AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Fine,” he said tersely to hide how stirred up she made him. “We’re almost there.”
“Oh, good. My feet want to fall off.”
Almost there … if the beach walk wasn’t awful and they didn’t hit some cliffs or a ravine or something that cut them off from getting back to camp. He hadn’t seen either in their approach to the island in the helicopter, but ...
His stomach rumbled.
“Yes, that too. I’mstarving.” She put a hand dramatically against her forehead and leaned back. “I’m about to swoon from starvation.”
She was far too cute, far too appealing, far too …
Cash glanced back and her glistening lips were right there … kissable.
He grunted and pushed forward, not even using the machete. He just shoved through the undergrowth, pushing small trees out of the way and holding them for her. She quietly thanked him, obviously sensing he was off kilter.
Finally, they burst through the trees and there was the beach. The sun danced its final tango with the ocean, orange, pink, and reds meeting the turquoise blue of the Caribbean. No flags in sight. At least the sunset was glorious. They should stop and savor it, but Cash didn’t want to lose the light, and would surely lose his mind if Brylee came close to savor the view again. He would have no choice but to wrap his arm around her.
He sheathed the machete and looked at Brylee. “You ready to keep moving?” Was it too much to ask her to pick up the pace? She hadn’t complained the entire afternoon or evening besides teasing about starving. She was either in fabulous shape or just not one to bellyache. She looked to be in fabulous shape. He’d noticed that detail far too many times today.
“Oh sure, yes, but … look at how beautiful that is.” She gestured to the incredible sunset.
“It is beautiful.” He was staring at her.
She met his gaze. Her cheeks went pink and her lips turned up in an alluring smile.
So incredibly beautiful.
Cash folded his arms across his chest to protect himself. Her gaze trailed over his arms and shoulders, and he was sweating more than ever.
“Can you double time?” he asked in a bark he usually reserved for new recruits who weren’t paying attention.
She jerked back and saluted. “Aye-aye, Captain. Yes, sir.”
He couldn’t help but smile.
“Double time means jog, right? Not sure if I can sprint right now.”
“A jog is great.” He felt like a jerk barking like that, but he had to keep them moving, get them back to camp.
Then what would be his excuse not to kiss those perfect lips? He was afraid of what would happen tonight, in that tent, and itwas only day one. Good crap, he was an out of control mess, and that was completely unlike him.
Cash turned and took off at a jog. He directed her to run in the wet, packed sand and he stayed on the softer sand. She kept up, which was nice. Soon he had sand in his shoes and more sweat rolling down his back, the backpack making it even more sweaty and gross.
The sun sank out of sight. They were running out of daylight and there was no flashlight in either of their packs.
Cash held back a curse. He was going to heaven to see his mom soon. He didn’t need to be repenting for all the curse words.
They ran and ran and just as the light faded, he saw it. The stream cutting through the sand.
“This is it,” he called, his voice lifting in relief and excitement. “Camp will be just up there.”
“Oh, thank heavens. I’m about ready to pass out from lack of food.”
“Brylee?” He was supposed to be her protector and take care of her. He needed to be more aware of her needs. The problem was, he was trying not to be so aware ofher.
“I’m kidding.” She grinned. “I’m in better shape than that.”
“Let’s get you fed,” he said, slowing to a walk and taking her hand without even thinking about it. “You are in incredible shape, by the way.”
