Images leaped to mind which she ruthlessly tamped down “I— No. No, I do not need your assistance getting into bed.” She cast about for an alternative, but there was nothing for it except to go back to the bunk, cover herself head to toe with the blanket, and wait for the interminable night to be over.
Clearly there would be no more sleep for her that night. Not with Sheffield at his ease just steps away. Breathing. Taking up all the space.
* * *
Nick opened his eyes as the dim grey dawn peeked through the window above the bunk. His hammock swayed violently with the force of the storm battering the Wind Dancer. He’d come below at midnight with the larboard watch to get dry and catch a few winks but now he needed to get back on deck. Make sure everyone had a safety rope, check on the mast
