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Chapter One
Clark Heart
I leaned over towards Lizzy and said, “I need to get the hell out of here before they start singing ‘Kumbaya’.” It was the middle of the day and all my brothers were already cuddled up with their sweethearts around the campfire. I might not be able to bail out of the entire camping trip, but I didn’t want to be around when things really started to heat up. All this lovey-dovey stuff wasn’t for me.
I could tell from the look on Lizzy’s face that I wasn’t the only one questioning how we had gotten suckered into joining them on this trip. She was looking for a way out, too. If any of them harbored hope that Lizzy and I might click and become romantically involved, they were wrong. We tolerated each other. The only thing we had in common was a wish to be somewhere else.
The sound of Lizzy chuckling at my “Kumbaya” joke caught Joyelle’s attention. She must’ve thought Lizzy and I were sharing an intimate moment, too, because Joyelle grinned brightly before turning her attention back to Richard. If you only knew.
Lizzy leaned closer to me and whispered. “I was ready to bolt when they told me they didn’t have any chocolate for tonight’s s’mores. Who the heck did the packing for this trip?”
“It was your ‘BFF,’ last I heard,” I said. When it came to planning this family adventure, Joyelle appeared to be the ringleader. But I knew who was really behind it all: my mother the mastermind. Mother was a very smooth talker and could read people well. It explained why my parents were so successful in business. My brothers and I didn’t appreciate when her talents were used on us, but Joyelle was too new to the family to have learned how to duck and cover.
“What do you say about giving me a ride into town to do a little shopping?” Lizzy asked.
I snickered. “The last time you dragged me on your shopping adventure, we were there for hours.”
Lizzy shrugged. “Do you have something better to do?”
“How about take a hike.” Her jaw dropped, so I added, “I mean, in the woods.”
“That’s not much better than what I thought you were saying. You know I’m not that fond of outdoor stuff.”
Not that I wanted or needed her company, but I usually enjoyed time away from the office and off the grid. I kept telling myself I’d do it more often, but somehow over the years, there seemed to be less time for things I used to enjoy. Since I was here, I was going to make the most of this time off.
“If you want a ride, I’ll give you one, but no way in hell am I shopping with you. We’ll set a time and I’ll come back for you. Agreed?” I offered.
“Fine. It won’t be as much fun without someone to carry my purchases, but I’m sure I’ll manage without you.”
You’ll have to.
I announced to the others, “Lizzy and I are heading off to town for a few hours.”
Instantly, the other ladies started rattling off a list of items they needed Lizzy to bring back for them. My brothers didn’t utter a word. You’re all getting soft.
Once we were in town, I dropped her off at the largest store there was. “I’ll be back in two hours.”
She huffed and replied, “Did you hear the list I need to shop for? I can do it in two if you stay and help.”
I smiled and said, “Okay, I’ll be back in four hours.” I rolled up the window and drove away before she could guilt me any further.
With the limited amount of time, I headed to a spot I used to enjoy, where I could hike and take a dip in the river along the way. If swimming meant Lizzy had to wait a bit longer for my return, I was confident she could find something to occupy her time.
As I approached the water and was just about to pull my t-shirt over my head, I heard what sounded like someone crying. Listening more closely, I knew it was a woman crying, almost hysterically.
Fuck!
It was tough to pinpoint exactly where the sound was coming from, because it seemed to echo in all directions. All I knew was someone was in trouble, possibly injured, and in need of help. Making my way through the trees, off the path, I tried to follow the sound. It was getting louder by the minute. I could only imagine what she must be going through. Animals could’ve attacked her, or she might have fallen and broken a bone. Whatever it was, it sounded like she needed help quickly.
When I finally located her, she was standing with her back to me, shoulders shaking as she sobbed. I assessed her quickly and couldn’t see any visible injury. Her wailing came from a place deep within, and whatever pain she was in sounded intense. Reaching out, I touched her shoulder and asked, “Are you okay?”
She spun around and gasped. Then surprisingly, she replied calmly, “Yes, I’m fine.”
Her tear-streaked cheeks were the only evidence she’d been crying. How did she turn off the waterworks so fast? Could I have scared her into a state of shock on top of her already distraught emotional condition? Hell, I had no clue. I was terrible at reading women’s feelings. My relationships usually only went as deep as drinks, dinner, and sex. The only crying I ever heard from the women in my life was crying out for more.
Even though she said she was okay, I couldn’t in good conscience turn and leave her off-trail in the forest alone.
My swim will have to wait.
