

### Heat Waves

Spicy Romantic Comedy

Copyright August, 2011 **Kathi Robb Harris**

Smashwords Edition

ISBN:

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### Dedication

To my wonderful mate, Charlie Harris, for inspiring and supporting me...Thank you.

And to my family and friends who have always said I can do it.

A special thank you for the Hood and the Batcave.

### Heat Waves

### Chapter One

"So, do you want to go back to my room and have sex?"

"Excuse me?!" Poppy Anderson leaned back in her chair and tried to look any where except at the large, overly muscled man sitting across from her. He was such a cliché.

"Hey, babe, you're hot and I'm well endowed, if you know what I mean. We could have us some real fun." He let his hand settle in his lap in a suggestive gesture.

When he leaned forward, she felt his heavy breath against her face from across the narrow table. Whiskey, she guessed. "Thank you, but, no. I'm not drunk enough to go anywhere with you." Although she had given him a little fake smile and used her sweetest sarcastic voice, he smiled as if he had scored big time. Then, she watched him blink in confusion trying to decide if he'd been insulted. She was saved from further comment by a bell ringing and the host announcing it was time to change tables.

"So can I have your card?" He hadn't gotten the message. Poppy fingered the red and blue cards she had been given to pass out to the men she might consider dating. She handed him a red one. The women knew that red was for "no way" and the blue ones had a coded number so the men could contact them through the purser.

As he moved to the table to her left, she glanced over at her sister across the room. A tall, dark, and gorgeous man had just moved away from her without a card. "Shoot, isn't she going to play the game?" Poppy was tempted to go talk to her sibling, but just then, a perfect match for the man who had left her sister sat down across from her. When she'd booked her sister and herself on a singles cruise of the Hawaiian Islands for twins only, it had sounded like fun. She hadn't thought about the dynamics of all these twins running around. This one was so yummy it was amazing there were two of them.

"I'm David," he offered, extending his hand. It was smooth and well cared for. Definitely not the hand of a laborer. His black polo shirt defined his broad chest and a few dark hairs peeked where the top button was undone. He wore his confidence the way he wore his clothes, relaxed and sexy.

"I'm Poppy." She took his hand briefly and felt the hum of sexual current up her arm. Tossing back her mahogany gypsy curls, she used her gray green eyes to make contact with his dark ones. It was all about the eyes for her. Well, the eyes, and the butt. Poppy did like a man with a nice rounded firm butt. Oh, and the mouth. She studied his and found that the tiny quirk in one corner looked made for her tongue.

"So, are you identical or fraternal?" he was asking. His eyes were a dark rich brown and his hair even darker. At about six feet to her own five-feet-four, he was very tall, very handsome, and had a subtle sexuality. Unlike the more desperate men she had met, his attitude was one of warm regard.

His question hung in the air between them. "Identical. My sister, Daisy, is over there." She nodded in the direction of her sister's table.

He darted a glance over and back. "Poppy? Daisy? You're both named after flowers? "

"As are our three other sisters; Rose, Jasmine, and Violet. My mother was a hippie and loves horticulture." His low-pitched laugh rumbled pleasantly against her as she continued, "You? Identical?" She leaned into the table, bringing herself as close as she could, creating an intimate space between them where their voices wouldn't carry.

"Yep, my brother Mike is on the other side of the room. I must say you and your sister don't look that much alike from here." He was giving her an evaluating look that paused briefly at her breasts and lower before returning to her eyes. His smile told her he liked what he saw. She grinned back, acknowledging the feeling.

"You are one beautiful woman." He nearly whispered into their space.

Even her skin went on alert, and her voice lowered and softened. "Her choice. We were never dressed alike, and we have very different temperaments. So, we only have a couple more minutes. Tell me about yourself." They were carrying on one conversation verbally and entirely another with their body language.

"I'm a doctor..."

"MD?"

"Yes. I'm researching sleep disorders in Boulder, Colorado."

"Really? I live south of Denver!" In her excitement, her voice pitched even lower. Her eyes locked with his and narrowed just enough to flutter her lashes a tiny bit. Oh, how she'd like to play doctor with him.

"Small world." He smile grew. There was no doubt he liked the idea she lived near him.

The bell rang and Poppy handed him a blue card. "I hope we can see each other again," _And more_ , her eyes hinted.

He smiled. "I'm sure we will. We're on a boat after all. It's a pretty small town." His hand held hers a shade longer than a simple handshake.

She drew her hand out slowly, letting her fingertips pause just a moment longer. "A good way to look at it." Another man waited impatiently to sit at her table. "Bye, David." He saluted her with a grin and quirky move of his forefinger as he moved on down the row.

She looked after him for a moment before turning her attention to the attractive blond now seated across from her. "I'm Poppy." She tilted her head, taking him in. He had slightly curly blond hair and deep blue eyes. His body was very athletic and tanned. She smiled inwardly. This speed-dating thing was fun. Where else did the good-looking men come to you? It was like a buff buffet. Her grin spread outward and the man, Tadd, smiled back.

Across the room, Mike Windsor moved to the station next to Daisy and sat across from a lovely Asian woman. Her hair was a shimmering wave of ebony down past her waist. She introduced herself as Amy and began telling about herself. He tried to follow, but the mahogany haired beauty behind him had short-circuited his brain. Daisy hadn't offered him a card of either color. An oversight? Should he go back and ask? She was perfect; beautiful, elegant, sexy as hell. He wanted to turn back and make contact with her eyes and see if she had felt anything for him at all. Maybe she was nervous and didn't fully understand the point of this game.

Meanwhile, Amy seemed to be waiting for an answer to an unheard question. "I'm sorry. My mind wandered a moment. It must be jetlag." He focused on her words and managed to elicit that she was a dancer along with her twin sister.

"I'm a developer." He explained about the project he was currently involved with in Denver. Amy was from San Francisco and handed him a blue card to add to the other blue ones in his pocket when the bell rang.

So far, the only woman who had stood out was Daisy. What had she said she did? Real estate. That was it. That would be a nice fit with his work, and she had mentioned she, too, lived in Denver. He had liked the rather shy smile and graceful way she wore her clothes. The ocean green dress had set off her beautiful gray green eyes, framed perfectly by the silvery glasses she wore. He liked a woman in glasses. They seemed mysterious to him and gave him another layer to uncover. Just the thought of uncovering the lovely, if shy, Daisy, had him humming.

He turned the end of the row and crossed the room to sit at the first table of the new section. Wow. It was Daisy again, but now she was H.O.T.! She had longer hair, a short flirty dress that she tucked carefully as she sat back down, and eyes that promised her body didn't make promises that she couldn't keep. A warning label on this woman should say danger.

"I'm Mike." He'd had to clear his throat twice before the words would find a path through his lips. Lips that wished strongly that they were engaged with those of the beautiful creature across the table. He reached out with his hand palm up in front of him. "Mike Windsor."

"I'm Poppy. Yes, like the flower. My twin is named Daisy and our mother is into horticulture, and we have three other sisters all named after flowers." She rattled it off as though she'd memorized answers to often-asked questions. "And you must be Mike, brother to doctor David." She let her hand come to rest in his.

He grasped the delicate hand she offered and leaned back against his chair, holding it gently. Her skin was hot in his hand. Instead of the practical chin length hair of her sister, Poppy's fell in luxurious gypsy curls below her shoulders. She must have been wearing contacts, or else Daisy's nearsightedness had passed her by. Her gray green eyes were enhanced by rich mink colored lashes and well done makeup. She wore a short flirty sundress in an orangey red that fit her name.

"So, Poppy, what do you do for a living?" She was more overtly sexy than her sister; she sparkled. Her sister glowed. He wondered what other differences he might uncover before the cruise was over.

"I have a small boutique southwest of Denver. Do you live in Boulder, too?" She referred to his brother's home. David must have opened up to her. It was surprising, but then again, this lady could probably get a spy to tell all his secrets.

"Not me. I have a home in the mountains, but I have an apartment near the new project I'm developing. I find it better to be near the job site." Mike loved his mountain home, but if the girls he had been missing lived nearer to town, maybe he should too.

"What do you like to do in your free time?" He asked. She was definitely interesting. Mike gazed at this nearly exact replica of the woman who had caught his eye moments earlier. "I like to hike and bicycle. I love to go clubbing and dance." She had it all. Still there was something about her shyer sister that lodged in his brain and his libido.

"Have you ever been to the Kangaroo Klub?"

"Yes, not too long ago! You go there?" Now her smile seemed more genuine. "I'm surprised we haven't run into each other."

If sensual energy could be bottled she could make a million dollars. He couldn't remember ever meeting a woman with more of it than Poppy. "Oh, I would remember if I'd seen you before." He squirmed in his chair resettling to accommodate his response to her. "Uh, it's near Willowmar. That's the name of the new development I'm overseeing."

He liked this woman. She looked like a bundle of fun on long silky legs. He didn't want her in the same way he wanted her sister, but he could have fun with this one. It was good to know she lived near the same area he did. He'd met women on cruises before, and was relieved when he went home and they were far across the country. Poppy was different. And he remembered her sister saying that they owned condos next to each other. That meant the delectable Daisy was near his own apartment, also. On the other hand, he could probably guess what the sisters would think of dating the same man at the same time even if it wasn't serious.

A bell rang and the host signaled that it was time to move on.

Poppy handed Mike a blue card. He palmed it with a sexy grin. "Thanks, Poppy. This was a pleasure and I know we'll be seeing each other."

"I hope so, Mike. Maybe the four of us could meet for drinks later? They have a couple of killer dance clubs on board." She stood when he did and gave him her hand once again. Another ripple of energy charged between them.

"Sounds like a plan." Mike glanced down at the card. Poppy had written her room number on the corner. As he stood to go, he noticed that his brother was sitting across from Poppy's sister, Daisy, and they were laughing together. A small zing of envy pierced him. She hadn't laughed at anything while he talked with her. Even her laugh was elegant, throaty.

Turning back to Poppy, he had an idea. "Let's see if we can double with your sister and my brother. Would that suit you?"

Poppy agreed with more enthusiasm than he had expected. Obviously she saw the opportunity as he did. He touched her cheek. "See you later."

The dance floor was crowded as twins gyrated with twins creating the impression of double vision. In the low lighting of the nightclub, colored spots highlighted the bouncy curls of the woman in front of Mike.

"There's a table for four," Poppy announced swaying her way across the room through the crowd. She knew the clingy, flame-colored, silk dress was enhancing one of her best assets.

She managed to put herself next to David on the banquette and across from her sister. Mike pulled his chair closer to Daisy's and grinned at both of them. "This is great. Two beautiful women and my favorite brother."

"Only brother," David clarified. Their voices were similar, but David's was more resonant; professional sounding. As a doctor, he would certainly give any patients confidence in his ability. Especially the women.

"Do you have any sisters?" Daisy questioned, looking across the table at David. Mike caught the look and answered quickly. "Just us. After us, Mother didn't want to chance another set of twins. Both she and Dad are twins, too."

"Really? We're the only ones in our entire family," Poppy replied, her eyes on the man next to her. He was just right, she thought, handsome, thoughtful, and very intelligent. Solid. She could use solid in her life. He was the kind of man a woman settled down with. Although settling down had seemed more like something her sister would do, it suddenly held a certain appeal when she looked at David. And he smelled great. He reminded Poppy of her father, calm, quiet, steady. While Poppy was more like her mother, outgoing, talkative, and imaginative. Yes, she thought it would be a good match. Opposites not only attracting but filling the gaps left by the other.

His brother, Mike, was too much like her. Although he held his own appeal, they would burn each other out very quickly. Although she did have a quiet side that no one ever saw except her family.

"Did you ever switch when you were kids?" Mike asked with a devilish smile. "We used to drive our folks nuts trying to figure out who was who. One time David walked in and got sent to his room, and it was an hour before he could convince Dad that he was David not Mike. I'd broken a window playing baseball and then ran for the woods. When he came out of the woods on his way home from school, everyone assumed it was me." Mike laughed, but his brother laughed more.

"I got even. The next time it was my turn to dry dishes I pretended to be Mike and called up the stairs for David to come down and take his turn. Mother believed me, and he had two weeks of kitchen duty instead of one and couldn't tell her, or I would have cleared up the whole baseball thing."

"We usually had different haircuts, and I started wearing glasses earlier than Poppy." Daisy exchanged a fond look with her sister. "I loved to read and draw, and Poppy loved to tap dance and do gymnastics. We might have looked alike, but it was pretty easy to tell us apart. If she was bouncing around, it was probably Poppy. She loved to dance to any kind of music. The only dance lessons I ever took was Ballet." Daisy sipped at her iced tea. She had called herself the designated walker. She wanted to make sure one of them had their wits about them. These brothers were potent. It would be very easy to go into the night with either one of them.

As the discussion quieted, Mike stood and offered his hand to Poppy. "I assume you still like to dance?" She followed him to the dance floor and went easily into his arms. "So, it's my brother you're interested in?" He felt her stiffen at his words.

"I..."

"Sh." He pulled her closer. "It's okay. I really like your sister. I mean you are one sexy, beautiful woman, but she sets something off in me... She's like the homecoming queen and you're like the head cheerleader. Lots of pep and enthusiasm. My guess is you dated a lot but never went steady."

Poppy chuckled against his chest. "I guess I'm pretty obvious. You and I are too much alike. They say opposites attract." Her eyes went to the table where their siblings were in deep conversation.

Mike used his forefinger to tip her head back and look into her eyes. He wanted to see an honest answer to his questions in the dim light of the dance floor, and he didn't want to offend her. "Okay, so can we work together here?" Mike waited for her answer. He hoped he hadn't read her wrong. He wasn't rejecting Poppy if that's what she wanted, but he was pretty sure she had the hots for his brother. If he had read her wrong, he could shift and concentrate on her for a while.

"What do you mean?" Poppy pulled back enough to look into his eyes.

"Well, I talked my brother into this cruise because he had tied himself to that research center. I knew he needed to get away."

"And my sister was moping around. She and her 'fiancé' had broken up several months ago. He was a real jerk, but she thought he loved her. I never could see what she thought she saw in him." Poppy trailed off. She didn't want to betray any of her sister's confidences in her. "Anyway, I gave her this cruise as a gift to get her back into life."

"She seems interested in David."

"I think it's because he's being so nice to her."

"David's nice to everybody. So, do you think I have a chance with her?" Mike studied Poppy's eyes for honesty.

"I don't think Daisy would be attracted to anyone in just a few hours. She tends to talk herself into love and back out of it. I don't know if she has ever let herself really feel deep down disturb-my- life love. Lust? Now that's a different matter."

"And you have?"

"I've been in lust." Her eyes twinkled up at him. "You are the kind of man I would take home and love...for awhile. But real love? No, I don't know that I've been there. Something about David, though really touches me."

"Will you promise me that you'll be gentle with him?" Mike caressed Poppy's cheek, his fingertips leaving a path of gentle heat where they traced.

She snorted a laugh. "Will you be gentle with my sister?"

"I'll be as gentle as she wants me to be." He hedged. He was sure there was a wild woman under that calm exterior. Twins couldn't be that different, and Poppy wore her wild side like a badge of honor.

"Shall we shake on it?" Poppy grinned up at him daring him.

He took the dare. "I have a better idea." He tilted her head to his and took her lips in a teasing kiss that deepened as she responded. With his hand on the back of her head, guiding her, they tasted each other that way for several minutes, before remembering they were on the dance floor and realized the music had stopped, and they were alone. Mike looked to see what Daisy's reaction had been to his kissing her sister, but he saw that neither she nor his brother were at the table. He hoped neither had seen that kiss. He hadn't meant for it to be anything but a gentle peck. Poppy could give lessons in kissing, he decided.

"Where'd they go?" Poppy asked, peering through the dimly lit room. She kept her arm through his, her body warm against his side.

"I have no idea." Mike walked her through the small crowd by the door out to the deck, letting his hand rest on the small of her back. Her muscles played under his hand. For an instant he considered letting it slide down further to stroke her buttocks. Now that would be absolutely wrong unless he changed his mind about which sister to pursue. "By the way, that was a great kiss."

"Mm. It was. I hope they didn't get the wrong idea."

"Me too." Mike slid his hand into hers. "Let's go find them"

Poppy laced their fingers together. "Maybe they went to a different club."

"Maybe. But if I know my brother, they're out on deck somewhere. He's fascinated with the ship. In fact he had finagled a conversation with the captain and the next thing I knew, we'd had been invited to sit at his table for the dinner the next night."

"First cruise?" Poppy shifted to step ahead of him, brushing softly against him.

"Yes, first time for him. I love cruises. This one is a little different though. All these twins!" The scent of Poppy's perfume drifted behind her, torching his libido. He made an effort to talk and not react. "My last cruise was in Alaska."

"Mm. I know the flyer said a single twins cruise, but is everyone a twin?" She was staring at some of the couples and couples of couples.

Mike steered her to the left. "Got me. I think they would probably fill the ship after they've booked twins to give them enough for the games and activities. I kind of liked that speed dating."

"Me, too. Have you ever tried it before?" Poppy took a deep breath of the ocean air. "Mm. Smells nice."

"No to the speed dating. And yes, it does smell nice. You smell nice." He sniffed her right behind her ear. She leaned her head to give him better access.

"There they are!" She pointed to a couple standing at the rail. "Hey, you guys!"

They looked over at her and Mike, then strolled over to join them.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Daisy lifted her arms out and breathed in. "I don't know why I've never been on a cruise before."

"Because you bury yourself in your work." Poppy answered with a wink to let her sister know she was kidding.

"I meant that as a rhetorical question. Anyway, I'm glad to be here now." Daisy leaned into the man next to her.

_Uh oh_ , Poppy thought, _I have to stop this before she gets too attached to him. I claimed him first_. "David, can I ask you a question about sleep?" She stepped to his other side and slipped her arm between his and his side, moving as she did so that he would have to follow her.

"Daisy, which realtor are you with?" Mike negotiated the lovely woman to walk with him in the opposite direction.

"I work for myself."

"What's the name of your firm?"

"D. Anderson, Realtor." She moved so she wasn't rubbing against his hip with every step.

"I'm sorry. Was I crowding you?" Mike knew he had been closer than what was polite. He'd hoped she might signal she was interested by leaning into him. He sighed. Patience, he reminded himself. Her scent was entirely different than her sister's. Daisy was more fresh air and light flowers; Poppy was more sultry jazz and humid sheets.

"Mike, what do you think of my sister?"

He took his time to decide the message he wanted to send. "I think she's beautiful, sexy, and funny. She adores you, so we agree on one thing."

"What?" Daisy paused near the railing so she could look at him.

"That you're adorable." He chanced a kiss on the top of her head.

"Mike! The two of you were kissing." Daisy chastised him.

Her tone told him even more than her words. She was not going to share and she was willing to let Poppy have him. Damn.

"It was a friendly kiss." He liked talking about kissing while he looked into Daisy's eyes.

"If that was a friendly kiss, I'd like to see what you call serious kissing." She huffed.

She'd walked into his trap. Without breaking stride, he swung her to him and touched his lips to hers. Her lips were warm... and firmly closed under his. He teased at them gently urging her to part her lips and give him entry. Just the light innocent feel of her was sending shockwaves of heat throughout his body. Then she pulled away.

"That was not an invitation!"

"I'm sorry! When you said you wanted to see a serious kiss, I thought..." he acted horrified.

Daisy struggled with her reaction to him. He saw her emotions and thoughts playing across her features like a silent movie. "I, uh, guess I can see where you might have gotten that idea. I'm sorry if I sent the wrong signal. I'm not very good at this flirting thing." She had her arms crossed under her breasts pushing them up and unconsciously plumping them further.

He took a step forward and let her follow. "Let's just forget it. I wasn't trying to force myself on you. I only kissed your sister because we were kidding around. It really wasn't anything serious." He wanted to tell her to lighten up, but he still wanted her, and telling a woman to lighten up usually made them mad, in his experience. He was beginning to sense he was going to have to work at getting this delectable woman to see him as the man she wanted. She'd be worth the effort. "Are you warm enough?" He took off his jacket and draped it around her shoulders. If nothing else it gave him an excuse to put his arm around her. She didn't shrug it off. He took that as a positive step.

At the other end of the deck, David put his jacket around Poppy's shoulders when she indicated that she was becoming chilled, leaving his arm there to hold it in place. "We could go inside, if you like." He offered. His mind kept darting back to his brother with Daisy, wondering what they were doing.

Poppy drew his wandering thoughts back to her. "But it's so beautiful out here with the full moon and the stars. I didn't realize how much I would love being on the sea." She leaned into the railing and casually leaned against him.

David inhaled her scent. There was no doubt in his mind that Poppy was ready and willing for some physical attention from him. His body was reacting predictably to her sensuality, but the problem was he had never taken sex lightly, and that she was sending him a such strong invitation so soon disturbed him.

"Hm, the party is getting started on the aft deck. Let's go check it out." He took her elbow and steered her toward the rear of the ship. As he inhaled her fragrance again, he caught himself imagining that she would smell that way all over. If he hadn't met her sister, also, they could be getting better acquainted right now. It had been months since he had wanted a woman to warm his bed. Poppy had given every indication that she would be willing, but her sister had touched a need much deeper inside him. He had to decide if deeper mattered right now.

The sound of a conch shell horn rang across the waves. It sounded four times before a chorus of chanting began. David and Poppy found a place where they could watch the ceremonial entry of the torchbearers and dancers. Deck lights were dimmed and the flames of the torches flickered in the air lending and air of the exotic to the young men and women who entered down stairways on each side of the lower deck. They passed the sides of the large swimming pool and lined up on the far side in front of the singers and the small band. Suddenly the rhythm changed as the men began dancing to drums and long poles being clacked together and against the deck.

"Wow!" Poppy leaned against David enjoying the spectacle. "They are really something. Fit, too." They were watching from the half-deck above the main deck, giving them a birds eye view.

David snorted in surprise at her appraisal of the muscular, nearly naked young men. "Very fit," he agreed. As the women took over, he added, "Some of them are very fit, too." There was just a hint of humor in his voice.

Poppy laughed. Many of the women were overweight by media standards, but their lush bodies were just right for the swaying movements of the hula. "Look how beautiful their hands are," she pointed out.

"Hands? Oh, yeah, right. They tell the stories with their hands." He had to admit they had beautiful hands and arms. Many hours of practice had toned them in a way a health club wouldn't, but he found it a little hard to watch their hands when there hips were telling a much different story. "I wonder how they do that." He mused.

"Do what?" Poppy responded. Then she noticed where his eyes were focused and laughed.

Mike and Daisy had found their own place on the main deck where they could watch the ceremonial entry of the torchbearers and dancers. Daisy had finally relaxed around Mike enough to enjoy walking and chatting with him. Or at least she seemed to him to be enjoying herself. He'd decided to hold back some of his more obvious innuendos and was trying to involve himself in her description of a neighborhood revamping project that she and some friends had thought up.

"So, basically the only thing holding you back is an investor or two?' he asked, his interest had been sparked.

"Yes. Do you know that neighborhood?" Her eyes found his.

"Not really. It's near downtown Denver?" He took her hand as they climbed the metal steps near the aft deck to get a better view of the program.

"Look, there's David and my sister!" Daisy tugged on his hand to lead him to the table for four where the other couple sat.

With a sigh of resignation, Mike escorted her over and held her chair.

"What have you two been up to?" Poppy asked. She seemed to move slightly toward David, putting her claim on him.

"Just walking and talking. Mike told me about Willowmar and how it will include various types of housing to encourage..." Daisy trailed off, realizing that no one was interested.

Mike noticed that his brother's intent gaze was focused on Daisy's lips. He watched Poppy attempt to draw David's attention away from her sister. In at least ninety percent of the male population it would have worked. Hell, it was working on him just watching as she put her mouth against his brother's ear, softly exhaling, then used the tip of her tongue to trace tiny circles on it. His own ear tingled.

David pulled away as though stung. "What are you doing?"

"If you have to ask, I must not have been doing it right!" She shot back at him. "I think I'm tired. Will you walk me to my room? Please?"

"I'm going to bed now, too." Daisy offered. "We can go up together."

"Oh, fine!" Poppy jumped to her feet trying to signal Daisy that she had something else in mind. Of all times for the twin connection to break down, she ranted inside. She smiled at David and gave Mike a politely cool nod. "Well, we'll just go ahead and leave then. Goodnight." She kept hoping that David would take a hint and ask to walk them up. It would be better if she could be alone with him, but she would have settled for him accompanying both of them.

Mike took Daisy's hand. "May I call you in the morning?"

"Oh, Mike, we have plans to go snorkeling tomorrow. That's right, isn't it, Poppy?"

"Right. We'll be in Nawiliwili Bay tomorrow. One of the activities we signed up for was the snorkeling." She glanced over at David to see his reaction.

"But, that's great! We're signed up for that excursion, too." David looked as happy as a kid with a new puppy, but he was looking at Daisy. "We can snorkel together."

Poppy sighed out loud when she noticed Mike's eyes were also on her sister. "Well, then it's a plan. We'll see you after breakfast." She turned to go. "I guess we could all have breakfast together." It would be better than not seeing David at all. She needed to be with him to use her well-honed attraction techniques.

"Let's wait and see what tomorrow brings," Daisy insisted. She gave Poppy one of those looks that only a sister can read.

Poppy couldn't wait to get back to their room and have a frank sisterly talk with Daisy.

The undercurrents of dissatisfaction were strong as the men stood to say goodnight and watch the girls walk away. Below them couples were dancing to a 40's swing band sound. Many were using the opportunity to connect with someone for the night.

"Why did you say that?" Mike asked with quiet force. "I've been trying to get something going with Daisy all evening."

"Sorry, brother, I have my eyes on her, too. I would think Poppy is more your type."

"Yeah, she would have been in the past. Some fast fun and no strings. I happen to know she has the hots for you." Mike wanted to glare at his brother, warning him to back off, but this trip was supposed to be for David. He hadn't dated in nearly a year. Mike worried about him being so wrapped up in his research that he neglected any social outlet. But, he'd be damned if he'd just give Daisy over to him like a gift.

David put his hand on his brother's shoulder. "I'm sorry if I led her on. I didn't mean to. I'll get it straightened out in the morning." They went to the stateroom that they shared with an uncomfortable silence between them.

***

### Chapter Two

At breakfast the next morning, the waiter had flirted with Poppy, improving her mood considerably. By mutual agreement Daisy and her sister had avoided the Windsor men.

In that secret scary place inside that Daisy tried to just block off, she was aware that the brothers appeared to be competing for her. It made her extremely uncomfortable. Although she was undeniably drawn to David, she enjoyed Mike's irrepressible enthusiasm. The thought that either or both of them was more interested in winning some male competition, than in her for herself, had her riled. She might come across as sedate and in control, but she had the same passionate nature as her sister and a tender heart to boot.

Poppy might show her emotions more easily, but Daisy believed she felt them more deeply. Geoff's betrayal of her with another woman had shocked her. It had also made her realize that she wasn't truly in love with him. Her pride was hurt, but her heart wasn't broken, just bruised.

"Daze?"

She was pulled out of her reverie by her sister's elbow. "What?" Around her was the incredible wonderland that was Hawaii. Here on Kauai were long deep beaches of pale beige sand. Waves rolled in with a low rumble that told of their power. The air was scented with sweet plumeria and other tropical flowers.

"Are we at the right place?" She eyed the waves warily. Poppy was the daring twin. Daisy preferred her activity to be safe. This looked anything but safe. She held her beach bag closer to her chest.

"Keli says the waves are higher on this side of the island than usual, but he thinks if we walk over that little rise there's a pool formed by the lava that will be good for beginners. And, we are all beginners except Mike." Poppy passed on the information but wouldn't look her in the eye. Their nighttime talk had been tense and ended with Daisy backing off as she usually did. No man was worth losing her sister over.

She stepped from the eight passenger, air-conditioned van into the humid tropical air. An ocean breeze kept it from being too hot. Daisy wanted nothing more than to sink to the sand and just veg all day. The others were already tromping through the loose sand behind their instructor. With a sigh, she fell in behind Poppy as they negotiated the path through the sharp black lava to the sand beyond. From the top of the rise she could see the circular pool that kept the waves at bay except at high tide. On one side a small chunk was missing from the nearly perfect circle. It allowed the warm water to sit in the pool and the fishes to come and go. Sand surrounded one side of the pool making the perfect place to spread their blankets and equipment.

"Have you noticed that Mike keeps watching us, but David is pretending we don't exist?" Poppy whispered. It was a sign that Poppy was thawing for her to initiate the conversation.

"I wasn't really paying attention." _Liar_ , she said to herself. _You've been aware of exactly what David is doing all morning._ She tried to pay careful attention to the instructions Keli gave on how to use the fins and snorkels.

"Daisy, Poppy, it's nice to see you here this morning." Mike had worked his way around until he stood next to them. "If you'd like I can pair up with one of you. I've been snorkeling before..."

"Thanks Mike. We wouldn't want to take your time away from your brother." Daisy replied before Poppy could speak.

Mike took her hand in his, "It would be my pleasure. I'm sure David would enjoy pairing up with Poppy."

Keli walked over and noticed that Poppy was having trouble understanding the mouthpiece on her snorkel. "Hey, Mike, didn't you tell me you have experience?"

"Yes?"

"Why don't you pair up with Poppy and help her. She seems to be a little puzzled abut the equipment." He walked on to check on the others without waiting for an answer. He motioned for Daisy to follow him. "You go ahead and buddy up with David." Again without waiting for a reply he continued his observations.

"Well, is this okay with you, or would you rather I get a different partner for each of us." David stood waiting.

Daisy shook her head and attempted a smile. "It's fine."

The polite smile she gave him wasn't much, but it was better than nothing, David thought. He held out his hand toward the water. "Shall we?" She motioned for him to lead, and then followed him to the water's edge. Huge waves crashed beyond the safety of the pools walls, but here there was scarcely a ripple.

"The water's was much warmer than I would have guessed," she said. Along with the others they waded in, awkwardly walking in the fins. When the water was at their waists Keli had them put their faces in and practice breathing. Soon each pair had maneuvered to a separate place in the large pool. With Daisy beside him, he swam lazily near the outer rim. A whole world of amazing colors and shapes opened to them. Tiny crabs and fish minnows, shells of long gone crustaceans. An easy fellowship grew between them as they shared their discoveries. David noticed that the water was becoming deeper and motioned for Daisy to follow him back toward the others. She tried to stand to clear her mask, but the water was deeper than she had expected and a waved crashed over the barrier at the same time as she inhaled, tossing her over backwards, and disorienting her. Struggling to find her way back up, Daisy lost her sense of direction and without the mask, couldn't see if she was going up, down or sideways. She panicked and took in more water. Her cough reflex tried to clear her airway and succeeded only in taking in more seawater.

Just as Daisy had started to stand, David tried to warn her about the wave. He was only an arm-length away as she went under the first time, but her own struggle carried her farther away from him. He dove and reached for her bringing her up to the surface and using a rescue hold to swim her to the shallow water. Keli saw what was happening and helped him carry her to the beach where he checked to see if she was breathing.

"Let me." David cleared her airway and began mouth to mouth. He saw her chest rise as he exhaled and knew the air was going into her water-clogged lungs. Retuning from the van with an emergency kit, Keli checked and said her heart was beating slowly, but her blood pressure was low. Another two breaths and she began coughing up water as they turned her on her side. Soon the gagging and choking stopped and she opened her eyes.

"Hello, beautiful." David sent a silent prayer of gratitude heavenward. "You're not supposed to breath water without gills. He ran his hand up her arm. "How do you feel?"

"Like I tried to breathe water," she gasped. Daisy tried to sit up but sank back to the sand.

I'll carry you back to the van." He noticed she didn't protest. "I think we should get the ship's doctor to look at you."

"Take the van," Keli offered. "Just let Nani know to drive it back down here."

By this time Mike and Poppy had realized something was wrong and were watching from beside Keli. "Can I go back with her?" Poppy sank to the sand near her sister, her face drained of color.

"No need," Daisy wheezed out. "Please stay." Her eyes pleaded with her twin.

Poppy knew how much her sister hated having a fuss made over her

"Okay, but you take good care of her." She punched David lightly in the arm. For now the competition was off. Her sister's life was more important than any man.

Allowing herself to be carried to the van and belted in to the front passenger seat, Daisy grimaced. This was not how she wanted this man to see her. She was not needy and weak no matter what Geoff had said.

"How are you, now?" David asked, as he drove her back to the ship.

"Embarrassed."

"Why?" He looked over at her for a quick second in disbelief.

"I hate being the center of attention. That's for Poppy. She dances on tables. I dance in my living room." Her throat was still raspy. The first man she had met in... well, ever... that she truly felt anything like this for, and she had to nearly drown and have him save her. But, men liked to save women, didn't they? _Oh, damn! I just want to start this trip over_ , she cried out silently.

David drove in silence to the ship trying not to relive his horror when he realized Daisy wasn't breathing. He assisted her in walking up the gangplank, even though it was wide and had handrails. He could feel her slight weight as she leaned into his strength and heat coursed through him. He'd had a very inappropriate reaction as he had put his mouth over hers on the beach. The towel that Keli had thrown to him before running to the van had hidden his lap. Luckily by the time he had to carry her to the van, his concern had outweighed his arousal. Now though, he was wishing he had taken time to fully dress before driving her here. He only hoped the Hawaiian shirt he wore over his boxer style swim trunks hid enough.

"David?"

"Hm?" He heard the question in her voice. 'What is it, dream girl?" he spoke without thinking, having called her that in his mind since first meeting her and looking into those beautiful eyes.

"Dream girl?"

"Uh. Don't sound so surprised. Sorry. This has been stressful for me, too, you know. I wasn't thinking. But..." He shook his head at a loss of what to say.

"Hm. It's usually when we're not thinking about what we're saying that what we're thinking comes out." Her eyes sparkled at him. Her slight smile was genuine for the first time that morning. "Dream girl," she repeated softly.

He stopped outside the doctor's office and stared at her. "What?" Then, "You're right. I guess I've been calling you dream girl in my head since yesterday. Sorry."

"What are you sorry for? I kind of like it." Daisy smiled a real smile, eyes, and all. "I've been rather standoffish."

"It's your right. Just because I'm attracted to you, doesn't mean you're attracted to me."

Daisy nailed him with a look, "Excuse me? You think I'm not attracted to you? What ever gave you that idea?"

Before he could think about what he was doing, he had her wrapped in his arms and was honoring her mouth with his own. When she didn't resist, indeed returned the kiss, he decided to take it a little deeper. He teased and tasted until she joined him in the heated exploration. From the moan she made on the back of her throat, he knew he hadn't read her wrong this time. She tasted of hidden treasures and made him harden against her. Rather than pulling away she nuzzled her pelvis into his and moaned again.

"Um, excuse me, folks. Did y'all need to see the doctor?" A Doogie Howser clone stood with the door open and a stethoscope around his neck.

"Are you the doctor?" Daisy's voice held doubt.

"Yep, sure am. Degree and everything. I graduated from medical school quite a few years ago. Need to see my certificates?" His eyes held the laughter he was holding in.

Anyone who looked this young was probably used to being teased about his age. "Thanks, but that won't be necessary. My friend nearly drowned awhile ago, and I thought you should check her out." David used the voice of one professional to another. He resisted tugging at his shirt hem, hoping it covered his erection.

"Come in, both of you." He had Daisy sit on the table and listened to her lungs. "How long ago?"

"An hour. Maybe less."

