by Connie Mann
They passed a small clearing with two campers. Delilah instantly came alert, but then shook her head no. “That’s not my family.”
“If they see you in disguise, do you think they’ll recognize you?”
She thought about it. “Mama would know. So would Mary. I don’t know about my father or Aaron. They tend to see through women. Or only see their shape.” She indicated the shapeless dress she wore. “And it’s not like this tantalizing getup will draw attention.”
“I don’t know, I hear high-collared cotton dresses can be a real turn-on.” He waggled his brows and made her laugh.
“Well then, I’d best be on my guard, or I’ll have to beat them off with a stick.”
Josh laughed, but his mind again went to what was under the shapeless dress. He knew every other man would be thinking the same thing. She had no idea how attractive she was, how the saucy tilt of her head and her sharp mind turned him on as much as the way the fabric slid over her curves.
He backed the camper to one side of the clearing and was surprised when Delilah hopped out as soon as he stopped. “That should work.” She turned in a circle and scanned the area, eyes on the sky. “It will keep the afternoon sun from beating down on the living area.”
Without a word, she grabbed the chocks and put them in position under the camper’s tires. He leveled everything, and as soon as he got the canopy open, she reached inside and pulled out the floor mat and several folding chairs. Within minutes, she had a cozy living area set up. She headed off into the forest.
“Where you going?”
“I wasn’t sure if you brought enough firewood, so I figured I’d grab some kindling.”
He watched her disappear, smiling. Several minutes later, she dumped an armload of small sticks and twigs next to the fire ring while he got the fire started.
Tasks complete, they settled into chairs by the fire. “Have your folks taken the camper anywhere yet? It looks like it’s never been used.”
A shadow passed over Josh’s heart. “Not yet. They bought it a little over a year ago, just before Mom’s stroke. She isn’t strong enough yet for them to go exploring.”
“I’m really sorry. I hope they can go soon.”
He smiled. “Us, too. Mom is as stubborn as the kids she raised, so if there is a way, she’ll find it.”
“You have a nice family.”
There was such longing in the words, he reached over and took her hand. She looked at their clasped hands, then back at his face, a question in her eyes.
He winked, content to enjoy the quiet of the forest with a woman who apparently appreciated it the same way he did.
They watched the fire for a few minutes before she turned to look at him. “You getting hungry yet? Whoever stocked the kitchen did a really nice job. We won’t starve.”
“I don’t expect you to do the cooking.”
“What do you expect from me?”
Their eyes met, held. They were clearly talking about more than dinner. “I’ll never expect a single thing more than you’re willing to give.” He paused. “Even though the timing sucks, you know I’m attracted to you, and I think you’re attracted to me, too.”
Her eyes widened slightly, and heat ignited in her blue gaze. By the light of the setting sun, she gave him as thorough a perusal as he’d given her. The wanting in her eyes burned as though she’d run her hands over every inch of him. “Good to know, Hollywood,” she murmured, the words low, husky. All his nerve endings sprang to attention. He was about to reach for her when she stood. “I’ll see what I can rustle up for supper.”
Talk about a dose of reality. He stood and paced the clearing, telling his libido to settle down. This was essentially a stakeout, and getting tangled up with her right now was a terrible idea.
His focus had to stay on the mission. As long as he ignored her sharp mind, huge heart, and the growing need to ignite the fire smoldering between them, they’d be fine.
Chapter 20
Delilah stepped into the camper, closed the door behind her, and leaned back against it. Her skin tingled as though his sharp green gaze were still tracking her every move, waiting, wanting. She reached for the doorknob, ready to march back out there, haul him out of his chair, and pull him against her for a deep, wet kiss. For starters.
Still not staying, her self-preservation reminded her. After Andy had disappeared from her life into the wilds of Peru, of course she’d missed him. But comparing that relationship and whatever this…thing was between her and Josh was like the difference between a light summer breeze and a Cat 5 hurricane. With his easy laugh, twinkling eyes, and protective streak, Josh touched her, deep down, and awakened feelings and desires she’d never known she had. He made her loneliness stand out in stark relief and pulled her into the warm circle of his friends. Sleeping with him would pull her so far into his life and world, she wasn’t sure she’d survive when she left.
Time for some distraction. She unearthed a large can of beef stew and package of instant rice, which should be enough for the two of them. She put both in the microwave and pulled out Mary’s journal while she waited.
She flipped to the last entry and read backward, hoping Mary had added some clue about where the family was staying, where they were headed next. But she didn’t find anything except Mary’s obvious dread and fear of her upcoming wedding.
When the microwave timer dinged, Delilah stirred the stew and added a few more minutes. She returned to a section where Mary mentioned a man named Eli, a friend of their father’s, who seemed to be hanging around more than normal and made Mary uncomfortable.
Mary had also mentioned the Ocklawaha river again and then talked about regular activity at their favorite spot on the river on Friday nights. Delilah straightened. She and Mary used to sneak out and sit high up in a tree overlooking the river. It was peaceful and quiet, and often, the monkeys hung around nearby, and they could watch them play.
It was also where her father and Aaron met with other men. They’d never realized their voices carried over the water, so by sitting really still, she and Mary could overhear what was happening or when they were moving again.
