying the view."
Perry came up to wrap his arm around her waist. "And which view would that be?"
Della looked into his sparkling eyes, then dropped her gaze at the devilish grin on his face bringing his dimples into prominence, and she felt her cheeks burn. But betraying color or not, she wasn't going to admit she'd been staring at him.
"Why, the ocean of course."
Perry leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Liar."
Della was about to respond when Jack interrupted. "Della, I believe these two hard-working sailors deserve some lunch."
Her color restored along with her humor, Della tilted her head to look at him. Once again her lips curved up. Perry knew all the warning signs and his own smiled flashed.
"Which two sailors would that be, Mr. Danvers? I don't think I've met the rest of the crew. Just you two lazy louts."
Jack snickered. "I thought, if I had you at the wheel, that fact would pass you by."
"You should know better than that," Perry teased, "Della never misses a thing. Although if she thinks I'm lazy, we'll have to have her lie down for an hour."
She arched an eyebrow at him. "Why is that, Chief?"
He grinned wickedly. "You're obviously feverish, Miss Street. I noted the flush on your cheeks earlier. It must be affecting your vision."
She shook her head. "Alright, boys, I yield. Jack, what were you saying about lunch?"
"I had the marina steward prepare a sort of picnic for us. Would you mind terribly bringing it up from the galley?"
Della looked from one face to the other. Then relinquishing control of the wheel, she said, "Of course." Then she winked at Jack. "Go easy on him."
Then she headed below-deck.