He listened some more and then turned to David. "Why don't you step outside while I check her out?" He returned to Daisy, "Miss, would you like a nurse present?"

"Not unless you plan to do a full exam." She removed her shirt and tried taking a deep breath per his instructions, but began coughing and wheezing again.

"That's pretty normal. It will take a few days. No snorkeling, scuba diving or strenuous swimming and have someone with you at all times." He had turned away and was washing his hands.

"You mean when I'm in the water, right?" Daisy rebuttoned her beige shirt.

"No, I mean at all times. The salt in the seawater can cause a condition that pulls the fluids from your body into your lungs, and you can drown in your own fluids. I don't want to scare you, but please, have someone with you at all times and inform them that if you have any trouble breathing, any at all, they need to rush you to medical help. Got it?" He helped her down from the table. "That's only necessary for a few days. Come back if you have any questions." He took the boarding card she had tucked in her pocket of her shirt and ran it through the scanner. "This will show up on your final credit card bill at the end of your cruise. Stay safe and have fun." He grinned at her and added, "It's too bad you have a boyfriend."

"Oh, he's not my..." She remembered the kiss. "Yeah," she said back, "too bad."

As expected, David waited in the lobby area outside the door to the office. "Well?"

She filled him in.

"Sounds like I have a reason now to stay with you at all times." He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

"Down, boy! I'm sure Poppy will do just fine at watching over me when she returns." She held out her hand to keep the rejection from her words. "Of course until she gets back, I'm all yours."

He took her hand and held it against his chest creating a flurry of hot tingles from her breasts to her toes. Her face flushed last. "Oh..." she sighed. His heartbeat sped up and she felt hers matching his.

"Did he say anything about exercise in general?" David used his eyebrows to punctuate his question.

He really did have a sinfully great mouth. "Uh. Not really, but all I want right now is a cold drink and to stretch out on a deck chair and relax." Of course, to be fair, his brother's mouth was very appealing, too. She wondered if they kissed the same. It would be the first time she had the opportunity to kiss twins. The idea appealed to her. Actually was quite a turn on. Hm. Twins.

"If you want to go back to your room and lie down, I give a great massage." His voice hinted at more than a massage. "Uh, but I could do a shoulder massage in a deck chair.

Why did he back off? She considered it for a short second. "I don't think so."

"Is kissing allowed?" He had closed the distance between them, letting her smell the blend of sun, sea, and man.

"Mm, I think it's encouraged. Endorphins you know." She stepped willingly into his arms. His lips were warm and firm on hers with just the right mix of pressure and softness. She opened to his every movement matching him taste for taste as they heated the air around them.

Pulling back just enough to look into her eyes, he whispered, "Are you sure you don't want to take this where it doesn't have to stay PG-13?" His hand ran slowly down her arm stopping near her breast.

Considering carefully, she responded, "For now let's keep it where it is." The hard evidence of his desire pressed against her abdomen as he hugged her close.

"Then, I would suggest we'd better change into something a little less comfortable." His voice was tight with disappointed passion.

She walked with her arm around his waist, tucked under his arm, feeling safe and a bit reckless. Not even Geoff had made her feel so... womanly. Desirable.

"I don't want to leave you in there alone," he told her at the door of her stateroom. "Remember what Doctor Fair said." David reminded her. "You shouldn't be alone. I don't want to leave you there and find you later on the floor."

"You may not want to let me go by myself, but you're going to. I'll scream if I need you. And if you give me your word you'll stay out here, I'll leave the door unlocked," She responded.

"Be still, my heart." He said with a melodramatic flair and his hand over his heart. He leaned against the door and began humming an old song is grandmother had taught him. "Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do...dum dee te..."

Her heart pounded, and she felt lightheaded and knew it was because she was falling for the man outside her door. Emotion. That's what counted with her. Geoff had said he loved her, but his restrained emotions had proven that he was just going trough the motions until someone else came along. And when she did, he had left Daisy without looking back. What she had ever seen in him, she couldn't remember. Maybe she had just wanted someone to love. Rebound. Maybe that was the attraction to David, too. Maybe she should give in to her attraction, have a fling with him, and walk away when it was over. Maybe that would get him out of her system. Or could she have an affair with him? Hm, it would scratch the itch he seemed to create. Could she set aside expectation and let her body's desire take over? Maybe. Probably not. But, maybe.

A smile crept across her face. Her sister did it. She had declared she wouldn't fall in love until she was sure a man was marriage material. She didn't sleep around, but she followed her body's urges if they weren't going to get her in trouble. The only trouble here would be with her sister, and Daisy made an instant decision that for once, she wasn't going to give Poppy what she wanted just to keep the peace. Daisy grinned, if Poppy could do it, so could she. Who better to try it on than the man outside her door?

"Daisy, are you okay in there?" David called from the hallway. He said he wanted to change, too. Once the emergency was over, he had realized how, hot and sweaty, and very sandy, he was.

"I'll be out in a minute." She quickly changed the shorts and blouse she had put on for one of Poppy's short flirty sundresses in a soft blue. A really sedate color for the more flashy twin. She twirled in front of the wardrobe mirror, loving the way the silk felt cupping her breasts and skimming her thighs.

"Wow!" David surveyed her from head to toe as she stepped through the doorway on strappy, mid-heeled sandals that showed off the muscular curves of her long legs. Her shell-like toenails were painted a light pink. "I'm guessing that flirty dress you have on is your sister's or at least her influence," he commented, sweeping every inch of her with his eyes. "You look incredible." He couldn't resist leaning in for a light kiss.

She turned it into something much deeper. Heat churned through his being causing him to forget for a moment what where he was. His hand was stroking her side just under her breast as they were interrupted by a staff member clearing her throat.

She was a petite young woman who flushed with embarrassment. "Excuse me? I was going to make up the room now. Is that all right?" Her accent was some type of regional Spanish. David's blood had all travelled to his crotch, leaving his brain addled. He just stared at her with dazed eyes, while Daisy nodded that it was fine and began pushing him away from the door. The attendant averted her eyes as she edged past them.

What did Daisy's change in attitude mean? David wondered. He wanted to ask why the sudden reversal, but his body was revved up and ready for action. He was so thick and hard that he ached for release. David was very glad he had chosen boxer style trunks instead of the Speedo that remained in his suit case, a gift from his brother. "Shall we go back to my room for me to shower and change?"

Her body heat radiated into his side where she leaned into him. "Mike and I have a small suite, you can wait in his room if you prefer." He had to get out of these clothes and once they were in his room, he was going to get her into the shower with him.

Daisy surprised him. "Sure. And, I think I should go in with you so you can keep an eye on me."

He leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Dream girl, my eye is not what I want on you." He watched the flush of heat spread across her chest and shoulders and flood her face. "Daisy, if you go in this room with me, I want a whole lot more than another kiss." Without waiting to see her reaction, he poked the keycard in the slot and opened the door. 'Well?" He stepped back to allow her to go first into the stateroom he shared with his brother. The small sitting room opened into two bedrooms.

The arousal he was carrying upped another notch when Daisy took the 'Do Not Disturb' sign and hung it on the outer knob, closed the door firmly, locked it, and put the security chain on. With a big grin she turned to him and said, "What did you have in mind?"

"Oh, dream girl, the first step is to get us both very comfortable." Had he scared her?

She just stood there in front of him and waited a sly look in her eye. "Are you going to tell me which bed is yours, or do I have to guess?"

Her voice sounded more sultry, more like her sister's, and he realized that if they were side by side with their hair covered and Daisy's glasses off, he wouldn't be able to tell them apart. Then she kissed him. Lord, have mercy, she kissed him. Every cell in his body stood at attention and sang an anthem of lust and longing.

She removed her glasses giving him the full impact of her eyes, now more green than gray. Her fingers worked the buttons of his Hawaiian shirt and pushed it back over his shoulders giving her access to his chest. Lightly skimming her lips and teeth over his muscles she tongued the soft curls of the hair on his chest, tracing it's growth all the way to the waist band of his swim trunks. Letting her tongue dip just below the edge she met with the sensitive crown of his cock and began lightly teasing him. Her breath was hot on the sensitive tissue, and his balls swelled and tightened and pulled up near the root of his penis where her feminine hand held him so she had full access. When she suddenly sucked him fully into her mouth, he grabbed her head with both hands. "Oh, Daisy love, you have to stop that now. Let's get you out of those clothes."

She ignored him and continued her exploration sinking to her knees and pulling down the trunks that still hung around his crotch. "Mm, why don't you just lie back on the bed and let me have my wicked way with you." She didn't wait for him to comply, but gave him a gentle push so he had no choice. He carried her with him as far as he could and helped her straddle him and resume her oral exploration. An old adage he had heard from his dad crept into the only corner of his mind not occupied by trying to hold back his orgasm. A woman should be a lady in the drawing room and a whore in the bedroom. It had never seemed more true, and he had never met a woman who knew when to separate the two, until now.

His hands began stroking her shoulders and hair. He wanted to bring her up to meet his lips with hers, but the magic she was working had him nearly erupting.

Sensing his readiness, she asked for and got protection and rolled it over the hot pulsing shaft. He pulled her to him for a deep, seeking kiss and ran his hands up her thighs under her skirt. She wasn't wearing panties! That nearly had him coming. With a groan he felt her nether lips and found her hot and ready. Her juices ran down the vee of her thighs. A single thrust merged their heat and had him teetering on the edge. Her slick heat combined with his, making the thrusts glide with just the right friction. She rode him to the apex of their passion and slid with him all the way down through the misty ravine of satisfaction. He was brain dead. Not a thought got through the total lapse of consciousness. Deep within her vagina he was being tugged by aftershocks of her orgasm. There was no need to question if she had found satisfaction. If anyone had been strolling down the corridor as she came, her scream would have given her away. It was a treat to have a woman give herself totally over to her passion.

As they lay recovering normal breathing, David rolled her to his side, still connected. He had only softened slightly, and the little moan she made swept up through him making him harder and preparing him for another ride. With one hand he grasped her left butt cheek, with the other, he slipped his fingers between them to the hard nub and squeezed it gently. Daisy threw her head back, her teeth biting at her own lower lip.

"Again?" she gasped, her eyes widening.

"You have on way too many clothes, lady." He unzipped the back of the dress and lifted it over her head discovering that panties weren't all she had left off. Her breasts were perfect. Jutting out like juicy round fruit with strawberry tips. Her skin felt like satin touched by the dewy moisture of arousal. He rolled her under him and took each tempting bit of her right breast into his mouth to tease and excite. Her nipples, already hard, became little peaks of sensitive pleasure for both of them, but it was the tender skin on the under side of her breasts that made her moan and thrust her hips, stroking him back to the edge. He held back easily now that the initial release had come. There were many points of pleasure on her body and he intended to find as many as possible before he let them come again.

Finally, mouth to mouth, he brought her with him as he held back his own pleasure as long as he could control it. It had been too long. As he felt her begin to tighten and throb, his own climax pulsated into to her and triggered her second orgasm.

In his chest a feeling of warmth and connection flooded him, opening a place long suppressed. "Yes." He whispered, drawing her head to his to find her lips. "Yes, dream girl, yes." At last, he tucked her against him and they slept. He thought, as he drifted into the warm haze of fulfillment, _it was never like this before_.

As she felt David let go beside her, Daisy relaxed into a place she had never found before. It was warm and safe and dreamy. She didn't have to compare it to anything in her past to know that this is what had been lacking with other men. As she drifted into dreams, her body told her stories of the future that she wouldn't remember when she awakened but which would drive her toward her destiny.

***

### Chapter Three

"Do you really think she's all right?" Poppy wrung her hands, watching as the van pulled away. She leaned into Mike's strong and comforting embrace. His skin was hot from the sun and his arms strong enough to make her weak in the knees, if she hadn't been so focused on his brother.

"She'll be fine. How about you? Can I get you anything? You look kind of pale. You won't faint or anything, right?" Mike looked panicked at the thought. Obviously he was best in physical situations, not emotional. No, she really needed to have a doctor around. One who could keep her healthy in every way. Hmm.

Giving him one of her flirty askance glances, lids lowered, long thick lashes half covering her eyes which looked at him from the corner instead of head on, Poppy grinned and challenged him to a run up the beach. She needed something to keep her from thinking of that awful moment when she thought her twin was dead. Her feet kicked up sand as she jogged slowly, got her breath centered, and allowed her body to release the adrenaline.

When Poppy called to Keli and pointed up the beach, he nodded, yet kept his eyes on the other two pairs of swimmers as they continued snorkeling. His watchfulness would prevent another accident. Although the waves weren't as high as when they had arrived, they crashed to the right and swirled the loose bits of coral and shell up onto the beach, where it mixed with strands of seaweeds. A gentle breeze, fragrant with tropical flowers, stirred the low growing bushes and tall natural grasses. A rooster pranced across the road, feathers gleaming in the sunlight as he crowed that he was king of the walk.

Poppy stretched then resumed her movements, keeping her muscles warmed. She'd have preferred sneakers to beach shoes to run in, but Mike had on the same kind, so it was an even handicap. Poppy took off at a trot, letting her legs warm up. She frequently ran a couple miles a day along the Cherry Creek path at home. Mike jogged along side of her in an easy rhythm. As she increased her pace, he kept up until they were running side by side. His grin taunted her.

"First one to that big rock wins. Loser buys dinner." Mike called. The ground rose sharply then disappeared behind the lava rocks that had not yet been churned to sand.

"Right," she snorted. "The food is free on the ship." She put on the steam and began running full out. Her feet kicked up bigger blasts of dry sand and left her stride ragged as her feet slid back a little with every step. Mike kept even until they were a few steps away and then pulled ahead to win. She liked that he hadn't let her win, but she stuck her tongue out at him and wiggled it in defiance.

"You owe me a dinner when we get home." He said it softly, stalking toward her.

"Hey, you didn't say anything about home!" She kicked sand at his leg. He grabbed her and wrestled her to the ground. She shrieked like a high school girl and wound her leg behind his, trying to roll him over. It was useless, but let out the remaining adrenaline that had left her shaking.

As she lay partway under him, the hair on his legs tickled hers, and his sun-heated skin increased the temperature of her already warm body. He propped himself over her on his forearms, and nice forearms they were. She could almost pretend he was his brother, but that wouldn't be fair to either of them. She returned his gaze. Deep sparkling brown eyes dared her. His lips did look yummy. As he lowered his head to take her lips, she sighed into his mouth and licked at his tongue. He was such a good kisser. Why couldn't he be more serious and solid like his brother. He was a fun and games guy, and she was a fun and games girl. What would happen when they ran out of games? No, she needed someone who would be in a relationship for the long haul. Someone to build a life with. She pulled away from their kiss with reluctance.

"Let me up, now." Her bikini strap had twisted allowing most of one breast to peek out. She unselfconsciously adjusted it so she was covered. Covered as much as the tiny top could do. Unlike her sister's choice of trim one piece suits, Poppy liked as much of her body as possible to be exposed to the sea and the sun, and to Mike's appreciative appraisal. "See anything you like," she challenged in a fake bratty tone.

"I was just getting started," he argued. He let his hand rise up her tummy to the underside of her breast, bringing a flush to her cheeks.

"Do you have a condom with you?" She challenged him, trying to sit up.

The brief bathing suit he wore didn't leave much to the imagination, let alone have room for storing even something as small as a condom, but there was no doubt he was willing and able. It was time to stop playing around before their fun got out of hand. Poppy wasn't forgetting which twin she had set her sights on. A little stir in her core left her hoping that identical twins were identical in every physical way. Mike definitely had the goods to get her juices flowing.

He rolled to her side, panting dramatically. "You're right. Besides, you're Daisy's sister. I'm not the kind of guy to make love with one sister while I pursue the other." He ran his hand through his dark hair, making it stand up in little spikes.

He was sexy and funny and would be a good romp. But, Poppy reminded herself, his brother was the one she wanted to pledge her future to. Whoa! Since when was she focused on a future? She thought about marriage and kids. David would make a wonderful life partner. Was she finally ready for that? When Daisy had become engaged the year before, Poppy hadn't given it a second thought, other than to wonder at her twin's taste in men. This time, it seemed, they had the very same taste. Handsome, quiet, and stable.

Mike was lying with his arm along hers. She was aware of every sun-kissed hair touching hers. She insisted to herself that the reason she felt so comfortable with him was a brotherly thing. She had always wanted a big brother. Someone to protect her and teach her things. Things like, why so many men were real jerks. Like that holdover from professional wrestling that had tried to come on to her at the speed-dating last night.

"Earth to Poppy!" Mike cupped his hands near her ear, making her jump. He had spoken softly, but when her mind wandered, it shut out everything but her thoughts.

"What?" She sat up and brushed at the sand on her body. The waves on this tiny patch of sand weren't too bad. "Come on, let's wash the sand off." She dove into an incoming wave and let it rock her toward the beach. "Whew! This ocean is different than the others." She rolled with the waves, loving the flow of water over her hot skin.

"Which others?" Mike was standing in knee-deep water splashing himself to get the sand off. The Speedo he wore revealed that he still hadn't wilted from their romp.

"Mexico, Florida, California, Bermuda." Listing the places she had traveled, Poppy realized that she always went where she could swim. Probably not unusual for a person from a mountainous landlocked region.

"You like water. Have you ever gone river rafting?" Mike started moving toward the path that would take them back. She walked close enough to occasionally bump hips as their strides were offbeat.

It was hard to be so close to him and keep her mind on casual conversation. He had an athlete's body without being overly muscled. With his tanned skin and dark hair he almost looked native. "No, have you? River rafted, I mean." They were approaching the beach where they had left their things and the remainder of the class.

"Every chance I get. I have three friends who went together with me to buy a big raft. It holds eight easily and could safely hold ten. We take it out at least twice a month all summer." He had spread his arms gesturing how big the raft was. She was observing how big his hands were and how strong. But his brother had strong hands, too. Didn't he?

"Which rivers do you... what's the right word for what you do?" She was following him now down the rise that divided the beach they had run on from the one where Keli and the other four waited.

"Run. We run rivers in the raft. Would you like to try it sometime?" It was a casual friendly invitation with no innuendo. She would like to try it. She loved being outdoors and using her body. She had a fitness club membership but seldom used it except for working out when the weather was bad. Luckily, in Colorado the weather was usually excellent for being outdoors.

"Does David ever go with you?" She found her towel and equipment and began cleaning and putting it away under Keli's watchful eye. Her bright shirt blew in the soft breeze as she shrugged it over her bikini.

"Rafting? No way. He likes to fish, and he really enjoys playing golf when he takes the time. Rafting is too time intensive and unpredictable for him. He enjoys being outside, but he isn't one to push himself too hard. " He handed her the big tote bag that held everything she needed to survive almost anything, and then crawled into the van.

Poppy slid in beside him and buckled her seat belt. "Does it bother you to talk about him with me?"

Mike leaned back to stare at her. "Why should it? You and I agreed we're after the same thing. You want David and I want your sister. We're playing on the same team here. You know I think you're sexy and beautiful. If I hadn't met your sister, we'd already have something going for us, but when I look at her I feel like I'm coming home." He brushed her cheek with his thumb. "I sure hope my brother is smart enough to see you for who you are. He needs someone who can get him to have fun and show him work isn't the only thing worth his time." He took her hand in his in a comfortable clasp.

"Mike, has David ever been serious about a woman?" Poppy had wanted to ask him this sooner, but needed to get to know him better first. After today, her instinct was to trust him as much as she was able. "He isn't divorced or something is he?"

He shook his head. Neither of them had taken the plunge.

The ride was short and the van stopped at the end of the pier near the huge building that acted as a terminal for this port. The ship looked mammoth from this angle. Under the roofed area, young women sold leis and candy. Several older men and women sold conch horns and other shells. The scent from all of the flowers was amazing. Poppy wished she could bottle it and take it home. She inhaled deeply as they took their place in the long line that was waiting to re-board. She was ravenous and ready to see what activities Daisy had planned for them for the afternoon.

"Have you got your boarding card?" Mike inquired fumbling his out of his shirt pocket.

"I did have it." She looked through the beach tote that had held her sun block and other needs. "I can't seem to find it. It's got to be here somewhere." She dug more frantically as their turn approached. "Will they let me on without it?" She felt the edge of anxiety begin in her diaphragm. _No, no, please, not here_. She tried to will away the panic attack as it increased her heartbeat and made her feel like she couldn't breath. Her head felt light and dizzy. She unconsciously reached out for support.

"Are you okay?" Mike's voice seemed to come to her down an echoing tunnel, and as her vision dimmed, she knew she was passing out. With just a moment to decide, she leaned into Mike and held on, slumping down.

"What is it, senor?" The young Pilipino man ahead of them in line helped ease her to the ground.

"I don't know. She acted like she couldn't breathe, and then she just went down." Mike saw an emergency team coming down the ramp. He was holding her against him as he squatted on the ramp.

"Do you have her boarding card?" The man sounded official but his smile was warm.

"No, she was looking for it when she passed out." He began digging through the beach bag. "Look, she's in room 420 with her twin sister. Go get her and she'll have whatever you need to take her on board and help her!" He was running his hand through his hair in frustration. He didn't like dealing with little rules.

But the two men were already loading her on a stretcher and carrying her inside. The paramedic assured Mike that everything would be done and the details worked out later.

"I need to be with her. I can't let her come-to alone." He walked behind the stretcher-bearers to Doctor Fair's office.

"Back already?" the Doogie Howser look alike joked with Mike.

"What?" Mike's confusion showed. His mind seemed blank. Was this a real doctor or some aid?

"Is she having trouble breathing?" He did sound like a doctor. And he was dressed like a doctor if you ignored his Hawaiian print shorts.

Mike looked at the man, "She was breathing hard just before she passed out."

The doctor put an oxygen mask on Poppy and began listening to her lungs. "I don't hear any fluid. You did the right thing by getting her here so quickly, but I don't think this has to do with the near drowning." Doctor Fair put his hands on Poppy's stomach and palpated. "Any vomiting or soreness?"

"No. Listen, Doc, we were standing in line to board, and she couldn't find her card. She started hyperventilating and then she grabbed her chest and went down. I though it might be a heart attack." Mike continuously ran first one then the other hand thru his hair.

"Hm, most likely a panic attack; does she suffer from them?" The doctor waved a tiny vial under Poppy's nose. She coughed and weakly pushed it away.

"I don't know. Hey, the woman you treated earlier was her twin sister. I'm her friend's twin brother, Mike Windsor." He shook hands with the doctor.

"So this isn't the lady who tried to breath the Pacific Ocean?" He laughed. "Sorry, that makes this more understandable."

"It does?"

"Yes, you see I was concerned she might be dying." He was examining Poppy's pupils again. She began fluttered her eyes, trying to keep them open.

"Dying," Mike questioned in a shocked tone. "Daisy is dying?"

"Oh no, at least not to my knowledge." Doctor Fair explained about the saltwater in the lungs danger. "So you see if any of you observe her coughing or short of breath, she needs medical help immediately." He had stepped back from the table and was tapping in notes on his computer.

By now, Poppy was fully conscious and heard the last part of his instructions. "Am I in danger?" She sat up with the young doctor's assistance. Her smile was still a shadow of normal.

"Not unless you breathed sea water, too. Care to tell me if this has happened before?"

"I had a panic attack. This was worse that any I've had before." An embarrassed flush crept up Poppy's cheeks. She turned on the table searching the area. "Where's my bag?"

"Well, miss, it's a good thing your boyfriend got you here quickly." Doctor Fair patted the back of her hand.

"Oh, he's not my boyfriend. We're just good buddies." She swung her legs off the table and let them dangle getting her bearings. "I was looking for my boarding card and suddenly I felt the anxiety just under my heart, and then everything's a blur." She smiled a timid smile at Mike. "Looks like you said the right thing to get me on board."

"I still need your boarding card." Dr. Fair told her. "We use it to keep track of expenses on board."

Mike helped her from the table and handed her the beach bag.

She rummaged through it. "I know I had it to depart for the snorkeling trip. Finally in exasperation she dumped it all on the exam table. "Here it is!" She held up the wayward card stuck in the pages of a romance novel. "I used it for a bookmark." She gave both men one of her special grins. Mike was getting used to the way her smile lit up her eyes and looked forward to seeing it.

"Miss Anderson, are you on any medication for these panic episodes?" The doctor made another note after swiping her card. "I can prescribe something if you want me to. Then you should have your regular physician evaluate what you need."

Mike watched, wanting that answer for himself. If she didn't have anything, he was going to make sure she did before they left.

"Yes and no. I have it with me but I haven't taken any in several days. I was so excited that my sister agreed to come on this trip, and then I guess I've been feeling so good that I just forgot it." She fished out the bottle of little blue capsules she had tucked in her make-up bag. It was nearly full.

"Missing one day or even two won't matter a lot, but you really should take these every day. Is there any other medication you are on that could explain the severity of this attack?" He motioned for her to take one now, and handed her as paper cup of water.

She hemmed and hawed, "I guess the sleeping pill I took last night might have ..."

"Sleeping pill? What kind?"

She told him. "But, they usually work together just fine. It must have been the drinks."

"What were you drinking and how much?'

Poppy looked just a tad embarrassed, "Sex on the Beach. Just two." She glanced over at Mike who was scowling at her. "What? What's that look for?"

He shook his head. "Lady, you need a keeper." He took her hand to help her off the table, keeping it in his.

"That's just what I was thinking when I met your brother. He looks like a keeper." She gave him a teasing grin. "Not that you don't, but he's solid. You know what I mean?"

"Solid?" Mike didn't think of David as any more solid than he himself. What kind of a man did she think he was anyway? Somehow she had formed the idea that he was a party guy. He would have to set her straight. He was positive that her sister would never take a second look at a guy who was a party animal.

"You know. Someone to be there for the long term thing." Poppy withdrew her hand and used to it push back the tangles of hair draping her face.

"Marriage? You plan to marry my brother? You just met him last night." Mike was churning inside. Had he made a mistake about these sisters? Could they be on the prowl for a well-off husband? Is that why they were really on the cruise?

Poppy stomped her foot. "Well, I like that! What are your intentions for my sister?"

The doctor stood silently, watching this amazing verbal match.

"I think that should be between me and your sister, don't you?" Mike had the door open and was ready to leave. His foot tapped once as he waited for her to go first.

"There isn't going to be anything between you and my sister as long as your brother doesn't get to spend time with me instead of her!" Poppy's voice had climbed in volume.

"Well, what do you want me to do about that?" She held her bag against her chest, pushing her breasts up and almost over the top of her bathing suit. Her shirt was still opened and loose.

" Excuse me." The doctor noticed that since Mike had opened the door of the office in preparation for having them leave, quite a crowd had gathered to watch the fireworks. "Excuse me!" Doctor Fair interjected more forcibly. "Would you two care to take this somewhere more private? Like your own room?"

"That's rooms! As in his and mine separately!" Poppy said in a huff. She turned and stormed off, her color high and left the doctor wondering not only at her blood pressure, but whether this sister considered herself available. She was really hot. In more ways than one.

"She is really something, isn't she?" Mike said quietly. The argument had aroused more than his defensiveness. Daisy would never debate a sensitive topic in public, he assured himself. She would be much more ladylike. A woman he could take to dinner with big investors and never worry about sparks igniting. A woman who could be trusted to do the right thing in any situation. Any sparks would be in the privacy of their bedroom, or it would be just the two of them somewhere romantic. Not, he thought, in a hall of a cruise ship.

He thanked the doctor and decided to roam the deck for a while. His exploration took him to the ship's library and computer room where die-hard gamers were online killing each other's leaders and people chatted with friends instead of enjoying the tropical beauty outside.

Mike found himself wandering up to the very top deck. An elevator provided the only access to a beautiful lounge with windows curving around three sides. It was like being in a tower. Just off the elevator-well in the other direction was a hallway with one exclusive suite, actually an upscale apartment. He had checked into it while researching the ship. It was the penthouse of the ship.

The broad open entrance led to the Eagle's Watch; the lounge and spectacular viewing area. Here, instead of circular tables and banquettes that ran under the windows on lower decks, the windows ran nearly to the floor. Armchairs nearly wide enough for two people, and with backs that angled back like a comfortable recliner or deck chair, had ottomans pulled up forming a chaise facing the window. He didn't count how many of them circled the room looking out at the view of the sea and coastline depending on where you sat. The only wall without windows was the entrance wall.

In the center of the luxurious room was a raised stage with a grand piano and a half circle bar on the backside of it. Round tables for two or four were flanking the stage on two sides, while the third had a luscious hardwood dance floor. He could imagine holding Daisy in his arms, swaying to an old standard like Autumn Leaves. While the gentle rocking of the ship added a sway of romance.

The sunrises and sunsets would be spectacular from here, and also very romantic. He doubted that too many passengers got up early enough to enjoy them. Even now at four in the afternoon, there was only one woman sitting facing the window, and she was reading a guide-book. It grated on him that anyone would rather read about the islands than experience them first hand.

He nodded at the bartender, who was also reading, and went back downstairs. It was time to shower and get suited up in his tux for the captains party; a tradition on the second night at sea. The formal affair was with evening dress requested. Mike and his brother had brought their own tuxedos, but he noticed the clothing shop on board had them for rent or for sale. He wondered how the Anderson women would choose to dress. He could imagine the sexy Poppy in a gown that showed off her considerably beautiful assets, while Daisy would be elegant in a more conservative showstopper.

Several decks below Poppy gave in to impulse and entered the full service salon. The captain's party was one of the highlights of the voyage, and she intended to wow everyone, especially David. When she had been seated in the chair and draped, her stylist asked what she wanted done. "Make me look like her." She held out a picture of her sister taken by the ship's photographer when they had boarded the day before. The two of them stood with the complementary leis in front of the sign announcing the cruise, date, and cruise line, Exotic Voyages. She studied the way Daisy held herself, like a model on a runway. Poppy's posture looked more like a woman in a bar hoping to be noticed. Is that how she always appeared?

"You want me to cut off all of the beautiful hair?" The stylist, Vanessa, gaped.

"Make me look like her. We're twins and I want to surprise her tonight." Oh, she'd be surprised all right.

The manicurist was called over, "And did you want your nails done like hers too? Just a French manicure? We'll have to cut them and remove the overlays on your thumbs."

"Whatever it takes." She assured them. "And don't forget the make-up. She wears some for special occasions, but very light. I brought hers with me so you can get exactly the right shades." Poppy figured she could do minor changes after she had seen Daisy before the cocktail party and dance.

"What will you do about the glasses? Does she not wear them when she is dressed up?" Vanessa inquired studying the photo and Poppy's hair.

"I'm not trying to take her place. Yet. I just want to have a little fun with some gentlemen we know." Poppy sat back in the shampoo chair and let her stress be cleansed away with the suds. She had about two hours until she made her grand entrance at the cocktail party. She had decided to dress in a public rest room, so she wouldn't give anything away. She had taken care to leave new duplicates of Daisy's make-up as a gift with a note explaining that she had a date before the party and would meet her there. Daisy had been kind enough to leave the dress she'd purchased that morning hanging on the hook behind the door. It hadn't taken a genius to go to one of the ship's boutiques and find another like it. Yes, tonight only the glasses would give away which twin was which.

She relaxed into the soothing routine of having others care for her while she mentally prepared to emulate her twin's posture and demeanor.

***

### Chapter Four

David straightened the tie of his tux and called to his brother to hurry. "I want to get there before someone else beats us to escorting the Anderson ladies."

"Didn't you tell them we would meet them there?" Mike replied.

"Yes, but Poppy seems really annoyed with me and besides it's you she's interested in." David decided he was as ready as he could be. "Hey, what are you doing in there anyway? Oh, my god." He stared at his brother as though looking into a mirror. "What? A haircut and .. What?" He couldn't believe his eyes. They dressed in similar styles for years, both liking casual clothes. He tended toward subtle colors and his brother went for the bolder ones. Now, their tuxedos were identical down to the tie and cufflinks.

"Wow, do we think alike sometimes or what?" Mike joked.

"Michael Jacob Windsor, was this deliberate? I've never seen you have your hair that short before." David walked around him examining this clone of himself.

Mike stared at himself in the vanity mirror. "I had a haircut because it was getting more shaggy than usual. The guy got it a little too short, and I can't style it with the gel like I usually do. Does it bother you?"

"I wouldn't say that it bothers me. More like it just surprises me. You have to admit, us looking alike is unusual. We've always avoided that. At least since Mom stopped picking out our clothes." David knew he was making more out of this than he should and that Mike was probably laughing at his distress.

Mike turned again and looked at himself in the full-length mirror. "I'd say we look really good. It's kind of nice to see what I look like from the back in this tux. It does our butts justice," he concluded.

"I still feel like you're up to something." David opened the stateroom door allowing his brother to go first. There was some trickery afoot here, he just needed to be patient and figure it out. "But we do look good tonight. Are the ladies meeting us anywhere in particular?"

Mike led the way into the elevator that would take them up two floors to the ballroom where the cocktail party would be held. Two sets of female twins raised their eyebrows in unison as they got in. One was heard to growl, softly. David smiled to himself. After his afternoon with the delectable Daisy, he had no desire even to flirt with these women, although they were definitely flirt worthy.

Mike didn't seem to have placed the same restraint on himself. He complimented each of them on their appearance, somehow making each sound unique although they had chosen to dress alike. Apparently his time with Poppy hadn't taken their potential relationship further, David observed. Mike had two more room numbers when they left the elevator.

The ballroom was elegant, fresh flowers were on every table and in the two huge urns flanking the entrance. People with champagne flutes in their hands grouped and chatted and regrouped, filling the room with a low murmur. A hostess, dressed in a designer looking black gown, directed David and his brother to a line for having their picture taken with the captain.

"Apparently we aren't allowed to participate in the festivities unless we mug for the photographer." Mike quipped. He straightened his tie, and in a gesture David had seen a thousand times reached to run his fingers through his hair, stopping just short of touching it as awareness flared in his eyes. "I guess I might have to learn a new habit so I won't ruin this fancy style." He winked at his brother.

"Looks like they do us as a set and us as individuals so we have more to choose from should we feel the need for a permanent record." David hated having his picture taken. A trait Mike didn't share.

"Come on David, you know if we don't buy some pictures, in ten years we'll wish we had." Mike was taking his place on the elevated platform with the captain.

"You maybe. You always did like to illustrate your stories of great adventure. Me? I'd rather let my memory adjust things so they come out better." David noticed that Daisy was near the double doors waiting for her sister. She had removed her glasses for the evening, and he wondered if she could see far enough to recognize him. "Hey, Mike, let's let these people go ahead of us." He stepped back and gestured to the brother and sister twins behind him.

"Hey, we were almost ready to have that champagne in our hands!" Mike protested. His eyes followed his brother's. "Oh my god, she did it!"

"What did she do? Contacts?" David was edging toward the delectable Daisy.

"No, that's Poppy."

"No, it can't be. Poppy would have a dress up to her..." David was close enough now to be sure that it was indeed Daisy. "Hello, dream girl." He leaned in for a light kiss on her cheek so he wouldn't ruin the subtle lipstick she wore.

"Hello, yourself, handsome." She also kissed Mike on the cheek. "Now, why don't you tell me which is which."

"A-ha! You are Poppy!" David crowed.

"What makes you think that?"

"If you were Daisy you would have responded to me calling you dream girl. You'd have known it was me."

"Darn it. I thought I had all the bases covered, except for the glasses." She put a fake pout on her pretty face. Then she smiled, "So, what do you think?" Poppy turned in a circle so they could admire her in the long body-hugging gown.

