In Deep Waters. Melissa Mcclone

is as necessary as oxygen and water,” Stevie said. “I bake this amazing triple-layer devil’s food cake with fudge icing.”

      “Okay, you’re my new best friend.” Kayla winked. “But I’m going to have to start working out or my appetite and your awesome cooking are going to get the best of me.”

      Stevie’s smile widened. “A woman after my own heart.”

      “Why don’t you take your heart and get back to work?” Ben said.

      “Sure thing, boss.” Stevie headed to another table.

      Kayla looked up. Ben towered over her. His harsh gaze made her self-conscious. Still, she smiled. “Stevie seems nice.”

      Ben frowned. “Don’t flirt with the crew.”

      Flirt? The idea was ludicrous. She rarely had time to date let alone perfect the art of flirting. Her life revolved around two things: researching shipwrecks and trying to find answers about her past. There wasn’t room for anything more, especially a man. “I was only making conversation.”

      “You really don’t get it.”

      What a shame he didn’t treat everyone the way he treated Madison. Ben was attractive when he wasn’t snarling like a caged tiger. “Get what?” Kayla asked.

      “Stevie won’t realize the difference.”

      “Stevie and I discussed food. Nothing else.”

      “Doesn’t matter,” Ben said. “He’ll think you’re interested in him.”

      She wasn’t an idiot. And from what she’d seen so far, neither was his crew, despite the belching, bad manners and not-so-subtle stares. “I know how to deal with men.”

      “Not these men.”

      Kayla didn’t like Ben’s attitude. “What if I’m interested in Stevie?”

      “What?”

      She tried not to smile at his shocked tone. “It’s not every day a woman finds a man who can cook like that,” she whispered. “Is he married?”

      “Stevie married?” Ben’s frown turned into a scowl. The pirate was back. Dark and dangerous and more than a little peeved. “He’s only twenty-four.”

      “I’m only twenty-seven. Besides, he might like older women.” Kayla was enjoying herself, especially since Ben wasn’t. “And what does age have to do with being married?”

      Ben stared at her as if she’d lost her mind. “Are you…serious about this?”

      She let him stew for a minute. She had the upper hand and she liked it. Liked it a lot. “That’s none of your business.”

      His eyes darkened to an inky black. His lips narrowed until they almost disappeared. “Whatever happens on this ship is my business. Do you understand?”

      She was playing with fire. Something she never did. But she’d never been on a ship with a band of pirates before. Time to take chances even if it meant getting burned. The crew and Madison were staring at them. Too late to back down now.

      “Do you?” Ben repeated.

      “Aye, aye, Captain.” Kayla saluted him. “I read you loud and clear.”