The blood
rushed to my fingertips. I wanted to pull her against me. Wrap my arms around her body. Tangle my hands in her hair. I wanted to kiss her pouty lips until they were mine again. I inched closer.
Journey’s eyes widened with the kind of innocence that pulled me toward her the first time we met. She ever so slightly bit her bottom lip.
“How is the cramp?” I asked, moving my hand to the exposed skin under her ribcage. “Is it here?”
She nodded. “It was. It was right there.”
My fingers dug into her lower back as my thumb brushed the silkiness of her abdomen. It was enough to draw her against my body with a small step forward. I didn’t know if I’d ever touch her again. If she’d ever let me be this close. Be this intimate. If I didn’t kiss her now, I’d always regret it.
My mouth covered hers in the hungriest kiss I’d ever known. My tongue pushed inside and flicked against hers. Journey moaned lightly as I explored her mouth as if it were the first time. Her soft perfect lips moved in unison with mine. I pressed her body against the tree, cupping her jaw. I didn’t know how to be gently and possessive at the same time. But I sure as hell was going to try.
It was the first time since I had brought her to Big Bear that I didn’t feel the knot under my ribs. I nipped at her bottom lip, drowning in her. Absorbing the contact. Relishing her curves. Touching her everywhere.
But then my ears perked. I heard a snap.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Shh.” I broke away, turning from Journey. I reached for the small pistol I carried with me on my morning runs.
I heard her gasp when she saw it.
“Stay here,” I ordered. “And stay low.” I pushed her shoulders so she was crouched on the ground.
I crept along the trail, and moved into the brush in the direction where I heard the loud cracking sound. I checked over my shoulder, keeping one eye on Journey and one ahead. Had I let my guard down? Had I given in to the solitude of the cabin for too long? I scowled as I edged forward. Guarding Journey had always been a problem. She distracted me. She pulled me from focus. I growled to myself, scanning the woods for a trespasser.
The hair on the back of my neck stood up when I saw what was ahead. I froze. Fuck.
I crawled backward, staying out of sight until I was at the tree with Journey.
“What is it?” she whispered. “Is there someone out there?”
I put my finger to my lips and shook my head no. I motioned to my eyes with double fingers and pointed at the target forty yards in front of us.
“Wh—” she gasped, when I covered her mouth with my hand.
Her eyes bulged.
A mama bear was traipsing through the forest, towing two cubs behind her. I curled a hand around Journey’s waist, pulling her against me. If we stayed still the mama would continue. She wasn’t headed off her path, but I didn’t want to startle her. The cubs rolled and jumped on each other, before finally following her.
When they were gone, I lowered my hand.
“Oh my God. That was amazing.”
I looked at Journey, expecting her to be rattled. I let out a deep laugh. “Amazing, huh?”
I stood and helped her to her feet.
“Yes. I’ve never seen a bear up close before, let alone cubs. They were adorable. Wow. Just wow.”
“Adorable can rip you apart. Hopefully, we won’t see any more. I think we should head back to the cabin in case she turns around. This run didn’t go as expected. Nothing did,” I grumbled.
Journey hopped up from the ground. “I know you don’t like unexpected things.” I heard the accusatory tone in her voice.
“That’s not what I meant.” It had nothing to do with the kiss and everything to do with pushing her too hard physically. Add to that a dangerous animal.
“It doesn’t matter. I think I’ll get a cup of detox tea and spend the day in the library.”