He turns to me with a pensive pout. “I’m mostly concerned he’ll disappear, and then I’ll have lost a witness. Hopefully, he’s smart enough to make his way back, because the last thing we need is a missing person…or another dead body.”
He takes his hat off, tapping it on his thigh while his eyes narrow. He’s got another idea brewing. “And you want to use him as bait?”
“If I have to, yeah. But that puts you in danger, and I’m not willing to do that.”
“That’s so dark.”
And hot.
I have it so bad for this man.
I must stare at him too long, all the longing and yearning unhidden in my gaze. He straightens to his full height and turns to face me. Without thinking, I float closer, mirroring his stance. He reverently lifts a hand to my face before letting it trail down my shoulder. His voice is soft and gritty. “You doin’ okay, princess?”
“I’m good. Still waiting for my make-it-all-better kiss, though.”
Subtle, Willow.
Self-chastisement swirls in my stomach, fueled by memories of all the times I was told and treated like I was either too much or not enough.
“You have wracked up quite a few injuries…” He frowns at the cuts on my face, then he stares at me like he can see the very depths of my dreams. Some days I forget what it’s like to be seen.
“I’ve earned three kisses, at least.” I nod as our bodies move closer, like being near him is the only place my cells are at peace.
“This isn’t a good idea, Lo…” His jaw clenches as we continue gravitating toward one another, breaths mingling and foreheads touching. His hand comes to the base of my neck, and my eyes fall closed.
“I think it’s the best idea you’ve ever had.”
“Was it my idea?” He swallows, and I feel his words against my lips.
“Jack?”
“Yeah?”
“Stop talking.” I smile as I say it, even though I’m freaking out on the inside because he could get spooked any second. Not to mention, there’s a dead body not too far away. But then the world shifts as his control finally gives out, and he crashes his lips into mine, breathing deeply.
This kiss is like being set free. I can’t get close enough with my arm in a sling between us, but my free hand tries to pull him nearer. His hands slide to my waist, holding me steady while his lips obliterate every doubt I’ve ever had. He peppers kisses along my jaw, moving to the curve of my neck, and I think I could happily do nothing but this for the rest of my life.
Somewhere in the back of my mind is the knowledge that I haven’t showered in too many days, and I inhale, trying to gauge any unpleasant B.O. But all I smell is Jack, and it’s heavenly. His deodorant mixed with the dust and his eau de hard work is like a shot of energy right into my veins. It shouldn’t be appealing, but I’m pretty sure whatever pheromones he’s releasing are attaching themself to me like little puzzle pieces, clicking into place with the perfect match.
Who cares if there’s a literal corpse around the corner? This is the best, most romantic moment of my life.
We kiss for so long that my feet ache, and I end up leaning all my body weight against Jack as he rests on the rocks behind him, holding me. I’m shocked that his rational brain hasn’t stormed into our oasis, declaring this a mistake.
“Do I smell?” I blurt out when he begins to nuzzle little kisses over my shoulder, unable to let go of the thought that I might reek like a sweaty cow. Do cows even sweat?
Jack leans in and inhales deeply against my neck, his lips ghosting my skin. “You smell entirely too good.”
My head is filled with so many questions about what this means, but I’m taking what I can get. He said we’d talk about usafter.What exactly theafteris, I’m not sure. I’m also a little scared that too many things will get squeezed between me and thatafter.
So I say nothing, lifting an arm around his neck and wishing we could turn into statues and live smooshed together like this for eternity. Because this feeling right here, of being cared for and surrounded by Jack…it’s everything.
My head rests on his chest, a soft smile on my face, when a feminine shriek echoes through the canyon corridors, causing goosebumps to pebble my arms by the time it reaches us.
“What the heck was that?” I ask.
Jack looks at his watch, cursing. “Chad’s been gone too long.” He gently pries my arm from around him, a foreboding loss tingling down my neck. Jack digs into his bag from its perch beside mine and shoves zip ties and his SAT phone into one of his many cargo pants pockets before turning that familiar lowered brow my way. “Stay here. You have my knife. I’ll be back as soon as I can, but you’re safe. Whatever danger is happening, it’s out there. Just…don’t go anywhere. I’ll be back.” He cups the back of my neck before placing a swift kiss on my forehead. I think he’s about to leave, but his hand stays heavy on my neck, guilt burning in his eyes and making my stomach turn.
“I’m sorry…”
