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Anticipation thrums through me at the thought. Out there, enveloped by the ancient jungle, Kat's daring spirit will be unbound and her passion ignited. I'll coax that clever minx to the surface once more.
I clear my throat, drawing Kat's attention. Her turquoise-hued eyes meet mine, curiosity swirling in their depths. "I was thinking...maybe you'd like to join me on a private wildlife tour this afternoon? Just the two of us."
Kat blinks, clearly caught off guard by the invitation. Wyatt and Wilder go silent, watching our exchange closely.
"Oh, um..." She bites her plump lower lip as she glances between me and the other two, pondering.
I lean in, my voice dropping lower. "We could hike through the rainforest, and get up close with exotic creatures in their natural habitat."
A smile tugs at her lips as her adventurous spirit stirs. After an endless pause, she finally nods. "Alright then, a jungle adventure it is."
Triumph surges hotly through my veins. There’ll be no interference this time. I'll finally have her all to myself. My face breaks into a grin, the feeling stiff and unnatural. Come to think of it…when was the last time I smiled properly?
Kat's answering smile makes my pulse pick up. I can't resist reaching out to tuck back an errant strand of her long, wavy chocolate-brown hair, fingers trailing along the elegant slope of her neck. Her lips part on a soft inhale, her turquoise eyes dilating.
A pointed cough shatters the heady moment and I glance up to see Wyatt watching us closely, his sharp gaze missing nothing.
"We should get going if we want to catch the afternoon excursion," I state, standing abruptly and offering Kat my hand. After a brief hesitation, she accepts, her delicate fingers curling trustingly around mine. I have to tamp down a smug grin at the small victory.
Wilder leans back casually in his chair, but his eyes are calculating. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do." His jesting words carry an undercurrent of challenge.
I meet his stare evenly. "I'll take good care of her."
Kat glances between us, clearly picking up on the silent stand-off. But she doesn't object as I guide her away from the table and out into the glaring sunshine. Just before we exit the dining area, I risk one glance back at Wyatt and Wilder. Jaws clenched, they watch our departure through hooded gazes.
Good. Let them stew in jealousy for a while.
After quickly changing into suitable jungle hiking attire, we make our way along the coastline towards the tour's meeting point, warm sand shifting beneath our feet. Kat's hand remains securely tucked in mine, a pleasing weight.
"So tell me about this wildlife adventure," she prompts, glancing my way. "What exotic species might we encounter out there?"
Her genuine interest kindles a warmth in my chest. Few take the time to draw me out, but Kat sees beyond the silent brute façade.
"It's a protected reserve, home to endangered creatures found nowhere else." I scan the treeline, imagining what lurks within. "Jaguars, tree boas, spider monkeys. Even some rare birds."
Kat's eyes light up. "That sounds incredible! I'd love to get a glimpse of a jaguar in the wild."
We reach the tour's meeting point, a thatched-roof hut tucked against encroaching jungle. Vines crawl along the walls and the air buzzes with insect songs. Our guide appears, his weathered face creasing into a smile as he regards us.
"Ready for an adventure?" He gestures towards the shadowy tree line.
Side by side, we step into the jungle’s embrace. It swallows us in a tangle of vines and steamy foliage. Our guide leads us along twisting trails, pointing out exotic plants and wildlife camouflaged amidst the green.
Kat listens with rapt attention, her naturalist spirit soaking up every detail. She probably already knows most of what the guide is saying, but she doesn’t care. When an iridescent blue morpho butterfly flutters past, she watches wide-eyed as a child. Each new marvel is met with a brilliant smile that is so familiar to how I feel when among the wildlife.
I’ve always fit in better among animals.
Which makes this job as a fake boyfriend all the more torturous. If it weren’t for the closing of so many vets and animal centers around the country, I’d never have to do it. But with my lack of savings, and need for an income, it was the best paid option I had as a temporary gig.
I find myself watching her more than our surroundings, captivated by her joy and wonder. Her cheeks flush becomingly from the humid air, tendrils of hair escaping their braid to frame her face. She catches me staring and arches a teasing brow.
"Don't tell me you're bored of our jungle adventure already," she whispers playfully.
"Not with you here," I murmur back, surprising even myself.
Kat blinks, cheeks pinking further. Before she can respond, a distant monkey's cry echoes through the trees, making our guide gesture excitedly.
"Spider monkeys ahead. This way, quickly!"
