South of Heaven (20 page)

“They are delicious,” Kendra said, as she peeled several more for their injured guest.

“I need to get your recipe for these hushpuppies, too. I could make a meal of them alone.”

“I think that could be arranged.” Lindsey grinned.

“Are these some of the shrimp y’all harvest?”

“Yes, this is our first year of fishing reds. We hope it’s going to be a good one.”

“I will definitely have to see if we can get these at home. They’re like baby lobsters.”

Kendra chuckled. “Yes, that’s why they are so prized along the gulf.”

“How are you feeling?” Lindsey asked.

“My head is throbbing again and I’m suddenly tired.”

Lindsey examined her eyes closely. “You probably have a slight concussion. If you don’t mind, I’m going to wake you every few hours tonight to check on you. Hopefully, the chopper will be cleared in the morning to get you medical care.”

“Do you really think that’s necessary? You’ve done so much for me already I hate to impose on you further.”

“I’d feel better.”

“We can take turns and it’s not an imposition. You’re on board our boat, so you’re our responsibility,” Kendra said with a wink. “Ouch. Damn, I need to stop doing that.”

“Will you go in for medical care for that cut?”

“It’s been too long for stitches, and I think the glue is holding up well. I just need to remember to stop winking.”

“That’s hard to do for such a flirt,” Lindsey chimed in.

Kendra grinned but didn’t argue.

“If the weather clears tomorrow, will you head back to harbor?” Susan asked.

“I think we’ll wait one more day to let the traffic settle a bit.”

“If you two don’t mind, I think it’s time to lie down. Thanks again for saving me and giving me such good care. Is there anything I can do to repay your kindness?”

“Get well and get another boat. Don’t let this experience spoil it for you,” Kendra replied.

“Do you need anything before you lie down?” Lindsey asked.

“No, I think I’m good. Thanks.”

“I’ll see you in a few hours then.” Lindsey smiled.

“Goodnight, ladies,” Susan bade them and then left the galley.

“I think it’s time for us to turn in as well,” Kendra said.

“I’m right behind you, Captain.” Lindsey stood to walk behind her. She laughed. “Damn nice view too.”

“Come on, you,” Kendra turned to reach for her hand.

†

Kendra laid her head on Lindsey’s shoulder and snuggled in close.

“I’ve set my alarm for two hours, but I’ll try not to wake you,” she said as she ran her fingers through Kendra’s hair.

“I’ll take the next watch if you’ll tell me what to look for,” Kendra offered.

“Look at her pupils to see if they’re different sizes or her eyes are unusually bloodshot. Also, check to see if she appears to be running a fever. If so, take her temperature and give her some Tylenol.”

“That sounds simple enough. I’m impressed with your medical knowledge.”

“I’ve picked up a lot from Dad over the years. He was a medic in Vietnam.”

“I didn’t realize that.”

“Your dad probably doesn’t talk about it much either.”

“No, not often. He tries to stay positive and looking forward.”

“Just like you.” Lindsey kissed her softly. “Love you.”

“I love you, too. I hope you get some rest. It’s been a hectic day.”

“Yes it has,” Lindsey agreed and turned out the light.

†

They alternated checking on Susan throughout the night, and as the sun began peeking over the horizon, Lindsey started a pot of coffee. She was waiting to pour cups for herself and Kendra when the phone rang. It was the Coast Guard calling to notify her that they had received clearance to fly and would arrive in approximately thirty minutes. Kendra poured three cups and went to wake the others.

“The chopper will lower a gurney to the deck for you. Will you be able to lie down to be airlifted?” Lindsey asked.

Susan nodded her head. “That should be easy. I’m feeling stronger this morning.”

“You might want to call Kelly, too, to let her know you’re on the way,” Lindsey suggested.

Twenty minutes later, they heard the helicopter approach.

“I’ll go and guide them in, Kendra, if you’ll get Susan on deck,” Lindsey offered.

Lindsey waved the chopper to hover over the deck of the boat, and watched as one of the crew rode down on the gurney.

“Y’all made great time,” she yelled, over the noise of the rotors.

“What do we have here?”

“An injured left arm, probably a break, and a head injury. We’ve got a pressure bandage on her head, and an improvised splint on her arm. We were afraid to attempt too much with her arm.”

The man nodded. “Any loss of consciousness?”

“She was unconscious when I reached her in the water, but revived on the way to the boat, and she has been alert. There’s a possibility that she’s suffering from a concussion.”

Lindsey looked up to see Kendra leading Susan, who was carefully guarding her arm.

“Let’s get you settled on the gurney, ma’am.” The crewmember offered Susan his arm. He looked into Kendra’s bruised face. “You okay? That’s a nasty looking bruise.”

“I’m good, just caught the wrong end of a metal buckle in the storm. We’ve kept it clean and steri-stripped.”

“You want me to take a look while I’m here?”

“No, I’m good. Thanks for offering.” She nodded at Susan. “She’s in some pain and needs to have that arm looked at. Will you take her to Sacred Heart? She has family that will meet her there.”

“Most definitely. The worst is over, but be careful until you’re back in port.”

“We will,” Kendra assured him. “Will you make a report on her boat? There was no saving it from sinking.”