As soon as the stew was hot and the rice cooked, Delilah stuck her head out the camper door. “Food’s ready. Not fancy but hot.”
Josh had been sitting in a folding chair, iced tea in one hand and his phone in the other, legs stretched out in front of him. He grinned up at her, that dimple popping out in his cheek. “You cooked? That fast?” He pushed out of the chair and stretched, graceful as a cat. The move pulled his T-shirt up, revealing a smooth expanse of taut abdomen. Delilah’s mouth went dry, and she quickly looked away when he caught her staring.
“I wouldn’t call it cooking so much as opening cans and heating,” she said, determined to keep things light.
“I don’t care what you call it. I appreciate it.” He stepped into the camper behind her, brushing his palms lightly over her shoulders as he passed.
They settled at the table, and out of lifelong habit, she bowed her head and murmured a short prayer of thanks, not really surprised when she looked up and realized he had done the same. She had some serious issues with her parents’ view of God, but she didn’t doubt there was a higher power, someone who’d put everything in motion and cared about those he created. She always said thanks.
Then she dug in and gulped her food down in record time. After she swallowed her last bite, she looked up to see him hiding a smile, his fork poised over his half-eaten portion. “Are we late getting somewhere? Or are you worried I’ll eat your share, too?”
Her cheeks heated. “Growing up, if you didn’t eat your first scoop quick, you might not get any more or someone would take whatever you had left.” She shrugged. “I’m still trying to break the habit.”
“Would you like some of mine?” He nudged his plate toward her.
“No thanks. I
’m good.”
He bent his head and kept eating, his movements smooth and easy, oblivious to the fact that she was watching him like a hawk, impatience humming under her skin.
As soon as he took his last bite, Delilah said, “I think we should head to the Ocklawaha river tonight.” He sent her a questioning look. “I’ve been reading Mary’s journal. She mentioned a place she and I used to go. We’d climb up into a tree over the river and watch the monkeys, but mostly, we’d listen in on conversations.”
Josh grinned. “And is there reason to believe there may be conversations to eavesdrop on?”
Delilah smiled back. “Mary mentioned Friday nights.” She frowned. “Or maybe she’s just a teenager recounting what she’s seen, and I am imagining clues where there aren’t any.”
“May I see the journal?”
She leaned over his shoulder while she turned the pages to show him which entry she meant. When she put her hands on his shoulders, he stilled under her palms. She breathed in the scent of man, with a hint of some woodsy aftershave, and rubbed the back of his neck, kneading the tight muscles.
He purred like a contented cat. “I’ll give you two hours to stop that.”
Delilah was about to throw self-preservation out the window when he cleared his throat and nodded to the journal. “It seems a bit vague, but it’s definitely worth looking into. Especially since it’s Friday night.”
She stepped back. “I also want to stop by to check on the monkeys, just to make sure the mothers came back from their walkabout.”
“You’re really worried about them?”
“I can’t explain it, but something seems off.” She shrugged. “I’ll feel better if I stop by.”
“Fine by me, Madam Researcher.” He called to tell Hunter their plans, then slid out of the bench seat. She’d started the dishes, but he stepped over and nudged her aside with his hip. “You cooked; I clean.”
Delilah’s eyes widened. “It’s okay. It won’t take long.”
“My mama would smack me upside the head if I didn’t take my turn. She taught all her children that. If you hadn’t cooked, and she made sure we all know how to do that, too, then you cleaned up. Equal division of labor and all that.”
“Who are you? You must be some species of man I’ve never met before.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he drawled, pure Hollywood. “There’s a whole lot of me you ain’t seen yet.”
“Promises, promises.” She’d meant to sound flirty, but her voice came out a sultry growl, and heat flared in his eyes. He took a step toward her, ran his hand down her cheek. A shiver passed over her skin at the look in his eyes. “Just say the word, Xena,” he murmured.
Time stretched as they studied each other. Outside, a hawk screeched, followed by the whoosh of wings and a thump as he snatched some small creature. Delilah shivered, the moment shattered. “Poor thing. I understand the food chain and all that, but I hate seeing—or hearing—it happen.” She stepped around him. “I’ll just brush my teeth before we go.”
They locked the camper and headed for his truck. “I didn’t think to ask,” he said. “You guys hiked there, correct? Or did you go by canoe or kayak?”
“Mary and I walked. But we can drive partway. I’ll show you.” She held up her backpack. “I threw in bug repellent, a flashlight, and some water and snacks, so we should be good.”
“I like the way you think. I packed the same, plus binoculars and night-vision goggles.”
“Show-off.”
* * *
Josh didn’t think they would learn anything useful, but he wasn’t opposed to spending a couple of hours alone with Delilah.
She gave directions, peering through the windshield and gesturing out the open windows. Finally, she pointed. “We can walk in from here.” She slung her new camera around her neck and headed off at a fast clip.
He hurried to catch up, admiring the swing of her shapely rear as she marched ahead of him.
As usual, they heard the monkeys before they saw them. Once they pinpointed the chatter, it wasn’t hard to find the swaying branches where youngsters frolicked and played.
