After sleeping the whole day in the bed, with Captain James beside her watching, Stormy felt much better. Waking up to Captain James face next to hers was a shocking surprise that sent her into a fury. She had never been so embarrassed in her life. Captain James found it funny and laughed at her causing his chest to hurt. She started ranting and turned so red that even Borak chuckled once or twice. Her heart was no longer hers so it wasn't the fact that she was in bed with him. It was the fact that she had seen the way he was watching her before he turned into a smiling pirate.

When did I lose my heart?

John had over saw the ship and most of the deck was back in order. All but the gaping holes and broken mast seemed back on track. The port of Aberdeen was in view and since Captain James could sit up and move around the room relief was all she could feel. She wouldn't let Captain James on deck yet, but as soon as they docked she would give him free range to do as he pleased. She would stay at his side at all times though. She was reading the book with poems in it when Captain James walked out of the closet shirtless. The bandages the only thing covering him.

Her breath caught in her throat. The wound was healing nicely, but still needed time to heal. Borak said the stitches could be removed in a few days, if all went well. Stormy still could not get over the fact that he was a handsome man. Even when injured. Her stomach turned and fluttered and her pulse raced.

"I can't find a shirt has William brought any in yet?"

She shook her head. "Not yet. Oh James I was thinking maybe I could get a dress or something while we are at the harbor? I only have my old dress and this outfit of yours and I would like to have an extra dress or two." She really wanted some jeans and a sweat shirt but she didn't think it would be proper at this day and time period. She thought of her normal home and time. Weird that she didnt really miss it. Being here felt normal, almost like she belonged here and not there.

"Anything you want I'll get sweetheart. You took care of me, and I would repay you with anything your heart desires." His smile and short waisted bow sent shivers up her spine.

"For the last time don't call me sweetheart it's not...well just don't call me that. And just a dress or two will do, or pants." Her heart seemed to stop everytime he called her sweetheart or honey.

His brow cocked up in surprise. "Pants? Are you going rogue on me?" He laughed.

She was in love with him, and she doubted he felt the same way. His laugh made her heart melt. She had taken to sleeping in his bed, but they slept fully clothed with Buddy between them. She had to wonder if he felt anything at all for her but she didn't have the nerve to ask.

His mind was on the same path as hers. Only he planned to tell her his feelings once they got settled in a hotel, or at one of his apartments in the city of Aberdeen. He planned to ask her to marry him if it went well. He couldn't see not waking up to her sleeping face every morning. He had to make her his and soon. He wanted her in every way a man could want a woman. William and John had called her Queen of the Sea Dreamer several times now. He knew his crew adored her. She was a gem he'd never part with. Besides he wanted, no, needed to see her in pants.

"Captain. Captain. The docks are open!" William called, "John said to ask Queen if you could join him at the helm." William rung his hands as he watched Stormy instead of Captain James.

Captain James laughed. "I've no shirt William you fetch me one and I'll ask her for you."

William nodded and bowed, "Aye Captain." He said and quickly left.

Captain James took the book from Stormy and pulled her up by her wrist. He tossed the book on the chair and wrapped his other arm around her waist. She gasped but didn't pull away.

"May I go to the helm with John, after William returns with my shirt?" He ran his fingers through her hair and rested his hand at the back of her head.

Her heart pounded. Is he going to kiss me? God please let him kiss me!

"I'll go with you. I want to see......"

He kissed her. Shutting off her words with a tender kiss that lasted much longer than he planned.

She kissed him back, and she could feel her body melting into his completely surrendering to him. Her arms circled his waist. Her hands searching his back in gentle caresses. When he pulled back they both were panting and his eyes like dark storm clouds matched hers.

The passion between them crackled like a blazing fire. The room felt like a furnace to them both. He was about to kiss her again when William came through the door.

"Cap......!" He stopped and stared. A harsh look from Captain James had him back to himself. "Your shirt Captain. I got your shirt. I'll just leave it here."

Captain James and Stormy laughed at William after the door shut behind him, the shirt hung on a peg beside the door.

Stormy blushed and started to back away when Captain James arms tightened on her. "Not yet." He whispered.

"James." She gasped.

He kissed her one last time. Her lips parted and his tongue swept in and tasted her. She moaned and her legs would have gave way if he wasn't holding her up. The hand at the back of her neck moved slowly to her neck. He feared if he went any further, or didn't end this soon both of them wouldn't leave the cabin for a long time.

He drew back looking into her eyes. He saw pure passion and happiness. Her hands traveled to his chest touching his bandage gently.

"We will finish this conversation later. Right now we have to see to John. Come with me."

"Yes." She whispered.

She watched as the ship docked. Her heart was still racing and she could think of nothing but the kisses from earlier. The gangplank was attached and the crew that would leave the ship first filed off two at time. Most headed to taverns that lined the harbor.
A coach pulled up just as Stormy and Captain James left the ship. William and John waited by the coach for them to get settled first.

Stormy sat on the cushioned seat and arranged her skirt around so CaptainJames could sit beside her. William and John sat across from them. John wrapped on the roof, and the coach started with a jolt. She automatically grabbed Captain James hand and held it.

She watched out the window as they entered the city. William and John smiled to each other. Captain James sat stunned looking at her small hand in his. She squeezed it and he looked at her. The excitement of seeing the city plain on her face. He was happy and he remembered what she had requested. Was it possible that she would be so easy to please with just simple things. He wanted to give her the world if she asked.

Her smile was all the gold and jewels he needed. Hell if she asked he would give up being a pirate and start a merchant run. His crew might even like that idea. He smiled to him self, first stop would be his brother's shop. The removal of the dammed necklace would be the first step to their future.

No man would ever claim her again. She was his, and he planned to have her forever.