“Yes ma’am, we’ll take care of that.” As he finished strapping Susan onto the gurney, another crewmember dropped a line down for him and prepared to lift the gurney. He reached into his bag and pulled out a tube of ointment. “Put this on that cut several times a day. It’ll help with the pain and minimize scarring.”

“Thanks,” Kendra told him, taking the tube.

“Thank you for everything,” Susan told them as the gurney lifted off the deck.

“We’ll take good care of her,” the medic promised, and followed the gurney to the helicopter. He waved to them, and the craft lifted and flew away.

Kendra wrapped an arm around Lindsey’s shoulder as they watched the helicopter disappear. “I’ll start some breakfast if you’re hungry. After we eat, I think you need some rest. I’m very proud of you.”

“Thanks,” Lindsey grinned as they started to the galley. “How about ham and cheese omelets?”

“That sounds wonderful.”

“When we get home, I’d like to take a long, hot bubble bath with you,” Kendra said while they ate.

“Looking forward to that,” Lindsey grinned. “Call your Dad while I clean up, so we won’t have any distractions.”

“Very good idea,” Kendra agreed, and cleaned her plate.

†

“I need a shower,” Lindsey stated after she finished cleaning the galley.

“You mind some company?

Lindsey grinned and stepped into the shower. She held out her hand to Kendra, and pulled her into an embrace as they stepped under the flow of the water. She was mesmerized by watching the water soak into Kendra’s thick hair, then sliding down her smooth skin in small rivers.

Lindsey kissed her softly, and then knelt down before Kendra, her tongue chasing a drop of water as it raced down her body. Lindsey looked into Kendra’s eyes to find them dark with desire, smiled, and used the tip of her tongue to tease her lips as her hands spread her thighs apart. She slipped first one, and then a second finger, inside the silky wetness as her lips enclosed the swollen clit, sucking it slowly in and out of her mouth.

“Oh yes,” Kendra cried out, and braced her arms on the shower walls as her body began trembling.

Lindsey reached up with one hand to take a firm nipple between her fingers, twisting it slowly as her other hand stroked the inside of Kendra’s body.

Kendra’s hips rocked in motion with Lindsey’s fingers as they drove her wild with need. “Faster,” she groaned, and her moans echoed in the shower.

Lindsey’s fingers picked up speed as Kendra’s moans grew louder, and with a scream of pleasure, Kendra grabbed the back of Lindsey’s head, holding her in place as her orgasm raced through her.

Kendra lowered herself to her knees, her arms resting on Lindsey’s shoulders as she caught her breath. Her eyes glowed with excitement as she leaned forward and kissed Lindsey. Tasting herself on her lover’s lips made her heart skip a beat.

Lindsey parted her lips, and pulled Kendra close for a deeper kiss.

When they broke the kiss, Kendra smiled. “We better hurry and bathe before we lose the hot water.”

†

Lindsey tended to Kendra’s wound and then led her lover to the bed. They spent the rest of the morning there, making love and talking.

“This has been wonderful, having you all to myself, but what happens when we return to the real world?” Lindsey asked.

“That depends on you.”

“Why me?” Lindsey asked.

“Are you comfortable being out as my lover in front of the crew?”

“Yes, I have no problem with that. What about your dad?”

“He thinks you will make a great partner for me.” Kendra smiled.

“What?”

“He noticed our attraction to each other before I did.”

“So he’s okay with us?”

“He’d be very proud to call you the newest addition to his family.”

“I wish my family was that accommodating,” Lindsey replied with a frown.

“Give them some time. I’m sure they only want you to be happy.” Kendra smiled, and kissed the frown from Lindsey’s face.

They snuggled until Kendra’s stomach growled. Lindsey chuckled. “I think your stomach’s telling us it’s time to eat.”

“I hope Susan is resting well and is reunited with her girlfriend.”

“Do you find it ironic that she crashed into our boat? As big as the bay is, why did she crash into us?”

Kendra frowned. “Does seem a bit odd, doesn’t it, but I’m glad you were able to save her. You’re such a handsome hero, my love.”

Chuckling at the remark, Lindsey kissed the top of Kendra’s head.

“Let’s go outside to check the weather, and then find something to eat,” Kendra suggested, and offered her hand.

†

They stepped out into the first sunshine they had seen in days.

“This is spectacular,” Kendra said as they walked around the deck.

“If we didn’t know better you’d think we’ve had perfect weather,” Lindsey remarked as they walked over to the rail.

There was activity on the deck of the other shrimp boat that suggested they were making plans to leave the protected harbor. “Looks like someone is preparing to leave for home,” Kendra stated.

Disappointed that their time alone together was coming to an end Lindsey looked into Kendra’s eyes. “What about us?”

“Nope, we’re staying put until tomorrow, unless you want to go back today.”

“Hell no. I want every minute alone with you I can get.”

“I was hoping you’d say that, so I took steaks out of the freezer last night. I think it’s time we had a meal topside tonight.”

“Fantastic, but what do you need to hold you over?”

“Will you make us sandwiches and chips while I set up out here? Later we can work on dinner together.”

Lindsey kissed her tenderly and stepped back. “I’ll be waiting for you inside.”