Wandering Heart (9781101561362) by Katherine Thomas; Spencer Kinkade, Katherine Spencer Page B

out on the sea all the time, she reasoned.
    What a hard life. She could hardly imagine it.
    He turned and smiled at her. “Need a little air?” Charlotte nodded. “Sorry for the bumps,” he said. “It’s hard to get a smooth ride today.”
    “That’s all right.” Charlotte had to shout to be heard over the boat engine. “I’m sorry, I didn’t ask your name.”
    He flashed her a quick smile. She could tell that he had noticed but had written off her rudeness to either being a celebrity or being half-drowned.
    “It’s Colin. Colin Doyle,” he shouted back.
    Charlotte nodded again. She wanted to ask him more questions, but it was hard to shout over the engine. He seemed to realize that and beckoned with his hand.
    “Come on up. I can’t hear you. You’re in the rain out there, besides.”
    Charlotte clutched at her blanket and went up. The cockpit of the boat was a small space, dominated by the steering wheel and awooden panel of instruments. Sheltered on three sides by a flat glass windshield, it afforded a great view.
    Charlotte gazed out at the ocean. “It’s so empty out here. So vast and empty.”
    He glanced at her. “Does it frighten you?”
    “No, not at all. I guess I should be frightened, after being lost out there. But when I look out now, I feel like it’s just … such a relief.”
    He smiled at her answer. “That’s the way I feel about it, too. The sea can be frightening at times and dangerous. You have to respect it.” He paused. “You were lucky today.”
    “Yes, I really was,” she said, thinking again about what happened to her. “I was very lucky that you came along and pulled me out. You saved my life. Thank you, Colin. I wish there was something more I could say or do for you.”
    He glanced at her then quickly looked away. He seemed embarrassed by her gratitude. “No thanks necessary. I was in the right place at the right time. My mother used to say everything happens for a reason. That’s not even the usual place I cruise. I guess I was just meant to be there. To help you.”
    Charlotte just nodded. “I guess so.”
    He was silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the open water ahead of the boat. “There’s a legend about this island. People say angels live here and help folks in need, make things happen that seem impossible.”
    She glanced at him. “I’m not sure I believe in angels,” she admitted. “But maybe I should start. I sure gave up hope of being rescued. It seemed impossible.”
    Before he could answer, the boat hit a series of high-cresting waves and Charlotte lost her balance as the deck below her feet tilted one way and then the other.
    Colin grabbed her around her shoulder with one arm, steering with the other. “Whoa there … We don’t want you to slip overboard again. That wouldn’t do,” he joked, his tone easy and affectionate.
    Charlotte leaned against his warm, hard body for support as the boat continued to bounce on the water. With his strong arm circled around her shoulder, she felt secure and safe. She was glad, though, that she couldn’t see his face or look into his eyes. She was used to the attention of attractive men, but she suddenly felt overwhelmed and self-conscious.
    She felt drawn to him, unaccountably comfortable and relaxed with his arm around her. As if she’d known him forever.
    Was that some strange reaction to being saved? Probably, she realized. Though it did feel like something more. Something very heady and real.
    He turned his head to say something and suddenly, he was close enough to kiss her, if he wanted to. But the moment passed and he looked straight ahead again. His arm slipped from her shoulder as he slowed the boat down and then pointed to the shoreline.
    “There’s the dock. Looks like they’re expecting you. Someone must have seen me pick you up.”
    “I guess so.” Charlotte looked out at the throng of people from the movie crew who stood waiting for her. She waved to show she was all right, then felt