“Kind of,” I nod, “but also still pretty desperate for that dick. And what about you?”
“Aching,” he groans, “but something tells me you’re worth the wait.”
My heart swells as I lay back in his arms, staring up at the knotty pine boards. This wasn’t about capturing me. He genuinely wants me to feel special, and it’s working.
Chapter Six
Hawk
My eyes close and all I can smell is her sweet juice on my beard.
Fuck.She’s everything. I know it without a shadow of a doubt. I need this woman in my life, and I could lay like this forever.
I’m not sure how long we’ve been laying here, but I’d guess it’s been about four hours, which puts it at roughly around four a.m. It’s time to get moving, except she’s breathing gently against my chest, her hair is draped down over my shoulder, and I’ve never felt so content in my life.
I need to get my shit together.
I move my arm from beneath her head and stand from the ground, arching my back as I try to readjust my spine.
“What’s wrong?” Her voice is soft and sweet. “Are we leaving?”
I clear my throat. “I am. You’re staying here.”
I expect relief but instead she offers defiance. “No! Why would I stay here? You needed my help to get around the mountain, remember?”
My jaw clenches. It’s true. I did need her help around the mountain, but now, I’m feeling things would be better if I went alone. Not just for her sake, but mine too. She’s a distraction. A sweet, pretty diversion that I know is going to throw me off rather than keep me focused, and right now, I need to get back on the trail. “I’d feel much better knowing you’re safe, and I think I’d get more done if I weren’t looking at your ass the whole time.” I smile and pull her close. “Besides, I thought you were happy to be let go. You wanted freedom. I’m giving it to you.”
She quiets and rolls up her sleeping bag, tucking it into her pack without saying a word. I’m guessing she’s frustrated, though I can’t figure why. If I’d asked her to stay back yesterday at this time, she’d have told me yes without question, and probably taken the opportunity to tell the town what an asshole I am.
Maybe last night meant something to her too. I want to ask, but I’m too nervous I’ll hear something I don’t want to hear, like her vehement distrust in me again. I’m not sure my ego can take it.
“We can stop by my friend Walker’s place. He’s the only one that lives up here. Maybe he’s seen something.”
“You have a friend up here?” My brows narrow. “Where?”
“Less than a mile up stream. He lives completely off grid, so I’m sure he has seen something. Though, he’s a bit of a hermit so… maybe not. Either way, I’m sure he can help us.”
I don’t tell her, I plan to leave her there, where I know for sure she’s protected. Instead, “Hustle up. We’re wasting darkness,” escapes my mouth.
She darts me a look of disapproval for my strange use of expressions then tosses her bag up onto her back as I hold open the cabin door.
It’s a crisp morning, and the sun hasn’t even started to rise. Violet makes her way westward out of the cabin and into the forest of cedar and pine that we hadn’t explored yet. She’s carrying a flashlight and waving it back and forth as she steps, crunching over fallen leaves and sticks.
“I know you’re leaving me with him,” she says, turning back, “but I’m not going to let you. He’s going to help us. Walker is a veteran. He’s seen some of the craziest stuff. You should hear his stories. One time, he told me about this land mine that almost took out his entire battalion.”
“How’d you two meet?”
“I was up here hiking one day and he was fishing. He caught a rainbow trout and subsequently had it stolen by a grizzly. I had to stop and laugh. We’ve been friends ever since. Well, friends in the way that we’ve had a few conversations, but mostly just wave from a distance. He’s not a social guy.”
I nod and stare out at the dark forest in front of us, watching as her silhouette moves through the trees. She’s careful and steady, even in the black woods. I should ask her now what she thought of last night, and if she regrets what we did, but she turns back first.
“You know, if you want to go solve your case, you should go. I can find my way to Walker’s cabin. I’m sure he’s up and getting ready for a hunt, anyway.”
“No, I’m not letting you take off in the dark alone!” I reach out for her arm, hoping to talk some sense into her, but she flinches away. “Just go!Please. Walker’s cabin is right around the corner.”
“And then what?”
She shrugs. “Then I guess you got what you came for, right?”