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“We’re going to swing through the trees like monkeys!” Natalie said, her voice high with excitement like her brother.
Daisy rubbed her eyes, wishing she’d thought to bring a carafe filled with coffee, especially since she hadn’t gotten much sleep after she reached her room last night, her mind still buzzing from the memory of that last moment with Jack.
When he’d looked at her with such naked need. She’d been almost certain he’d been about to kiss her, and she didn’t know if she would have had the strength or reason to resist.
She cast a glance over to where he was helping Lily make some adjustments to her helmet, his face focused on his task and unaware of her attention. She had spent the morning avoiding his gaze, which was made easier when they had split into two groups as they loaded up into the black Suburbans at seven thirty. Now, she felt nervous—uncertain almost—as she studied him.
Had she misread the situation? He didn’t seem half as affected by last night’s events as she did. Which was probably just as well. This whole thing was merely a business agreement. Not a relationship.
Not a real one.
Which was why she needed to get a grip. Needed to remember who she was, who Jack was. Nothing real could or would ever happen.
Jack raised his gaze so quickly, she didn’t have time glance away before their eyes locked.
Ka-Pow.
Just like that, the heat hit her low in the belly, and she felt wobbly as she reached for the line in front of her. Jack didn’t seem the least affected as he grinned, his eyes flashing with something that told her he wasn’t wracked with the same uncertainty as she was.
She swallowed, a strange ringing in her ears making it hard to hear what was going on around her.
“I’m first!” Paul cried, and she looked to see her youngest in a battle for the lead.
“I’m older than him, it’s only fair I go first. Right, Mom?” Natalie asked.
“Actually,” Jack said, breaking their connection as he turned to the kids. “I think it’s a good idea to let Lily go first so she can help you guys out, and I’ll take the back.”
Daisy felt a pang of guilt at the fact that she wasn’t going up with everyone, but she wasn’t ashamed to admit she was deathly afraid of heights. The thought of even climbing a single rung on the rope ladder left her in a cold sweat.
Jack, fortunately, had assured her that he could handle them all, especially with Lily and Jenna’s help. But the closer they came to going up the ladder, the more Jenna’s face paled. Even now, she was biting her lip, white as a ghost.
Daisy wrapped her arms around Jenna, squeezing her tightly the way her daughter liked it. “You’re going to have so much fun. Just remember how excited you were about doing this last night.”
Jenna nodded, her face so solemn.
“I think we’re ready,” Jack said. “Lily, want to head up? Natalie, you go next, and then you’re up, Paul.” He glanced at Jenna while the others started. “You doing okay?”
Jenna didn’t say anything, her eyes wide as she watched the kids climb up.
Then it was her turn.
She put her hands on the ladder but stopped, almost frozen.
“It’s completely safe, sweetie,” Daisy said, repeating what the guide had told her minutes before. “You saw how the belays work. One has to be attached to the rope at all times before the second one will detach. And Jack and everyone else will be there to help you head down if you need it. But…you should at least try it. I know if you don’t, you’ll be mad at yourself later.”
Jenna took one rung and pulled up. Then suddenly clung to it with both hands. “I can’t. I can’t. I’m so scared. Why can’t you come, too, Mom?”
Daisy took a deep breath, her heart racing erratically at the thought of willingly placing herself so far up there. She wanted to say no, that maybe she and Jenna should just stay on solid ground, watching everyone else as they ascended.
But what kind of example would she be setting? Letting her daughter believe it was okay to let her fear stop her from taking risks, from experiencing new adventures?
She took a deep breath, exhaling slowly, and nodded. “If you want me to…I’ll gear up and we can go together.”
Up above them, the kids started waving and shouting. “Come on. Hurry up, guys.”
“Are you sure?” Jack asked, his brow creased with concern as he studied her.
She met her daughter’s gaze. “What do you say, Jenna? Are you and I in this together?”
