Diving In

by Kristina Mathews

  “I might just do that.” Cody followed them inside. “I’ll see if Carson and Lily want to come. Make it a party.”

  “One big, happy family.” Fisher squeezed Kyle’s hand gently. “I was telling Kyle—well, all the potential guides, actually—about how we really are like a family around here. Brooke and Aubrey are like my sisters, and I have all these pesky brothers.”

  Kyle gave her a return squeeze. “Well, I don’t see you as a sister.”

  “No. But we are close.” She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Her choice in a lover was her choice. Both men would just have to deal with that.

  Chapter 14

  After an exhilarating run on the upper stretch of the river, Fisher led her crew to the sandy beach where they held their wilderness camps. They would camp there Thursday night, and she wanted the newbies to get a feel for the place before they took a loaded gear boat and all the necessary gear for an overnight trip.

  Plus, it was a great place to stop for lunch that wasn’t crawling with tourists.

  She wandered around, checking in with her guides and with her students. She wanted to make sure everyone was still good. There were a few who had made it clear that they weren’t interested in staying on for the summer. Wyatt and Samantha were actually a couple; it was the only way they could go away together without their families realizing they were together. Grant had recently accepted a corporate job; he’d start a week after getting home from his last little adventure.

  Fisher had talked to Tyler and Brooke. They agreed that Leia and Dana would make good candidates. Neither had committed to applying for a job, but both were considering it. There was a good chance Chad would look for a job in his home state of Idaho.

  So that left Nolan and Brett to compete for the last position, unless one of the women turned the job down. Fisher was pretty sure the others agreed with her decision to offer a job to Kyle. Only Cody wasn’t on board, but she could always work on convincing Miranda that it would be a good idea. No way Cody would go against his wife’s wishes.

  Hopefully, Miranda would come to pizza tonight. Then Kyle could work some of his charm on her. He was entirely too charming for his own good. Must be a family trait. Both Cody and Carson were very personable. Carson’s charisma was a little under the radar. He’d always been a little uptight, until Lily came along and softened him up. And Cody had been over the top until his wife had tamed him.

  Kyle didn’t need softening or taming. He was just right already. Friendly, enthusiastic, and generally personable. He seemed to get along with everyone in the group, and he even attracted strangers in bikinis. She’d passed along his idea for carrying extra liability forms and a spare life jacket, and the trip checklists had been updated accordingly. He’d make a great addition to the team. To the “family.”

  But Fisher wondered what she could offer him, beyond a job. Maybe that would be enough. The job would give him the opportunity to stick around a little longer. Actually get to know his brothers. She was sure that Cody would come around and accept their relationship as a good thing. And once he did that, he’d accept Kyle.

  She had visions of them truly becoming one big, happy family.

  But would she be a part of it? Would she continue to be part of Kyle’s life?

  With lunch over for the most part, it was time to start thinking about getting back on the river. She looked for Kyle, who she hoped to grab a quick kiss from before they headed back into their separate boats.

  He was kicking back, reclining against a beached raft. He looked like he was taking a nap. She almost didn’t want to disturb him.

  Almost.

  * * * *

  Kyle couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so relaxed, other than after sex. He’d had a good morning. His runs were getting, if not easier, at least more manageable. With each rapid, he was able to anticipate the current and the movement of the raft more and react less.

  Daily rowing and paddling was increasing his strength in a way he never would achieve at the gym. Not that he was one of those guys who worked out to achieve a certain look or results. He went to keep himself in shape, that was all.

  He was getting used to the lifestyle. The long, hot days on the river. The hotter nights with his woman. Fisher was his woman. She’d made that clear when she kept kissing him in front of Cody. And it hadn’t felt like she was putting on a show. She liked kissing him. She was enjoying their mutual sexual exploration at least as much as he was.

  The woman couldn’t get enough. And he was perfectly fine with that. Even if she was feeling him up on the side of the river. Her arm snaked up his left thigh, the weight of it heavy yet smooth.