"I think you look amazing," Mike supplied. He held his hand out to take hers, twirling her to see all sides. "Wow."

From the shorter more softly styled hair to the length and style of the dress, she emulated Daisy's personal look. Elegant and very sensual, the silvered silk clinging to every curve. She even carried herself like Daisy. "I have to agree. Poppy you look incredible." David said, sensing an undercurrent of nerves from Poppy that made him uneasy. What was she up to, and did his brother play any part in it? It was very suspicious that both he and Poppy had gotten haircuts and had taken pains to dress down from their normal taste. Poppy had even eliminated the subtle golden streaks that had highlighted her deep brown-red hair. "Does Daisy know you're doing this top to bottom make-over?"

"Not yet. But she will soon. Here she comes"

Across the room, Daisy strolled in head high and hips swaying in the spiky heeled sandals that called attention to her long legs. Her full-length dress was the same shimmery liquid silver as her sister's. She wore the glasses that set her apart from her sister, otherwise there was no perceptible difference down to the polish on her toenails.

"I see you went for the obvious tonight," she said, kissing her sister on the cheek. "If you had told me, I could have gotten contacts."

"You wouldn't have done that and you know it. Thanks for being a good sport. I thought it would be fun, but I did think you'd be more surprised." Poppy had reached the front of the photographer's line. "Come on, take your glasses off for one picture. Please?"

Daisy grinned at the childlike plea and removed her glasses. They stood on each side of the captain, Buzz Hilton. Then each had a picture taken separately with him. The photographer had finished with them and Daisy began to put her glasses back on for another group shot. Before they could step down from the raised dais, Mike called, "How about one of the four of us with the captain."

"Fine with us," the sisters chorused, then giggled.

The photographer knew a sale when he saw one. His assistant arranged them around the captain.

David stood next to Daisy, sure for the moment he had the right sister. He was going to have to find some foolproof way to tell them apart. Although, he was sure Daisy wouldn't make him guess deliberately. She leaned into him slightly, and he slid his arm around her waist. He bent to kiss her cheek. "You look good enough to eat," he whispered against her ear.

"Maybe later." She whispered back, causing a very natural reaction in his groin.

"If they don't get this picture taken quick, you're going to have to stand in front of me." His breath fluttered against her cheek bringing a blush to her cheeks.

"Maybe that would be a good idea. Then I could press myself against you and..." Her eyes met his with fire in their depths. David didn't know that gray green could be such a hot color.

"Ahem," the photographer cleared his throat to get their attention. "On the count of three. One.. Two.. Three. Thank you. Now if the gentlemen will remain and get their pictures with the captain." He arranged the men separately and together, then turned them loose.

"Now, that was fun. I can't wait until tomorrow morning when the pictures will be posted downstairs," Mike declared. He referred to the gallery along the walls leading to the main dining room and the rear deck.

Poppy took David's right arm and began herding him to the party tables set up with sparkling cider and champagne. "Here, handsome, let's toast to something." She handed him a flute of bubbly and winked over his shoulder at Mike who was keeping Daisy busy with a joke he'd learned earlier.

David caught the wink from the corner of his eye and turned to watch as Daisy kissed Mike on the cheek, part of the joke. She was laughing at the silliness. A quick flare of jealousy nipped at his heart. How could two women look exactly alike and cause such different reactions, he wondered, clinking his glass against Poppy's, who was laughing up into his eyes. "How about to destiny?" he asked.

"To destiny!" Poppy agreed. She did the flirty fluttery thing with her eyes that he had noticed the night before. It was actually pretty cute and he grinned.

Then there was a slightly awkward silence as David waited for Mike and Daisy to join them. He watched them as they stopped to make small talk with one of the other snorkelers from the morning class.

"David, does anyone call you Dave?" Poppy asked, drawing his attention back to her.

A table for four opened up nearby, and he seated Poppy there, then took the seat across from her. "And live to tell about it? Only Mike and my Dad. I decided in kindergarten, when teachers called me Davy and spelled it with an 'e', that I would insist on David. My mother always called me that. It's hard enough for an identical twin to have a separate identity in a small town without people uncertain what to call you." He sipped at his glass. "I think my mother would have changed my name if she had realized people might call me Davy. She says she named me after her great-grandfather and Dad named Michael after his best friend. Of course no one ever calls him Michael. And Dad made sure no one called him Mikey." He stood and pulled out the chair next to him as Daisy approached, followed by his brother.

"We need some bubbles too!" Daisy requested. A passing waiter nodded and brought a tray with four fresh glasses to the table. A second waiter placed a tray of delicious looking _hors d'oeuvres_ "So now that you two have played your little matching twins game what's on your agenda for later?" She was asking her sister, but she managed to include Mike.

"You are accusing us of cooking this up?" Poppy asked her sister. "I'll have you know I thought it up all by myself and didn't have a clue Mike was going to do something similar. I got the idea when they were talking about switching places as kids and we had never done it. I just thought it would be fun to see if we could fool anyone." She quickly sipped at her champagne halting her rant.

Daisy continued her question unaffected by the interruption. "Are you planning to stay and dance after dinner? I hear that if ballroom dancing isn't your thing, they have a country bar and a place with good old rock and roll." She was on her second glass of champagne.

"There's also a piano bar on the very top deck." David added. He could hardly wait to get Daisy up there and show her the view without his brother and her sister. He had checked it out earlier.

"We could all go up there after we dance here awhile," Mike suggested. His eyes flirted with Daisy who didn't flirt back, although her smile for him was warmer than David would have liked. He needed to establish his territory without embarrassing her about their involvement.

"We'll see." She really wanted some more time alone with David, but he seemed quite content to be a foursome, and he smiled at Poppy as often as at her. The wild passion they'd shared that afternoon in the stateroom must have left him satisfied, she guessed. She was looking forward to round two, but he seemed quite content to be part of a group this evening.

The small dance band began playing a waltz and Mike stood and offered her his hand. She thought she saw David grimace, but didn't want to reject Mike. He held her a respectful distance from his body, but with eye contact he told her he was still very interested. Why her and not her sister? Poppy was a lot more fun in the long run. They looked alike, so it wasn't just appearance. Of course why then was she so attracted to David and not his brother? She did find Mike very attractive, he didn't stir her passion as David had from the moment they met. But had she given him a chance? Either way, she felt a lot more for each of the brothers than she had Geoff, proving that she had never been in love with him.

Daisy let herself relax into the rhythm and into Mike's arms enjoying the way he smelled and the easy graceful way he led her in the steps. He was a very good dancer, but she couldn't help wondering if David was as good. She let him curl her hand against the strong firm muscles of his chest and lessen the distance between them.

As the waltz ended, Mike swirled her into a classic dip and held her there gazing into her eyes. His own held the promise of another kind of embrace. She gave a light laugh, trying to signal that she knew he was acting a part. His eyes told her it wasn't an act. He wanted her. He finally lifted her back to stand against him, letting her feel the hard proof of his desire for her.

"Mike," she said, softly, "I don't feel the same way you do." She didn't want to hurt his feelings, but refused to play a game where one of them would be hurt.

He gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek and hugged her, whispering into her ear, "I don't think we've known each other well enough yet for you to be able to say that." His smile said he wasn't about to give up. Her pulse raced. It was very exciting to have two men want her.

David and Poppy had chosen to sit out the next dance at the table, watching the display of the couples on the dance floor. As Daisy approached, he stood, "You dance very well," he complimented her while holding her chair. "We have about five minutes before they'll let us in the dining room and let the early diners in here for the picture, champagne, dance event. His eyes caught and held hers. "After our seating at dinner, they'll have dancing here and the other places we discussed. Later, there's an all night buffet and pool party at the lower deck pool. I think the smaller pool is going to be set aside for the people not on the singles special."

"Since I'm not supposed to swim for a few days, I'll skip the pool party," Daisy said, trying to give David a sign she would rather be alone with him. And just how and where they could be alone she had yet to figure out. She didn't think they could just come out and suggest a switching of the staterooms. Especially since Mike hadn't indicated he and Poppy had hooked up. In fact, Poppy was making it very plain that she, too, was still more interested in the serious brother.

Daisy hated having to feel that she was competing with her sister over a man. Why couldn't she and Mike see that they would be very good together? And why was she obsessing over her more worldly sister who could very well take care of herself.

David stood and offered her his hand. "May I escort you to dinner?"

She gave him an intimate smile, "It would be my pleasure."

Leaving Poppy and Mike to follow them, they crossed the broad hallway to the elegant dining room. Several hostesses checked boarding cards and led them to assigned tables. These were the people they would dine with the rest of the voyage. Unfortunately, David and Mike weren't at the same table as the women.

"I still say we could have requested that we be seated with David and his brother," Poppy intoned. She looked across the room where the objects of her thoughts were in deep conversation with a pair of exotic looking women with long black hair down to their buttocks and tawny skin that hinted of sultry tropical nights. They didn't look a bit upset about the table assignments.

Daisy was also observing David and his brother. How could two men be so different, she wondered. Mike seemed a little too confident at times. Almost cocky. Actually, he reminded her of a big happy puppy. On the other hand, David was more serious, and settled. After the trauma she'd endured with Geoff, she appreciated settled.

"Daisy?"

"Hmm?" She studied the way David conversed with the exotic lady to his left.

"Daze!"

Daisy realized a waiter was looking at her waiting for an answer of some kind. "I'm sorry. I must have been daydreaming. Could you repeat the question, please?" She gave him her most appealing smile.

"Which appetizer did you want tonight?" He was cute. Tall, dark haired, well muscled. What was he doing waiting tables on a cruise ship?

"I'll have the muscles. Oh, I mean the mussels." She pointed to the selection on her menu and finished making her choices for the rest of the meal. The waiter gave her a lingering look before he turned away. She felt her nipples bead. Hm.

Poppy nudged her foot under the table. "What's with you tonight? You seem spacey.

"Tired I suppose. Did I tell you thank you for such a wonderful gift?" Daisy smiled at her sister. She really was a good sister. So what if they had their eyes on the same guy. It had happened more than once in high school and she didn't even remember the guy's names. "This trip was just what I needed. I don't understand how you know what I need, but you sure got it right this time. Thanks."

"You did, but this sounds more sincere. Are you over your snit about me making these plans without consulting your schedule?"

"Snit? I don't have snits. And it just happens you were right about the timing. I don't have any houses under contract, and nothing else is pushing right now." She let her eyes flutter closed. It would be so nice to just nap a few minutes.

Poppy gave her a thoughtful look, "I suppose that almost drowning could make you really tired. If you want to go to bed early, I'll manage on my own. I can always hijack the wonderful Windsor brothers to keep me company." There was a hopeful expression in her eyes. Maybe a little too hopeful.

"Let's see how I feel after dinner. I think I can stay up for awhile." She poked her fork into the shellfish. "I really hate mussels." Her nose wrinkled.

"I like them. You have my quail eggs and I'll have the muscles." She laughed at the blush that Daisy felt stain her cheeks. "Come on, Daze, we're here to have fun. Let go. Try something new!" Her sister savored the morsel of shellfish.

Daisy smiled inwardly musing about how she had let go earlier in the day with David inside her. Oh yeah, she had already had more fun on this trip than any other in her experience. She felt herself grow hot and moist. Maybe if I close my eyes and wish really hard I can be back in the stateroom with David. I wonder if they have any empty cabins down lower, maybe on the inside hall. A little love nest. Somewhere we could hide out and let the world go by.

"Daze, are you spacing out on me again?"

"Sorry?" She straightened in her chair and looked the the food in front of her.

"I asked you how your salmon was? You seem to be picking at it."

She took a bite and let it sit on her tongue. "It's really good. How's your pasta?" When had their entrees come? She had better focus. "I love the seasoning on the vegetables."

"Are you uncomfortable that I requested a table for two when I made the reservations?"

She shrugged, "I have to wonder at your reason. The people at the tables for six or eight look like they're making friends and having a really good time."

Poppy hesitated, formulating her answer. "I thought that if either of us hooked up with someone, we might like a table for two. I kind of hoped it would be you. I wouldn't mind switching with somebody to give you a chance to have some personal time. It's not easy to find time to be alone with someone on a cruise unless you're sharing a cabin."

Daisy looked at her sister in wonder, "You were thinking of me?"

"Well, it could go either way," she admitted. "I tried to think ahead. That's what you always tell me I don't do enough."

"That's more like it," Daisy laughed. "I didn't think it was that it was totally selfless. I love you, Poppy, and I know you better than anyone. Just like you know me. We have our secrets, but we have always been honest with each other. I've never lied to you." She watched her sister's face fall. "Hey, honey, I know you're interested in David. I just don't want you to get hurt."

"You could blow him off and give me a clear field." Poppy teased.

"Like that's going to happen! If we need to go head to head for the man, I say he's worth it. Let the games begin!" Daisy didn't feel quite as confident as her words implied, although she knew she had the 'inside' track, so to speak. She also didn't think this was a game.

David followed the conversation at his table by forcing himself not to watch what Daisy was doing. Was it just because he knew his brother was interested, too, that he couldn't get her out of his mind for even a short time? He wasn't at a place in his life where he was looking for a long-term relationship. His one attempt at settling down was a fiasco. Nora had worked at the research lab with him and they had dated off and on for nearly a year. Suddenly she had started hinting at marriage and he had decided, why not? They were compatible in and out of bed and working together gave them a common purpose and something to talk about after sex. The only problem was it was all they had in common.

They had taken a vacation to Mexico, thinking they might get married while they were there. After just three days in the relaxing atmosphere of Cabo San Lucus, they were bored stiff. The sex was still good, but they couldn't agree on anything else. Even what to do each morning had become a test of patience. Luckily they both had realized that the way they were together at work was all they really had. Nora left to assist in a center in California and had married the director there.

This was ridiculous. If he couldn't know his feelings after working with someone that long, why did he place so much importance on a woman he had known two days? Better to keep things light and, if she was willing, enjoy their sexual attraction with no strings.

He stole a look over at the table for two she shared with her sister. She was laughing at something with the handsome young waiter. He loved to watch her laugh. Her whole body was involved. She wasn't loud, but he could feel the laughter move up through her like an orgasm.

The waiters for his table were clearing the dessert dishes and asking if anyone needed a refill on their coffee or tea. It was time to join the ladies and dance.

"You ready, Mike?" His brother was deep in conversation with the twins from New Mexico. With their exotic looks, long black hair and almond eyes, he had guessed them to be from Hawaii, but they were from Albuquerque.

"Sure. Ladies, I enjoyed our dinner." He smiled across at a brother and sister from Oakland California. "I look forward to learning more about computer chips."

David headed toward the table that had held his interest all through dinner. The twins had gone! "Didn't they say they would meet us after dinner to dance or what ever?" he asked in frustration.

"Chill, David, they probably went to freshen up." Mike led the way out the back of the dining room to smaller but less used rest rooms. "One of us should wait out here in case they come back looking for us," he suggested.

"I'll wait." David paced the Hall gazing at the paintings without really seeing them. They did seem to be originals, and he distantly wondered if they were part of the selection to be auctioned off on Thursday.

"Boo!"

He felt her presence a half second before she tried to scare him. "Daisy ." He swept her into his arms and enjoyed her passionate response to his kiss. Her tongue tangoed with his and her soft body curved to fit against all his hardness.

"Excuse me!" The real Daisy was behind him. Damn.

"Poppy! As much as I enjoyed that, I really don't appreciate your games." He unwrapped her arms from his neck and set her aside so he could embrace the woman he couldn't resist, even if he'd wanted to. "Dream girl," he whispered against her lips before plundering their depths. How could he have made a mistake? This woman kissed like an angel and stirred his soul.

Neither was aware of their siblings giving each other a knowing look.

***

### Chapter Five

Poppy was fired with the challenge of getting the man she wanted. "So, when you two are finished sucking face, can we go dance awhile?" Okay it was a little rude, but she was feeling a little rude.

Mike had his arm around her. She was grateful for his awareness that she felt left out. She was so totally focused on how his brother's kiss had left her wanting more, that she didn't hear him the first time he spoke.

"Poppy love, let's go up to the rock and roll club." He pressed his hand against her back and steered her toward the elevators.

She looked up into Mike's eyes and realized he was in the same state she was. "There's always tomorrow," she agreed. She gave one last glance at David and shrugged. This was just a fling. She knew her sister wasn't ready to settle down after Geoff, even if David was.

She kept going past the elevators.

"Don't worry, Poppy love, he isn't interested in anything permanent. He almost tried that once and realized it wouldn't work."

"Yeah, Daisy, too. I did want her to hook up and find someone to have fun with on this cruise. I just didn't think it would be the man of my dreams."

"Ah, sweetheart, don't let it get you down. There's always me." Mike kissed her lightly and then more intensely.

Poppy pulled back and looked into his eyes. Eyes identical to the man she wanted. But she saw something different there. Could it be uncertainty? Was the cocky, fun and games guy secretly unsure of himself?

"Come on, Mike, I'll let you buy me a drink. Let's go shake our booty. Or whatever." She hugged his arm to her side and guided him out to the deck. "It is way too nice to take the elevator. It's only one deck up. We can take the stairs."

People passed them in pairs and groups. No one seemed to be alone on this night of a full moon except certain members of the crew. Lights from the houses and businesses on shore gleamed up the mountainside through the thick foliage of palms and undergrowth. Waves swished gently against the hull. Here they were protected from the higher surf by a pair of staggered breakfronts that caught the waves and slowed them down.

"Hm, this is so nice," Poppy sighed.

"It is. Have I told you how beautiful you are?"

"You mean because I look more like Daisy?" She shrugged. Poppy had her own style, and it had led to her successful boutique.

"No, because you are you. You could be wearing an old housedress and you'd be beautiful. You sparkle." He took her other hand in his and faced her. "I don't know why I'm so taken with Daisy. You're so much fun and I really like you. When we get back to Colorado, I hope you'll want to be my friend. I've never really had a female friend before. Someone I can relax with and not try to impress. Someone to go on a hike or biking. I would really like us to have that kind of friendship." He gazed into her beautiful eyes. "You're an incredible woman. I hope my brother sees that you'd put a spark in his life that's missing. I know you and I are too much alike. We'd be too much about fun and not enough practicality. Friends?" He held her eyes.

"Friends." She leaned up for his gentle kiss. "So, friend, how do we get to the music from here?"

She held his hand as they took their time going up one deck. To her credit, she didn't try to pretend it was David's hand that cupped hers just right. "Mike, anyone call you Michael?"

"My mother. She'd rather have named me something like Damian. You know, something, that doesn't get shortened and has a 'Y' added when you're a kid. She never called me Mikey, but Dad did. It was hard to break him of it as I outgrew it. Her solution was to call each of us by our given name from the day we were born.

The Balmy night had Poppy feeling nostalgic. "I was called a lot of weird things. Poppy can't be nicknamed so one of my classmates decided to call me flowergirl. Then Daisy wanted a nickname, so I started calling her daze. Unfortunately, someone thought it was because she gets a little spacey sometimes. They started calling her dazed. I got into a fight with another third grader over that and blackened his eye. We Anderson girls stick up for each other." They'd reached the upper deck were Poppy could hear a band. "I think we found it. Let's go party!" She shook her body in a suggestive wiggle.

"Or maybe you could just do that for a few minutes while I watch you." Mike teased.

Poppy shimmied again and laughed at Mike's attempt to do the same. "Come on, hot stuff. Let's take that out to the dance floor."

As they wound their way through the crowd to the bar, the band changed to a slow, sexy blues number. "Oh yeah, let's do this." Mike insisted. He drew her out to the floor and took her into his arms. Her crotch nestled against his thigh, and her hip recognized the effect her body had on his. He was hard against her, making her own reaction intensify.

They moved in slow sensuality, letting the music bind them in its heat. Their movements were so natural and instinctively meshed, that Poppy couldn't tell where she left off and Mike began. One entity blending and merging without bounds. Mike held her even closer winding both arms around her and pulled her up on her toes until he held her weight along his full length. His movements became slower and deeper, urging her to match his public foreplay.

As the music reached its crescendo, Mike eased her back into a more formal embrace and nuzzled her ear.

"Are you sure my brother is the twin you want?"

"Are you saying you've changed your mind about my sister?"

He shook his head, a little regretfully. "I know she's the kind of woman I need in my life. Even our professions are well matched." He followed Poppy back to the bar and noticed a table along the wall had opened up. There was no chair at the front of the small round cocktail table, so they squeezed together on the banquette.

"Well, that's how I feel about your brother. David is what I have always wanted for my mate. He's stable and reliable. With my business doing well and taking my attention, I won't mind the extra time he spends on his research. I'm not a clingy person. Of course, neither is my sister. But David needs me to put the spark you mentioned into his life. You spark your own life, river rafting, mountain climbing, traveling."

He had his arm along the back of the seat barely touching her, yet she could feel the heat of it.

"You have to know, that if David wasn't on this ship, I would already have had my wicked way with you." She really did expect him to agree. The way he watched Daisy told her he felt the same. "So let's just have fun." She gave him a flirtatious look. "Just because I won't have sex with you, doesn't mean we can't have some fun. Come on, let's boogey."

Mike proved to be as good at rock and roll as he was at ballroom dancing. His body teased and seduced hers, as she replied in kind. "Not bad, hot stuff!" she encouraged, moving closer to him so their bodies touched from time to time. "Not bad at all." She could imagine the way he would make love. He would take his time and be sure every part of her was sensitized and aroused before taking her on the ride of her life. It was almost too tempting to pass up. Almost.

"Looks like the band is taking a break. Let's go outside and cool off," Mike suggested. He picked up their glasses and carried them across the room.

Poppy followed him, swallowing a yawn. How could she feel so tired. It was barely ten o'clock. Although, the time difference was five hours making it three in the morning back home. "Would you think I was a party pooper if I said I need to get some sleep.

He wiggled his eyebrows at her. "It depends."

"We've already been through this."

"Then, instead of sleep how about a swim? The pool party goes on all night, I understand. It might wake you up."

He looked so expectant that Poppy gave in easily to his charm. "All right. Let's go get changed and I'll meet you at the pool." He just stood there. "What?" she asked, wondering what was going through his mind.

"I was just hoping this isn't your way of blowing me off for the rest of the evening. I change and go to the pool and you stand me up."

"Get over yourself! First, I would never do that to anyone. I would just say goodnight and go back to my room. And second, I can't believe you would think that about me." Steam was shooting out with her words.

"Easy! Take it easy. I wasn't really serious. It did occur to me that it could happen."

"Have you ever been stood up in your life?" She had trouble believing that.

"Of course. I was nineteen and I thought I was in love. I asked her to meet me in the parking lot and she never showed."

"Did you ever find out why?"

"She forgot." At her puzzled look, he added, "She was in the library, and she met up with some friends and she forgot."

"Well, hot stuff, you must have improved considerably since that time, you're not really forgettable."

"Poppy love that was almost a compliment." He teased.

"I've complimented you. I told you that you dance well." She wanted to tease him a little back. "I would tell you how handsome you look in your tux, but I'm afraid it would go to your head and then there'd be no living with you."

"You want to live with me?" he asked in mock surprise.

"Go change. You can pick me up at my room." She started into the elevator.

"When you say , 'pick me up', I don't really have to lift you do I?" His eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Why? Have you got a bad back or something? "Poppy was enjoying the repartee, but they had reached Mike's stateroom.

"You could come in while I change. I can change in the bathroom." He offered.

Poppy considered for a moment. "You promise to keep your hands to yourself?"

"Hey, you can trust me!" Mike objected.

"Promise?"

"I promise. Cross my heart and everything." He refused to say "hope to die."

"Okay, but if you make a move on me, hot stuff, you'll be hurting in some of your favorite places." Poppy followed him into the stateroom. It was larger than the one she shared with Daisy. Decorated in shades of ocean blue and a golden beige, It had a larger window, theirs had a porthole, and a sofa long enough to stretch out on. Instead of the two twin sized beds in hers, here were two standard double beds and a folding door that could be pulled between them.

"Nice," she commented poking around at things on the dressers and night stands.

"You make yourself at home while I change." Mike pulled a swimsuit and pullover shirt from a drawer. He gathered them with a pair of slacks from the long closet along the entryway. "I'll be in the bathroom if you need me for anything." He leered in a comic way.

"Like what?" Poppy admitted to herself that being here with him in such intimate surroundings made her nervous.

"Massage, mouth to mouth, finding the remote for the TV...." Mike joked, as he left the room.

A smile stole across Poppy's face. He was very cute, she thought.

Mike turned the lock on the bathroom door. Not because he thought she might open it, but rather to remind himself she wasn't here to satisfy his desire. Even if he decided that she was just as suitable as her sister, he knew she was holding out for David. Suitable. That was a strange word to associate with the woman who had turned his world on edge. But Daisy was suitable in every way.

The way she walked entranced him. The way she laughed charmed him. The way she tilted her head to better concentrate on a conversation enchanted him, and the way she felt in his arms when they danced bewitched him.

He put tan cotton slacks on over his red swim trunks choosing to wear the more conservative boxer style this time. The pullover shirt was red, too. Grabbing an extra towel from the rack, he opened the door and gazed at the picture before him. Poppy had dozed off, curled like a child on his bed. Her hands were under the pillow scrunching it against her cheek. He leaned down next to her, "Poppy love, do you want to skip the party and go back to your room. I'll walk you down."

She lay there struggling to open her eyes.

"Or you can just stay where you are, and I'll sleep on the sofa."

"Sleep," she mumbled.

He kissed her cheek making her smile. "Okay, you sleep. I'm going to go for a swim, and when I get back I can take you home or you can stay."

"Um hm..." She snuggled deeper into his pillow, and he covered her with the blanket on the foot of the bed.

Well, old man, he thought, a nice cool swim will be just what you need. As he left the room, he didn't notice the woman standing in the shadows at the other end of the hall.

There were several people enjoying the comfortably cool water. Mike swam several laps, then sat in a resin chair while he dripped dry. The cocktail waitress was a lovely native girl barely old enough to serve liquor.

"What's your name?" he asked, politely.

"Brandy." Her smile said she'd already heard all of the jokes about Brandy serving brandy. "Pretty name."

He heard a familiar voice behind him. "Mike?" David and Daisy still in their finery, joined him at the table.

"What did you do with my sister, push her overboard?" Daisy teased.

Without thinking , he replied, "Actually she's asleep in my bed."

A stunned silence met his remark.

"Uh, you and Poppy...?" David asked.

"Oh! No. We went back there to change and when I came out of the bathroom, she had fallen asleep. She didn't seem to want to wake up, so I covered her up and left her there. It was all totally innocent." Well, maybe not totally, but close enough.

"I'm sure it was, Mike. I'm sure you were a perfect gentleman." Daisy told him.

David signaled the waitress. "Club soda?' he asked Daisy. She nodded and he ordered two with lime.

"Club soda, David? Had enough for the evening?" Mike caught the look between them. 'So, where have you guys been hanging out?"

"We went up to the Eagle's Watch, to the piano bar. A woman was playing and singing. Really nice. We danced some and looked at the lights and moon from up there. What a beautiful place."

At Daisy's excitement, Mike winced. He'd wanted to be the one to take her up there. "I knew you'd like it."

"I'm surprised you and Poppy didn't go there. You sounded like you were going to work your way through all the clubs tonight." David commented.

"We stayed in the rock club most of the evening. Great band. Some blues in with the rock. Then we decided to change and come here for a swim. Poppy was so tired she fell asleep. I swam awhile and here I am. All alone and feeling lonely." He pantomimed a sad face.

Daisy laughed, "You don't have to feel lonely. We're here. Have you tried the buffet yet?" She twisted in her chair to take a better look at the lavish spread. "Oh, shrimp and crab cakes. I'm going to get me some."

As she rose Mike commented, "I thought you didn't like seafood?"

"Just mussels and clams, oysters, things like that. How'd you know that?"

"I saw you and Poppy exchange appetizers. I made an assumption." He shrugged. "I can get you something, would you like a dessert, too?" He stood and motioned for her to sit. "David, how about you?"

"I'll come and help you."

At the buffet table, David handed him a plate and spoke softly, "How did things go with Poppy?"

"We agreed to be friends. She is one special lady, but it's her sister I want."

"I'd say Daisy has made her choice."

"And I'd say, we've only been on the ship two days. The cruise is ten days. A lot can happen in eight more days." Mike was not going to give up without trying.

"Whatever. If you want to keep trying, I can't stop you. What do you have against giving Poppy a chance?" David had two plates with several treats including desserts. He glanced over and noticed that his brother had also filled two plates. "Planning to eat all that?"

"I offered to get Daisy a plate, and I didn't hear her say no thank you. As far as Poppy goes, she only has eyes for you."

"Leaving you out in the cold, huh?" David led the way back to the table and placed his offering in front of Daisy.

Mike added his. "I guess we got our signals crossed."

"I think it was very gallant of both of you. I just hope you aren't going to keep this competition thing going for the full ten days. I admit it's flattering, but enough is enough. There are a lot of gorgeous women here, and I want my sister to be happy, too. From now on, we do things as a foursome, and she gets as much attention as I do, or Poppy and I will just have to make do with each other's company." She popped a crab cake into her mouth and sighed. "I'm going to gain a ton, but it's so good."

Mike considered his woman of choice. She was right about Poppy. It was only fair that they include her in a way that didn't make her feel like a third wheel. Or in this case a fourth wheel. He was the third wheel, but not for long if he had anything to say about it.

"What plans have you made for tomorrow, uh, later today, I mean.?" He deliberately directed his question to his brother.

"Helicopter ride of the island. You?"

"I was going to ask Daisy if she wanted to go up Haleakala with me. They take you up to the top of the mountain in a van and you bicycle down. It's supposed to be really beautiful."

"Oh, Mike, I can't do anything strenuous for a few days."

"I know. The trip is downhill all the way. I understand they have extra heavy duty breaks on the bikes, because that's all you use."

"David, it does sound like fun." She turned back to Mike. "What time does the van leave?"

"It leaves at five-thirty." He glanced at his wrist and remembered he hadn't worn his watch in the pool.

"That doesn't give us much sleep. What time does the shuttle for the helicopter leave?"

David grinned, "Six o'clock. "You'd get an extra half hour."

Daisy considered each plan. She liked the sound of the bicycle ride and she knew her sister would prefer it. "What time is it?"

"Twelve-twenty." David supplied. He could see where this was going. "We'd all better get some sleep, if we're going to catch that van."

"Can you cancel the helicopter? You said you had to make reservations/" Daisy inquired.

"Tell you what. You and Mike go on the bike ride and I'll take Poppy in the chopper."

Mike stared at his brother. Was he really going to give up a day with Daisy?

"Good, then it's settled." Daisy ate another crab cake. "I don't want to waste this food. Mike, why don't you go wake Poppy and get her to our room, and David can walk me there after I try this creamy dessert."

Mike noticed the gleam in her eye as she said creamy dessert and that she had looked at his brother when she did so. He was too much of a gentleman to ask David how far he and Daisy had carried their relationship, but he suspected they were more than friends.

"I'll just go get Poppy and walk her back to your stateroom." He assured Daisy. "I'll see both of you in the morning." He couldn't resist winking at Daisy as he left.

He wanted to raise his fist in the air in victory. Daisy would be his for the day and he would have time to show her that he was the right twin to choose. Suddenly sobered by that thought, he realized that if she did pick him over David, he would be making a life choice. He couldn't pursue her and win her, then change his mind. It would be best if both he and his brother could date her then let her decide. But he didn't know if David was serious about her. Maybe to him she was a vacation romance.

He was almost back to his room when it hit him that Poppy was part of the equation, too. He had promised to help her win over his brother primarily so he would have a clear field with Daisy. He needed to think about her feelings in this. She talked like she was thinking long term with David, but did she know him well enough to be sure.

"Ohhh." He moaned aloud. "How did this get so complicated?" He slid the card through the lock on his door. Walking quietly though the hallway to the beds, he could see that Poppy had gone. He checked the bathroom, but she had indeed left. Should he call to make sure she got to her room okay and chance waking her or assume she was fine?

She was a big girl. She'd be fine. It was a good thing he had talked her into coming with him while he changed. She might have fallen asleep in her room and stood him up after all.

After brushing his teeth, Mike stripped and slid into bed. He set the clock for five, not quite four and a half hours away. His pillow smelled of Poppy's perfume. Spicy, light and sensual, like her, he thought as he drifted to sleep. His dreams teased him with sensual images of both women laying on each side of him, making a human sandwich. Not bad. In his dreams he smiled.

***

### Chapter Six

"So do you think Mike knew what we've really been doing for the last couple of hours?" David teased Daisy.

"He might suspect, but he'd never guess that you got us a little cabin downstairs so we can have some privacy." She slipped her arm around his waist as they took the long way to her stateroom."

"So, dream girl, what was with you going bicycling tomorrow and leaving Poppy to go with me? You said we were going to be a foursome from now on." David couldn't resist stopping in the shadows and kissing her neck in the little place he'd found that made her sigh.

"Um." She let him wander lower and find her shoulder. She pressed against him and rubbed her breasts against his chest. "Maybe we should go back to our hideaway?"

"No, we need the sleep. Did you really want time alone with Mike?"

"No, I really wanted to go on the bike ride, and I didn't want you to lose your deposit on the helicopter ride. Besides, Poppy will love it. I'm a nervous flyer at best. I guess we could have split up, and you could have taken Mike as you originally planned before you met us. Poppy loves biking, too." Daisy teased his fingers with her tongue.

"Okay. Stop that. Either way we need some sleep. Something more than those postcoital catnaps."

"Postcoital? That sounds very... um, doctorly." She raised to her toes and kissed him full on the lips. "Now get out of here. I need my beauty sleep."

"If you were anymore beautiful, I would go into a coma from overwhelm." David said. He really didn't care if he got any sleep or not. "I don't suppose we could go to our hideout and sleep there?"

"We wouldn't get any sleep, and you know it. Now, good night. I'll see you in the morning." She couldn't resist one more kiss.

"Goodnight, dream girl." David waited until he heard the lock click. "Goodnight, love." He whispered to the door.

Morning came too soon for them all, but Poppy was thrilled that she could take the helicopter ride. She let them all know that doing it with David was even better.

Daisy watched them chatting over a light breakfast while they waited to board their respective shuttles. Poppy looked fresh and well rested while the rest of them yawned and walked around half-awake. "Mike, you'd better have some more coffee. You keep nodding off." She passed the carafe to him. Her own cup contained strong black tea that she hoped would perk her up.

"I'm afraid to drink too much without knowing what the 'facilities' will be like."

"It's a U.S. National Park, so I would guess they will have some kind of rest areas." She looked at her cup. Still, it might be best to limit her intake of liquids until she found out. "This bike excursion includes everything?"

"Bikes, helmets, lunch, and the guide. They have the vans follow and lead the riders to keep them safe from cars. I guess the road is very twisty."

Daisy yawned again. "Why so early?"

"Haleakala means house of the sun. When the sun comes up the clouds are below where you are at the top. It's possible to cast your shadow on the clouds. I've seen pictures. It's unbelievable." Mike's enthusiasm had perked him up. "I'm told that there is nothing like it anywhere else."

"Well, here's our van, so we can see for ourselves." Daisy got in the line for the shuttle. Mike stayed close so they could make the long ride together up the mountain. It would take over an hour and they'd been told there would be one rest stop along the way, and another restroom was at the visitor center at the top.

The ride in the dark was uneventful. The full moon had long ago gone down for the day and the road was too rural to see much in the headlights of the van. There were actually four vans carrying their group up. They passed another caravan of tourists heading up before turning onto the entrance road.

