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“Didn’t realize how much until this moment.”
“Why?” He cocked his head.
Taking in the craggy splendor as I scanned the horizon, I spoke in a whisper. “Its raw beauty…” Then I flung out my arms, encompassing the magnitude of the land. “But the sense of freedom is what I love most.” I pointed to the prickly-pear cactus and yucca dotting the chaparral. “Even the plants give each other space. Here, I’m not restricted, not boxed in. I have room to grow.”
“They practice social distancing.”
I laughed. “That and the desert offers a oneness with nature—a solidarity. Here, I’m free…yet I belong.”
“I feel the same way.” His gaze steady, he nodded. “This land beckons with a melody few hear.”
“Beckons—yes, that’s the word.” Sensing a kindred spirit, I took a second look, homing in on his inviting lips. His chest hair peeked from his V-neck shirt, and my pulse quickened. Then Cody’s face flashed before my eyes, and I skidded to an emotional halt. “Want to continue this discussion while we hike?”
“Good idea. Do you like petroglyphs?”
“Absolutely, I love anything to do with history. Why?” I started on the caliche trail.
“That formation has ancient petroglyphs.” He pointed to the rocky crest on the left. “If you don’t mind scrambling up rocks and know where to look…” His eyes twinkled in the morning sun.
“A challenge? You’re on.” Tossing my chin, I pushed past him to lead the way. Twenty-five minutes later, I reached the base of the cliff, then scrambled up the steep slope.
He pointed to a ledge several feet above the sheer rock wall. “That’s where you’ll find the rock carvings.” Nodding toward the rise, he cupped his hands to give me a boost.
“Thanks.” I pushed off, reached for the ledge with my other hand, and hoisted myself the rest of the way. “Your turn.” I caught his hand and pulled as he scaled the smooth rock face.
The ledge was so narrow, we sat shoulder to shoulder, facing the desert’s expanse with the petroglyphs at our backs. To see the weatherworn lines and circles, I had to twist my torso. Some figures were etched into the rock wall; other pictographs were painted on its surface. “I wonder what these symbols mean.”
“I’ve heard the zigzag lines indicate lightning or they warn of snakes.” He shrugged. “I’m not sure of their meanings, but from their sheer number, I’d guess this place was important.”
“Maybe sacred.” Our shoulders rubbed each time we moved. The downy hairs on the back of my neck tickling from the electricity passing between us, I shivered as the currents barreled down my spine.
“Cold?” Eyes wide, he caught my gaze.
I opened my mouth to speak but, forgetting what I meant to say, lost myself in his inviting brown eyes and could only nod.
He reached his arm around my shoulders and pulled me close, sharing his body warmth.
With the faint scents of leather and saddle soap wafting from his jacket, his nearness was intoxicating, and I was tempted to lean into a kiss. Yet huddled together on the bone-chilling ledge, I gazed instead at the rugged wilderness surrounding us, content to savor the sweet ache of longing. If more is meant to be, it’ll happen.
Then thoughts of Cody froze me like a blue norther. Why did he come to mind?
****
So close, Luke felt the rise and fall of her chest each time she breathed. Her hair tickled his ear, raising goosebumps—and possibilities. If she turns toward me or gives any sign…But her sigh signaled something else. He side-glanced to read her mood, but she stared at the scenery, apparently oblivious of his rising libido.
“Want…” His voice cracked. Clearing his throat, he tried again. “Want some water?”
“Sure.” She turned her head quickly, her hair brushing his cheek with a citrus scent.
He reached into his vest pocket, pulled out a bottle, and opening it, handed it over.
She took a long swig, then returned it with a smile. “Thanks.”
Not wiping off the bottle, he took a long swallow, sending a subtle signal. Then he offered it to her, watching her response.
Her cheekbones rose, and her lips curved in a half-smile. Her green eyes sparkling like fireworks, she reached for the bottle, drank it dry, and handed it back. Then with a snicker, she jumped off the ledge. “Weren’t we going to the homestead?”
Surprised by her mixed signals, he laughed. “Your command is my wish. Lead on.”