  “Kyle. Don’t. Move.” Fisher sounded too far away to be touching him. He started to sit up, but there was something in her voice that kept him still. “Just freeze.”

  He opened his eyes and saw Fisher standing a few feet away. It wasn’t seduction in her voice, more like panic. And if she was over there, who or what was crawling up his leg?

  He glanced down.

  Oh shit. A snake. Wasn’t there a kind of snake that looked just like a rattlesnake? But wasn’t poisonous? He closed his eyes again, his heart hammering, his muscles frozen in fear. Slowly he opened one eye. Yeah. There was the unmistakable diamond pattern. The heavy triangular-shaped head. If he looked at the tail, he was sure he’d see the rattles.

  His shorts gaped open, making a nice safe place for the snake to hide. Safe, from the snake’s point of view. But that was the last place Kyle wanted to get bit.

  He tried to think of a scenario where that wouldn’t happen. He knew any sudden movements would startle the snake and make it strike. But he couldn’t just sit there and watch it continue to slither up his leg toward his crotch.

  After what felt like an eternity but was probably less than a minute, Fisher stepped forward. She had a paddle in one hand, and a determined look on her face. Was she going to try to stun the snake by hitting it with the paddle?

  No. She had a different plan. Somehow she managed to hook the T-shaped grip of the handle under the snake, several inches from its head, and grabbed the tail end at the same time. With one quick movement, she lifted the snake in the air and away from him. Then, with a jerk, she tossed the snake and the paddle into the river.

  “Thanks.” Kyle’s voice sounded small. Weak. But at least he hadn’t pissed himself.

  “No problem.” Fisher’s voice didn’t sound much stronger, but damn. What a woman.

  “You didn’t have to drown the poor thing.” He tried to lighten the mood, but he was still shaking.

  “Oh, they can swim.” She dropped to her knees right next to him.

  “They can?” He found the strength to crawl toward her. “Just when I was becoming comfortable on the river, now I have to watch for snakes swimming by.”

  “Yeah.” She fell into his arms, trembling. “Did I forget to mention that in the orientation?”

  Kyle wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight, helping them both relax.

  “You saved my life.”

  “We would have made it to Prospector General, where they keep rattlesnake anti-venom on hand.” She sounded nonchalant, but he could hear the fear in her voice. Feel it in her body.

  “Well, you saved me from a lot of pain, especially where the damn thing was headed.”

  By then the others had gathered around.

  “Was that a rattlesnake?” someone asked.

  “Yeah. Big sucker, too,” someone else answered.

  “Damn, Fisher! You’ve got a set of stones!” one of the guys shouted. “I mean… That was pretty fucking brave!”

  They were all talking about it. Kyle would bet that by the time they got off the river, the size of the snake would double in the stories. “You are pretty amazing,” he whispered to her as he helped her to stand.

  “Dude.” It was T
yler. “What was going through your head when that snake was crawling up your leg?’

  “No worries. Fisher’s got this.” He wasn’t about to admit that he was praying for bladder control, among other things.

  Laughter rang out.

  “And Fisher? How did you manage to keep so calm?” Leia asked. “I mean, I would have been freaking out if I saw a snake on my boyfriend. Or even near him.”

  “I only freak out over hitchhiking girls in bikinis.” Fisher laughed with them.

  “I’m never going to live that down, am I?” He joined in the levity. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you planted that snake to teach me a lesson.”

  She glared at him, hands on her hips, but a smile cracked her lips. They both knew she’d forgiven him yesterday. Forgiven him right there on the repair table of the boat barn.

  The group started to break up. There was still some cleanup left over from lunch. No one expected him or Fisher to help. Not this time.

  “You okay?” He wrapped his arms back around her and could feel her trembling had mostly subsided.

  “I was so scared,” she admitted. “I just reacted.”

  “I’m glad you did. You have great instincts, by the way.”