Daisy dozed against Mike's shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer. Soon he slept too. The lack of motion brought them both back to consciousness. Daisy wasn't too surprised that they had slept. She was a little surprised that she had felt so at home in Mike's arms. "Well, partner, I guess we're here."

He ran his hand through his hair making little spikes. "It would appear so." Because they were in the last seat in the back, they were the last to get out. Bicycles were being handed out along with the other necessary gear. Daisy was very glad she had worn jeans, hiking boots and a heavy jacket. It might be warmer lower down, especially later in the day, but here and now it was the cold of high mountains everywhere.

They were told how to use the brakes and then shown where to park their bikes until after the sunrise. There was just enough time for everyone to use the facilities and get their cameras ready. Their guide, Sandra, showed them where to stand and where the best photo opportunities were.

Slowly the clouds below them began to glow with a soft light. They could only see the rim of the crater and the shadowy forms of the parking lot where it wasn't lit.

Looking out and down into the clouds pockets of tiny rainbow colors would form and then disappear as the light intensified coming from below the clouds. At the exact moment it crested the clouds long shadows were thrown against the thick billowing white and human shadows were cast. Several people snapped pictures while others held their arms out and realized which shadow was theirs. Almost as soon as it began, it was over and the ooh-ing and awing stopped. Mike had moved to stand behind Daisy sheltering her from the chill wind that swept across the mountaintop.

"Amazing," she sighed. "I am so glad I didn't miss that. They say that it doesn't always happen. Sometimes the clouds are too high or too low. Sometimes it's raining or snowing. This was perfect."

Mike hugged her. "Incredible. I'm glad you were the one I shared that with." He kissed the top of her head where it rested against his own heavy jacket. "They will give us a little more time to enjoy the colors and immensity of the craters, then we'll start down. Do you want anything? Sandra said they have apples and coffee and tea."

Daisy shook her head. Just standing there was so satisfying that she wanted to drink it all in and memorize it.

Mike was filming with a small video camera. "Let me get some of you here," he requested.

"Why don't we get someone to record both of us here?" she replied.

Mike nodded and handed the camera to a man holding one very similar. "Would you mind?" he asked.

They stood together with the crater in the background squinting against the suddenly bright sun. Mike thanked the man and commented, "I can see why they named this the house of the sun, Haleakala." The melodic name rolled off his lips.

Daisy noticed that his voice was only slightly different than his brother's rich baritone. The thought suddenly occurred that any pictures taken would look like Poppy and David just as easily as her and Mike. "Is David taking pictures today?"

"Why?"

"I realized that if he and Poppy take some, I can see what it would have been like to be two places at once."

Laughter spouted from his lips. "I'd never thought of that before. Of course I've never had reason. David and I never dated twins before. What a concept! Especially now that Poppy has her hair the same."

"If I didn't have glasses, it would be like we couldn't tell who did what."

The brother-sister twins they'd seen the night before were standing next to them. Their mother had named them Barry and Berri. A sad fact made crueler by their age and marital status. Both in their forties and single, Barry was only an inch or so taller than his sister. Berri had the same stocky build of her brother. They did everything together, and seemed to really enjoy each other's company. Daisy wondered if they had come on this singles cruise to meet other singles or if they had only come because it was a good deal. She found Barry to be a little nervous, at least when she was around. She and his sister had chatted briefly the night before in the ladies room. She seemed nice if a little odd.

"Berri, would you and your brother like me to take a picture of the two of you?" she offered.

A shy smile answered her question, "We'd like that. And then maybe someone could take one of the four of us?"

Daisy couldn't figure out why they'd want a picture of strangers, but didn't want to be unfriendly. "Sure."

When the pictures had been taken, she noticed Berri seemed quite taken by Mike. "I think you have a groupie," she whispered to him.

"I've noticed you've picked one up, too." He whispered back, motioning to indicate Barry's attempt to hide his interest. "Not that I blame him."

"Sandra is getting us all organized." Daisy pointed out.

They were grouped into more experienced bikers up in front with a guide leading to lesser experienced at the back with two guides. A van led and the others followed so that when they had reached the bottom, they would have medical and other aid available. There would be two breaks, one for a box lunch. They were welcome to stop for pictures as long as they caught back up to their group. Then they were off.

Mike and Daisy had chosen to be in the moderate group in the middle so Daisy wouldn't tire herself un-necessarily. As they started down, the landscape changed around every curve. The cloud studded peaks and valleys of lava in shades of pink and coral and black were stunning.

As they descended lower, occasional glimpses of the ocean and hills far below were set off by the lava the bounded the road. Wildflowers and silversword abounded. Although endangered and protected by law, this area was one of the few places where the tall dangerous looking plant could be found. The long spiky silvery leaves had sharp edges giving it it's name. Daisy had to force herself not to stop every other minute to take snapshots of these and the other wildflowers peppering the slopes of craggy lava.

"If this were granite instead of lava, I would feel like I was back home in Colorado."

Mike smiled. "Last time I looked there wasn't an ocean back home." He pointed off into the distance where the water could be seen pounding against the shore near some cliffs. They were still much higher than the landscape below.

"No, but our mountains are bigger," she challenged.

"You're not a water lover?"

"I love it, in lakes and rivers and, yes, even the ocean, but I love the mountains more. I love being able to lose my self in the peaks and valleys." She gazed over the landscape below, then pushed off with her bike, speeding to catch up with their group.

Mike raced with her down the mountain to the next rest stop where they would eat their lunch. Daisy's last statement rang in his head as he thought about losing himself in peaks and valleys. Hers. He came to a halt beside her, and they removed their helmets and prepared to enjoy the lunches provided.

After making use of a roadside restroom And cleaning his hands with a packaged towelette, Mike looked over the offering for lunch. Several choices remained in the boxes labeled by meat type or vegetarian. "Mm, barbequed chicken," He sighed. In the box was hot chicken with a tasty pineapple based sauce and potato salad. On a portable table beside the van was a dispenser jar of iced tea flavored with passion fruit. Each tall plastic glass held a long slice of pineapple along with the ice.

"This tea is wonderful." Daisy was so thirsty that, in spite of having finished off a bottle of water on the ride, she gulped down the tea and refilled her glass.

He watched her plow into her food. Like many men, he enjoyed a woman who enjoyed her food. He thought it was a sign of enjoying any sensual experience.

The chicken was moist and succulent. The potato salad seasoned with something he couldn't identify. Maybe curry.

"Wow, this is so good!" She was looking through her box for an additional napkin.

Before she knew his intention, he had grabbed her hand and very carefully was sucking the sauce off her fingers. The feel of her delicate fingers against his tongue made him want to explore more. He leaned in and licked the sauce at the corners of her mouth.

"Oh!" She drew away.

Mike pinned her with his dark eyes. "Should I apologize?" Confusion shown in her eyes. "Daisy, you know I want to know you better."

She hesitated.

"Are you so sure David is the one for you, that you won't give me a chance?"

"No. I mean, yes. Oh, I don't know what I mean. This is all supposed to be light and fun, and now you guys are making me feel like a prize at the fair."

The sophistication and elegance she usually projected had fallen away and left a vulnerable young woman.

"You're not a prize to be fought over, Daisy. I'm so sorry if I made you feel like that. I've been trying to be honest with you from the beginning. When I first took your hand at the dating table, I felt something and I thought you did, too. Was I wrong?"

She shook her head slowly. "Not wrong, just..."

"Just what, sweetheart?"

"Please, Mike, don't call me that. It confuses me. You know I like your brother." Turning her back, she stared putting her wrappers and garbage into the box.

The day had gotten warmer, and as they had come to a lower altitude, the air was more humid. She shrugged off another layer and straightened her clothing, tucking the sweater into the bag with her jacket. When she went to the bikes to reattach the bag, she noticed her helmet was missing. After checking the number on the plate on the front of the black bicycle to confirm it was hers, she looked around for the bright yellow helmet with a matching number.

"Mike, did you see what I did with my helmet?"

"Is it in the restroom?"

"I thought I put it on the handlebars like you did."

They searched around the area before involving Sandra.

"I'll get you another one. These things happen." Sandra assured her.

Daisy took the red helmet offered and adjusted it to fit. "Thanks, Sandra, but where could the other one be?"

"Maybe someone put theirs in the van, then took yours thinking it was theirs."

While it didn't make sense to Daisy or Mike, they let it go without further thought.

The land was now rolling pasture, some of it steep and some open and gentle, being grazed by herds of cattle and horses.

Mike stopped for a picture of Daisy with a very curious trio of cows. "You know, this does remind me of Colorado. If I had just been beamed here without the plane and boat, I would guess I was in Colorado or at least that area."

"It's beautiful isn't it?" She was looking out farther down the valley they were descending. Above them was the mountain, barren and forbidding in the ragged ridges of lava. Around them was a pastoral paradise. A little further still they passed farms that grew tropical flowers for houseplants on the Mainland. Bromeliads, orchids, African violets, and more.

On the way down they passed a place called Kula Inn. Sandra told them it was an excellent restaurant. Kula meant 'honey girl'. An endearment that Mike soon adopted for Daisy.

When she didn't object, he felt that maybe he was making progress.

The rolling pastures gave way to villages and flatter, more open fields where sugar cane blew in the wind. Even though they were still going downhill, the road continued to run and curve bringing strong headwinds from time to time that they had to pedal against. Mike began to worry that it might be too much for Daisy. He was relieved when he could see the junction of the roads where the vans waited to pick them up. One van had already left with the faster riders. Up the hill he could make out two or three of the slower group catching up with the middle group.

As they came to a stop he dismounted quickly, so he could help Daisy if he needed to. She was a little winded, but insisted that she was fine. They turned in their equipment and went to a quiet place on the grass under the trees to drink water and relax.

"Thank you, Mike. That was awesome."

"Awesome?" He quirked his eyebrow. "You sound like my teenaged cousin."

"Well, what would you call it? The sun casting our shadow on the clouds, the immensity of the crater, the ride down. I loved the way the landscape kept changing like we were riding through different worlds in an amusement park. The lunch was totally cool," she deliberately sounded like a teenager. "And, the company was perfect."

Perfect? Had she just paid him a compliment, or was she trying to tell him something?

"I'm glad you had so much fun. So did I, Kula." He liked the way her eyes brightened when he said that. "You don't mind me calling you that, do you?"

"No. I actually like it. Kula. It sounds exotic. I've always been the practical one. Poppy is the one who collects endearments and... Well, she's the exotic one."

"You don't see yourself as anything special, do you?" Mike watched her in amazement as she ducked her head.. "You have your own real estate agency. You are the most beautiful and elegant woman I've ever met. You have a surprisingly shy side and I suspect a side just as wild and sensual. You are clever, funny, very sexy, and smart. And you don't act like you know that at all." He studied her.

"You don't know me all that well."

"Was I wrong about any of that."

"Poppy is the sexy, funny, clever, party-'til-you-drop one. I'm the study hard and get good grades one. I try to look my best, but not send the wrong message, pay my taxes on time, and not make mistakes I can't fix. I don't take chances, and I consider myself painfully honest."

"Honest. Yeah, you are. So can you honestly say you aren't interested in me?"

She remained quiet.

"That's what I thought. I know you and David have a special connection." _And you may have already slept with him._ "I just want you to give me an equal chance to show you how well we fit together. I've made no secret of my feelings. I don't expect you to declare undying love or have sex with me. I only ask for the opportunity to spend time with you and court you."

"Court?" She quirked a little smile. "Court? As in flowers and candlelight? Walks on the beach.?"

"Why not? We're in one of the most romantic places on earth. He watched the play of emotion across her lovely face.

"Let me think about it. You do have a point about the feeling I had when I first met you. I guess David just seems more like my type."

"Why?"

"Why? Hm, after my failed engagement, I realized that I hadn't known Geoff at all. Not the real man. I just saw what I wanted to. What he wanted me to." She corrected herself. "David isn't as risky as you are."

"Risky?"

"You push the limits on everything. You test yourself and the people around you." Her eyes challenged him to deny it.

He couldn't, "And that scares you?"

"Maybe a little." The van was being loaded for the trip back to the ship. "Let's get that big back seat," she suggested. "I could use a nap on the way home."

"Does that mean you don't want to talk about us anymore?" He handed her up into the van and followed her to the back.

"I might talk in my sleep," she teased.

But she didn't. Her head rested against his chest as he held her. At least she had listened, he told himself. She'd listened and admitted she'd had a good reaction to him initially. A man had to take what he could.

Mike eased himself into a more comfortable position and let sleep take him into dreams of beaches and moonlight; A lovely woman by his side. The only problem was, he couldn't tell for sure if it was Daisy or Poppy.

***

### Chapter Seven

Poppy stepped up into the helicopter with the pilot's help. Steve had taken time to show them some of the safety features of his craft and had reminded David that he would be filming the entire flight from a camera built for that purpose. They wouldn't have any pictures of themselves, but they would have a record of what they saw on the flight.

"Could you take a picture of the two of us in the helicopter, please?" David handed him the digital camera he carried.

"No prob'." Steve snapped a shot of David standing by the door with Poppy leaning out and smiling. He then made sure David was safely strapped in the back seat behind Poppy. The headsets he gave each of them would allow them to talk and comment over the chopper's noise, and he'd be able to give them a guided tour of what they were seeing.

As they lifted off, Poppy took a deep breath. "Oh!" she gasped. Lifting straight into the air gave her the sensation of the ground descending rather than the expected feeling of lift like in an elevator.

"You okay?" their pilot asked, looking over at her.

Shouldn't he have his eyes on what he was doing? "I'm fine. It just surprised me that I don't feel like I'm moving. It feels like everything around me is."

Steve laughed, "You'll get used to it. Most people assume it will be like a Disneyland ride. It's more like watching a movie."

Poppy soon got used to the sensation and asked where they would be going first.

"I take you up to the edge of Haleakala. You'll be able to see the crater and the people trying to cast their shadows on the clouds. Then we fly down the Kula Valley and I'll point out some of the sights and farms. After that, we'll go along the coast up to Lahaina. It's an old whaler's village. If you have time you'll want to go see the buildings and visit the museum." He pressed a button on his microphone and let air traffic know his position and path.

Poppy took in the fields and the twisty road that was the only road she could see. "David, is that the road my sister and Mike are on today?"

He looked where she pointed. "It must be. I think there is only one road that goes to the top of Haleakala."

The immense field of lava below them stretched across the entire lower half of the hourglass shaped island. It was seven and a half miles long and two and a half miles wide. The largest dormant volcano in the world. Steve reminded them that a dormant volcano wasn't extinct or dead. It could conceivably come alive at any time. These islands were created by the fire of volcanoes and still had some of most activity in the world.

From their altitude they could see both the mountainous crater and the deep green fields that edged it in the rich volcanic soil. Waves beat against the coastline, and Poppy was able to pick out the harbor and their ship.

She began wishing she'd thought to sit in back with David. This was exciting, but she felt like she was seeing it alone except for the occasional comments.

As they reached the center of the crater, Steve lowered them down where they could easily see the features and myriad colors of the lava. He explained the difference between _a'a_ and _pahoehoe_ lava. Seeing the enormity of the crater, made Poppy wish she could sit up here all day and just take it in.

As Steve flew them higher so the noise wouldn't disturb wildlife, they followed the road down the valley. Below them, Poppy saw the bicycles stringing out along the twists and turns. She tried to pick out her sister, but she was too high to see enough detail.

They flew over the narrow waist or saddle of the hourglass shape of the island.

"Maui is actually two volcanoes that flowed into each other and formed one island. The newer and larger one is Haleakala to the south and east, and the smaller one to the north and west is Puu Kukui. You'll notice that most of the resorts and tourist areas are on the north island."

"David, look!" Poppy pointed out the opposite window toward the sea. "Steve, are those whales?"

The excitement in her voice was childlike and very appealing to both men.

"Yes. You often see humpbacks along this part of the coast." He was flying lower now and the mountain to their right rose majestically out of dense green jungle. "To your right, you can see the Iao Needle. It's that tall pointed lava rock."

"Is there a road in there?" Poppy asked.

"Not into it. It's a state park. There are hiking trails that take you right to the needle."

"David, do you think we could rent a car and go there?"

Her excitement seemed to be contagious. He laughed. "Of course. We can do it in the morning with Daisy and Mike."

That wasn't quite what she had in mind. "Or, we could do it this afternoon. They won't be back from the bike ride until around two. It's only eight, now."

Steve interjected, "I'll have you back at the heliport at ten-thirty.'

Poppy wasn't about to give up, "Please, David?" She tried to give him her most pleading look, which was hard since she was wearing the headset and had to twist around to make eye contact. "I'll pay for the car and your lunch."

"It's not that. I thought maybe you would like to ride the train at Lahaina."

"Train? There's a train?" He couldn't possibly know how much she loved trains. She'd ridden them in every country she had visited that had one. The one in Mexico had been her favorite so far. " I would love that," she said, simply.

She turned back to the bubble window in front of her. She was going to get to ride a train with David!

"Just so you know, the train is old and has wooden seats. It's not luxurious." Steve warned.

"I've checked into it. It used to be an old sugar cane train that hauled the cane to the mills. It doesn't have a long distance track, but I understand it's beautiful and you see things you can't from the road." David responded. "The cars were rescued from an old excursion train."

To Poppy it was sounding perfect.

"We can eat in Lahaina and then take the train ride. If there's time, we can look around the town and do some shopping." Poppy loved to shop.

"Shopping?" David's voice held reservation.

"Oh, silly, not that kind of shopping. We can look for souvenirs."

"David, there are shops there that sell scrimshaw," Steve added. "You might like to at least see that."

"I thought it was illegal to use whale bone for anything, now." Poppy questioned the wisdom of shopping for scrimshaw.

Steve explained, "They don't use whale bone anymore. It's made on antlers and other types of legal bone. Beautiful work. The artisans who do the carving are masters."

To Poppy, who was disappointed that so far their time together wasn't more interactive, rambling around in a quaint town sounded perfect.

"Now we're coming up on Lahaina. It's an old town from the early eighteen hundreds. You can see the port. Larger boats have to anchor out in deeper water and use dinghy's or tenders to go from land to sea."

As the chopper swung out over the water to give them a closer look at the boats anchored off shore, they could see a tallship that looked like an old whaler and several tourist boats that carried groups whale watching. The waves surged against the wall that fronted the village, people lined it, taking pictures or just sitting on the benches watching.

Steve flew inland slightly and they were able to see the small almost Victorian train station and then the train chugging it's way up to it's turnaround. Resorts and swim beaches extended on up the coast to the north. Here the coast became rugged and a narrow road edged the cliffs. "You can't really drive this part without four-wheel drive," their guide informed them. He flew on down the eastern coast to where they saw a few villages and the road got better. Below them was Kahuihui where they could see the port and their ship, the airport and heliport, and the beginning of the road to Hana, another sight that was on the must see excursion list. They flew easily along the most twisted road in Hawaii, Hana Road. Many narrow one-car bridges, a road that turned back on itself like a coiling snake, and dense vegetation along the inner side made this a long, slightly dangerous, coastal drive that took hours to go a short distance in miles traveled.

They were grateful for having chosen the easier way to see the beautiful Hana Valley, the waterfalls and the lava bed that ended the road. A four-wheel-drive trail crossed it, but looked more like a hiking trail and then ended in just that. Here had been the most recent flow from the volcano that created this island. Poppy thought abut the power of nature and the forces that destroyed and created. There was an area where it was obvious trees and structures had been moved or covered over, adding to the size of the shoreline.

"Amazing," she breathed.

"Truly," David agreed, with as much awe in his voice as she knew was in hers.

As they curved north up toward Makena and it's famous beaches, they saw the four-wheel-drive trail begin again and then turn back into narrow paved road.

"There is a winery just in from here where they make delicious pineapple wine." Steve continued his guided tour. The west coast of this area was dotted with beautiful beaches. Soon they were flying back over the saddle or neck of the joined islands to their port.

As they descended, Poppy once again had the feeling of the earth moving instead of her. She was grateful for the gentle touch down that signaled they were back. "Wow!" she exclaimed. "I wish Daisy could have seen this."

"Don't forget you will have a tape of it. I can either mail it to you so it will be there when you get home, or if you have time tomorrow, you can stop and pick it up."

Poppy wanted it as soon as she could. "Can you make two?"

"No problem." Steve assured her. "Do you have friends you want to give one to?"

"No. We're not really together. I want a record of this to share with my sister."

slid his arm around her slim waist. "The tape is on me."

"No, David. Thank you, but this is from me to Daisy." She gave him an earnest look.

He kissed her head. "Then lunch will be on me."

Poppy sighed. This was more like it. "Let's call and see if we can get a rental car."

Steve showed them a phone they could use and Poppy made the call.

"They'll pick us up here. I use them all the time when I travel, so I did express sign-up over the phone, and I'll just sign for the car and we'll be on our way. It'll take them about ten minutes to get here." She wandered over to the soft drink machine. "I'm thirsty, do you want anything?"

"A tall glass of iced tea would be great." David teased.

"How about a can of flavored iced tea?"

He raised his eyebrows. "They have that?"

She handed him the chilled can and opened her own. "Let's make a toast."

He chuckled. "Okay, to what?"

"To getting to know each other better?" Her ocean colored eyes held his.

He considered a moment, and then raised his can to touch hers. "To getting to know each other better." He sipped at the icy drink. "This isn't bad for tea in a can."

A large wall map showed the island's two parts and the roads, towns, and beaches.

Poppy studied it and pointed out that there was really only one route once they left the heliport. "I hope you aren't one of these men who has to drive?" She questioned him with her expression.

"Nope, I like to let a woman take charge now and then." His grin held a slight suggestion that heated her loins.

Was he flirting with her? On one hand, this is what she hoped for. On the other, she didn't like to think he could easily betray her sister. That was a real dilemma. She wanted this man. Wanted him like she had never wanted another. To get him, though, she would need to understand first what his intentions toward her sister were and if he was honorable enough to be honest with both of them.

Frankly, David was surprised that his little comment hadn't brought laughter to the woman he was with. He loved to hear her laugh. While Daisy had a musical laugh that warmed his heart, Poppy had a sexy laugh that remind him of smoky bars and saxophones. It was one way he'd already learned to tell them apart. That and the shy look Poppy got when she was being teased. As he got to know the sisters, he saw more similarities than differences. While Daisy came off as elegant and reserved, her sister was just as reserved in many ways, despite her sexy attitude and promising eyes. She had a way of looking at a man from the corner of her eyes and lowering her lids that zoomed straight to his crotch. Askance, Daisy had called it. Evidently it was something Poppy had cultivated from her younger days and made a part of her. He doubted she even realized she was doing it anymore.

"There's our car," she told him, as a cream-colored sedan pulled up. Good she hadn't ordered a tiny car that would cramp his long legs.

Steve wished them well, and disappeared into a small back office. It took only moments for Poppy to sign the necessary papers and fill in her driver's information, and they were off.

"I'm glad they provide maps, she said. "Once we get on the two lane highway, we can't get lost, but navigating through town and finding the highway might be tricky."

"You drive, I'll navigate." David lifted the map to his lap and quickly oriented himself. He guided her through the edge of town to the branching highways and got them on the right one. One more turn-off once they'd crossed the saddle, and they were headed north up the west coast toward Lahaina.

"Where did the lady who brought the car say we might see whales?" She drove expertly and confidently. David was enjoying the ride.

"Just past the tunnel. From what she said, I guess there is a turnout there so you can get off the road." He knew the trip wouldn't take long. The woman had said about forty minutes. They should be in Lahaina easily for lunch. "Are you and Daisy planning on coming off the boat for the luau tonight?" He was hoping she'd say yes. He and Mike had chosen it as one of their optional activities.

"I'd like to, but we didn't sign up for it, because we didn't know for sure what our plans were here. I had thought about going out on the Whaleboat and then just relaxing on the ship. Of course, that was before I met you and your brother." She looked at him for just a second before returning her eyes to the road.

Ahead of them was the tunnel. Not long but obviously necessary to get the road through a hump of lava that had merged with the sea and formed a steep cliff.

"Keep your eyes open for whales," Poppy requested. "Seeing some would really make my day."

"I thought I was going to make your day." He flirted. He wanted to see just how far she would go to show him she was as serious about him as her sister. Not that he would follow through. He would never have taken Daisy to bed if he'd been interested in her sister. Today was his day to prove to Poppy that she only wanted him because her sister did. He was sure of that as he could be.

Although they scanned the ocean for the distinctive _footprint_ left by whales after they dove below the surface, they were unable to see any. Once off the highway, Lahaina proved to have its main street right along the ocean wall. Anchored in the port were many boats of various kinds. There was even a pricey looking yacht. The street was narrow and congested with traffic. David could see where getting here early in the morning would be the only way to get one of the metered parking spots along the street.

He directed her to turn up one of the side streets that led back to the highway. Behind one of the blocks of businesses, he spotted a public parking lot with a few empty spaces.

"How about parking here and walking?"

"Fine with me."

After gathering their cameras and her purse, Poppy locked the car and they looked around deciding which direction to take.

"Let's go back to the main street and walk until we find food," she suggested.

David was fine with that and with having her slip her small hand in his. For a woman who had traveled on her own and had her own business, he still felt the delicacy of her and wanted to protect her. He smiled to himself. He really liked her. If he hadn't felt the special connection with her sister, he would be interested in pursuing her.

The sidewalk in front of the beautifully restored old buildings was almost as crowded as the street. Natives and tourists blended and harmonized as the gentle aloha spirit permeated everything.

"This is so different than what I expected," Poppy remarked, pointing out a small bright red bird cruising overhead.

"How so?"

"I guess I watched too many Magnum PI re-runs on TV. I thought the places people lived were like regular cities."

"Only on Oahu. Maybe Hilo. We'll have to wait and see. I'm a little surprised myself that there are so many tiny towns and villages that look like they're in a time warp. Yet along the highways near the airport and docks, there are major discount stores and fast food restaurants." David responded.

"And, the resorts seem to be clumped together, so there are so many stretches of open beach." Poppy added. "I love that no one can own a beach. That kind of beauty should be shared by all."

Hand in hand they had gazed into the windows of the various shops and restaurants, finally finding one that wasn't too crowded and offered both fresh seafood and barbequed chicken.

After wiping the pineapple flavored sauce off his hands, David reached over and took a forkful of Poppy's mahi-mahi. The firm and flavorful fish was cooked in a creamy sauce that tasted mildly of cheese and pepper.

"Yum!" It was better than any fish he'd ever eaten. "Want some more of my chicken?" They'd decided to each get something different and share. Poppy had proven to be an ideal dining companion. She liked to eat and didn't complain about the somewhat slow service, saying the wait was worth it if the food was good. A crisp full-bodied pineapple wine had been suggested by their charming, petite waitress, Suki. It was from the vineyard they had flown over earlier and was a perfect part of the day.

"I am too full to eat another bite." Poppy declared, patting her flat stomach.

"No dessert?" Suki asked.

"What do you have?" David replied.

She listed the items for dessert and added, "We also have passion fruit or mango sherbet in a fresh half pineapple shell."

"We'll have one of those with a scoop of each and two spoons, please." David grinned at Poppy's look of horror. "Sherbet melts in around all of that food you ate."

Suki placed the dessert on the table and David's eyes widened. Several huge scoops of the icy treat filled a half pineapple that had been hollowed. The cubed pineapple was mixed with the sherbet.

"Oh my," Poppy groaned. "I know I'm going to regret this, but it looks so good." She spooned the rich creamy dessert into her mouth and sighed. "This is heavenly."

David thought the woman savoring the treat was pretty heavenly herself.

They ate as much of the dessert as they could, reluctantly leaving some behind.

"Where to next?"

Poppy considered. "Do you want to see if we have time to go on the train? I can shop anywhere."

"What about the scrimshaw?"

"Is it important to you?"

David grinned, his eyes teasing. "What's important is I don't keep you from shopping, if that's what you prefer."

"No, I prefer the train, and I'm not doing it for you. I told you, I love trains." She pointed to a man standing by the front of his store. "Let's ask him if we can walk from here, or if we need to get back in our car."

David approached the elderly Hawaiian and received directions. They would need to drive back to the highway and north a little bit.

Poppy drove through the traffic back to the highway and made a left. They watched for the station as the man had told them, but almost missed their turn. The old train depot was a charming Victorian era building. Inside was the ticket window and a gift shop. They purchased tickets and heard the train's whistle as it returned from a round trip.

David led the way outside to watch as the train chugged into the station and let out the passengers. The engine disconnected from the cars, puffing black coal smoke as it eased onto a roundtable. Poppy explained to him how the turntable style of the round mechanism allowed the engine to be turned around. Then the engineer throttled it up and moved down a parallel track to the head of the cars and reversed to be reconnected.

The excitement on Poppy's face would have made a great picture. Why not?, He thought. David took out his camera and busied himself setting up what appeared to be a shot of the train reconnecting. At the last minute, he turned toward Poppy and captured her expression.

"Oh, you!" She took a snapshot of him in return and then a conductor in his striped shirt came by and offered to take one of the two of them. They posed so the train car was behind them. As they boarded, David helped Poppy up the narrow steps into the all-wood interior. Like something out of a museum, the beautiful hardwood seats and wall panels were glossy and perfect. Red and dark green trim highlighted with gold enhanced the posh feeling of the passenger cars.

Before they departed, another conductor brought an ice chest filled with soft drinks and iced coconuts. When David indicated he wanted the coconut, the man pierced one of the three indentations and poked a straw in. They shared the icy sweet coconut milk.

"I love coconut. What do we do with the rest? I don't want to waste it?" Poppy worried.

"I'm sure we can take it back with us." David took her hand in his as a young woman in Hawaiian dress came through the cars offering to take their picture on an instant Polaroid camera for a reasonable price. David pulled Poppy against his shoulder and put his arm around her. They smiled and made the sign language sign for I love you. Here in Hawaii they had been told it meant aloha. The picture was cute. She presented it to them in a paper frame that had the train on the cover.

"We look good together." David commented.

Poppy chortled. "Of course we do. Just like you and Daisy. If it weren't for her glasses, this could easily be a picture of the two of you."

David considered a moment. "That's true, but it's not. It's a picture of you with me. Maybe I should have her take another so we can each have one." He motioned to the girl who was now making her way back up through the cars. While they posed for the second one, he couldn't help exploring his motives. Poppy was sweet and had a kind heart. This trip proved that. He knew she'd given her sister the cruise as a "get over Geoffrey" gift. While he didn't think Daisy was a user, what if her attraction to him was a rebound attraction? A get over Geoffrey attraction?

One of the conductors was playing a ukulele and singing over the loud speaker. He had alternated a guided tour of the surrounding area with his singing. It was a perfect accompaniment to the charming ride.

David guided Poppy's head to his shoulder and kissed her hair. "I'm really happy you talked me into this."

"The train ride or lunch?"

"Neither. Spending time with you on the train ride and at lunch." He sighed, and added, "I know this is complicating things, but I am glad you're here with me."

Poppy leaned away and looked at his lips. She touched hers to them lightly, and when he didn't resist, she deepened her kiss.

David tasted the sweet coconut on her lips and mouth. She ignited a flame that spread quickly through his body and confused him. What if he had been going for the wrong sister?

***

### Chapter Eight

"And on the way back, we saw whales just before the tunnel." Poppy was giving her sister the long version of the day's adventures after hearing about the bike trip and the hot tub after. She enjoyed Daisy's telling of the shadows on the clouds, wishing she could have been two places at once. When she heard that Mike had taken video, she could hardly wait to see it.

"Did you spot the whales first?"

"No, I was driving. David saw them and pointed them out. We stopped in a little turn out and watched for a long time. There were at least five and I think more like ten, but I couldn't be sure. At one time I saw five surface. I was crying, Daze! It was so amazing, I can't describe the feeling. I've seen whales in Sea World and on that Alaskan cruise from the boat, but these were free, and we were just standing there watching them swim in closer. Then they changed direction like they were following something, maybe their dinner, and headed north."

"Did you take pictures?"

"I didn't have anything except that little camera. David took some on his digital with a telephoto. It looked like they came out pretty well. He took them down to the photographer to see if she could make some prints for us.

"Oh, and I entered a contest down there. I had to guess how many empty film canisters were in a glass showcase. I could win a free eight by ten portrait. Even the sitting is free." Poppy was changing for dinner as she told her story. She had returned to the ship too late to take the hula lesson, but Daisy had taken it and had shown her the moves while they spent some time together in their room.

"Mike asked me if we'd like to have a drink with him and David before we leave for the luau. I can call them if you want to meet them now."

Poppy could tell by the way she said David's name that Daisy was still sincerely interested in him. She wasn't about to spoil anything for her sister, but David's attention to her had been very encouraging.

"I would rather wait until dinner and have a glass of wine. We had one with lunch that was really good. It was pineapple wine."

"Oh, the guide told us about that place. It's on the side of Haleakala."

"We flew over it. Steve said they give tours. There are so many tings to do on each of our stops. I wish we could do it all, but we can't." Poppy finished her make up and reclined on her bed.

Daisy looked thoughtfully at her sister. "Do we have plans for tomorrow?"

"I'll wait and see what the choices are. Are you ready to leave?" Poppy had managed to get their names added to the luau list. A shuttle would pick them up and bring them back. It wasn't expected to return to the ship until after midnight. "The guys are meeting us in the terminal to sit with us on the shuttle since we didn't call them." She followed her sister out the door.

There were so many people waiting for the luau shuttles that, at first, Poppy didn't see David and his brother. She did notice their waiter, Max, was in a bright Hawaiian shirt and waiting with the rest of them. She watched him approach.

"Are you and your sister going to the luau?" he asked Daisy?

"Yes. Are you going, too?"

He nodded. "I have the night off because so many passengers choose this instead of staying for the special lobster dinner on board. About a third of the wait staff get the night off now, but have to work the breakfast and lunch shifts tomorrow in addition to dinner. It's fair."

He seemed preoccupied with Daisy's lei. They had received fresh ones made from plumeria. The rich exotic scent was all the perfume the sisters had chosen to wear.

Poppy saw that Daisy was too busy looking for their friends to notice the waiter looking at her chest. "Max, I think we'd better go find our friends."

"I thought maybe I could join you tonight," he offered.

"I'm sorry, we've already made dates." She gave him a friendly but firm smile. "Have a good time." She didn't turn to see his reaction as she steered Daisy across the huge hangar-like space through the crowd.

"How are they ever going to move several hundred people to the luau?" Daisy wondered, aloud.

"Buses," replied a familiar voice behind them.

"Mike! Boy, am I glad to see you!" Poppy squealed.

"You are? Why?"

"Oh, I was just concerned that we wouldn't be able to find you guys in this crowd." She knew her eyes gave away that it was more than that. The waiter seemed nice enough at dinner, but he seemed a little creepy tonight. Who assumed a woman would want his company when all she knew him as was her waiter?

Mike escorted her onto one of the last buses to arrive. They found that the wide seat in the back was empty, so they led the way for their siblings to follow. Her sister and David chose instead to sit a little further up and the Barry and Berri team plopped down beside them. Luckily Mike was on the outside and was the one who had to endure Berri's chatter. Another couple sat on the far side of Barry making all of them squeeze together. Poppy saw out of the corner of her eyes that Barry watched her intently for most of the ride to the luau.

Mike distracted her with his perspective of the bike ride. It fascinated her that what he chose to tell her about was different than Daisy's memories of the trip. He talked about the flower farms where they grew proteas. They were one of the major growers in the world. He was also taken with the charming Kula Inn. If they had more time, he told her, he would take her there to eat.

