Bridger’s cocky smile disappeared. “Is it really?”
Avalyn gave him a quick nod, then wiggled out of his arms and stood quickly. She was still in the silky dress from last night, and it felt ridiculous in the light of day. She didn’t know where she and Bridger stood, and she realized it was in her court to decide. Maybe today would be the day this awful competition ended. Maybe, when they got back to the real world, she and Bridger could find a way to make a relationship work with their very different lives. If he reverted to his old style and countless women in his arms, she’d have to learn to deal with her broken heart. Somehow.
“I’m going to shower and get dressed,” she said.
He nodded, still studying her much too seriously.
Avalyn rushed into the bathroom, where her suitcase was, and hurried to shower, not bothering to wash her hair. She got dressed in a comfortable pair of shorts and a T-shirt. Her stomach tumbled as she thought of kissing and loving Bridger, but she forced those thoughts away and wondered what today would bring. Ramsey. How would he act after last night? She felt indebted to him for letting her go, letting her return to Bridger. Yet this nightmare was all Ramsey’s creation, so she didn’t want to feel any gratitude to the man.
Breakfast was waiting when she exited the bathroom. She waited while Bridger showered and dressed. When he walked out looking fresh and irresistible in a blue tank top and gray shorts, she sharply sucked in air. How could she resist this man?
Her eyes traveled over his handsome face and down to his chest and arms. She gasped and rushed toward him. “What happened to your shoulder?” His right shoulder was black and blue.
Bridger glanced down at his shoulder and grinned. “I rammed it into the door a few … hundred times.” He pointed at the door, which looked more battered than his shoulder. “Sadly, the door won.”
Avalyn half laughed and half cried. He’d bruised himself trying to get to her. She wrapped her hand around his forearm, then bent down and pressed her lips to his shoulder. Bridger groaned, and heat filled her belly.
He cupped her chin and tilted her face up. “You missed the spot. My lips are up here.” He grinned, but there was nothing cocky about it. This grin was downright sexy and meant for only her.
Avalyn laughed for real this time. “I guess I’m not a very accurate markswoman. Can you help me out?”
“Gladly.” He cupped her cheek with one hand and wrapped his other hand around her lower back to pull her flush against him.
Avalyn melted against his broad chest, and when their lips connected, she trembled under his touch. His lips maneuvered hers in a pattern that was becoming familiar, but it was still so exciting she could hardly stand on her own two feet. Luckily, she didn’t need to stand with his strong arms supporting her.
There was a rap at the door. The lock turned and it swung open to reveal Mike. “Oh, sorry to interrupt.” He pushed a hand over his bald head. “Chopper’s ready to go.”
Bridger smiled down at Avalyn. “I’m sorry he interrupted too.”
Mike chuckled, and Avalyn winked at Bridger. Bridger released her, and they both filled plates with food and cups with juice. Mike said, “You eat quick. The chopper will wait.”
Bridger arched an eyebrow at Avalyn as Mike stepped back out of the door but left it open so they could come when they were ready. “You’d think we were honored guests or something.”
She sank into a chair and speared a bite of eggs. “Or something. I’m so ready to be done with this crazy train.” She smiled. “Or crazy boat and helicopter ride, I guess I should say.”
He nodded, but his eyes grew serious. “I worry when we’re done you’re going to slip away from me again.”
Avalyn’s bite of eggs caught in her throat. She coughed and then took a long drink of apple juice. She couldn’t promise anything at this point. Bridger’s actions when and if they ever escaped Ramsey would determine their future.
They ate the rest of their breakfast in silence, then took turns brushing their teeth before they followed Mike to the helicopter.
Ramsey’s grin was so broad as they settled into the helicopter that Avalyn didn’t know what to think. Should she be afraid of what he was planning, or hope that maybe he was their friend now?
“You two have a good night?” he asked.
Bridger grunted in response. Avalyn squirmed. She’d loved sleeping in Bridger’s arms, but the tension between them was growing worse as her fears and indecisiveness lay between them. Part of her wanted to throw her worries out the helicopter door and simply love Bridger until the day she left this earth, which sadly might be today. No matter what Ramsey said about her not being involved today, she didn’t trust him after he’d almost drowned her on day one, thrown her out of this very helicopter without a chute, then terrified her last night that he would take advantage of her.
Yet she couldn’t commit to Bridger when they were in this delusional reality. She wondered what it would take for her to commit to him, to believe he wouldn’t ditch her for another model as soon as those options were available again. Bridger Hawk just wasn’t the type of man to settle down and live in the suburbs—but then again, neither was she. Could their dreams come together?
“We’ve got a shorter flight today. Settle in and enjoy the scenery.” Ramsey winked and then took his own advice, leaning back and staring out the window.
Bridger and Avalyn strapped on their seat belts, and the chopper took off. They flew over the ocean but soon were over land. It was the Caribbean, so the island was lush and green. They flew over a sprawling city, and Avalyn wondered if it was Belize City. It looked a lot like it.
They landed at a small, overgrown airstrip. A few Hummers were waiting for them, and some of the guards from the boat were already there. Had they come earlier in the chopper or taken the speedboat in? They all piled into the vehicles. Nobody said much as they drove through city streets.
They stopped behind a large warehouse-looking building. The guards slid the doors back, and everyone walked inside. Avalyn’s eyes adjusted to the dimly lit open room. There were sets of temporary silver bleachers situated around a boxing ring. She glanced at Bridger. He looked at her and shrugged.
Ramsey strolled in front of them down to the ring. He turned and spread his arms wide. “Today could be our last challenge, my friends, and you’ll say goodbye to me forever.”