And being friendly, even though I am an introvert, is an important way to build bonds with the team.
So, even though it’s not how I want to spend my day off, I pack a swimsuit, a bunch of my favorite snack foods, sunscreen, a few books, a sketchpad, and a pack of my favorite colored pencils. If we’re going to have a beach day, I need things to keep myself busy. I’ve never been one for lying out idly in the sun.
There are seven of us who take a van to the beach, and the day is bright and sunny. Everyone is talking about the dig, the dinosaur, the weather. It’s good vibes, and I find myself loosening up, reading my guidebook as we drive to the ocean.
But once we arrive at the beach, I’m a little disappointed to see Carlos has chosen a touristy place, with huge high-rises around us and stretches of public access beaches in front of them. There are tons of people, and I already feel exhausted. I don’t recharge my batteries with crowds, and this is my day off.
Most of the team is ready to jump into the ocean, but I keep my backpack on, my boots laced. In the parking lot I decide to do what I need to do for me.
“I’m going to explore the caves that are right next to Paradise Palms,” I tell them, pointing to the large resort next to us. “I read about the tunnels around here and want to explore.”
They give me a hard time. “We always explore. Maybe take a day off?”
I smile. “Go, swim, be merry. I’ll find you in a bit.”
They don’t press me further, and I’m glad to walk off on my own. There is a path from the parking lot to the jungle, surprisingly undeveloped. A stark contrast to everything else around. I follow the path, relishing the beauty around me. The path leads to a small cave opening, and I go in, surprised to find the entrance so quickly. There are stalagmites and a steady flow of water, so I keep on the edge, wanting to keep my boots mostly dry.
After walking for a bit, I realize maybe I’m getting in deeper than I ought to alone. I try to go back to where I started, but realize I’m walking in a circle. Crap.
I lean against the cave wall, pulling out my guidebook and a flashlight, thinking maybe it will help with directions somehow.
But as I open up the book, the cave begins to shake and rattle – as if I’ve just stepped on a landmine. Rocks fall and the space seems to spin.
I scream, scared, but as I take a step back, the ground beneath me breaks up and I fall. Far. Ten feet. Twenty. More.
I cry for help, but I’m alone. I close my eyes, not knowing where I’ll land.
But by some miracle, I don’t crack my head against a rock. I don’t crash to my grave – instead of falling to my death, I’m caught.
I open my eyes and scream.
It’s not a net that broke my fall – it’s a man.
A bearded hunk of a man with piercingly bright blue eyes and strength that takes my breath away.
“Who are you?” I ask, gasping. “Where am I?”
“I’m a cave man, baby,” he says with confidence. “And you’ve fallen through time.”
2
Flint
She’s squirming in my arms, demanding to be put down, and I like to see her put up a fight.
It’s cute as fuck.
And damn, it’s been two long years since I’ve seen another human – let alone a female. I always hoped for company, but never dreamed I’d get a woman like her, sexy as sin, falling in my arms.
“You know I just saved your life, don’t you?” I ask, carrying her toward the exit of the cave. “That’s the same hole I fell through, two years ago. You’re lucky I was in here, looking for some beetles to spruce up the soup I’m making.”
Talk about impeccable timing.
“Let me go, you creep!” she screams, and I chuckle, setting her down.
“Come on, camp is this way.”
“Camp?” She huffs, shoving the book she was holding into her full backpack. “No. I’m going back where I came from.”
“Sadly, that’s impossible. God knows I’ve tried.” I feel bad for her, I do. When I first realized that this was my reality, I lost my shit. Took a long time to come to terms with my new life.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve gotta go. Thanks for catching my fall, but goodbye.” She hurries off, her sturdy boots stomping through the shallow water as she runs out of the cave.
My eyes catch sight of a flicker of neon green. I grab a rock and pound it down. “Gotcha.” Picking up the juicy beetle and tossing it in the pouch slung across my chest, I make my way out of the cave, figuring this beauty is about to freak the fuck out, and she might faint, needing me to catch her again. I will.