His company was comfortable and charming. She let her head rest against his shoulder, and he put his arm around her and told her to nap if she wanted to.

They arrived at the site near Lahaina where the luau was to be held. Long tables with benches stretched in front of a long narrow stage. It was raised just high enough to give diners a good view of the entertainment while they ate. Young men and women in colorful Hawaiian dress, did double duty as waiters and dancers.

Music and drums accompanied the varying styles of native dance influenced by the many cultures that had come together to make up Hawaii. There were even men who danced with flaming torches, tossing and catching them while keeping time with the music.

"I guess you could call those guys really _hot_!" Poppy exclaimed. They were all muscular and attractive.

Dinner consisted of succulent pork and salmon; pit roasted or grilled over a fire and served individually. The side dishes were served family style and passed down the tables. Barry chose to sit next to Poppy. On the other end, Max had snagged a place next to Daisy.

"Mike, would you and David mind changing places with my sister and me so we can sit together?" Poppy whispered.

Mike nudged his brother and shared the request. They moved so the sisters sat on the inside, the men at either end. David managed to sit just close enough to the waiter that he moved away and gave him more room. But at the other end, Barry changed places with his sister, so she could sit next to Mike. Poppy had to smile at the grimace he tried to disguise as a cough behind his napkin.

Across from them, Tom, the over-developed body builder, sat with his twin who turned out to be fraternal and nothing like him. Tim was average sized and looked like a banker even in his flowered Hawaiian shirt.

Most of the men present had worn colorful garb to fit the theme, while many of the women wore muumuus or sarongs in bright prints.

Mike and David had chosen to wear bright, but solid colored polo shirts and slacks and the more masculine ti leaf leis. Poppy and her sister had worn simple sundresses with their leis. They had decided that was enough island style to suit them, although Poppy had added a single bloom of plumeria pinned in her hair behind one ear.

"Does that mean you're available or you're taken," Mike asked near her ear, using the flower as an excuse to sniff her hair.

"I'm not sure. I just pinned it where it looked good." Poppy had to smile back at Mike's irrepressible grin.

He reached into the icky looking poi and scooped some on his fingers.

"You haven't tried poi yet." He offered it to her. It was kind of a grayish color and the texture was like loose paste.

"Do I really have to? It looks like something I left in the refrigerator too long." She wrinkled her nose.

He tasted some and offered it to her again. Taking his neutral expression as a sign it wasn't as bad as it looked. She licked it with a tiny flick of her tongue. The intimacy of eating from Mikes fingers almost offset the taste. She wrinkled her nose again. "I guess it must be an acquired taste," she whispered. It was bland and gooey. Not awful, but not something she wanted more of.

"I guess some people can acquire a taste for anything." Mike joked.

The side dishes were being replaced with trays of tropical fruit. Coffee or tea was offered as well as after dinner drinks. At Poppy's own recommendation they had all chosen pineapple wine with dinner. Now, all but Daisy asked for coffee. It was a rich Kona blend that had Poppy closing her eyes in appreciation. Daisy had opted for a glass of water. Ever since the bike ride she'd complained of feeling dehydrated. Poppy noticed she'd only sipped at her wine. She would ask her sister later if she should see Doctor Fair.

Suddenly the music changed, and the young woman serving them grabbed Mike's hand and led him up on stage. Another native girl crowned him with a leafy wreath and wrapped a grass skirt around his hips. They had him remove his shoes and roll up his khaki pants revealing strong tanned legs. Several women whistled and catcalled. Berri shouted for him to "take it off." Poppy didn't want to think about what the older woman meant.

The dancers surrounding Mike gave him a quickie lesson in hip rolls and hula hands. Step by step they walked him through the song as his audience applauded and screamed with laughter. He may have been great on the dance floor, but hula was not his forte. They lined up across the stage beside him and the graceful leader of the female dancers stepped to the microphone and announced that this haole was the _king of the luau._ They began a hula with Mike trying his best to keep up with the steps. When the music increased the rhythm, the dancers stepped back and told him to go for it. With his hands raised above his head, he shook and shimmied making his skirt swish around his legs.

Laughing so hard she had a side ache, Poppy called for more and clapped her hands over her head. He met her eyes and gave a hip thrust that had one of the women dancers holding an extra skirt in front of his body and shaking her finger at him as if scolding him. The crowd roared its approval. Finally, flushed from the dancing, he crooked his finger at Poppy.

"No." She mouthed the word distinctly as she shook her head. One of the male dancers saw the direction of Mike's attention and got her by the hand. Not taking no for an answer, he said he would carry her if need be. He got her up on stage and wrapped a flowered piece of cloth around her hips. She knew just enough of the hula to do a couple passable steps with hip rolls. Then she and Mike began dancing together in a mildly sensual , slightly suggestive dance for two. Their eyes maintained intensive contact. Aware there were a few children in the audience, they kept it light. MTV was more sexual than they allowed themselves to be. Still, both were heated when the music ended and the audience was silent for a long pause before breaking into applause. It may not have been the hula, but it had been a seductive show. Even the dancers and musicians were clapping.

"Wow!" Poppy said to him as they took their seats.

"Wow doesn't begin to cover it," Mike responded. He kept his mouth near her ear where his warm breath ruffled her hair and made pleasant shivers run up her arms. "Who were you dancing to?"

Poppy stared at him in disbelief. "Who do you think?"

"Well, I hope it's me, but I have a feeling it was David." He didn't disguise the wish in his eyes.

"It was you. I danced with you, for you." Her voice was breathy with emotion. How confusing could a day be? First she wanted her sister's admirer. Then she found his kisses intoxicating and had hopes he might feel the same. Later she danced with his brother and stirred up desire she'd never experienced before? She hoped Mike could see the honesty of her answer in her face. "Mike, I'd never pretend you are your brother."

"Does that mean you're interested in me now? Or are you still attracted to David?"

She thought a moment, unable to answer that question. She asked one of her own. "Does that mean you're interested in me, or are you still going after Daisy?" She saw the truth in his eyes. Eyes that had been dark with desire for her minutes ago, now shuttered and tried to hide what she also felt. Was it possible to love two men at the same time?

Daisy waved her hand in front of her face, fanning herself and trying to cool the heat she'd felt watching the pair on the stage.

David leaned toward her. "They got to you, too?"

"How could they not? I've seen more blatant sexuality in dance, but this restrained mating dance they did... Wow!"

"Yeah, wow." His voice held something she couldn't identify.

"David, what is it? What's going on in your mind?" She put her hand over his on his thigh.

He looked into her eyes, and she saw uncertainty.

"Did we start whatever is between us too quickly?" She held her breath.

"No. Oh no, dream girl. I could no more have waited for being with you than I could wait to breathe. I just have to admit something to you, and I don't want to hurt you."

"What?" She really was afraid, now.

"Can you go for a walk on the beach with me?"

"Do we have time" Daisy wanted to go, but she was frightened that he felt they needed to be alone to talk. What could be so secret? And why couldn't he wait until they were alone in their little cabin on the ship?

"We have time. The buses aren't scheduled to leave for an hour yet." He unwound his long frame from the bench seat and helped her stand. "The path is over there by those low lights."

Daisy walked beside him, wishing he would put his arm around her. Take her hand. Something. Well, she had wanted to follow her instincts on this cruise. She'd made a vow to herself to put all of mistakes about love behind her and be true to her heart. Mike had given her something to think about that morning. But, after thinking, she still felt David was the man for her. If he didn't feel the same, she would deal with it.

"Before you say anything, David, I have something to say."

"Go ahead."

He seemed thoughtful. Distant.

"I want you to know I have really enjoyed every minute with you." She paused. "Except maybe this one," she added, softly.

Her words seemed to snap him back to awareness of her and her fear.

"Oh, Daisy, I'm not here to tell you it's over before it's really started for us." He wrapped her in his arms holding her tight against his chest. "I have to tell you that I kissed Poppy today." He whispered it. Husky with... regret?

"I... I guess I don't know what to say. We don't have a commitment. It's way too early for that. I wish it weren't my sister, but I guess I can understand." Did she? Wasn't her attraction to his brother pretty much the same thing. She preferred David, but Mike was attractive to her, too. Perhaps this whole crazy twins thing was just too weird. "I need to know what that means. Do you want to, uh, date her, too?"

"If by date you mean sleep with her, no. I told you, I don't have sex with two women in the same time frame. Do I want to get to know her better? I would have to say yes." He still held her so she couldn't see his eyes. " I don't want to hurt you, dream girl. I feel more for you than I knew was possible. I found out today that I need to be sure it isn't just an extreme case of lust."

At least he was being honest, she told herself. Not that it made her feel any better. "I think I need you to kiss me now." She knew her voice was unsteady. No more sex until they knew what they both wanted. She was certain he would understand.

David lifted her chin with his thumb. His lips met hers, taking light soft nips. It wasn't enough. She took charge of the kiss drawing him in and sending them both into a haze of passion. Only the distant memory that they were on a public beach kept her from branding him with her body right there. He gentled the kiss and held her against his rapidly beating heart.

"Oh, dream girl, when I'm with you, I have no doubts about us. You open my heart. You slip into my soul. You make me want to merge with you forever. I knew you before I met you, and I didn't know you were the missing part inside me." He stroked her hair and cheek. His fingertips were firm, yet gentle. His words made her breathless. She was ready for him here and now, and she reminded herself, it could be lust. But her heart sang out that she had fallen in love.

Daisy felt him withdraw and step back. "I'm not being fair. I came here with you to be honest. Everything I said I meant, but I also enjoyed kissing Poppy. It wasn't soul searing, but I felt so close to her."

"I don't know how to feel." Daisy pleaded. "I don't want to rush feelings that are so new and unfamiliar, but I also don't want to lose you."

"And I don't want to lose you. Do you think it's possible to love two people at the same time?"

Did she? She knew if she allowed herself to get closer to Mike, she would like him very much. She already did. Would it be such a giant leap to love him? "I don't know. I guess the love would have to be different, wouldn't it? Like you love one as a special friend and one as a lover?" She leaned into his chest and was relieved when he wrapped both arms around her keeping her close.

"I want you. Can we get together later?" His voice was low and husky with emotion and passion.

She considered it for a moment before answering. "I'm not sure that's a good idea until we know who we love?"

His eyes held hers. "Is it love for you, dream girl?" he was stroking her face again, seeking the answer in her eyes.

"Maybe. I hadn't planned to love anyone anytime soon. This doesn't feel anything like what I felt for Geoff. Maybe you're just the key that unlocked my desire for love. You're my temptation. How will I know? I only know I don't want to be without you."

"And Mike?" He waited, seeing the struggle in her eyes.

"Mike. I won't deny that he is attractive to me. But I don't think I want to talk about your brother with you." She pulled away and took his hand. "Let's get back to the party. We don't have to decide everything tonight."

"We only have four more nights." He replied softly.

Daisy experienced a sharp twinge in the area of her heart. Four more nights? "Do you plan to say goodbye to me when the cruise is over?" Tears held back made her eyes tight and hot.

"Not unless you want me to. Do you?" David seemed to be holding his breath, too.

"No." she choked out. After all they only lived about a forty minute drive from each other.

"Good. I plan to court you when we get back to Colorado."

"Court? And will you be courting Poppy, too?"

"I think that by the end of this cruise, I will know you are the only sister for me."

As they approached the luau, he stopped her and leaned down to kiss her and then place a gentle kiss on each eyelid.

"Oh, David." She stretched to kiss him again. "I don't want to seem like some hormonal teenager falling for the first boy that makes her feel good. We need to spend time together where there are enough people to keep us out of trouble."

"But I like getting in 'trouble' with you." His hand that had been on her waist dropped lower and stroked her buttocks. "I think we should spend one more night in pursuing trouble before we take the vow of abstinence."

"It will be midnight when we get back to the ship."

"Your point being...?"

"What do I say to Poppy to explain why I'm not in my bed all night?"

"All night? Hmmm, that's a great idea!"

She felt her face heat in the darkness. "I thought that's what you meant. If you just want a couple hours, that's all right."

"Oh, dream girl, you are so easy to tease. I would like all night. I just don't want to explain either until I have to."

Daisy felt disappointed. A part of her had hoped she would have all night to prove to him she was the sister for him. "What ever you want to do is fine."

He led her into the shadows and kissed her thoroughly. "That doesn't sound like my Daisy. You made it very clear from the start that you were as much in charge as I am. I like that about you. Don't go getting all submissive on me." He kissed her again taking his time to bring her to the point of breathlessness. Her hands stroked the front of his slacks outlining the thick arousal that strained for release.

"Then, I say we go for all night. I'll find some way, if you think you can do the same." She felt her spunk coming back to the surface. No sense in taking this too seriously. It had been her intention from the start to use her time on this singles cruise to release the woman she knew she was.

She had spent too long appearing to be the woman Geoff expected. No one should be that much of a wimp just because her boyfriend wanted a wife at his side. Daisy chalked it up to being relieved that anyone wanted to marry her. She had spent so much of her time on her career and making a success of herself, and her agency, that she hadn't allowed for much of a social life. That was probably why everyone thought Poppy was more outgoing than she was. Well, she had proven to herself that she could be spontaneous, too. Though she hoped her fling with David went deeper than just making her feel better about herself.

"Earth to Daisy!" David was watching her expectantly.

"I'm sorry what did you say?"

"I suggested we go back and find my brother and Poppy. We can find a way to ease them into the idea that we'll be out all night. Individually of course."

"I have no idea how we're going to do that."

"I think I have a plan."

***

### Chapter Nine

Poppy just stared at her sister. Had she really just offered to switch places so Poppy could spend some time with David? "I don't get it. Why don't you want to meet him for a night cap?"

"I'm tired and he wouldn't take no for an answer. I want to go take a soak in the hot tub, then shower and go to bed. You'll do this for me, won't you, Poppy?"

"I guess." Spending time alone with David when he thought he was with his 'dream girl"? You bet!

"Let's change now so he sits with you on the bus." Daisy's voice held just a hint of excitement.

"What about your glasses?"

"Our prescriptions can't be that far off. You wear disposable contacts. Do you carry extras with you?" Daisy was already taking off her sundress.

Poppy shrugged and started removing her own clothes. That and the make up change were easy. It was a little harder to show Daisy how to wear the contacts. "It will probably make your eyes tear up, since you're not used to them."

"All I have to do is get back to the boat, and I'm sure Mike will look out for me thinking it's you."

"He seems to see me as a little sister instead of a sexy woman." Poppy complained.

"Oh, so you wish it were more?"

Poppy considered. "I don't know. I told you, I'm really attracted to David." Especially after the kisses on the train. She wondered just how far David was ready to go with her as Daisy. If he truly believed it was her, would he want to make love? Poppy's body heated and moistened at the thought. But could she really do that to her sister?

"Here, put on my glasses." Daisy held them out.

They weren't that different than her own prescription. She had glasses for when the contacts weren't working for her. "Good, they're close enough. How are you with the contacts?"

Daisy blinked her eyes. " I kind of like them. I tried some a few years ago, but I couldn't wear them all day and when you're showing houses, you don't have time to run off to the restroom and switch."

Poppy chortled. "Yeah, running off to the restroom and switching personalities is soooooooooo much easier!"

Daisy giggled. "We haven't done this in so long. I'd forgotten how much fun it is to be you."

"I'm not all fun and games like I was in college. You'll have to remember that if you want to fool Mike."

With one last double check in the mirror and walking around each other they were ready to pull off the switch.

Fake Daisy went over to David and sat beside him.

"You ladies were in the restroom a long time." He commented.

Something about him seemed a little changed to her, but she chalked it up to being with Mike all evening.

"We got to talking about what we wanted to do tomorrow." She kept her hands in her lap so he wouldn't see them shake.

David sipped a glass of water. "What about what we planned to do tonight?"

"I, uh, wasn't sure you still wanted to..." she hedged, unsure of what the plan might have been.

"Spend the night with you, dream girl? Of course I do." He nuzzled her neck.

"I, uh..." Think fast, Poppy, how would Daisy handle this. "I didn't know what to tell, uh, Poppy about why I'd be gone." Oh my... this switching was much harder as a grown up.

David studied her. "I thought you had that all worked out?"

"I guess I chickened out. You know she has feelings for you, too. I couldn't do that to her." Fake Daisy twisted her lei in one shaky hand. Oh, no, the fingernails! They had different polish on their nails. She dropped her hand and took his glad it was night and the lights were dim. "David, let's go get on the bus. My sister agreed to get Mike to sit on another bus so we could have some privacy. We'll talk on the way back." And it was darker on the bus, so he was less likely to see something out of place about her.

He pulled her closer for a light kiss. Even though their lips barely touched, she felt the sizzle down to her toes. She would have to make some very tough decisions tonight.

"Let's have that nightcap when we get onboard." He nuzzled her ear again as he whispered into it sending pleasant shivers down her neck and making her nipples stand at attention. She drew in a sharp breath as his hand went from her waist to the side of her breast.

"A drink sounds good." Daisy hadn't had much to drink at dinner, so Poppy figured she would have one in one of the ship's clubs. "Which club are we going to?"

David looked at her strangely. Was she supposed to know? Had Daisy forgotten to tell her something? Poppy's heart raced.

"We can go to a club if you want to. I'd thought maybe we could have some champagne up on the Eagles Watch and then go back to your room. You did tell me that Poppy was going out dancing with Mike, didn't you?"

"Oh, of course. I mean that's a lovely place. I think of it as a club, too." One she had yet to see. Inwardly she moaned. Fooling her sister's lover wasn't as easy as fooling parents and teachers.

Real Daisy watched her sister and Mike get on the bus.

"It worked, dream girl," the real David said, with a sigh of relief. Mike had been only too happy to switch places with his brother for a chance to spend some time with "Daisy." Only the real Daisy and David knew about the double switch.

"I hope this works." She held out crossed fingers. "Oh no, the nail polish! How could we have forgotten that."

David took her hand in his, "I doubt Mike would notice. He's so over the top about spending time with you. And if Poppy is as smart as I know she is, she'll realize and make sure she distracts him from her hands." He took Daisy's hand to his lips. "Such beautiful hands you have." He touched his tongue to each fingertip.

"You, as in me? Or you as in me and my sister?" Daisy teased.

"You both have beautiful hands. I happen to think yours are a little more beautiful. But then I'm prejudiced. He continued making love to her fingers until she was wiggling her body against him.

"We'd better get on a bus." She gasped.

"Indeed," he jested, "it's much darker there."

His words promised that the night to come would be sensational. As planned, he had told Mike that he would keep Poppy out all night as "Mike" giving them some time alone, too. He felt the keycard for the below deck cabin in his pocket.

Fake David held Fake Daisy's hand all the way back. She dozed against his shoulder comfortably like she'd done on the bike ride. This time though, Daisy thought he was David. She felt warmer and more relaxed. She let herself into that intimate space only lovers share. Mike was sure she and his brother had made love.

When David had suggested he keep her out all night, Mike was surprised, and he wasn't sure it was possible. Then his brother explained that Daisy expected David to take her to the Eagles Watch and later back to their room. He'd told Daisy he'd find a way to convince Mike to make himself scarce.

He, the real David, would keep Poppy busy and make some excuse why Daisy wasn't back in the stateroom yet. It sounded complicated, but it had worked so far. Mike couldn't be happier if a little confused about his brother's motivations.

Fake Daisy came awake as the bus came to a stop. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sleep all the way back." She stretched against him.

He kissed her apology away. "I enjoyed having you tucked against me." He kissed her again, just because he could. Her response was sweet and tender. He felt her taking the initiative to deepen the kiss and let him know she wanted more. "Let's take this inside," he suggested against her lips. He told himself she wouldn't give herself over to him so completely if she knew he was Mike instead of David, but he didn't care. He and his brother had agreed to tell the women in the morning about the deception. He hoped that Daisy would see that she responded just as much to him as to the real David.

They took the elevator to the top of the ship and stepped into the beautiful piano bar, The Eagle's Watch. Fake David led Fake Daisy to one of the chaises that faced the window. "Let's see if two people can fit in here." He sat first and pulled her onto his lap.

"David, people are watching!" Poppy tried to squirm out of his arms, forgetting for a moment that Daisy wouldn't do that.

"Aw, dream girl, there aren't many people left up here, and the ones that are have their own agenda." Mike nuzzled her neck, hoping she wouldn't notice the difference between himself and his brother.

"That's true, but it makes me uncomfortable." She managed to stand. "Let's get one of those tables by the piano." She shook her dress into place and took a step back.

"I thought you wanted to be with me tonight." He tried to remember he was supposed to be David and dropped the impatience from his voice. "Let's listen for awhile, then we'll go back to my stateroom. _Mike_ is keeping _Poppy_ out for a good time. He told me he would sleep in a deck chair if we needed the room for privacy. Do we?"

"Do we what?"

Daisy seemed hesitant. He had never seen her hesitate where his brother was concerned. Was she aware he wasn't the real David? Time to smooth things over. "Dream girl, you know how much I want you. You also know I'll let you take the lead. If you don't want to spend the night with me just say so." This was weird. If he didn't want to sleep with her, she'd suspect he wasn't David. If he did sleep with her, he would feel like a real cad for deceiving her. Daisy wasn't the kind of woman who slept around. What a dilemma.

"David, I'd like to dance with you." She held out her arms, and he took her into his.

The pianist was playing and singing a medley of old standards. Fake David waltzed her to 'Autumn Leaves' and enjoyed the way she nestled in his arms. The fragrance of the plumeria blossoms in her lei was sweet and seductive. Her hair smelled of a citrus shampoo and was soft against his cheek. Her small body fit with his larger one perfectly. He felt like he'd come home. How was he ever going to convince her that he was the right brother for her.

Fake Daisy snuggled deeper into his arms. She might have only the one night with David, but she was going to make the most of it. In the morning she would admit the truth. How would she keep from making love with him? Although Daisy hadn't said anything, Poppy was sure she had slept with him. He felt so good. She found herself thinking about how wonderful it would be to come home to him. The hard evidence of his reaction to her was proof he wanted her as much as she wanted him. Could she really do this to her sister? Kissing and some foreplay was one thing. Actually having sex? She wanted him. He wanted her. Of course he wants you, stupid, he thinks you're Daisy. Still, the proof she was as arousing to him as Daisy was hot against her thigh as he swept her into a graceful twirl.

"Do you want to leave?" he murmured against her ear. His breath on her skin sent ripples of excitement down between her legs.

"We can stay if you want to." No way was she going to go somewhere with more privacy when he was this ready for her.

"What I'd like is to walk with you on the deck." He kissed her sweetly. "We can go by your room and get a wrap if it's too breezy out there for you."

A walk sounded like a great idea. Both feet on the deck, clothes on, not much there that was risky. "I'd like that too. She smiled up at him and grabbed the bottle of champagne from their table. "I hope they don't mind if we keep this with us."

Knowing that the only way down two floors was a narrow outside stairway or the elevator, Fake David glanced down at the sandals she wore and asked which she'd prefer. "The elevator. If I'm going to get a shawl, we have to go down five decks from here." His arm rested perfectly around her waist.

"Elevator it is. Maybe we'll get lucky and it will be empty."

It was.

"Dream girl," he said, remembering his role, "I need a kiss in the worst way. He grazed her lips gently, then with more passion. She opened to him and explored the world he led her to. He pulled her body against his erection so it nestled against her own longing. She moved against it unconsciously seeking satisfaction. Her hands used his hair to bring his mouth down to her neck, as she felt him lower a strap of her dress.

She distantly heard the ding of the elevator reaching her level, but he pressed his free hand against the button to keep the door closed. Poppy raised the strap of her dress and stepped away from his embrace. Her lipstick was on his lips, and he stepped partway behind her as they got off, hiding the bulge that strained the front of his slacks.

"Oh, Daisy, what are we going to do?" he rasped out.

She chose not to answer. Not that she had an answer.

At the door to her room, David offered to wait outside. "I'm just going to leave my purse and get my shawl. You can come in. We can have another glass of champagne." She swiped her keycard through the lock.

"I'd rather have some more of this." As the door closed behind them, he pulled her back into his arms and picked up where they'd left off. His mouth plundered hers, taking as much as she offered, and demanding more.

Wow, if he'd been kissing Daisy this way all along, no wonder she was falling for him so fast. Poppy started to step back, but he swung her up in his arms and placed her on a bed.

"I can't... uh..."

"Daisy, dream girl, we don't have to make love. I just want to love you, show you how good we can be."

She let him kiss her again, driving away her objections. He lowered the straps on her dress and unbuttoned the tiny buttons on the front releasing her breasts. "Oh, darling, you are so beautiful." His breath teased and tortured her nipples into hard nubs before he took one in his hot mouth and let his tongue drive her wild.

Maybe she'd been wrong about Daisy and David already making love. He certainly didn't act like they had. He was a man seducing a woman he wanted with the touch of hesitancy of a new lover.

"Oh, that feels so good," she moaned softly. He had made her hotter, faster than anyone else ever had. Not that she had had that many lovers. In spite of being a party girl, Poppy kept her sex life limited. "David, I've wanted you so bad."

David? Damn, that was right! He was supposed to be David. He couldn't do this. Even now Daisy would be furious when she found out the truth. He let himself have one more taste of her breast, then eased up so he was kissing her hot sensitized mouth.

"I'm sorry, dream girl, I got carried away." He restored the front of her dress to cover the delicious peaks.

"Since I'm already partly undressed, I'm going to change before we go out." She seemed so natural about it, that he was sure his brother had gone this far if not farther. He watched her gather some clothes. Change her mind, and choose others instead. In spite of their recent intimacy, she went into the bathroom and closed the door.

Mike stood and adjusted his clothes. It would take a miracle for his arousal to disappear anytime soon, but he could do something about the lipstick on his face. The mirror showed just how passionate they'd become. If he hadn't been falling in love with her before, he was now. But, how did he convince her to give him a chance. He realized now that things had gone too far to tell her the truth.

Poppy put a cold washcloth on her face and thought about pressing it between her legs. _Oh my god, the man could kiss. This had been even better than earlier. Of course it was, silly, she told herself in the mirror. He thinks you're his dream girl. Get real. It wasn't you he was kissing in there. It was your sister. He actually thinks you are Daisy. How far are you willing to go, Poppy?_

It wasn't you she was kissing with so much desire, it was your brother. Mike shook his head at his reflection. He should just go back to his room and get some sleep. Could he be doing anything more rotten than letting Daisy react to him like she would to his brother?

Daisy came out of the bathroom looking refreshed and cool in her classic velour sweat suit. "Hey there, miss me?" _Miss her?_ Oh, yeah, His body reacted just to having her in the same room. "Want some more champagne?" She waved the bottle toward him.

"Uh, no. The only way I'm going to keep my hands off you, is to go to my own room and get some sleep."

"If all you plan to do is sleep, you could stay here." She teased.

He moaned at the thought. "I don't think so. He walked to the door with her following. "Pleasant dreams, dream girl."

"Don't I get a good night kiss?" She leaned up to him.

He kissed her lightly. "That's all I can manage and keep my hands to myself." Mike saw in her eyes that she had been as affected as he was. Maybe she could tell it wasn't David. Maybe she did have feelings for him, too. And maybe the sun would rise in the west.

"Goodnight, Daisy."

She told him goodnight and closed the door behind him.

Mike took his time and the stairs to go back to his stateroom. He pondered the events of the evening trying to decipher what it all meant. Another thing he needed to factor in, was why his brother really wanted the switch. Was he truly having doubts about Daisy? Or was he interested in her sister?

The four of them had woven a very dangerous web. He wanted to win Daisy, but he wouldn't lie to her to do it. He walked the upper deck, letting the cool ocean air clear his head before going to bed. He wondered how David's evening with Poppy was going.

"We did it!" Daisy crowed. She was under the sheet of the queen sized bed waiting for David to finish removing his clothes. She had offered to help him, but he had insisted she do a slow striptease for him first. By the time she had finished, he was on his feet stripping his own clothes off quickly. She stared at his manhood. He was so beautifully male. Her own loins were ready and waiting. And, then she looked into his eyes and saw the challenge there. This was not going to be fast and furious. He was going to make the night last.

"Dance with me, dream girl," He held out his arms.

"Here? Now? Naked?"

"You have a problem with here, now, or naked?" He reached for the sheet and snapped it back away from her. The music on the built in radio was soft and seductive. Johnny Mathis singing 'Come to Me'. It was one of the most seductive songs he had ever heard.

She slid into his arms. They fit together even better than before. This time they had the whole night and no hesitation.

Daisy's body was on high alert after pressing against the very dominating thrust of David. She danced as he did, close but in the proper dance position, letting him choose the time and direction for their passion. Just when she was considering taking matters, so to speak, into her own hands, he stopped and turned her around with her back to him. "What are you doing?" She felt his erection against her buttocks.

"I was checking to be sure you hadn't pulled a switch reversal." He thoroughly kissed the back of her neck creating the shivers that went straight to her breasts and peaked the tips.

"So am I me?" She was rubbing her derriere against him making him groan.

"Mmm. You are _so_ you. The little mole on your shoulder blade proves it."

Daisy's breath was coming in puffs as she endured his arousing mouth. When his hands moved up to cup her breasts, she felt her knees go weak. "I think we'd better take this to bed." Her voice was husky with desire.

David swept her into his arms and kissed her with his whole being. "You are the most desirable woman I've ever met," he breathed into her mouth. "I want you so much it overwhelms me." He continued his exploration of her mouth , then moved on to her neck. He found the spot just under her ear that made her gasp. Using the tip of his tongue he traced hot messages around her ear and down her neck.

As he placed her on the bed, he shifted so he could reach her breasts. Holding himself above her, he laved his way down to her abdomen and lower.

Daisy twisted and turned, thrusting her hips trying to find release. The heat between her thighs was like a flaming torch, as he worked further south and licked the soft curls. She was beyond thinking now. Her body had taken over seeking its own satisfaction.

Her lover took his time touching and licking his way to the his goal. He teased at the opening lapping at the moisture gathered there. If he didn't release her soon, she would ignite.

She held his head in both her hands urging him to take her. Her crotch rocked against his mouth needing more, always more.

The path became hotter and wild colors passed beneath her eyelids as it began. From the soles of her feet the tightness spread in intensity, almost too strong to bear. She felt like she would stop breathing and die, if she couldn't get to the peak. Then suddenly the flush of flame ignited through her rushing from her feet to the top of her head. Neither of them was aware of the noise she screamed into the night as the contractions throbbed and pulled her through one side and out the other. Spent, she panted and whispered his name. "David, oh, David." _I love you._

He moved up her body tasting her skin and desensitizing her nerve ends. When he reached her mouth he plunged into it at the same moment he plunged into her core. The ripple of flame began at once carrying her up and over into the pulsating orgasm. His own seemed to go on and on stimulating her until tears rolled down her face.

Spent, they lay together. Neither moved, nor spoke. If they hadn't gone to heaven, it had come to them. Satiated, they slept as one.

In their sleep each dreamed dreams of walking side by side. This time, David knew which twin walked beside him.

***

### Chapter Ten

David woke Daisy with a kiss. The clock showed it was still early and to him that meant their night of passion wasn't over yet. He started at her toes and awakened every part of her, and himself, until they were both hot and ready. This time he was slow and gentle. Stopping himself from time to time to bring her right to the brink, then letting her remain there until his next thrust. In the end, unable to wait any longer, he stroked her to completion, matched by his own.

"Dream girl, that was excellent." Her eyes were the darkened gray green of a stormy sea. A flush still heated her cheeks and her lips were pink and puffy from his kisses. "Have I told how beautiful you are?" He kissed her again.

"Have I told you how sexy you are?" She kissed him back.

Their night together was ending. Unless Poppy and Mike finally got together there was no way they could do this again. An hour here and there perhaps, but they would have to wait until they returned home to spend an entire night. That is if she wanted to.

"When we get home will we continue our relationship?" David was surprised at the concern he had about her saying no.

"I'd like that. Is this a relationship?" Daisy seemed to peer into his soul. Her eyes were wide open and searching.

"I know for me it's way beyond a vacation fling." He pulled her against his chest. "I'm looking forward to seeing you every day and getting to know your family and friends." Just saying the words made it seem closer. Made him closer to her.

"I'm glad I'm not the only one of us who wants a future." She was stroking his arm where it held her, playing with the hair.

"A future?" _Future?_ That made him think about sharing a house and having babies. Is that what she was hinting at?

Daisy raised herself to look into his eyes. "Don't get panicky. I only meant that I want to give us a chance. I never expected to meet someone like you on this cruise." She rolled off the bed to her feet, not bothering to cover herself. He admired her slim and yet luscious body.

"You didn't expect to meet someone _like_ me and yet you met both me and my brother." He knew he was being obvious, but he had to know if she still had an interest in Mike.

She sighed a weary sigh. "And I would love to be totally sure you won't trade me at some point for my sister. I guess that's going to take time."

She strolled to the bathroom, and soon he heard the shower running. He would love to join her in there, but they needed to get back to their shared rooms. He had given a lot of thought to his plan to tell Poppy about the switch and realized it might not be such a good idea. He didn't think Mike would be angry about the double switch, but Poppy had the potential to be indignant, and rightly so. David wondered if either of them had figured out the real identity of the other. He almost hoped they had. His wish was that they would spend time allowing themselves to find the deeper attraction he sensed when they were together. The competitive sprit of being a twin appeared to be the reason they were trying to break him and Daisy up. At least that's how he saw it.

Daisy threw a damp towel at him. "Rise and shine, lover boy. I want to slip into my room before Poppy wakes up."

"I'll wait and shower after I get to my room." He enjoyed the sight of his dream girl dressing in the same clothes she had worn the night before.

"We could always pretend we danced all night and then had the buffet," she suggested.

"Good plan. Let's eat on the way back to your room. You can even take some food back for Poppy. That way we won't let on where we've really been."

"I thought the plan was to tell them." Daisy had finished dressing and was brushing her hair. The lei she'd worn was now looking limp and crushed. It still managed to fill the room with its fragrance.

"It was, but then I realized that Poppy could get really upset. I don't want to hurt her." He was putting on his shoes.

"What about Mike? Wouldn't he be just as upset? He did think he was finally spending time with me." Daisy had her purse in her hand and was at the door.

David put on his watch and walked out with her.

"You're right. Does this mean you agree we should keep it a secret?"

Daisy turned to him searching his eyes once again. "I can't keep secrets from Poppy."

As they closed the door, the lovers were too preoccupied to notice the video camera recording their exit.

Mike rapped on Daisy's stateroom door. He waited for a moment and the rapped a little louder. He didn't want to wake her neighbors, but he had to talk to her. He'd decided that he had to tell her the truth. She might never forgive him, but it wasn't in him to lie to someone he liked so much.

She was either a heavy sleeper, or she wasn't in the room. Still Poppy should have answered if Daisy didn't; Unless his brother still had Poppy engaged elsewhere.

He listened closely at the door. He could have sworn he heard banging noises and his name being called. Rather his brother's name. There it came again. One of the Anderson twins was in some kind of trouble. He tried the door and was relieved when it came open in his hand.

"Daisy? Poppy?" he called as he entered. "It's Mike!"

The banging came from the bathroom.

"Daisy?" he reached for the door and found it stuck tight. "Unlock the door, honey. What's wrong?"

"Mike? It's Poppy, and the door lock is stuck. I've been trying to get out of here for an hour," Poppy wailed.

He fussed with the lock from the outside. "Where did Daisy go?" he asked, while trying to force the door.