They found a comfy spot on a fallen tree, and while Delilah watched the monkeys, Josh watched Delilah. He could see her mile-wide smile behind the camera lens as she panned the troop, snapping photos. “There you are, Oscar. It’s so good to see you. You’re looking good, little man. Looking good,” she crooned.
He leaned closer and whispered, “You named a baby monkey Oscar?”
She shot him a look, grinning. “Yes. He’s totally adorable.” She showed him one of the photos she’d just taken. “I’m so glad he’s okay. I’ve been worried about him.”
Camera to her eye, her smile faded as she continued panning. “But something still isn’t right.” She twisted around, scanned several other trees. “I can’t find them. They’re still not here.” Her voice rose with anxiety.
“Who? The mothers?”
“Yes. First Oscar’s mother disappeared, then the three others I was telling you about.” She looked over at Oscar again. “One of the aunties is taking care of him, and I was worried he wasn’t getting enough nutrition since she’s not lactating, but he seems to be doing fine.” She giggled. “Oh, he’s playing with something.” She zoomed in. “What is that?”
She lowered the camera, showed him a photo.
“It looks like a gum wrapper.”
A flock of birds suddenly took flight and startled the monkeys. Within seconds, the troop disappeared.
Delilah leaped to her feet. “I’m going to find it.” She tossed the words over her shoulder. “I knew someone’s been following me.”
“A gum wrapper on the forest floor doesn’t necessarily constitute proof.”
She threw him a look.
“But it could,” he added.
When she bent down, he wrapped an arm around her waist from behind to stop her. “Don’t touch. Let me get it.” He pulled out the gloves he always carried before he carefully picked up the metallic wrapper and tucked it into a bag. “Definitely looks like a gum wrapper. Maybe we’ll get lucky and Byte will find prints on it.”
Her body fairly vibrated as she stomped ahead of him, both of them scanning the ground, looking for more evidence, but they didn’t find anything.
They didn’t find any clues to the missing mama monkeys, either.
He waited until they were heading back to the truck before he said, “Tell me about every time you thought you were being followed, and don’t leave anything out.”
She did, as clearly and methodically as if she were presenting a research paper. But he sensed the anger simmering inside her, and it matched his own. He’d definitely have Byte look into this further.
Her directions led them to an area close to the Ocklawaha River, and they walked in, following what looked like a game trail that ended at the water’s edge. It was almost full dark, but he didn’t turn on a flashlight for fear of calling attention to their presence. Delilah must’ve been thinking the same. At least there wasn’t a full moon tonight.
She stopped at the river’s edge and pointed to a huge bald cypress tree behind her, grinning. “Race you to the top.” Before he realized what she was doing, she started shimmying up the trunk like one of the monkeys she loved. He stepped closer and laughed when he spotted the strips of wood nailed to the tree, creating a ladder. She disappeared into the canopy, her skill telling him again that this was something she had done many times before. Her quiet voice filtered down, “You coming, Hollywood?”
He loved the sound of his nickname on her lips. He slung his backpack over one shoulder and quickly followed her up into the notch of the tree. She sat on a large limb, her back against the trunk, and nodded toward a nearby branch. He settled in next to her and looked around, realizing they had a perfect vantage point to watch any comings and goings on the wate
r. The river narrowed here and acted as a funnel. He glanced her way. “Nice observation deck. Good choice.”
In answer, she smacked a mosquito. “Annoying bugs.” She rooted around in her bag and produced one of the vials of essential oils his sister sold at the Outpost. He heard buzzing around his own head and reached into his backpack for a can of Deep Woods OFF!
“That stuff is terrible for your skin and for the environment.”
“No argument,” he answered, spraying himself liberally while she exaggerated major coughing beside him.
She waved a hand in front of her face. “Geez, Hollywood, give a girl a break.”
“Sorry about that, but this stuff works. That oil doesn’t do a thing for me.” He shot her a grin as he tucked the can back into his backpack. Hunter was going to wait on the other side of the river until Josh let him know their location, but the ever-popular “no service” message popped up when he tried to call. He sent a text with as much location info as he could and hoped it went through. You never knew out here.
As the shadows lengthened and dusk turned to full night, they fell into easy conversation. He asked her about growing up, what it was like to live in a camper and move around all the time, how she liked being homeschooled.
“As a kid, you don’t realize your upbringing is different from anyone else’s. That was my normal, and I didn’t realize other families did things differently. Don’t forget, we didn’t socialize much, and the people our family spent time with all thought and did things the same way my parents did.”
“Your father seems like a very strict, very stern man. Was he always like that? Or did he loosen up and play with you when you were a kid?”
Josh watched a flurry of emotion pass over Delilah’s face before she answered. “He was definitely strict and usually stern, sometimes much more than that. It got worse after his brother was killed by FWC when I was little. But he changed whenever someone started playing music.” A small smile tipped up one corner of her mouth. “He had a great voice, and he’d start tapping his toe, and next thing you know, he’d start singing. He’d grab Mama by the elbow and swing her around and get everyone else up dancing and do-si-doing, too.” She paused. “I’d forgotten about those memories, buried them under all the ugliness.”