Hart's Desire (Pirates & Petticoats Book 1) by Chloe Flowers Page B

word, plan the ceremony, and avoid the gossip mongers.” He grasped Keelan’s elbow and tugged again to pull her closer. “I truly hope your father grants our wish and gives us his blessing. You will be a most beautiful bride, Keelan, and I give you my word that I’ll take very good care of you.”  
    She swallowed hard. Good Lord, he was going to kiss her! She clenched her teeth and instinctively turned her head.
    “Come, dear Keelan, no one can see us,” he whispered. “The bench is completely hidden from view. Grant me a drop of sweet honey from your lips, so I may know what treasures await me in our marriage bed.”
    His clumsy attempt at poetic prose nearly unlatched the door behind which she had locked away her hysteria, impulsive nature, and reckless tongue. She squeezed her eyelids shut as his face loomed nearer. Everett’s lips pressed to hers in a firm pucker. She could almost feel his teeth behind them. As he pulled away she sighed, relieved it was over.  
    The doctor gave a contented hum. “My heart is blissfully happy also, my love. Your sigh of rapture warms my soul. I gaze into your eyes, which sparkle like emeralds, and I see such devotion, it makes me weak in the knees.”
    She blinked, then bit the inside of her cheek. Although she fought to keep her composure, panic-laden laughter welled in her chest like a bottle of shaken ale.
    She quickly stood. “My dear Everett, you are so eloquent with words.” Keelan felt like a butterfly cupped in the hands of a good-intentioned but clumsy toddler. “I must run this instant and speak with my father. I shall see you at dinner this evening.” She hopped and stepped away from the bench.
    “Well, of…of course,” he stuttered, smiling sheepishly. “Until tonight then.” He reached for her hand, missed, and gave a feeble wave, instead.
    Moments later, still shaking and biting back nearly hysterical laughter, Keelan closed her bedroom door and leaned against it. God, what had she done? She’d feared Everett would see through her charade, but he did not. The course was set. Dr. Garrison believed she wanted to marry him. Would he ever forgive her deception? Her desperation had climbed to its zenith; she could think of no other way to get away from Pratt and away from plantation life.
    Now an avalanche had started, but if she didn’t find a way to get out of its path, she’d find herself buried alive.

CHAPTER SEVEN

    Keelan Grey was a distraction.
    It would be best if Landon could push her out of his mind entirely. He had business to attend to in Charleston, the outcome of which could affect the lives of others in a most drastic manner.
    A wide, damp band of sweat had crept around the rim and up the sides of Landon’s hat. He wiped his brow again. He’d rented warehouse space from Jared Grey and wasted no time arranging the transfer and storage of the Seeker’s cargo. To avoid working long in the heat, they had started moving it before sunrise. There should only be a few wagonloads left, then Conal could complete the inventory sheet. Afterward, they would head to a nearby tavern for a mug of ale and a small feast.  
    He reined his mount onto the street where the warehouse stood. Conal removed his hat and waved. Landon returned the salute and spurred his mount to a trot up to the doorway.
    “The shipwright has already started the repairs on the Seeker,” Landon stated as he swung down from the horse. “The Desire’s waiting in dry dock. As we suspected, her damage is more severe. After losing Fynn and most of his cargo, we can’t afford to default on any more obligations. Whichever ship is seaworthy first will have to sail solo to the next post of delivery and attempt to keep the trade schedule. Is everything secured here?”  
    Conal placed his hat back on his head and nodded, “Aye. I’m just waitin’ for the last few loads to get here, then I’ll lock the door and post the sentries.”
    He turned from the hitching post. This was not