"I haven't seen her." Poppy had stopped banging around and shouting. Her voice sounded hoarse.

"Do you have a hairpin or something else tiny and strong? It looks like there's a hole for an emergency unlock."

"All my stuff is in here with me."

Mike checked the bottom of the door and found it fit snugly against a gasket. He wouldn't be able to have her slide one under there. "I'm going to look around and see what I can find." He searched around the room, noticing Daisy's glasses on the nightstand. Would she have left without her glasses? Something was off here. Near the glasses there were a pair of small curved manicure scissors. He plucked them up and went to poke them into the hole in the door plate. As he worked it, he noticed the smoky smell, but it didn't really register.

Finally the lock sprang and the door came open in his hand. Poppy was perched on the small counter, swinging her legs. And lovely legs they were. Naked legs. Wearing nothing but a skimpy pair of panties, Poppy held a towel to her breasts, covering them.

"Could you possibly go back out and hand me my robe?"

Mike turned to oblige and she shrieked, "Don't let the door close!"

"It's okay now, the lock is unlocked see?" He swung the door closed before she could stop him, locking them both in the small room.

"Did I mention I'm claustrophobic?" she whimpered.

"Oh, Poppy love, I'm so sorry." He worked at the lock trying to force it, then gave breaking down the door itself an attempt.

The abandon ship horns began to sound. Over the loudspeaker in the hall a voice kept repeating, "This is not a drill. This is not a drill. Please bring your life jackets with you to your Designated Emergency Location. This is not a drill..."

"Oh my god, we're going to die!" Poppy launched herself into his arms all pretense of modesty forgotten.

The smoke that Mike had barely noticed earlier seemed to be stronger.

"Poppy, as much as I enjoy your naked breasts against me, you need to calm down. I need your help. Get that other towel and wet it down."

He took the wet towel from her and forced it against the bottom of the door. Even though there was a gasket, he wanted to keep out any smoke if there was a fire. Next he had her wet a smaller towel that he used to stuff into the overhead vent.

"Why don't we just turn on the fan and pull the smoke out?" Poppy's voice was quivering with fear.

"Sorry, Poppy love, doing that would just pull air in from the room or somewhere else. This is our best hope."

She looked at him with enormous eyes. "Are we going to die?"

Mike didn't want to give her false assurance, but the fist sized catch in his solar plexus indicated he feared the worst, too.

"Come here, Poppy love." He wrapped her in his arms and rocked her against him. "Let's talk about something else. I'm sure when we don't show up, they'll send someone to find us. "Did you have fun last night?" In the mirror he saw her flinch. "What? Wasn't David a gentleman?"

"What do you mean? You were with me last night." She didn't want to give away the switch.

Mike winced, "Actually, David and I swapped places. He wanted to be with you, and I wanted to be with Daisy." He waited for the angry earful she would heap on him. Instead she was shuddering with...laughter?

"Poppy? What are you laughing about? If you're getting hysterical I might have to shake you," he warned.

Now she was full out roaring with laughter. She laughed so hard tears ran down her cheeks, and she had to take in gulping breaths to get enough air.

"Oh, Mike, we've been had!" Another round of laughter left her breathless.

The clenching in his stomach spread to his abdomen and chest. "What are you talking about?"

"Daisy and I switched places, too. She told me that she was tired and David wanted to make a long night of dancing. She practically was handing him to me on a platter, and I still didn't suspect!" She started laughing again.

"Wait! You're saying they pulled a double switch?" Was it possible? "Then you... I..."

"Uh-huh, those were my breasts you were kissing last night." She stepped back and pinned him with her gaze. "Any chance you want to finish what you started?"

When the horns went off, David and Daisy were about halfway to her room. A staff member rushed up to them and pointed to the exit nearby. "Go directly to the ramp and disembark. Stay in the terminal and someone will come and take your name so we can match it with the list of people missing."

"What's wrong?"

"I don't have time now, just get off the ship!"

He scurried down the hallway, rapping on doors as he went.

"What about Poppy and Mike?" she worried.

"They went through the drill the first evening like we all did. They'll be fine." David steered her onto the ramp and took her arm as they descended to the dock. Very few people were in the terminal because of the early hour. Most passengers would still be sleeping after the late night of the luau and the special parties onboard. He knew Daisy stood out in her shiny dress.

As they watched in horror, they could see people in various states of dress wearing life jackets and meeting at their D.E.L. "Why don't they just get everyone off the boat?" Daisy whispered. She searched the deck for her sister, then realized their location was on the other side of the ship.

"The entrances would be too crowded and some people might panic and start a stampede." David was holding her in his arms.

The early sky just after dawn held raspberry and violet clouds. At any other time, watching a sunrise with David would be romantic, now it was frustrating. She needed to make sure her sister was safe.

Mikes lips trailed down her body as he went to his knees to worship Poppy's tummy and her thighs. Each heated stroke of his lips and tongue brought her closer to the edge. She dropped to her knees, too, and took his mouth with hers. "As much as I love that, we may not have a whole lot of time here."

Mike grinned sheepishly, "I wasn't expecting this. I didn't bring protection."

"Look, hot stuff, we might die in the next hour. I'm not too worried about making babies right now." Poppy punctuated her decision by leaning over and running her tongue around his nipples. When he groaned with pleasure, she said, "Get those pants off."

He stood to do as she had ordered and gasped as her mouth found him, and she began teasing the sensitive tip with her tongue.

"This is what we missed out on last night by being so noble." Her hot hands moved up and down lightly bringing him to the point of no return. She realized he was nearing his limit and stood to put her mouth over his. "Where and how?"

Mike folded a towel and placed it on the lid to the commode. He sat holding himself as a target for her hot moist folds. "Poppy love, I may not be able to make this last very long."

"And I keep telling you we may not have very long." She eased herself over him, letting him fill her and take her up another notch. "Oh, Mike," she moaned into his mouth. Every stroke of his tongue reflected her movements as he let her take charge, bringing herself and him, closer and closer. He reached between them and touched the swollen nub and poured her over the edge, flooding her with wave after wave of pleasure that sparkled inside her like fine champagne.

But even as she felt her inner muscles milk him, he continued moving against her.

"Poppy love hold on!" He wrapped her in his strong embrace and stood leaning her against the counter.

"More, already?" Her eyes sparked with heat.

"Like you said, this might be our last chance." He devoured her mouth seeking and finding nerve endings that flashed to her core. With her legs wrapped around him. soon she was riding him as he plunged into her in a frenetic rhythm that took them both quickly to the apex. The noises she made as she came were more like a song than a scream, but still filled the room around them. As they came down, he whispered against her ear, "Poppy love. Oh, my Poppy love."

Banging on the door to the room carried into their enclave. "We're here!" Poppy screamed.

Mike shouted as loud as he could. Finally the shout came back, "We hear you! We're coming in!"

They heard the door open. Mike grabbed for his pants and handed Poppy his shirt, longer on her than some of her dresses. She found her panties on the shower. Someone tried the bathroom door. "The lock is stuck!" they shouted in unison, then grinned at each other. Maybe they weren't going to die after all, but the smoke was thicker.

On shore, Daisy paced the terminal. She knew Poppy and was sure she had gotten out when the horns sounded. Her sister was very safety conscious. David had left her side to find them some bottled water. When she felt the warmth of someone stopping behind her, she turned expecting him. It was Tom, the annoying wrestler type.

"Well, there you are." He sounded like he'd been looking for her. "I was just telling Tim that you were here somewhere. You're too smart to stay on a boat in trouble."

"Didn't you tell me you'd been in the Navy?" she asked, coolly.

It wasn't what he'd expected her to say. "Uh, yeah."

"I don't believe you. Sailors call a vessel this big a ship, not a boat." Daisy waited for his reaction.

"I was just being sociable."

_Right, and I'm Madonna_ , she thought. Another body pressed against her buttocks, and she started to swing around with her elbow to his stomach.

"Whoa! Take it easy, dream girl. I may have to start calling you something else." His eyes said he was joking.

"I was just discussing the ship with Tom here." She leaned against David's side and gave Tom a triumphant smile. "He was telling me how smart I am."

"You are smart and beautiful, and taken," David growled, staking his claim.

A shiver went down her spine. Geoff used to tell men she was 'taken'. It was his favorite way to refer to her. His way of introducing her, _This is Daisy and she's taken._ She hadn't liked it then, and she wasn't sure she liked it now. No one 'took' her unless she wanted them to. She eased away putting a small space between herself and the man at her side. Tom still stood in front of her grinning foolishly.

"Why don't you find someone else to bother," David stated firmly. It wasn't a question.

"I'm not botherin' anybody."

"You're bothering me. And you're bothering the lady." David challenged.

Were all men such freakin' roosters? She wondered.

"Okay boys, stand down. David, why don't we take a walk. They've already checked our names off their list." She gave Tom a polite smile and pulled David after her. Walking briskly out of the terminal to a grove of palm trees, she came to an abrupt stop. For a moment she didn't speak, trying to dissolve her temper and be calm.

"I can tell you're pissed. You might as well tell me off." David stood a few feet away with his arms crossed. Defensive posture, she noted, unsure if she really wanted to unload on him.

"I don't want to tell you off. I want to explain how I felt back there. Will you or _can_ you listen without getting defensive?"

"I'm not defensive."

She quirked a sad smile. "Of course. Maybe I can tell you what Geoff did that I found unbearable after it happened a few times?

"Go ahead." He still had his arms crossed, and his eyes blazed with sparks.

"I can take care of myself. I'm smart enough to ask for help when I need it. No one has to take care of me. And I am not _taken_." She waited a beat and added, "I do not find it sexy to be fought over like a territory."

"Is that all?"

After thinking a minute she nodded.

"I wasn't fighting over you. I took offense at his attitude and would have done the same for any woman." When she started to speak, he motioned that he wasn't finished. "I listened to you. Will you extend the same courtesy?"

At her nod, he continued. "I'm sorry about the unfortunate phrasing of 'taken'. I knew it would put an end to the situation in that jerk's mind. I am not Geoff, and you have to stop comparing us."

She waited in silence until he spread his arms, "Well?" She asked, tersely.

"I think it would be best for me if I didn't argue with you. You are obviously on edge." He shrugged as if the discussion was minor and he was dismissing it.

The night before had been amazing, but he was being a real 'butthead', as Poppy would say. "I want to go see if there's any word on my sister." She didn't look to see if he followed her. Her sister was so much more important than arguing with any man.

The terminal was nearly empty. The clock by the counter for the rental cars said eight-oh-four. It had been over two and a half hours since they'd been told to get off the ship, or big boat, she grinned to herself. Maybe she had taken her stress out on Tom. He was still a jerk, but she had never felt danger from him.

Stress? Why had she thought about being stressed? Of course there was the emergency and not knowing if Poppy was okay. That would stress anyone. Wasn't unbelievable sex supposed to relax and de-stress you? She heard her name.

"Daisy!" Poppy called to her. "Daisy over here!" She waved her arms over her head. Although most of the crowd had thinned, there were enough people to block Daisy from seeing her. Mike lifted her to his shoulder in one smooth move. "How'd you do that?" She mock glared at him.

"I lift heavy things all the time."

"Are you saying I'm heavy?" Her tone teased him. He was remarkably fit for a desk jockey.

"If you want to take it that way go ahead. I was simply stating a fact. On construction sites there are all sorts of things that build muscles."

"And lovely muscles they are." She admired the muscles that held her securely on his equally strong shoulders.

"And you, Poppy love, are as light as a butterfly and more beautiful."

"Keep up that kind of talk and we'll have to go jam ourselves in the bathroom again." His eyes held the same fire she felt in her soul. "Maybe you should put me down."

"Why? You don't like having the best seat in the house.?'

"I like. I also like being down where I can kiss you."

"Can't you kiss me from up there?"

She leaned trying to get to his lips. "Nope."

"Maybe this will help." He slid her off and down his chest holding her feet off the floor while he ravaged her mouth.

Poppy almost missed hearing her sister call to her.

"Daisy has seen us," Mike mumbled against her mouth.

"Good." She continued kissing him.

"Excuse me you two. Are you both all right?"

"Yes, Daisy. Thanks for asking, Daisy. Go away, we're busy, Daisy."

"Do you think she really went away?" Mike asked into Poppy's mouth.

"No. She doesn't discourage easily."

"Maybe if we ignore her?"

"Not even if you made love to me right here."

"Then I guess we'll have to say hello."

"I guess."

"Hi, Daisy," they chorused, then snickered.

"You two remind me of two very naughty children."

That brought on another bout of snickers that turned into outright guffaws.

"Was it something I said?" She was laughing at them laughing.

"You think we sound _naughty_?"

"She thinks we sound _naughty_!" Mike taunted.

"She should have seen us in the bathroom!" That brought another round of laughter.

Daisy was puzzled by the last comment and what it had have to do with anything. Naughty? Bathroom? "Guys? Maybe we could go get breakfast? Then you can explain about the bathroom." That sent them into more snickers. laughter.

***

### Chapter Eleven

David saw the joyful reunion of the sisters and started to walk over to greet his brother. Without looking around they walked up the ramp to the ship and left him behind. Fine, he thought, that's just fine. I have the most incredible night of my life and now she ignores me. He was angry at himself that it bothered him so much. He followed them onboard the ship and to the dining room for breakfast.

Across the room they had been seated at a table for four. He decided to drop his irritation and go as if nothing was wrong. Before he could reach them, Doctor Fair slid into the chair beside Daisy. David joined the twin Asian American dancers, "Hi Amy, Anji." His back was to the table where Daisy sat with the doctor.

"I've been hoping to see you again" the doctor spoke to Daisy but included the others in his greeting.

"Good morning, Doctor." Daisy felt shy around this man. She didn't understand it. David was a doctor, too, and she hadn't felt shy with him.

"Where's the other twin?"

"Oh, you mean David?" Mike asked. "He's around somewhere. Where is he, Daisy? You two have a fight?" He was joking but he'd hit to close to the truth.

"Something like that. Mike, thanks for a good time last night." She was trying to keep up the pretense of the switch.

Her sister and Mike looked at each other and burst out in chortles.

"Oh, you know. Both of you?" At the grins on their faces she was sure they had discussed it and found it amusing. So much for her worry about Poppy being angry. In fact she seemed anything but angry. "I get it. Did the two of you have a good time last night?"

"Did you and David?" Poppy nibbled on the cinnamon roll she'd ordered.

"Yes, but I want to hear about your evening. When did you figure out the double switch?"

"Not until this morning. We each slept in our own beds, alone I might add. I was being noble and so was Mike. We didn't want to hurt you, and this morning realized the trick."

Daisy couldn't help noticing the glow in her sister's cheeks. "Where were you when the horns went off? She still smelled the smoke around them.

They began laughing again. "I was stuck in our bathroom. The lock on the door wouldn't unlatch. I pounded and called and luckily Mike happened along, and I'd left our door unlocked for you, so he came in. He finally got it open, but then he was trying to prove it was fixed and got locked in there with me. Then I smelled the smoke and got really scared, but Mike took care of me until we were rescued."

"Oh, honey, that must have been so scary for you." She knew her sister was claustrophobic.

"We thought we were going to die, but we managed to distract ourselves until help came."

Doctor Fair asked, "Do you need me to check you for smoke inhalation?" He was peering at Poppy.

"No, I'm okay. Mike had me put wet towels around the door and the vent so it didn't get too bad until they opened the door. Do you know anything about what happened?"

Doctor Fair shifted as though uncomfortable. "Something to do with the air conditioning or ventilation system. I guess it was only the one floor affected. I'm not really at liberty to talk about it. Everything has been repaired, and we're all safe. I treated one child with asthma. That's all." He shrugged.

Daisy noticed he wasn't flirting with her or her sister today. Across the room she caught sight of David's back and one of the dancing twins, as she thought of them, kissing him on the cheek. His head was turned so she could see he was laughing at something. Well, he certainly appeared to have moved on.

"Doctor Fair, would you like to go hiking with us today. We're going to Iao Valley to take pictures of the needle."

She caught Mike and Poppy sending a message to each other with their eyes.

"I'm sorry, I would love to go, but I'm on call here." Taking her hand as he stood, he kissed it lightly. "I look forward to seeing you again. Will you have dinner with me tonight?"

"Oh, I'd love to." She could move on, too.

A few minutes later, Poppy cornered her sister in their room as they were changing to go hiking. "What's going on?"

"What do you mean?"

"With you and David."

"Nothing."

"That's what's so suspicious. You guys were hot and heavy. You manage a whole night together somewhere, and now you won't even eat breakfast together? Spill it."

"There's nothing to spill. I saw some traits I didn't like, and he didn't like me pointing that out. End of story."

"Except I can see you're hurt and you're having trouble holding back tears." Poppy pulled her down beside her on her bed. "Come on, Daze, this is me, remember? What did he do?" As her sister's tears started rolling down her cheeks, Poppy embraced her and smoothed her hair, consoling her. "Aw, Daze, is he worth the pain?"

"Probably." Daisy took a couple stuttering breaths to calm herself. "I don't know. We had a great night. This morning he was walking me back to my room and then the emergency happened, and they made us get off the boat." Once the words started spilling out, she told the whole story about Tom and David and her reaction to being 'taken'. "I just hate having a man feel I'm a possession, like he plucks me off a shelf and decides I belong to him.'

Poppy listened with her heart as she had always done. Sister to sister was strong anyway, but twin to twin was the strongest bond ever.

Someone knocked softly on their door. "Poppy are you ready?" It was Mike, and when she opened the door, she saw that his brother had joined him. "We're ready to go." He tossed the rental car keys and caught them. "Iao Valley here we come."

She glanced quickly at her sister, who looked stunned. "Uh, Daisy doesn't feel too well. Maybe we'll stay on the boat for awhile."

"Ship." Daisy corrected, softly. "It's a ship, and I'm ready to go."

Poppy handed Mike her back pack and reminded him that the cook up on the pool deck had promised to pack them a box lunch to take along. She noticed that neither David nor Daisy would look directly at the other and neither was smiling. Oh, this was going to be so much fun! She'd rather sleep on an ant hill.

"At least they're talking, now." Mike said. They had reached the needle and were eating their picnic in its shadow. The greens around them contrasted with the black lava in an intensity almost fake looking. Here was rainforest; Lush, tropical and filled with pesky mosquitoes. Mike was smearing more repellant on Poppy's upper back where her t-shirt didn't quite cover.

"That's about all they're doing. Did you here how polite they're being?"

"Yeah, how rude!"

She laughed at his dig. "You know what I mean. Last night they were, um, together, and today they act like they're dueling at dawn."

"Dawn has come and gone. We were locked in a love nest at dawn" He reached for her, but she stepped back. "Regrets?"

"No, I'm just not ready for either of them to know our business. Let them think we're still after them. It may come in handy." Poppy's grin was nearly evil.

"You wicked, wicked woman. Do you want to find a private place and have your wicked way with me?"

She gave him that unique askance glance as she responded, "You know I do. This jungle makes me feel all primitive and wild."

"Come with me, wild woman." The passion in his eyes took her breath away. She felt the tight heat begin between her legs and her nipples peaked.

"We can't."

"What, you want to baby sit those children all day? Let's go get naked somewhere."

She was so tempted. Then a mosquito attacked under the edge of her t-shirt sleeve, and she realized how much more of her would be exposed. "Let's ditch them somewhere and find a better place, like your stateroom."

"Any ideas on where and how to get rid of them?"

"The way they've been acting we could just put them in a room together and let them kill each other."

"Or we could lock them in a bathroom until they make up."

She got a gleam in her eye, "Or we could pull off another switch and make them each think the other apologized."

"Wouldn't work. We don't know enough about the argument to know what to say. More importantly what not to say." Mike took her hand, but she slipped it free.

"Daisy told me most of it, but you're right. Too risky." She paced the area where Mike sat admiring her legs in the hiking shorts and knee high socks that protected her legs.

"Have I mentioned what great legs you have?" He eyed them like he wanted to devour them.

"Yes, and you also told Daisy how great hers were."

"Can I help it if you're twins? Four great legs instead of two."

He stood and walked her behind some bushes. His mouth came down on hers and explored her gently. When he came up for air, neither of them was capable of speech. Poppy pulled his lips back to hers. When she had finished with him, she pushed away. "Nice, hot stuff. Let's get those two together so we can be alone." He had created a need only he could fill. Soon, she hoped.

"They don't know what happened in the bathroom, right?" Mike asked.

"Daisy knows you kept me from panicking."

"David only knows we were stuck there. He wanted to know more, but I didn't let on there was anything more than friendly hugging."

"You are such a gentleman."

"My point is, as far as they know we're still more interested in them, than in each other. What if we start playing on that. We can make them think we're happy about their break up and go for the kill."

"But what about us?" She wasn't secure enough yet to give this plan her blessing. "What if you're still dreaming of Daisy?"

"Poppy love, it's us all the way for me. What about you and my brother?"

"No, you're the one for me. I just didn't see it. Do you really think this will work?" Her skepticism showed in her voice.

"Why not? They pulled off that double switch on us." He shrugged. "And I for one am glad they did. You can do it, Poppy love. Just look for a chance to get him alone and work your magic."

"Can I have one more of your kisses first?"

"Glad to oblige."

Poppy sure hoped this worked. It was hard for her to believe that yesterday she was panting over David, and today she saw him as attractive but not for her.

"David, can you come and help me clean up our lunch stuff, please?" Poppy called out to David.

He looked up when Poppy called, happy for something to do. He politely excused himself from Daisy, who wasn't really paying him attention anyway. She was busy with a sketch pad drawing trees and rocks.

"What can I do to help?" He took the trash bag she held out to him.

"Just make sure all the leftovers and plastic dinnerware is in this bag. The chef told me to bring it all back, and they recycle some of the stuff. I already set aside the fruit we can snack on later." She gave him a flirtatious smile. "Want to walk that little trail with me? I hear there's a waterfall there."

"Sure, let me get my camera." He wasn't surprised that she wanted to be with him, only that it had taken her so long to find an excuse. Why hadn't he noticed before how much lighter she took life? She wouldn't have condemned him for taking care of her. She might have appreciated what he was trying to do. He'd only been attempting to be helpful to Daisy, the woman he thought he was falling in love with. Had he fallen for the wrong sister? Obviously fate was going to give him another chance to find out. Oh boy..

Behind them on the trail, another passenger watched and waited, camera in hand.

David could be good company, but Poppy was finding him to be too serious for her own mood. She was playful and teasing as she tried to lighten him up. Finally, she grabbed him and kissed him. "There."

"Is that the best you can do?" He responded gruffly. He wound his hands through her hair and pulled her to him. Holding her head so he could slant his mouth across hers he took her. As he plundered her senses, he raised her so her body melted into his. With his free hand on her buttock to press her firmly against his arousal, he used the other to stroke and cup her breast running his thumb across the peak.

She managed to move her head to the side enough to rasp out, "David, no!"

He dropped his arms and stepped away looking down at the ground, trying to control his breathing.

Finally he looked up holding her gaze with is own. "Isn't that what you wanted? Isn't that what you've been telling me with every glance of your beautiful eyes and swish of your gorgeous butt?"

Poppy didn't know what to say. If she wanted to pull off the plan she needed him to want her. She also wouldn't betray Mike, nor her sister. She knew Daisy too well to believe she would give up with David overnight. "I have never made a secret of my attraction to you. What I said yesterday still goes. I won't betray my sister.

"She has nothing to do with this."

"Why, because you argued?"

"Because she doesn't really want me. She just wanted a fling." She could see the desperation in his eyes. The pain.

"Daisy would never ever let a romance go so far as to hurt anyone." She argued.

"Who says I'm hurt? I'm angry at myself for taking things so far with a woman I just met. It's not like me to plunge into an emotional whirlpool without thinking."

Poppy put her black daypack down near a weathered log covered in green. Everything here was covered in a green so deep and bright it looked like Astroturf. She sat, and with an oath stood quickly.

"Poppy? What's wrong?" David was there in an instant.

"I sat on a bee! Oh, that burns!" She had her hand over her right buttock.

"Let me see." David was undoing her belt and unzipping her shorts.

"What do you think you're doing?!" She jerked away.

"I'm a doctor remember? I want to see if the stinger is still in there. If it is, it needs to come out before it works it's way deeper." David was in full medical mode now, peeling her clothes down her legs.

"Wait!" This was not part of the plan. "Are you sure about the stinger?"

"Did you see what kind of bee it was?"

"No, I don't have eyes in my butt!"

"Well, I don't see a dead bee anywhere, so you didn't kill it, and to be safe that stinger has to come out! Now, quit fighting me."

She stood as still as she could while David probed the site of her pain. "What does it look like?" She twisted in his hands trying to see what he saw.

"Like a big red sore spot with a tiny black stinger in it. Do you have a pocket knife in your pack?"

"No, they won't let you carry those on the planes."

"If they're small enough they do." He stepped over to his own pack and fumbled in the side pocket, pulling out a tiny pearl handled knife. "I don't suppose you have any alcohol or a match?"

She realized he wanted to sterilize the blade. "Look in the front pocket. There should be some antiseptic wipes there in little packets.

He found one easily and cleaned the blade of his knife. "This might hurt a little, but I keep my knife very sharp. "

She felt him poking and squeezing around the area. "Ow, that hurts!"

"I know. Just give me a couple seconds."

He quit squeezing and held out a tiny black speck on his knife blade. Poppy realized that knife had penetrated her bottom and began to feel woozy.

By the time David realized what had happened he was already holding a slumping Poppy in his arms. He patted her cheeks gently, "Poppy? Come on, sweetheart, stay with me." As she slumped further, he lifted her in his arms and sat with her on his lap. Her head lolled against his shoulder. "Poppy, come on. You can do it." He cradled her against his chest and began trying to pull her clothing back into place. She began to come to as he struggled with it.

"Stop, I can do it," she whispered. She reached down to pull on her panties and her other hand braced against him. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she gasped as she realized where she had her hand.

"I don't mind your hand there, but be a little careful of the 'boys'."

"Boys?" Oh! She tried to hide her flaming face in his shirt.

"Can you stand? I think it might work best if you stand up and finish dressing."

Still wobbly, she stood placing her crotch right at mouth level for him. How was a man supposed to resist such temptation? He raised his eyes to study her face. Did she want him to take advantage of the situation?

In the distance on the path, he heard Daisy's voice.

"Poppy, your sister and my brother are coming."

She hiked up her shorts and got them fastened in record time. Her bottom was still hurting, and she rubbed it as she straightened her clothes. Just as Daisy rounded into sight, she leaned over and kissed David lightly, "Thanks, Doc."

He stood and patted her behind without thinking, "I have some salve back in the car that will take out that burning sensation."

Mike and Daisy came to a stop where the trail ended. "What's going on here?" Mike asked.

"I sat on a bee." Poppy patted her sore butt cheek.

"Are you okay?" Mike wanted to know.

Mike was concerned, but Daisy looked skeptical. From what little she had seen and heard, it sounded like her sister was having some fun with David. Well, two could play that game. Or in this case four. "Where's that waterfall?" She asked

Poppy pointed to the start of another trail. "It isn't far.

Daisy took Mike's hand, "Let's go take pictures." He grinned at the others. "I like a woman who knows what she wants.

Deep in thought, David watched his brother take Daisy down the path. His thoughts were interrupted by the sister still with him. "Can we go back to the car and get that salve, now? My butt really hurts."

"Want me to kiss it and make it better?" Where had that come from? Just knowing that Daisy had turned her back on him gave him more freedom where her sister was concerned.

"After we get the salve. You can do anything you want as long as it makes the pain go away."

"Anything?" he teased.

"Anything two people can do in a small car in a public parking lot."

"What do you think they're doing?" He motioned behind him as they went down the trail.

"I don't want to think about it. Thank you for taking care of me." She stopped and turned around. "I mean it, David. I'm a big baby about things like that. I'm glad I had my personal medic around."

He kissed her because it seemed like the right thing to do. "Happy to have been of service." Then he kissed her again because it felt good. Some of his favorite body parts were happy he was kissing her. One in particular was trying to show her just how happy.

"Um, David, this isn't the most private place around."

"Does that mean you want to go someplace secluded with me?" She was so beautiful and full of life.

"We can talk about that after we get my butt treated."

"There are other treatments for that region." He loved flirting with her. She took what he dished out and flung it back.

"You're going to be treating yourself for some nasty bruising if you don't come with me."

"I do believe I'd very much enjoy coming with you, sweetheart." He was following as closely behind her as he could and not step on her heels.

Around the next curve the car was in sight. So was a van with a family of four kids and an excursion bus filled with ship's passengers just getting off.. It didn't look likely that he and Poppy could have a little fun while they waited for their twins to come back. He suddenly wondered what kind of little fun _they_ were having and hoped he was wrong.

Poppy led the way to the car and sighed with relief as he opened the doors and turned on the air conditioner. "Dr. Fair said he'd heard that the smoke was coming through the air conditioners on that one level. How can that be?"

"I have no idea." He was searching through the first aid bag he carried everywhere. "Here it is." He held up the tube of first aid cream. "This has an antihistamine in it to cut the swelling and a pain reliever to numb the pain." He stood, waiting for her to do something.

"If you're waiting for me to drop my drawers again, forget it. There's too much of an audience around."

"Right. We can go in the restroom."

"Excuse me, do you want me to go in the men's room or were you planning to go in the lady's?"

For a man who never blushed, he felt his face get very red. "Um, why don't you check out the lady's and let me know when the coast is clear?"

"Why don't I take that little tube and put it on myself?" She reached for the salve that he held just out of reach.

"What do you plan to do, look in the mirror and hope you get it right?" He took her arm firmly in his and walked her to the front of the lady's restroom. "Just humor me. Go see if there are any other women in there."

"You didn't say please."

"Please!" he roared, bringing some odd looks from the few people remaining.

Poppy checked it out and reported an all clear. David closed the door behind him and leaned against it. "Drop them."

"Just like that? No dinner and dancing first?"

"Just like that. I'm being a doctor here, remember? I've seen a lot of naked behinds. If you're modest, go in a stall and drop them. Hold your shorts in front of you as you come out and wait until you're right in front of me before you turn around."

She pondered that a moment., turned her back and dropped her pants. "Get it over with."

He stroked it on gently smoothing it around the flaming sting. "I'm done. You can get dressed now."

Someone pressed against the door but couldn't open it with his weight there. They knocked on the door. "Poppy? David? What's going on in there?" Oh god, it was Daisy.

"We'll be out in a minute." He was embarrassed, yet knew he hadn't done anything wrong. Still, he'd been stroking her sister's nude butt in a public restroom. Should he even try to explain?

***

### Chapter Twelve

Mike watched Poppy's face, searching for a clue. "You okay, Poppy love?"

"Yeah, but my butt hurts. You brother had some salve to put on it. I can feel it taking the burn out, but it still hurts." She continued rubbing at the sore area.

He wanted to put his arms around her and offer to take her mind off it, but he kissed her cheek instead. "Are you ready to go back to the ship?" There wasn't much sense in riding in the car for a long period. She was going to be uncomfortable sitting.

As if reading his mind, she said, "I'm sorry, I think I screwed up our ride on Hana Road."

"So, you do want to go to the ship?"

He noticed that the bus for the ship was sitting there running the air conditioner. "Let me ask the driver if you can go back with them?" He only had to ask. The driver assured him he had room and the group would be returning in about ten minutes. This was the tour that had started at the winery. Most people were ready to rest after that and the hike to the needle. When the young man in the driver's seat told him his friends could wait on the bus, Mike motioned them over.

"I'll go back with her," Daisy offered.

"No, Daisy, go ahead with the guys to Lahaina. There's still time for you to ride the train." Poppy gave David a big eyed look. "I'll be fine by myself."

"I'm going with you." David insisted.

Mike grinned inwardly, she was playing them perfectly. "Okay, Daisy, you and I can go take the train and look around town. Looks like David has everything under control." He trusted Poppy to keep his twin close by her side. David so liked to rescue people. That's what made him a good doctor. And also what made him a pain in the ass sometimes. Speaking of pain in the backside, "Poppy, is there anything you want us to do before we leave?'

"Leave the garbage here so I can take it back. And we can take the backpacks, too. They'll just be bulky on the train, and there's no sense in smelling up the car with the garbage."

With a fond look at Poppy, David added, "Be sure to take your cameras. You'll get some great pictures and video.

Mike felt a stab of jealousy at the warmth in his brother's expression, but he trusted Poppy. "I'll see you later, Poppy love. David." He shook his brother's hand. "Take care of her. She's had a couple rough days."

Daisy hugged her sister, "Take care, sweetie.

"Have fun, you guys, and quit worrying, it's just a bee sting." Mike watched her get on the bus and find a seat. David had given their packs and the garbage to the driver, Eric. He settled in beside her and put his arm across the back of the seat.

After seeing that his brother and lover were ready to wait, Mike took Daisy's hand and led her to the car. "I've never realized there was a running train in Hawaii let alone a sugar train." He needed to get his mind off Poppy and David.

"Poppy told me she had a good time. There's no way she could have made that ride again on hard wood seats, though." Daisy buckled her seatbelt.

Mike noticed that she didn't refer to his brother if she could avoid it. To hear her talk, Poppy had made the trip alone, yet he knew David had kissed her on the train. She'd told him. She wanted him to understand how far things had gone and how far they hadn't. He was grateful for that, while still feeling jealous that she'd kissed him. In fact it made him realize there had been a lot more than mere flirting for each pairing. While he was very glad he had come on the cruise, he didn't like the intrigue and confusion. He glanced at the young woman beside him. She was attempting to appear enthusiastic, but failing.

"Want to tell me what went wrong with you and my brother?" He asked her.

"Not really. I'm here with you now and happy to be here. You're a lot of fun, you know."

"Ah, yes, but do you think I'm sexy?" He gave her a leering grin.

Daisy snorted with laughter. "I think you're very sexy. Why isn't it working for you and my sister?"

"Oh, you're going to play hardball, huh?" He wasn't going to let her mope if he could help it.

"Just answer the question, Mr. Sexy." She teased.

"I don't want to talk about Poppy when I'm with you. This is our chance to bond as they say."

"As who says?" She was still laughing at him.

""The gurus of wisdom. I told you on the bike ride that I wanted the chance to get to know you better. This is our chance." He rested his hand on her knee.

At her nod he pointed to the tunnel ahead. "Just through there is where Poppy and David saw the whales. We might be lucky, too." He prepared to pull of onto the turnout after exiting the tunnel.

"There they are!" she gasped. "Oh, Mike, they're real whales!"

"No, they're stunt whales the Hawaiian tourist board hires to thrill people like us."

"Stop being sarcastic. Aren't they magnificent?" She was trying to take pictures with her small camera.

"They're going to look like specks with that camera."

"I'll know what they are and I'll remember this day." She insisted.

He began using the telephoto on his digital video camera to zoom in on the immense creatures. "Look! They're all breaching again!" His voice showed he was just as excited as she was.

"Can we just stay here and watch them?"

"I don't see why not. This is our time. We'll probably miss the train, though."

"I don't care. I've never seen anything like this."

They watched as the one in front slapped the water with his tail as he dove. There appeared to be five or more. It was hard to keep track as they cavorted in the waves. Under the water from time to time, whales swam past the others leaving a trails on the surface before they rose again to spout water from their blowhole.

"Wow! Wow, wow, wow," Daisy whispered with tears in her eyes.

Mike was enjoying watching her reaction as much as he enjoyed seeing the whales. Finally they were far enough away that he suggested leaving.

