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"Anytime, Scooter," he replied, his gaze never leaving mine. My stomach fluttered, and I knew that I couldn't keep running from the chemistry between us. It was time to face my fears, let go of the past, and see where this new beginning might lead.
The rain from yesterday had turned the ground into a muddy mess, making our trek back to the ranger station feel like wading through a swamp. I tried to focus on the squelching sound my boots made in the mud, but it was no use; images of Connor's hands on me, his lips pressed against mine, flooded my thoughts. I should be concentrating on not slipping face-first into the dirt, yet the memory of our recent sexual encounter proved to be an irresistible distraction.
"Watch your step," Connor warned as he led the way. "It's pretty slippery around here." His confident stride seemed unaffected by the conditions, while I was Bambi on ice.
"Thanks for the heads up, Captain Obvious," I retorted, trying to mask my inner turmoil with sarcasm.
"Anytime, Scooter," he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.
After seeing Rosie, I grabbed my bag with my packed clothing. Connor showed me to the showers. "I'll give you some privacy," he said, before disappearing down the hallway.
"Appreciate it," I muttered under my breath, closing the door behind me. As soon as the water started pouring down, I let the steamy heat envelop me, hoping to clear my mind. Instead, my thoughts went straight back to our morning sex.
My body still tingled from the intense pleasure we had just shared together. That was the best sex of my life. The way our bodies moved together, the electric connection between us, and the uncontrollable desire that consumed us. No one had ever made me feel that way before.
But with those memories came a churning anxiety in the pit of my stomach. Could I trust him? Could I allow myself to be vulnerable with someone who'd caused me so much embarrassment in the past? Fear gripped my heart, threatening to extinguish any hope I had for a future with Connor.
The warm water cascading over my body couldn't wash away the conflicting emotions swirling within me. I could still feel his touch, taste his lips on mine, hear his whispered words…. It was maddening.
"Get it together, Rebecca," I muttered to myself, using my full name like some sort of internal slap in the face.
Easier said than done, though. A part of me wanted to rip down the walls I'd built around my heart and let him in, while another part screamed at me to run as far away as possible. The uncertainty gnawed at me.
I stepped out of the steam-filled bathroom in fresh clothes and braced myself for whatever conversation lay ahead. The scent of pine and rain wafted through the ranger station, with a hint of Connor's musky cologne lingering in the air. He sat at the small table by the window, nursing a cup of coffee as he looked out at the stormy sky.
"Hey, Scooter," he said without turning to face me, his voice low and uncharacteristically gentle. "Hot cocoa?"
"Sure," I replied, trying my best to sound casual, though my heart was pounding like a jackhammer. I grabbed a mug from the cabinet and poured myself a cup, taking a deep breath before joining him at the table.
“Becca,” he started, finally looking me straight in the eyes. His piercing blue gaze was intense, full of concern and confusion. “I know we've had our differences, but…I can't stop thinking about what happened between us this morning.”
"Me too," I admitted softly, my hazel eyes searching his face for any sign of deception. "But we have a lot of history, and I don't want to rush into anything without addressing some things from our past."
"Like what?" he asked, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms over his broad chest. The muscles in his jaw clenched. This wouldn't be an easy conversation for either of us.
"Like how you treated me growing up," I said, my voice wavering slightly. "You were my brother's best friend, and I had such a crush on you. But you always made fun of me, called me Scooter like it was some sort of insult. You acted like I was an annoying little tag-along you couldn't stand.”
"Becca," he sighed, rubbing his hand over his face. "I'm sorry about that. I truly am. I was a stupid kid back then, trying to fit in and make my mark. I never meant to hurt you."
"Maybe not intentionally," I said, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. "But you did hurt me, Connor. And now, with this morning, I'm afraid I'm setting myself up for more heartache."
"Rebecca, I…." He paused, seeming to search for the right words. "I swear, I never meant to cause you any pain, either back then or now. You deserve so much better than the person I was. But I've changed, Becca. I’ve grown up, and I’m not that guy anymore."
“I can see that. I'm just not sure if I can trust you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper as I looked into his eyes.
7
Connor
One of the junior rangers raced through the back door, red-faced and panting. “There's been reports of a trapped camper, sir. They need our help.”
His sudden appearance saved me from answering Rebecca. I was chicken shit, but what could I have said to her anyway. We’d just had sex—that was all. One moment of weakness that was all it was.
I glanced over at Rebecca. “I've got to handle this. You gonna be ok on your own for a bit?”
“Of course. I'll probably go see Rosie once more. Then head back to my cabin to meditate or do whatever new-age crap my friends had planned for this trip that they are now missing.”
I gave her a quick smile, then headed to the official off-road vehicle out front, the junior ranger trailing behind me. “Why didn’t you use the radio?” I asked him.
