Chapter 22

She gripped his hand, ignoring the tiny jolts of excitement that danced across her palm when his skin touched hers. He gave a gentle tug. Bonnie shifted too quickly, tried to get her feet under her before she dropped from the shelf.

“Careful!” His warning came too late. She felt her dress catch, heard a distinctive rip and before she knew it, she’d landed face-first on the floor of his boat.

She raised her head and coughed. The worn carpet, which was the color of rusted metal, smelled like it had been laid at the turn of the century. Before she could even think of righting herself, he’d scooped both hands under her arms and hoisted her up.

“Whew.” That almost sounded like a word.

She stepped to one side and shoved down her skirt, only to have her ankle give way and send her toppling over.

“Ooooow!” She tried to break her second fall in as many minutes, but missed the closet door handle by inches.

He caught her again, this time locking his hands ar