"I suppose." She tucked herself back in the car while he put their cameras away. "Maybe you should let me hold yours. We don't know what else we'll see along the way. Is it much further now?"

"I think about fifteen minutes. If we're going to skip the train, what shall we do?"

"I wouldn't mind just walking around town. Poppy said there was a self guided walking tour of the old buildings, giving the history. Most of the town was built between eighteen-forty and eighteen-sixty during a whaling peak. Then the royal family took a liking to it and vacationed here for another twenty years. Some of the buildings are still being refurbished to make them authentic. And I just realized I'm sounding like a brochure."

She giggled. A surprisingly childlike sound from a very grownup woman. He was glad she'd relaxed enough to shed the cloud that had hovered over her all morning.

"Walking sounds perfect. David said there are several places that sell scrimshaw. I was thinking it would make great gifts for my parents if it's not too expensive."

"It might be a little pricey, but I'm sure it's worth it. How often does a person get to see, let alone buy, scrimshaw?"

"I'd like to go by the train first and take pictures, if that's all right with you."

"Sure." Her voice held reluctance.

"If you'd rather not...?"

"Mike, I'll be fine. I know he kissed my sister while they were riding the train. I told you, Poppy and I don't keep secrets from each other. I'm just trying to sort out my own feelings, all right?"

She had folded her hands and was staring straight ahead, putting an end to that line of conversation.

"Since you don't mind, I'm going to the train first. Who knows? Maybe they'll have a late run we can make." He wasn't hopeful about that. In fact he didn't think they'd have much time to sightsee. Getting her away from the tension of being with his brother, had been his goal. Anything else was gravy.

The depot had been easy to find, especially since David had warned him what to look for. They saw the train pulling out as they parked in the lot.

"Looks like we missed it."

Mike suggested they go into the depot anyway and see what the gift shop had to offer. He found a professionally made video tape of the train ride and bought one for each of them. "A virtual train ride is better than none."

"Poppy's more of a train freak than I am. I'm more into sports cars."

"What do you drive?" She had his interest. His brother loved sports cars and racing.

"I have a corvette."

"New?" Why, all of sudden, was getting information about her like pulling teeth?

"No, a vintage nineteen-sixty-four Sting Ray."

"Wow, color?"

"Silver, of course." She was snapping a picture of the extra train engine they had parked outside.

There were children climbing in and out of it. The flowers near the base and the shiny black paint accented with red and gold trim made a pretty picture.

"Go over by the engine so I can take a picture of you with your camera," he suggested.

"All right, but why don't we have someone take one of both of us?"

He agreed and asked the mother of the children if she would mind.

"Not at all. You and your wife make a very attractive couple."

"Oh, she's not my wife!" Mike exclaimed.

"Well, you look nice together." She took several pictures and said _aloha_ as she gathered up her children.

"Wife?" Daisy was giving him a speculative look.

"We do look good together, but I'm a long way from being ready to take a wife."

"Take? You mean as in, 'she's taken'?"

He noticed she was tensing up just like she was in the terminal after the evacuation. "Does that bother you? Being taken?"

"Wouldn't it bother you?"

He pondered it a moment, "No, I don't think it would. Being taken would mean to me that I'd found the person who wanted to be with me, not just dating me. If the relationship goes both ways, aren't both people 'taken'?" He could tell by her expression she wasn't convinced he was right, but maybe he'd managed to give her something to think about.

"Let's go to town and find a place to get something to drink. My bottled water is warm." She was waiting for the hot air to escape before she slid into her seat in the car.

"Your wish is my command." He was ready to go somewhere cool and try to get her to talk more.

They easily found parking in the lot David had recommended and walked the short blocks along the sides of the historic buildings to the front "This a quaint! And look at that ocean view. Is that an old whaler?" Daisy's voice held enthusiasm for the first time.

They crossed the narrow, traffic-clogged main street and took pictures from the park that barely edged the seawall. "I don't know if it's old," he replied, taking another shot of the four-masted sailing ship anchored off shore. "And, look at that yacht. Wouldn't it be fun to go around the world in one of those?" he squeezed her to his side, forgetting for a minute which woman he was with. "We'd have so much fun."

"That would be fun, Mike. You know how to have fun no matter what you're doing. I'll bet you're fun even in bed."

That shocked him back to reality. Was she hinting? "Uh, Daisy, let's go find that scrimshaw." He held her waist as he steered her safely back across the street to the rows of shops and restaurants in the old buildings. They found the café where their siblings had tried the fruit sherbet in pineapple and decided to split a mango one.

He watched Daisy's little tongue work on her spoon and suppressed a groan of desire that flooded him. She looked entirely too much like her sister for his own good. She met his eyes with a twinkle that told him she knew exactly what she was doing and was ready to kick it up a notch.

Mike only hoped Poppy was having better luck getting David to talk.

"So, David, should I have Dr. Fair take a look at this sting?" Poppy didn't really think it necessary, but her companion seemed far away, and she needed a topic of conversation that wouldn't make him think of her sister. It was obvious to her that he had given very little of his attention on the ride back to the boat. Ship, as Daisy would insist. They still had hours until dinner, and she didn't want to spend them in her room lying on her stomach. "Any ideas on what we can do when we reach the ship?"

David turned his eyes from his blank stare out the window to hers. "What?"

"We're almost to the terminal. What do you want to do with the rest of the afternoon?"

"We could swim."

"Ocean or pool?"

"Pool. Then we're close to home."

So now the ship was home? To her, David made it clear he was going to keep worrying his feelings for Daisy to death. "I have a better idea." At least she thought she did. "Let's soak in the hot tub. You said a hot compress would help draw the venom to the surface, and then we could get a massage."

His eyes were intent as they held hers. "Or I could give you a massage."

What had she gotten herself into? "We'll see." She gave him a warm smile that she hoped wasn't too flirtatious. It was taking more effort than she'd thought to pretend to still be interested in him, when she was actually wondering what Mike was doing with her sister. She trusted both of them, but Daisy was hurting and Mike was a very kind man. She hoped her twin wouldn't take advantage of that.

"Do you want to meet at the hot tub on the upper deck, or shall we go to your room first while you change into your swimsuit?" She hoped he'd want to meet her.

"Come to my room. I won't take long and then we'll go to your room." He seemed suddenly more attentive.

True to his word, David changed quickly in his bathroom while she perched on the arm of the sofa so she could keep the pressure off her sore spot. She idly wondered how long it would be sore and if there was anything Dr. Fair could give her for the pain. If she'd had bee stings before, they hadn't hurt enough to remember them.

"Ready?" had changed into his boxer style trunks and wore a top-of-the-thigh length Hawaiian shirt to cover it. "I have an extra towel in case we need it."

"I'm sure I can get a couple from my room, too. Okay, dude, as my niece would say; let's rock and roll."

She kept a brisk pace as she led the way down one deck and to the other end of the ship. "I'm kind of glad you're going in the room with me."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Don't get the wrong idea! I haven't been in that bathroom since I got stuck there. I just meant, if I got stuck again, you could get me out."

"It would be my pleasure." He wrapped her up and kissed her before she knew what he intended.

"Hey, you need to promise to keep your hands to yourself!"

"Why? Yesterday you were trying to entice me? What's changed?" His eyes on her were darker than usual. "Are you toying with me?"

"Toying?"

"Poppy?" His voice held a dangerous edge.

She swiped her card and entered the stateroom.

"Nice," he said, looking around at the sea green and gray décor . "You didn't answer my question." He peered closer at her. "Take off the shirt and turn around."

She was wearing a tank top under her opened, button front shirt. "What? You promised!"

"What? Oh, no, not that. I want to look at your shoulder blade."

The mole. She'd almost forgotten about the mole. "I'm Poppy if that's what you're trying to prove." She shucked the shirt and turned her back. "Look for yourself."

"You're Poppy. Sorry. I thought for a minute there you had switched again."

"What would be the point?"

"To try to get me to tell Daisy I'm crazy about her and it's her I want to be with."

"So, why don't you tell her that?"

"She won't listen."

"What did you do to her?"

"Nothing except stand up for her."

"As in...?"

"Tom, that over built lump, was pestering her and I told him to go away."

"That's it?"

"That's it." He spread his hands like he couldn't fathom what he'd done wrong.

"Did he take it well."

"Hell no! He was persistent. I told him to shove off, that he was bothering Daisy."

"So far I don't see what made her mad."

"See? I don't either."

"Did you ask her?"

He rubbed at his hair in a gesture similar to his brother's. "She said she wouldn't be 'taken'."

"Taken? You said she's taken? You idiot! Women can tell other women her man is taken, but a man should never presume to say that unless he's made a commitment."

"Commitment as in ring on the finger?"

"That would be best, but even a previous discussion of intention would help. You made her feel like goods to be argued over. A Possession."

David smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, that's what she said."

"So what is your intention?" Poppy wasn't going to back down now that he had him talking.

He seemed to consider her words, then shook his head. "Damned if I know."

"Come on, mister, we'll talk in the tub. Let me get changed.

When she easily exited the door that had been repaired, David whistled. "Don't you women have any idea what seeing that much of a delectable female form does to a guy? And you look exactly like my dream girl, remember."

"Good. Just also remember hands off. At least until you and my sister agree on where you stand. I don't seduce my sister's boyfriends." She topped her brief bikini with a matching floral cover-up.

"I thought all was fair in love and war."

"I think a wise man would use his head for something approaching common sense." She threw back at him.

"Touché." He held the door to the room for her as they exited.

She added, "Of course it depends on which head he's using at the time."

He swatted her backside.

"Ouch!"

"Oh, Poppy, I am so sorry. I forgot!"

He did look contrite. "It's all right. Just don't do it again. Are you sure there isn't something that will take the sting out?"

"The hot water might help. I'll go with you if you really want Dr. Fair to take a look, but I am a doctor."

"I know. It's just that you specialize in sleep disorders. Are you sure you're up to date on bee sting research?" She was goading him now. She knew he'd done his best.

"Go to Fair if you want a second opinion. This is why they don't like doctors treating family and friends." He turned her around and aimed her back toward the other end of the ship.

They were in the same general area he and Daisy had been in when the horns had sounded. _The motion of turning around and seeing the same things peripherally had triggered a dim memory. Another person in the shadows? Was he imagining things, or had someone with a camera been filming so early in the morning, staying just the same distance behind them? And now that he thought about it, hadn't there been another time when someone with a camera had seemed out of place?_

"Stop it David. I don't want to see Doctor Fair. To be honest he makes me uncomfortable. I know it's probably because he looks so young. Or, maybe it's the way he watches Daisy whenever she's around. I don't think he needs to look at my butt."

"He could almost see the sting without you removing your bikini bottom."

"That's not the point. Let's just go soak in the hot tub. And no touchy feely stuff once we're in there. Got it?"

Hers eyes sparked within the cool gray depths. She was so beautiful, yet her sister was, too, and the chemistry he'd found with her. was like no other. "So, you're saying you are no longer competing for me? That's an ego buster." He was hoping for a little disagreement. After all Mike was with Daisy.

"Come here, kula." Mike kissed her gently before she could fasten her seatbelt. When she would have deepened it, he eased back. "You're so beautiful. I know in my heart it's my brother you chose, but you'll always be special to me. It might have been me but it wasn't." And thank god, I found out in time it's your sister who is right for me.

"Let's get back to the ship, Mike. I've embarrassed myself enough for one day."

""Never be embarrassed around me, kula. Other than your sister," _And my brother, I hope,_ "You can count on me to be your best friend."

"Does that mean that you and Poppy...?"

"It means that I have found I care deeply for your twin. She and I fit. I have yet to let her know how I feel, or find out how she feels about my brother. After him playing doctor with her earlier, they might have decided to play some more." He knew in his heart it wasn't true, but it wouldn't hurt for a bud of jealously to be planted in Daisy's mind.

When he returned to his room he saw the note and beside it a snapshot. "I'm in the hot tub with you know who." The picture was of David and either Daisy or Poppy coming out of a ship's cabin. It wasn't either of the staterooms he'd been in. When was it taken and what was going on?

"What is it, Mike?"

"Someone left a note and a picture of our twins."

"Let me see." She blushed. "That's me with your brother." A chill ran through her as she realized what that meant. "Oh my god, someone's been shadowing us."

"Are you sure it isn't my brother and your sister?" He didn't really think so but...

"I'm pretty sure it was taken this morning."

"What's that room you're coming out of?" He had a suspicion by now, but wanted to hear her say it.

After hesitating, she said softly, "It's a below deck cabin your brother got for us."

"When?"

"Yesterday."

"Is that where you spent the night?" _While Poppy and I were trying to keep or hands off each other so we wouldn't hurt either of you?_

"Yes."

"It was all part of your double switch?"

"Yes."

When he burst out laughing, she looked surprised. "Mike?"

"It's just, I might have expected that from me, or your sister. But you and David? I'd never have guessed you would get 'together' so quickly." Her deep flush told him even more. "It's not really like either of you," he assured her. The brother he thought he knew inside out had fooled him! Good for them. He began laughing again. "I expect we'll find them in the hot tub. That's what our mysterious spy says anyway. I wonder who is trying to sink our love lives."

***

### Chapter Thirteen

Poppy floated on the surface of the water churning water as David held her under her arms, her head resting against his chest. Her bottom didn't hurt now as long as she wasn't sitting on it. The water was so soothing. David was gentle with her and so far had kept his promise not to make a move on her. She really hoped Mike was having some luck with her sister.

"Poppy?"

"Hmm?"

"We should get out. We're going to be a couple wrinkled prunes if we stay much longer. Do you still want a massage?"

She thought quickly. As much as she'd like one, she'd prefer a professional so David didn't get the wrong idea. Today had proven to be a good thing. She was sure now that Mike was the man for her. Just in the few hours they'd been apart, she had missed him. Missed his sense of humor and playfulness. Missed the way he could heat her inside with just a look. She realized now that her fixation on David had kept her from really seeing his brother and how well they fit together.

"Poppy?"

"Hmm? Oh, no, thank you, David, but I've changed my mind. This was perfect for relaxing me and the soreness is better. Although, I think I'll have dinner either standing up or in my room."

"I have just the place." He helped her shift position.

"Well you two, we thought we'd find you here.!"

"Mike!" Poppy twisted free. "Hi, there. Were you looking for us?"

Daisy nodded toward David but didn't say anything.

"Actually we didn't have to look. We seem to have someone tailing us with a camera." Mike held out the picture and note.

"My hands are wet. Hold them so I can see them." Poppy requested.

"How the hell did they get that one of me and Daisy?" David thundered.

"More to the point how did they get into our room to plant them?" His brother replied.

Poppy stared at her sister who looked pale under her tan. "Daisy are you all right?"

"I'm just realizing that someone is actually stalking one of us. We don't know which twin he, or she, is after. It could have easily been any of us together that night. We'd pulled off the double switch, and if you two couldn't tell, then some stranger certainly couldn't."

"Come back to our room while I get dressed. We can meet the guys back up on the aft deck for a burger or something."

"What about your, uh, derriere?"

"I was just mentioning to her where we could get food and stand up, if neither of you minds that."

They all looked at each other.

"Fine." Daisy said.

"Seems like a good plan." Mike confirmed, helping Poppy out of the hot water and admiring her shapely legs as they took her up the steps and over to the deck. David met his eyes and nodded and smiled at his brother in agreement.

"If you guys are through ogling my legs, we're going down to our room. See you in about a half hour?" Poppy tied the cover-up over her suit and picked up her towels. "Don't worry, Daisy, we'll figure this out. Mike won't stop until he has an answer, and his brother is just as concerned.

"I hope so. Today has been a weird unpleasant day from the beginning. I wish I could wake up again with David and do the day different." She let Poppy lead the way back to their cabin.

"How would you do it over?" Poppy was very glad her sister was at least using David's name now.

"First, I'd just ignore Tom, and then ignore David saying 'taken'. How could I have made such a big deal out of one word. It was early in the morning and neither of us was really awake. I don't think he'll ever forgive me."

Poppy hugged her sister as they reached their room. "I think he's coming around"

"Really? You're not just saying that to make me cheer up?'

"Really. He still doesn't understand how it made you feel. Hey, he's a guy! We have to give them some leeway. How do you feel about him?"

"Terrible. I mean I regret spouting off at him. I never missed Geoffrey the way I've missed David today. I don't know if he'll want to have anything to do with me. And I'm still confused about what I really want from him."

"Keep your distance for another day, no matter what signals he gives, let him stew about it some."

They'd both changed into casual dresses. Daisy in a soft green and Poppy in a vibrant pink.

"Daze, we might need to do another switch. I noticed that David looks for your mole as proof of who he's with. I've been thinking I could get a tattoo."

"Oh, Poppy, you don't want to do that!" her sister wailed. "A tattoo would hurt. And be permanent. Oh, don't do that. We can find a way to fool both of them if we need to switch. We did it before."

"But that's before they got to know us. I bet they could even tell from how we kiss. I know I could tell Mike from his brother."

Daisy smirked, "Which one is better?"

"Mike. Hands down."

"Hmm, I disagree. Mike and I didn't get passionate, but David kisses just right."

Her sister snickered. "See, I knew you had it bad for him."

"Oh, let's go find them." Daisy made extra sure the room door was secure behind her.

"Hey, do you think the mystery person had anything to do with the lock on our bathroom?"

A chill went up Poppy's spine. "I didn't think of that. The purser said it was strange, because they had to replace the whole lock. Let's make sure we always lock up and put something in the door so we can tell if someone comes in."

"Well, Ms. Detective, that would work if we didn't have the cabin steward in and out cleaning and leaving us fresh leis like these." She inhaled the white carnations in her lei.

"True. We have to think of something. Maybe we could trade rooms with the guys."

Poppy thought a moment. They did have a nicer room. "The problem with that is someone had to get into their room to leave the photo and note."

"I hate this! I don't feel safe. What if that whole emergency fire was part of this, too?"

"I know. We could each sleep in a room with one of our men. That way it wouldn't be just us." Poppy thought this was her best plan yet.

"No way! I'm not sleeping with David. Even if it's in a separate bed."

"I thought you wanted to kiss and make up."

"Maybe. I'm not sure. If we can argue over something so small, maybe we shouldn't be... you know." Daisy tapped her fingers on the railing as they climbed the stairs.

Now Poppy was frustrated. Maybe Mike would have better luck with David. She'd primed him with the idea any woman would have reacted the same way. Mike was going to work on him, too."

They heard the ship's horn blow. She was setting sail, so to speak.

"We have a few minutes. Let's go up on deck and watch the tugs turn her around and take her out." Poppy loved watching the smaller boats pull the ship around and get her heading the right direction.

"Sure. What's the name of the club the guys want to meet us at?"

"The Aloha Room. It's on the, uh, third deck. And the bow end of the ship, starboard side.

"You're sounding very nautical." Daisy voice said how impressed she was.

"Well, this isn't my first cruise. Even I pay attention part of the time." She slapped playfully at her sister's shoulder. "Come on."

They found a place to stand close to the tug on the lower deck. The captain of the much smaller boat noticed them and saluted them just as Daisy took a picture of her twin with the tug in the background. Poppy waved back, turned away from the camera.

"Now, let me take one of you," she offered.

They were so enthralled with their position near the tug that they didn't notice someone else taking pictures of them.

"Mike?" Poppy waved over the heads of the crowded deck. "Over here." After the tug had towed the vessel out past the break water, Poppy had noticed people paddling out to sea in two out-riggers. Unconscious of the time, she and her sister were very late in meeting the men.

"Hey, Poppy love." He kissed her cheek. "We were a little worried when you didn't show up."

"I'm sorry." She began explaining about the tugs and the out-riggers.

A definite chill still existed between her sister and David. Neither seemed to want to be first in burying the grudge. She'd hoped that they would resolve their differences enough to see how right they were for each other. How could two people be so quick to get together and then be so quick to separate?

"So, we anchor in Hilo in the morning?" David questioned.

Daisy looked over at David and didn't answer. Mike and Poppy exchanged a look. "Poppy love," he whispered, " we need an excuse to be alone for awhile. I have a plan, but I can't discuss it if there's even a small chance they'll overhear."

Wondering what he had come up with this time, she shrugged. She was willing, if he came up with a good reason. She'd already decided that a temporary tattoo was the answer to the mole. "Is it a plan to get them together, or a plan to reveal who is stalking us?" she whispered back.

"What are you two cooking up now?" David looked suspicious.

"We were discussing her sore behind." That should put an end to his brother's curiosity.

"Mike's going to walk me down to Dr. Fair's office. I've decided that, as much as I trust David as a doctor, I want something stronger for the pain." Poppy crossed her fingers behind her back. She was actually feeling much better. This would give them a chance to talk on the way down.

"We'll come, too. Then we can all eat together after." Daisy was insistent

Mike jumped in. "You two go on up to the café, and we'll meet you there." He gave his brother a warning look.

David seemed to take the hint. "Come on, Daisy, maybe they are starting to like each other and want some time alone."

She hesitated but stepped in front of David to embrace her sister. "I'm counting on you to get back with us as soon as you can," she whispered.

Poppy gave her sister a reassuring glance. "See you later. Come on, hot stuff." She took his arm and steered him toward the stairway.

Upon reaching the doctor's office they were told he wasn't in. "If it's an emergency, I can page him." The bubbly blond at the desk looked young enough to be in high school.

"Taffy?" Mike asked peering at her name tag. At her nod, he continued. "What does he do if he wants time off?"

"You mean like if he works here all the time?"

"Yes, is he on call all of the time?"

"Oh, no. That just wouldn't be right, would it?" She gave him a wink. "We have a Physician's Assistant who is also on call, and a Registered Nurse who can do most things except prescribe medicine."

"So, if I need a pain reliever for a bee sting, we'd have to page the P.A. or Dr. Fair?" Poppy asked.

"Yes, did you want me to page one of them?" She looked so perky that it made them smile.

"I'll check back in the morning if it's not better." She thanked Taffy and pulled Mike aside where they couldn't be overheard. "I was hoping to take medicine back with me so they wouldn't wonder what took us so long. Quick, what's your plan?"

"Let's go somewhere private and comfortable, like my stateroom." He leered at her and made her laugh.

"So this is just a ploy to get me alone?" She flirted.

"Alone, but not for the reason you think. But that will come later. I promise." He got her down to his room quickly, relieved not to find his brother there. It would have been just like David to cut out on Daisy and hide in their room.

Poppy had kissed him as soon as the door was closed. Mike pressed her against him being very careful of her sore bottom, but showing her how she had affected him. "Okay, hot stuff, what's up?"

"Oh, Poppy love, I want you so much."

"Me, too. Do we have time?"

"Not now. They'll be antsy until we get back."

"So what's your idea?"

"We get married." He watched the play of emotions from disbelief to stunned, to hopeful, and back to disbelief.

"Married? As in happily ever after?"

"Well, they'll think so anyway."

This time it was disappointment he saw on her face. Did she really want to marry him after such a short time? What would it be like to be married to Poppy? Have her in his arms every night? The thought wasn't unpleasant. In fact, he felt a stirring in his chest that became a rush of pleasure. Hmm.

"So, it's just a way to... what, fool them? What good will it do?"

"I hope that if they see us married, they'll quit obsessing on whether they chose the right twin. It'll take us out of the decision process. You do believe they love each other don't you?"

"Love? It hasn't been but a few days. Love?"

He watched the becoming flush across her cheeks and remembered another place that flushed as she reached the peak of passion. "Why not love? I love you."

"You do?"

Now her eyes were all melty, and he saw tears shimmering. "Couldn't you tell? I know you love me."

"I do?"

He pulled her into his arms and touched her lips inviting her to open to him. As she did, a part of him opened even further, and he felt their souls merge. He was holding his future. He knew it as well as he knew he was hers. They met and melted one into the other holding just shy of releasing the desire that would have them forgetting all about the other things that needed done.

"Oh, Poppy love," he murmured against her lips. "I do love you. I've never believed I could feel this way."

"Michael, I love you. I think I did from the minute I saw you and that's why I went after your brother. He was safety. I liked him and could have had a nice, neat little fling with him without risking my heart."

She continued to melt against him, bringing them to a place where they had to call a halt or lose all control.

Mike managed to ease back. Loving her nose, her neck, and her chin with his lips until he finally had enough sense to release her. She seemed dazed.

"Poppy love, will you marry me?"

"For real?" Her sea green eyes widened and turned dark with passion and longing.

"For real." For the first time in his life, he was totally sure of himself.

"What about your plan?" She twisted her hands together as if trying to hold herself back from grabbing him.

"Let's sit down." He sat on the sofa and spread his legs slightly. "Put the sore spot between my legs so there's no pressure."

Safely against his hard chest, she relaxed. "I can't believe this."

"Shh. Believe it. I wouldn't ever lie to you or myself about anything this important." He brushed his lips over her cheek. "I guess we have two options now. We can pretend to get married, or we can get a license and really get married."

"How?"

"That's what gave me the idea to pretend. Tomorrow night the cruise is having a vow renewal ceremony as we cruise past the volcano. Married couples are remarried by the captain in a traditional Hawaiian ceremony. I thought we could sign up for it and tell our sibs that we had decided to elope and this was the most romantic way."

"Oh, Mike, that's so romantic! But can we get a license that quick?"

"I don't know. I'll ask the captain, or one of his staff to look into it for us. Isn't there something about the captain being sovereign when at sea?" He ran his hands through his hair leaving little spikes behind.

"Tell me more about how we do this." Poppy cuddled against him.

She heard his plan through and knew it would work. "Should we tell them they're going to be witnesses?"

"After. We don't really need them. The captain will sign the certificate and any two people who are there. We can ask the kumu..."

"Haunani"

"Haunani, what the ceremony is like. We need to ditch them so we can go into Hilo for rings and the license. I doubt we can get that on the ship."

"Oh, but they do have some beautiful rings in the jewelry shop by the photographer!" Poppy's heart was beating so hard, with so much love, she thought it would burst. Never in her life had she wanted another man the way she wanted Mike. "Aren't we all suppose to take the helicopter tour of the volcano tomorrow?"

"That's why I need you and Daisy to switch places. You need to go with David and let Daisy come with me. She mentioned she wanted to go to Hilo Hattie's for Shirts and Muumuus to take back for souvenirs. I thought I could pick us up some wedding garb, if you trust me to choose. I can have her model for me. She'll think I don't know it's her instead of you and I might be able to make headway into this deepfreeze they've created."

"While I pretend to be Daisy and actually am polite to David, even if I don't talk to him much. It just might work." Poppy thought of something else. "How are we going to find out who has been stalking us?"

"We'll work on that later. I'm sure we're safe on the ship. Right now, we have a wedding to plan!" He hugged her to him.

Daisy had been watching the entrance to the café anxiously. "Oh, there they are. Mike, Poppy, over here!" She noticed the heightened color in her sister's cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes. _What was going on here?_ "Everything all right?" she asked, as her sister stood beside her at the tall round table. Daisy and the men were sitting on tall stools like bar stools.

"Everything's fine. The doctor was out, so Mike took me down to his room to look for that salve."

"Did you find it?"

Mike shook his head at his brother. "I guess I was looking in the wrong place for your bag."

"It should have been in the closet." David' tone was thoughtful as if he smelled a set up.

"It's all right. It really doesn't hurt as much as it did." As if to prove her words, Poppy perched gently on the edge of a stool.

Mike perused the menu and asked, "Have you two decided on what you're having."

The food service was mostly grilled and fried. Fish and chips, hamburgers, French Fries, and sandwiches. When they'd placed their orders, Daisy prodded her twin. "You look excited about something."

"Not really. Just happy the four of us are together." The expression she turned on her sister hinted at more later when they were alone. "I'm really looking forward to the volcano tour tomorrow."

"I'm still not too sure about it," Daisy said. She really didn't like the idea of flying around in a craft that didn't have wings.

"Oh, Daze, it's like watching a movie. There's really no sensation of movement. It's like the ground is moving and you're just hovering there. I loved it."

"No vertigo or anything?"

"None. Even when our pilot turned around or went up or down. It wasn't like that small plane we rode in with Dad and A.J."

She was skeptical, but she relented. "If you say so."

"And be sure you sit in front. If it has a bubble, you can see even more."

"I'm not sure I want to do that." Daisy chewed on one frosted pink nail. "Maybe I'll skip the ride and rent a car and drive up."

"You shouldn't go alone!" Poppy insisted.

"I was thinking the same thing." David interjected. "Oh, not about her going alone, she's a big girl. About renting a car and driving up. Daisy, if we promise each other to talk about the volcano and Hawaii, will you go with me?"

She tried to read his eyes. Was he trying to make up? She didn't want to make a mistake again. "Maybe we could all go in the car."

"Oh, there's no way I can ride that long." Poppy reminded them. "The two hours in the helicopter was iffy. I'll go shopping. I want to go to Hilo Hattie's and find some Hawaiian shirts and dresses to take back for gifts. I might even buy some to sell in my shop. I understand it's like a big warehouse of local clothing with great prices."

"I'll stay here and go with you," Mike suggested before anyone could step in. "I want to go see about a few things in town. Call it the developer in me, I am curious about land prices and availability here."

"That would be nice, Mike. We can have Daisy and your brother, drop us in town on their way. There are buses and shuttles to take us back later."

Her sister searched the eyes of the man beside her. When he winked, she flushed. "I can promise to be nice if you can."

David held out his hand. "I promise." He gripped her hand softly as they shook on it. Just his touch sent a rocket of fire through her. Daisy couldn't fool her body like she did her mind. She and David weren't finished yet.

Mike caught Poppy's eye and stood at the same time she did. "Can I interest you in an after dinner stroll, my lady?" He made a slight theatrical bow.

She half curtsied, "I would deem that my pleasure, kind sir." Her giggle challenged the formality over her reply.

When they were out of hearing range for the table, Mike said, "We're going to lose the deposit on the helicopter."

"Not if it's all fogged in in the morning." Poppy replied slyly.

"What do you know that I don't?"

"I heard the captain and first mate discussing how it was too bad it would be foggy and drizzly in the morning when we dock. The helicopter rides will be grounded until later in the day."

"You are so sneaky." He kissed her in delight.

"You're not bad yourself. Now we won't have to pull another switch."

"Never say never. We still have to pull off our wedding and find out who is after us."

"Any ideas on that?" She was trying to wrap her shawl around her against the brisk chilly wind off the water.

"Let's go find someplace warmer and quiet. I'll give you my list of suspects and motives."

He watched her eyes gleam. "And I'll give you mine. I think I have it figured out. And if I'm right, we're going to need to tell the captain as soon as we're sure."

***

### Chapter Fourteen

Poppy wasn't surprised that she and Mike had come up with similar suspect lists. Tom was at the top of hers. "He's creepy."

"I can see where you'd think so, but he's way down my list. I don't see him taking pictures and breaking into staterooms. Who's next?"

"Doctor Fair." Her look challenged him to disagree.

With a snort of laughter, he responded, "You're kidding? The young doctor? Why?" He ran his hands through his hair raising short sexy spikes and making Poppy's heart flutter. He was so gorgeous. She let herself drool internally.

"Poppy love, the doctor?"

"Oh. He's on the staff and might have access to the master cardkeys. He showed interest in both me and my sister, and," she ticked off her list, "he stares at us."

"That's it? He stares at you? Half the men on the ship stare at you." Mike was daring her with his eyes.

"What? Oh, you." She kissed him and forgot for awhile what they were doing in Mike's stateroom. They'd put the chain lock on the door so no one could enter even with a keycard. She was laying in his arms, relishing his kiss when they heard someone at the door.

"Just a minute," Mike called out.

When he opened the door, the hallway was empty.

"I don't like this." Poppy shivered.

"I don't either, Poppy love. I talked to the purser and he sent me to security."

When did you have time to do that?"

"While you ladies were watching the tugs."

"Why didn't you tell us at dinner?" She had pulled back enough that she could again read his eyes. Now they were even darker than usual. She wasn't sure if it was frustration or passion.

"I talked to an Officer Deckers. She thought that the photo in the room was the only real clue. I turned it over to her, and she said they'd look into it and we should let her know immediately if anything else concrete happened."

"I guess the noise at the door isn't 'concrete'." She rolled away from him and sat up. "Can we at least call and let her know this happened, so they have a record?"

Mike reached for the phone. "It couldn't hurt." He spoke to someone for a brief time and hung up. "She said she'd have one of the staff in this area just to keep an eye out. I told her that I was concerned about you and Daisy. She agreed that you should have someone in your hall area, too."

"Aren't there security cameras?" She rolled to a sitting position and rubbed her hands together.

"Some. Mostly at each end of a hallway and near the shops and clubs. Would you feel better if we stayed together tonight?"

"Of course I would, but you know your brother and my sister wouldn't want to share. Besides, David might let us use that smaller cabin, but then Daisy would be alone. I wouldn't want that. We'd be better off like we are."

"Until tomorrow night."

She stared at him. "What about tomorrow night?"

"We'll be married." He held his hand out to her. "I think it's only fitting that you and I sleep together on our first night as husband and wife."

She leaned onto his chest and let her lips play with his until the fire they started began to roar. As she stroked him and urged him pay homage to her breasts, there was a knock at the door.

"Mike? Poppy?"

"My brother has the worst timing," he moaned.

Poppy straightened her clothing and rose to her feet so he could move to the edge of the bed. "We won't have to stop after tomorrow night. Are you sure this will work?"

"It had better. I can't take any more interruptions" He opened the door to admit David. "Where's Daisy?"

"Isn't she here yet?" David appeared worried. "Damn that woman. I asked her to meet me here. I called the helicopter charter office from the purser's desk to cancel our tour. I overheard someone say it was going to rain tomorrow."

"I think it rains everyday in Hilo. It's the wettest city in the United States. Maybe in the world."

"Well., they might want to mention that on the excursion list when you book the cruise."

"Don't be so grumpy, David. Where'd my sister go?"

"She wanted to go freshen up and was supposed to meet me here."

"How'd you know we'd be here?" Mike wondered.

"I didn't. I decided to see if you were and then have you paged if you weren't. We have to put our heads together and figure out who is out to get us." He looked determined.

Poppy looked from one to the other and frowned. "First we need to find my sister."

"She's probably somewhere between here and there." Mike threw out.

His brother shook his head. "I don't think so. She had a head start on me, and I went straight to your room first, thinking I might catch her." His eyes met Poppy's. "I'm going to have her paged."

"Can they do that?"

"They can and they will," he replied. The concern in his voice heightened her own.

"Mike, let's go see if we can find her while David calls. I can't just stand around here."

An hour later and after every resource at the ships disposal had been exhausted, they concluded she was missing.

Poppy was holding back as much of her fear as she could. It wouldn't do anyone any good if she let her anxiety overtake her. She dug her tiny pill case from her purse and took the one that would prevent the anxiety from turning to a panic attack. "What next?"

Officer Deckers shook her head. "You were with her when the ship left port so we know for sure we didn't leave her behind. She has to be onboard somewhere."

The other possibility suddenly occurred to Poppy. "Oh my god, do you think..." Now her tears began in earnest. If she wasn't on the ship it would mean she was lost at sea.

Mike wrapped his arms around her and let her soak his shirt. She saw he wasn't far from tears himself, and she could see the restraint his brother barely maintained.

"We'll find her. I know we will."

"What if we don't?" This was her twin they were talking about. Her other half. She started to tell the man she loved that he didn't understand, then realized he did. Meeting his brother's eyes, she saw her own pain reflected. He did love Daisy. "David, Mike's right. We'll find her."

The three of them embraced, sharing their tears and their strength.

"Poppy. We're going back to our room."

She started to protest.

"No, Poppy love, we are. She'll know where to find us. You left the note in your room and the message with the main desk. I think the whole ship is aware we're looking for her." He was walking her toward the stateroom as he consoled her and convinced her they could do more with their minds than with their eyes.

Darkness surrounded the ship in a foggy blanket as it sped though the rapidly increasing waves. On board the ship few passengers remained unaware of the crisis. Word spread through the clubs and decks, as time continued to tick by. While the fun and singles games went on, there was a discernable lack of enthusiasm. The activities director and entertainment staff did their best to boost the flagging spirits of their audiences. In the end, it was the waiter, Max, who made the suggestion. "Why don't we have a treasure hunt. We get everyone involved in finding Miss Anderson, and award a prize when she's found?"

"I think that's despicable!" One of the dancers objected.

"Do you have a better idea? At least we'll have more people looking and that can't be bad. And, no one is into these match up games tonight anyway."

"We can't start offering prizes for possibly saving a woman's life." The first mate was livid.

"Sir, I understand that. I'm talking about incentive."

"And I'm talking about decency. We can spread the word and let the ones who volunteer feel like heroes."

Poppy and the men walked in on the end of the discussion. Here were hundreds of people, twins like themselves that should understand why they needed help. But would they?

"We'll help." Berri stepped forward and nudged her brother. He moved to stand beside her.

"Yes. She always smiled and was nice to us." He stated.

Poppy glanced at Mike. They'd just crossed two suspects off their list. Or had they?

"Mike," she whispered, "can you get some pictures of my sister from the ones you took to the photographer?"

"Great idea I'll be right back."

From behind them The Captain spoke. His voice over the loud speaker was serious and firm. "We're requiring everyone to go to their cabins and staterooms at once. This is not a request. Will all passengers and staff, except security go to their quarters. We will begin a room by room search in ten minutes."

"Well, I guess that settles the question of having passengers help." Max escorted two of the women out with him.

"I assume that means us, too." Poppy whispered to David.

He almost didn't hear her. His thoughts were on his dream girl and where she might be. "I want to keep looking."

"Me, too, but I think we'd better do what the captain wants for now. It will make it easier for the crew to search thoroughly. I'm not sure I want to go alone to my room though."

"No! You should come to ours. We can leave word with the purser where you are."

"Let me go in here then." She indicated the ladies room.

"I'll be right outside." He stood like a sentinel, feeling powerless. It reminded him of the way he'd felt when Daisy had told him she could take care of herself. Maybe in regular day to day things, but not this kind of problem. He knew that he could have prevented it by ignoring her when she had chosen to go alone to her room. He'd been afraid to anger her again by insisting he accompany her. Better to have her with him angry than missing.

"Sir, will you come with me, please?" a crewman waited by his side.

"What's this about? Daisy?"

"I've been asked to find you and take you to the captain."

"My friend is in the restroom and I don't want to leave her alone. She's the twin of the woman missing."

"I have been requested to take you to the captain's office as soon as possible, sir."

All the time they were arguing, David was unaware the man was leading him further away from the restrooms. A large crowd was forming as they proceeded to their rooms and the lines outside the lavatories was large and confusing. David tried to watch for Poppy hoping he didn't lose her in the crowd. When he turned back to the crewman, he was gone.

He stopped the woman next in line as she started through the door. "Excuse me, ma'am, could you check on my friend? She went in a few minutes ago and hasn't come back."

"What does she look like?"

"Twenty-five, medium dark hair, very pretty. She has on a bright pink dress."

"I'll see what I can do. What's her name?"

"Poppy." David touched her on the forearm. "Thank you. She's the twin to the woman missing."

"Oh, my, I can see where you'd be worried." She left him but returned a few moments later. "I'm sorry, young man, she isn't in there. I asked around and one lady said she saw two women helping a woman out. She had a towel to her face as though she'd been injured and they said they were taking her to the doctor."

"Thank you." David started to run off and thought about Mike. He'd been on his way to get pictures from the photographer. A courtesy phone was across from the lobby by the restrooms. He used it to phone the photographer's desk and find that his brother had left some time ago saying he had to get the pictures to the captain.

"David?"

He turned toward the female voice calling his name.

"Are you looking for your brother?"

It was Amy, or Anji, one of the Albuquerque dancers.

"I saw him go up on the 'C' deck a little while ago. I can show you where I saw him."

"Thanks, that would help." He followed her up to the next deck and through the throngs in the common room, out onto the deck.

"Where'd he say he was going?"

"I didn't talk to him. My sister did. Oh there she is."

He watched the other petite twin approach him.

"You ladies shouldn't be out here alone."

"We were on our way to our room when I saw your brother and thought it was you." She smiled at him intimately.

"How'd you find out it wasn't?"

"You know our names. He called me Ann. I asked where you were, and he told me you were looking for that poor missing woman."

"Now it's worse. Her sister appears to be missing. too. Not to mention that I don't know where my brother is."

"He was on his way to the captain. I think he said he had another clue."

"Please, go to your room and lock the door until the captain gives an all clear. We don't know what's happening tonight, but with two people missing, it can't be an accident." David thanked them for their help. At one time they had been his favorite suspects. They always appeared when he and Daisy were at odds. He wasn't convinced that they were harmless, but he didn't want to see them hurt.

The ship was rocking in the stormy surf in spite of her size. A fine drizzle was falling, pushed under the roof of the deck by the incessant wind. David ducked back inside and noticed that the crowd had thinned, as passengers heeded the captain's order. Only crewmen moved up and down the inside decks in an orderly fashion, checking for anyone left in the clubs and public rooms, before locking them. Other teams went from door to door searching every room from the lower decks to the upper.

The captain was at his desk, as was Mike.

"I am so glad to see you!"

"Where's Poppy? You didn't leave her alone did you?"

David grabbed his brother's shoulders. "Poppy is missing, too.'

"What? Impossible. She was with you. You were supposed to stay with her every minute."

"I couldn't go in the ladies' room with her. It was really crowded around there, and I finally asked a woman to look for her and she was gone."

"Gone?" Mike sat down in the chair his brother quickly shoved under him.

Poppy's head hurt and her mouth felt like someone had vacuumed it with a dirty old brush.

"Poppy?" It sounded like her sister. There was some reason it couldn't be. Oh, right, she was missing. They were looking for her."

"Poppy, please wake up!" It sure sounded like her.

"Daisy?" she rasped.

"Come on, honey, wake up. I have some water."

"Water?"

"Wet stuff? Comes in handy when you're dirty?"

She managed to laugh and coughed at the soreness in her throat. "Where?"

Daisy's voice stayed low and secretive. "I don't know. It's extremely dark. I've been here awhile though."

Poppy sipped at the cool liquid. "Why?"

"I don't know why, honey."

A clanging noise made her headache worse. "Are we in a room on the ship, or down in the engine room?"

"I would guess a room on a lowest deck that has rooms. Probably where the staff sleeps. "I keep hearing the clanging, but it doesn't really sound like an engine noise, does it?" Daisy's voice sounded tired and full of resignation.

"Hey, Daze, don't give up. They'll find us."

"I wish I had your faith."

Poppy heard the tears in her sister's voice. She worked her hands and found they had just been asleep from laying on them. Her feet weren't tied and she rolled to a sitting position, making her head throb. "Ohhh." she moaned, feeling nauseated.

"Oh, honey, I know. I went through that when I woke up."

Poppy sipped more water trying to keep the bile down. "What did they give us and how?"

"An injection. At least mine was. I was going downstairs to the room to change so I could meet David and try to find you and Mike. I walked around the corner and someone grabbed me and put something over my head. I felt them stick me and woke up here."

"I can feel a sore spot on my arm. I guess they did the same to me. I was in the restroom near the big common room, and David was waiting for me outside it. We'd been looking for you for hours."

"No wonder I'm so hungry."

"Urg, please don't mention food."

"That will go away in a few minutes. Did you see anyone?"

"Just ladies who needed to pee. I wasn't really looking. I wanted to get back out and look for you. The captain made everyone on the ship go to their rooms to make the search easier." Poppy rubbed her head.

"Feeling better?"

"Yes, a little. Anyway, I stepped into a stall and that was it."

"Have they searched the whole ship?"

"I don't know, I know they were going to."

"What kind of place would they not search or forget about?" Poppy's eyes were open and had time to adjust, but she couldn't see a thing. "How did you even know it was me?" She could tell approximately where her sister was, but couldn't see her."

"I heard the door opening and kept my eyes almost closed so they would think I was still asleep."

"You said, they?"

"Right there are at least two."

"Male or female?"

"That's what's odd. There is a big one that is most definitely male."

"Tom?"

"Could be. The other I can't be sure. I thought at first it was a man, but when they brought you in, I'm sure I heard a woman's voice."

"Any idea why?"

" Just that they've mentioned the Windsors. I think they might be trying to get a ransom for us."

"You're kidding?"

"No. Somehow the smaller one, has a fixation on Mike."

"Why?"

"Mike is rich."

"Mike?" Poppy chewed that over in her mind. She was feeling much better and decided to stand and try to get her bearings.

"His development company is one of the largest in the west."

"I didn't know."

"Didn't the two of you talk at all?" Daisy asked.

There was a bit of humor in her sister's question. "First we talked about how to split you and David up so we'd be with the twin we wanted, then we got stuck in the bathroom, and we haven't done a lot of talking since." Poppy realized that it was tomorrow and would be her wedding day and began crying."

"Oh, Poppy, we'll get out of here."

"It's not that."

"What then?"

"I'm not supposed to tell."

"Did you plan another switch?"

"More like a wedding."

There was a long silence. Poppy had time to tentatively crawl her way to a corner where the walls met and felt around it finding a door latch.

"Wedding?" Daisy screeched. "Who's getting married?"

"Oh, who do you think? Mike and me."

"For real? Or is this another plot to split David and me up."

"You've already done a good job of that, although I happen to know the man is crazy about you." She ran her hand over the face of the latch, noticing screws that held it to the steel door. "Hey, Daisy, you don't happen to have a screw driver with you, do you?" The screws were on the inside, because the door was designed to keep people out, not locked in.

"Not a screw driver," her twin said softly, "but will this work?"

Daisy worked her way over to the door and handed Poppy a long thin blade like implement.

"Your nail file? Yes! Daze, I love you." She went to work on the screws which like everything else on a ship were free of rust and well maintained. She soon had the door plate off letting a small amount of dim light in and letting her see her sister.

"Oh, Daze!"

"Poppy! Let's get out of here!"

When they opened the door it was obvious why no one had come to this spot looking for them. They were in an area where the huge chains of the fore anchor rested when not in use. The small room they'd been held in was empty, probably being used for storage when needed.

As she crept along the hull toward the wider part of the ship, Poppy heard the clanking and knew it was from heat and water pipes. They passed an access door marked for the ventilation and cooling system. Whoever was responsible knew the ship very well indeed. It was possible that only one or two crewmen even knew of the tiny room in the bow of the ship.

Their luck held as they found their way through trial and error to a stairway. "Up is always good in this situation," Poppy jibed. They were one level above the very lowest access of the ship.

When they reached a door that started looking more like what they were used to, they started to work their way up looking for a level that had cabins. As they cautiously stepped around a corner, a woman touched Daisy's arm making her gasp.

"Sorry ma'am. Everyone is supposed to be in their..." The astonishment was plain on her face. "Ma'am and," looking at Poppy, "Ma'am. Are you aware the entire crew is looking for you?"

The sisters broke out in laughter so deep and with such relief, that the crewman might have been considering taking them straight to a psychotic ward. Instead she led them up to the main deck and to the purser's desk.

"Mike?" Poppy squealed.

"Poppy love!" He grabbed her and swung her around in his arms nearly breaking a lamp. "Oh," He used his lips instead of using words to tell her of his relief.

"Ahem," the captain cleared his throat. "Before all the kissing and, uh, celebrating begins, I need to know what you can tell me about who did this."

Poppy looked at her sister and shrugged. "We don't know much. One of them is big and male, and there are at least two. One is possibly female. We got out on our own." She nodded at the female crew member who had brought them to sick bay behind the purser's area. "Dana can tell you more about where we were held than we can."

"How did you get out?"

"One very smart sister and my nail file," Daisy answered. As she did she was also picked up in a loving bear hug.

Mike watched the reunion with a knowing look that he shared with Poppy. It wouldn't be long before they came to their senses and admitted their love.

"Captain, I know you have questions, but I would like to check these ladies over and be sure there isn't a lingering effect from whatever they were given." Dr Fair made his case.

"But I am staying in the room," Mike insisted.

"If he stays, so do I." His brother agreed.

The check up was quick and painless except for the blood the doctor took trying to determine what narcotic they had received. When it was over, they had to talk to Officer Deckers about the ordeal and the details that could lead to the perpetrator.

"I think the woman who came in the restroom was a man in drag," Poppy told her.

"What makes you say that?"

Everyone was staring at her.

"Because I remember thinking, that woman has a hairy face. She had sandy blond hair, which could have been a wig. It looked a little to full for her face. As I walked past her, she looked at me out of the corner of her eye like she was trying to watch me without being noticed. The lights in those restrooms always make our skin look funny, but I thought at the time she must take medication that causes facial hair. I even felt sympathy for her."

"How do you know she's the one?"

"When I went in it wasn't crowded yet. She and the dancing twins were the only ones in there."

***

### Chapter Fifteen

After the same questions had been answered several times, Dr. Fair put a stop to it. "These women need rest." When the security team started to object, he waved them off. "Now."

"Thank you, doctor." Mike said holding out his hand. He still didn't like the man, but he seemed to be on their side.

"Sleep, Mike. I need sleep." Poppy leaned against his chest and closed her eyes.

"We all do." David had his arm lightly around Daisy's waist as they all left to go to their staterooms.

"Poppy, why don't you and Mike take our room. I can take Mike's bed." Daisy's offer startled all of them.

"Mike," she said gently, "Poppy told me about the wedding. I am so happy for the two of you." She freed herself from David's steadying arm and kissed his brother. "Welcome to the family." She and her twin embraced. "Be happy, honey. He's a good man."

"Oh, Daze, I want you to be happy, too." Poppy hugged her sister close. "Are you sure you don't mind sharing our room with David?"

"We're adults and the beds are separate. I don't see a problem, do you, David?"

Mike caught the look that Daisy gave his brother. A look that said strictly business.

They all went into the men's stateroom to settle down. It had been a hard day and night.

"So, you two are really getting married tomorrow?" David opened bottled water for each of them.

"We are." Mike gave a sexy glance at his wife to be. "I found the right lady for me. Why wait?'

"Why elope? Mom and Dad will be disappointed," Daisy added.

Mike hugged Daisy. "We know, but we don't see any reason to wait."

"Are we at least going to be part of the wedding?"

Mike outlined what was planned. He would get their license in Hilo from an authorized marriage agent. All they needed was their driver's licenses. Hawaii didn't even have a residency requirement. Because there was no waiting period, the captain had said they could take part in the ceremony at sea. With the license, the captain could marry them in the vow renewal ceremony, where they would be the only ones getting married for the first time. Just to be sure it was entirely legal in all fifty states, they would have a Justice of the Peace marry them in Kona the next day.

"Mm, I think I'm ready to sleep." Poppy was curled on the bed next to Mike and having trouble keeping her eyes open.

"I think we all need sleep" Mike agreed. After helping David pack what he'd need for the night and next morning, He ushered his brother and Daisy to the door. By the time he was back by her side, Poppy was fast asleep. He began undressing her and then himself and covered them both, cradling her in his arms.

"Hot stuff?"

"Yes, Poppy love?"

"I love you." Her voice was soft and thick with sleep. And it was the most touching sound he'd ever heard.

"Oh, my sweet, I love you more than words." He kissed her gently and she began snoring softly, like a small child, completely relaxed and at peace.

He held her, thanking God that she and her sister were safe, yet he worried about what Daisy had said about a ransom. As he drifted off to sleep, the woman of his heart safely by his side, his dreams led to a restless awareness that he would sort out in the morning.

A fingertip was stroking Poppy's cheek. She smiled in her sleep as it stroked lower on her neck and maneuvered its way to the top of her right breast. Unimpeded by clothing, it had some friends join it in lightly sensitizing a pathway to the hard peak. She opened her eyes and looked into those of the man she had chosen to spend her life sleeping with, waking with, loving with and living with.

He kissed her with a feathery light touch of his firm lips, then softened into her as she responded. His magical touch had worked lower now, feathering heat into each region it stroked. She squirmed trying to increase the pressure of both his hand and his mouth, opening to him and drawing him deeper.

"Not, now, Poppy love." His caresses stopped, and he rolled away from her.

"What? I need a shower? Brush my teeth?" She was laughing at him.

"We have to get up. Take a quick cool shower, and get busy. We have lots to do today."

"Come on, we can practice for the honeymoon." She pleaded with him as she stood as close as she could press her body to his. As they were both still naked, it was a perfect fit.

"Speaking of a honeymoon," he said between heated responses to her lips, "Where would you like to go? I thought we might stay here another week and see the things we missed."

"Do you really have a lot of money?" She had her arms around his waist and was leaning back so she could look up into those fathomless eyes.

"What?" He kissed the end of her nose and released her while he started the shower. "You know I'm a developer. I do okay."

"Okay? Don't you think that now that I'm about to become Mrs. Developer, I should know what I'm getting into?" Poppy nudged past him in the small space and entered the shower first.

"Pushy, aren't you?" He squeezed in beside her and began washing her back.

"Pushy? Because I asked about your finances?"

"No, pushy, because you took my place in the shower." He was now pressing against the back of her and she felt his undeniable intention.

"Now who's getting pushy?" She wiggled back and let him know he was on the right track as his fingers stroked and readied her for him. Turning her in his arms, he took her mouth and demonstrated his intent. "Hm. Want to take this to the bed?" She had her legs wrapped around him taking him deeper inside her.

"No, I want to take you. Now." He followed his words with action.

"That's the kind of pushy I appreciate." She matched his movements bringing herself and him right to the edge.

He looked deeply into her eyes, holding back just enough to keep her on the edge. "Poppy Anderson, I love you, and I promise you I will be faithful and true." He slid nearly out and slowly plunged back into her, making her moan in pleasure. "I promise I will love you and respect you and honor you." Again, he pulled back and thrust slowly back until she was nearly screaming in her need for release. "And I will share all the rest of the days of my life with you as my wife." He once more slowly eased back and then thrust in as she began the deep contractions that took them both over the edge into wonderland.

"You look like you got some rest." Daisy commented to her sister.

"Some." Poppy smirked. "Until my shower I was really struggling to wake up, but it was invigorating." She knew her tone would give her away to the sister who knew her so well.

"Showers can be very, um, helpful." Daisy grinned.

Mike was pleased to see that Poppy's sister seemed to have made up with David. "So how did the two of you sleep?"

"Alone." David answered, wryly. "I think we both slept okay though?" Daisy?"

"Yes, I slept all right. I was restless, and I will be until we know who is stalking us and why."

Mike turned his attention to her. "Poppy said you heard them say something about ransom. Did you tell officer Decker that?"

"I did when she was questioning me. I don't think I missed anything that could help them. I had a lot of time to think while I was lying there thinking about getting back to all of you." Daisy smiled at her sister.

"Hey, what about me?" David teased.

"Oh, I thought about you. I would prefer we have that conversation in private." Then, as David began to stand. "Later."

"Well, I had a thought," Poppy told them. "I wonder if the person doing this used to work for the cruise line?"

"Officer Decker wants to see us for a few minutes before we leave the ship." David filled them in.

Hilo as promised was in a fog and drizzle that had slowed almost all of the excursions except the buses to the top of Kilauea. All of the helicopter tours had been cancelled until further notice. Mike still wanted to rent a car and go to town.

"Are you and Daisy still going up on the volcano?" he asked his brother

"Unless you have a better idea."

Poppy nudged him to be quiet. "We'll see you when we get back. I have a few things I want to get in town, and Mike had a couple things he wanted to do, so I guess we'll rent our own car."

"There are shuttles from the docks to town," Mike reminded her.

"And it's wet out there," she sweetly reminded him right back.

"I guess I'd better go see if any cars are left."

"See if you can reserve one in Kona for tomorrow. I understand they go pretty fast."

"I'd thought maybe we would tour in a horse and carriage."

"Oh! They have those? That's perfect." Poppy accepted his kiss and waved him away. "David, do you already have a car for tomorrow?" When he shook his head, she just smiled. He kissed her on the cheek, then her sister.

"I get it." He said as he left the ladies alone.

"Now, why did you want to get rid of the guys?"

"I have a plan." Poppy was nearly vibrating with energy.

"Oh, I don't know..."

"Come on, Daze, have I ever gotten you in trouble?"

"No switching!"

"No. At least not right now. You go with David and try to play nice. Remember he isn't Geoffrey and he's been hurt, too. He really is crazy about you. I think you're both using any excuse you can to keep your distance. You are worried you'll get hurt if he doesn't love you the way you love him."

"Love? Who said I love him?"

"You do every time you look in his eyes. You get all melty and dreamy."

"I do not."

"So does he."

"I wish I believed that. I'm not going to get my hopes up that this was anything more than a vacation fling."

"So! You admit you flung?"

Daisy burst out laughing at her sister. It was impossible to stay in the dumps when Poppy was around.

"I'm going to Hilo Hattie's for some clothes for my shop and to pick up something special to wear tonight." Poppy made sure she has remembered to bring her pass card.

"Pick out something for me, too. Oh, and for the guys. I saw some of the pictures down in the photo gallery of the vow renewal on the last cruise and it was magical. We'll be back in plenty of time."

"You'd better be. It doesn't start until after the ship leaves port!" Poppy outlined part of her plan to her sister.

"I don't know, Poppy. This could backfire."

"Or it could get the bad guys out where we can see them." Poppy was sure her plan would work. She talked until her sister agreed. Waving Daisy off, she went to get her purse and sunhat in preparation for a day of details.

After a day spent running errands with Mike, Poppy was more sure than ever that he was the man for her. "Hot stuff, have you noticed how much we disagree?"

Mike looked like he was giving it careful thought. "I don't remember us disagreeing." He raised his eyebrows at her. "Unless this counts." His smile made her want to be somewhere private where the sin it promised could be explored.

"That's my point. Even when we aren't in agreement, we discuss it instead of arguing. Think that will last?"

"I know we will last, and that, my love, is all that matters." He kissed her before letting her out of the car at the rental lot. The van would take them back to the ship.

"Did we do everything on the list?" She leaned into him as they waited at the kiosk for their van driver.

"Everything is checked off." He surveyed the bags he helped her carry. "Did you buy enough?"

"Oh, the things for my store are being shipped. This is just for the four of us for tonight."

He gave her a skeptical look. "You're not going to dress me up in something weird, are you?"

"White pants, white shirt, white deck shoes, no socks and a perfect lei."

"You're a perfect l..."

She stopped him with a kiss as their driver approached and began loading their shopping bags into the back of the van. They had used their extra time to view the truly lovely city of Hilo. Though small by stateside standards, it was charming and, as in all of the Aloha State, very friendly. At the park where the statue of King Kamehameha the Great graced a central place, they had taken pictures of each other and had a local girl take one of the two of them. They then insisted they each get one with her, too, much to her pleasure and bout of giggles.

"Oh, it's good to be back in your room." Poppy sighed kicking off her sandals and flopping on the bed.

"Our room."

She looked at him expecting more information.

"David said he can take the smaller cabin downstairs that he and Daisy used...'

"So he admits he..."

"Shh. That way Daisy will have your stateroom all to herself for just the one night."

"Do you think that's safe?"

"No, and neither do they. That's why David is only going to pretend to go downstairs alone. He's actually taking Daisy with him."

"Have they made up?'

"Not like you mean. But there is an upper bunk that can be lowered. Daisy said she can sleep up there so David is where he can get to the door."

"I don't know, Mike. I think everyone would be better off if we could draw the bad guys out and resolve this before we dock back in Honolulu day after tomorrow." She hesitated over letting him in on her plan, but knew either way he could be furious when he found out.

"Spill it! I can see in those beautiful eyes that you're up to something."

Mike's face told her he wouldn't back down until she shared her plan.

After she did, to her surprise, he laughed. "It might work, but it's the craziest plan I've ever heard." He seemed to evaluate it quietly. "It might work, if we can get all our suspects together, like in an Agatha Christie mystery." She told him she thought that could happen. "Have you discussed this with officer Deckers, yet?"

"No, she was going to the police in Hilo. She used to work for them until she decided to take this security position at sea." Poppy embraced her lover, " I love you." Her lips sought his, telling him just how much.

"Mm, That's nice," he said against her mouth, "but what did I do to deserve this extra sweetness?"

"You listened and you didn't get mad." She continued nibbling her way down his neck and licked the salty sweat from the hollow in his throat. He had a very lickable throat.

"I know you well enough to know that anger wouldn't change your mind and might get me in trouble. We may only have been physically acquainted for a week, but I've known you forever. Poppy love, you are the other half of my soul."

Since her mouth was already working its way down the chest she'd revealed by undoing all of his buttons, she decided that having his shirt off would be a better goal. That led to him helping her remove her clothes and finishing the job she'd started on his. Taking time only to hang out the Do Not Disturb sign and put the chain on the door, Mike reached in his pants for the packet of protection.

"No, Hot stuff, we've already made our decision."

His eyes darkened as Poppy let hers show him all of the answers to his unasked questions." He gently pulled her against him. "Poppy love, we are going to have a fabulous future."

"Hush up and kiss me. I want you, now." She demonstrated just how much by taking his hand and putting it over the heated, moist juncture of her thighs.

His response was immediate. There'd be all the time in the world to take things slow and explore new territory. For now, he needed to merge with her as quickly as possible. They drove each other to new heights, letting their mouths mimic the hot wet thrusting that brought them higher and closer to the summit of need and then, release as they let the waves of completion crash through, and around them carrying them onto the shore of total peace.

There was a light tapping sound breaking through Mike's dream. He slowly realized the warmth covering his chest was his lovely Poppy, and yet the persistent tapping kept him from sinking back into the dream. The door. Someone was tapping on the stateroom door. He tried to extricate himself from Poppy's limbs entangled with his without waking her. She mumbled and rolled onto her side letting him stand. A robe was thrown carelessly across the back of the vanity chair. He tied it and ran his hands through his hair as he cautiously opened the door.

Stacy, the cabin steward stood there awkwardly. "I'm sorry to disturb you," she said softly, "but the person who gave this to me said to hand it to you personally." The envelope said, Michael Windsor.

"Who gave it to you?"

"That's what's odd. I was cleaning a room on the other end of this hall and when I came out to my cart, it was lying on top of the folded towels with this note." She held out a typed note that said to hand the letter directly to Michael Windsor and his cabin number.

"Thanks, Stacy. Are you sure you didn't see anyone else in the hall? A passenger or other crew member?"

"No, sir. I'm sorry to disturb you. I thought it might be important."

He thanked her and let her get on with her work.

Inside the envelope the note was short, "Meet me right away in the Eagle's Watch." It was signed with a lip print in deep red lipstick.

"Poppy love, wakeup, sweetheart."

"Mmf?"

"I have to meet someone. I need you to watch my back."

Poppy woke just enough to read the note. It shook her into total wakefulness. "You're not going without me!" She was already getting dressed.

Mike had dressed before waking her, giving him time to think. "No, I need you to go with me. Rather, I need you to go there separately and keep your eyes open."

"I wish Daisy and David were back."

"They might be. I'll call your room." The phone rang and rang signaling no one was there to answer. "We'll have to do this alone."

"No, call Deckers!" Poppy was adamant.

"I already have while you were sleeping. I'm not a hero."

"You're my hero." Her eyes sparkled at him, making him wish he could ignore the note and take her back to bed.

His kiss was light. "We have work to do. Officer Deckers will have three plainclothes detectives with her when we get there." He finished outlining the plan as they took the elevator to the top deck.

Soft light highlighted the bar and the pianist but the only other room light came from the many windows encircling the room. Even at this off time of the day there were people enjoying the view from the comfortable chairs facing the ocean. Mike strolled in alone and took a seat at the bar. From the corner of his eye he noted the other customers and who was alone and who was not. Poppy came in and took one look at him and shrugged as if he were the last person she wanted to run into. Going to the windows she plopped down in a chaise and ordered a drink from the waiter.

A young security officer whom Mike recognized went to sit next to Poppy and engaged her in conversation as planned. A jet of pure jealously shot through him as she flirted with the young man. She was a good actress; too good.

One of the Albuquerque twins approached Mike. "Hi, Windsor, buy me a drink?"

"Sit down, Amy." He invited. "Where's Anji?"

"How do you know I'm not Anji?" She flirted.

"You have a very tiny scar near your right eyebrow."

"You're very observant." She ordered a drink and put it on Mike's tab.

"I'm waiting for someone."

"Isn't she right over there?" Amy pointed to Poppy flirting with the other man. "Looks like she's moved on. I heard a rumor you two were more than friends."

"Were." Mike let his eyes scan the room. Letting everyone think he and Poppy has split up would keep her safer.

"How do you know I'm not the one you're waiting for?"

"Are you?"

"I might be."

"You're playing with dangerous company if you are."

"Windsor."

Mike turned at the new voice. The burley Tom and his slighter brother stood behind him. Tim was the one who had spoken. "We need to talk to you."

"We can talk here." Mike motioned to Amy to leave, but she stayed put.

"She stays. Let's take this to the table in the corner."

He followed them with Amy ringing up the rear. "What's this about?"

"We have pictures that you would rather the public doesn't see." Tim hedged.

"Go on." Mike knew that the man alone at the table behind them was a detective with a tape recorder.

Tim's face flushed and his voice became low and angry, "I told you that you wouldn't get away with cheating us." The threat in his voice made it louder. "I want my money."

Suddenly Mike understood what had been happening. "You're the so called developer that lost out on the ranch out by Franktown! That was an honest auction."

"You put in an initial bid so high none of us smaller guys could compete." His face was enraged now and only his brother's hand on his shoulder seemed to keep him from bouncing to his feet. "I swore I'd get even with you!"

"So you followed me on a singles cruise to get even? So this was all directed at me?" Mike was incredulous, and angry. People he loved had been in danger because of his business dealings. "You came on this cruise to get even?"

"I've been following you. I saw the society thing where they said you and your brother would be on this cruise."

"So you and your brother decided a cruise would...what, fix things?" Mike shook is head in confusion. This guy was a certified nut case.

"He's my cousin."

"That explains why you don't look alike. But why the cruise?"

"I've got pictures. Pictures and video of you and that gal."

"If you couldn't tell them apart how could you tell me from my brother?"

"It doesn't matter, Mr. The-community-loves-me. Once I publicize these pictures they'll see you for the scum you are. Unless you give me the money I woulda made from that land deal."

"So, let me get this straight, you're blackmailing me to get money that you never had?" Mike began laughing so hard that he thought he'd never stop.

"And Amy?" he managed to wheeze out.

"She recognized me in the ladies' room and said she'd tell unless I cut her in."

In the end, Tim admitted to the entire kidnapping scheme, including picking the wrong woman the first time.

Unaware that the security team and police had surrounded them, Tim continued digging himself in deeper.

Officer Decker finally stopped his tirade by placing him and his cohorts under arrest. "What about Anji?"

"Are you kidding? She doesn't have a clue." Amy snorted. "She never has a clue

After watching the team handcuff and lead the suspects out, Poppy couldn't sit across the room any longer. "You did it!" she screamed launching herself into Mike's arms.

He kissed her thoroughly and murmured against her lips, "Let's go celebrate."

Poppy looked at him askance, "You're joking, right? We're getting married in a few hours and I have to have my hair and nails done and be sure our clothes are pressed and..." He stilled her with his lips.

"I get it. Let's go get ready."

"I hope David and Daisy are back." She became solemn. "Oh."

"What?"

"I didn't get to use my plan."

"So you can use that planning talent to plan our wonderful future together." He picked her up and swirled her around. "Let go get ready for our future, Mrs. Developer."

Daisy and David had been delighted with their clothing. Daisy wore a lavender sarong of bright Hawaiian print that hugged her body and David wore white deck pants and a shirt that matched her dress. They were celebrating at the pre-ceremony champagne party.

Poppy wore a white sarong with both the traditional lei that had been provided and one Mike had made especially for her out of pink poppies and white rosebuds. A wreath of the fragrant pink and white blossoms crowned her head.

Mike wore a white open necked Hawaiian shirt with a traditional men's lei of ti leaves that hung as a garland. His pants and shoes were also white. He took every opportunity to touch the woman at his side. In his eyes she was the most beautiful bride he had ever seen.

Hostesses in matching Hawaiian dress began organizing the twenty couples that would be repeating vows. As they opened the double glass doors leading onto the main aft deck, Mike and Poppy led the way hand in hand. A traditional guitar piece accompanied them all as they walked along the path designated by flaming torches held by bare-chested young men.

As they entered the area of the ceremony the women were instructed to go to the right and the men to the left. Ahead of them, an arch of ten _kahili_ , looking like feathered swords, signified their transformation from single to married. As each couple approached the arch they rejoined hands and walked through as Haunani sang the Hawaiian Wedding Song. They formed a half circle in front of where she and the captain stood near the pool surrounded in flowers. Tiny candles floated in large blossoms on the surface of the pool.

Mike watched Poppy walk to him, love making her even more radiant. As he took her hand, he whispered, "Always."

Time seemed to slow as he led her though the arch. Standing in front of the captain, they repeated the timeless vows, translated into Hawaiian by the kumu. Mike placed the ring he had chosen on her finger. The pink pearl surrounded by small diamonds glittered in the torchlight as did Poppy's eyes.

"Oh, it's beautiful, "she breathed.

As the captain pronounced them husband and wife petals of real flowers and delicate paper ones drifted down around them. The spectators on the upper decks applauded and cheered, but Mike held Poppy in their own little world with his passionate kiss.

Distantly they became aware of the band playing After the Lovin', and Mike swept her into a waltz around the deck. They worked their way to the side deck where the thick red stream of lava down the side of Kilauea was dominant against the night sky. Here earth, air, fire and water combined in creating land and life. The power of the time and place heightened their desire, and Mike asked his new wife how long they had to be polite and stay at the wedding.

"I think we've waited long enough."

He swept her up into his arms and carried her to the foot of the stairway that would take them to their room. "You make me whole." He whispered. "

"Well, I'm glad," she whispered back. "I don't know what I'd do with half a man!"

He snorted a laugh and hugged her close. "Oh, Poppy love, our life is going to be so much fun." His lips met hers and they sealed their vows.

"I hope they enjoy the honeymoon additions we made to their room." Daisy whispered to David, watching them go up the stairway.

"They will. We'll hear all about it at breakfast."

Daisy cocked an eyebrow at him, "You're kidding right?"

"So, we'll pretend to be them and get the special breakfast that was part of their wedding package."

"Since I'm no longer in danger, where are you sleeping tonight?"

"Do you have a suggestion?" He stroked her cheek with just the tips of his fingers. "I think it's time we kissed and made up."

"And then?" she had her lips against his hand, teasing with the tip of her tongue.

"Well, since we know they'll be sleeping in tomorrow, we'll take the carriage tour around Kailua-Kona and take pictures for their wedding album. They'll never know it wasn't them in the pictures.

Her laugh chimed in with his as he opened the door to her room. "I can barely wait to know what happens next."

David began unwrapping her dress, "Barely describes what I have in mind to start with." She smiled as she assisted him. "I like the way you think."

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