  “Well, I’m not going to let anyone, human or reptile, get into my man’s pants.” Her laugh sounded a little more genuine.

  “I am your man.” He breathed her in. Her hair smelled like sunshine, the river, and everything he now held dear.

  “Were you afraid?” She looked up at him with concern in her blue eyes.

  “Terrified. But you’re my hero. You know that?”

  “I was terrified, too.”

  “Yeah. But that didn’t stop you.” He kissed her gently. “You’re the bravest woman I know. The bravest person.”

  She was brave on and around the river. He’d seen her become more confident in the bedroom as well. Her inhibitions were shed as quickly as her clothes.

  But Kyle wondered if she would be as fearless when it came to trusting him. Especially when she found out the other reason he was here.

  Chapter 15

  By the time they had finished the lower stretch of the river, word had spread about the snake. Fisher had become a legend. She had a feeling she’d never have to buy another beer in this town again.

  Everyone was calling her brave. Quick thinking. Heroic.

  She felt like the biggest coward around.

  And if her legs hadn’t been weakened by the adrenaline letdown, she would have run. Diving into the river after the snake.

  They’d only known each other a few days. Nights, really. But just because the sex was so incredible, amazing, and otherworldly, it didn’t mean she was in love with him. She couldn’t be.

  Besides, she just got a taste of sowing her wild oats. She wasn’t ready for a trip downtown to Beverly’s Bridal. She shuddered just to think about it.

  After a quick shower and change of clothes, she met Kyle and the others in the parking lot. They piled in the van and Aubrey offered to drive them all into town for pizza at Mario’s.

  The back room had been reserved for their large group. The twelve students, three instructors, plus most of the guides on staff and Cody, Carson, and their families would fill up the party room. The big-screen TVs were tuned to the Giants game, and salad plates, pitchers of water, and extra shakers of parmesan and red pepper were placed on all the tables. Soon pitchers of beer were passed around, and breadsticks were brought out.

  Kyle poured her a Strong Blonde, and her heart did a funny little flip. If she felt this way in a month, or three months, would she call it love?

  “To my hero. My strong blonde.” He raised a glass, admiration shining in his eyes. He looked like he wanted to say more, but held back.

  She took a long, well-earned sip of her beer. It felt good going down. Some of the shakiness in her legs finally started to ease. Kyle’s hand rested on her thigh. It felt good to have him there. Especially not in the emergency room.

  Did the fact that her stomach clenched just thinking about how different the day could have turned out mean that her feelings were deeper than she wanted to admit?

  Just as she was starting to relax, she felt Kyle’s hand stiffen. She looked up to see Cody, Miranda, and the babies come through the door. Carson and Lily followed with baby Brandon.

  Fisher wished she’d never disclosed her crush on Cody, especially now that she knew he was Kyle’s brother. But that was water under the bridge. Along with her paddle and hopefully the long-gone snake.

  She leaned over and kissed his neck. He shivered, almost purring. It was on the tip of her tongue to whisper her feelings. Just to reassure him that the only thing he needed to worry about Cody was what to get his brother for Christmas.

  Cody’s face lit up and he led his family over to their table.

  “Fisher, I heard about what you did today.” He beamed at her. “I can’t say I’m surprised.”

  She couldn’t keep from blushing at the attention, but it wasn’t because it was from Cody.

  “You’re one lucky man.” Cody gave Kyle a nod in that way guys do.

  “I know.” Kyle put his arm around Fisher, claiming her. She’d never understood how a guy being possessive with his woman was considered sexy or even desirable. And a part of her wanted to stand up and tell these two to just go outside, throw a few punches, shake hands, and call it a day.

  Yet, there was a part of her, somewhere deep and primal, that made her feel protected. Connected in a way she’d never felt before. She found herself leaning into Kyle’s embrace. Accepting his claim on her, publicly.

  Miranda stood on her tiptoes and whispered something in Cody’s ear. “I guess I’d better go buy the next round.”

  He set the double stroller at the end of the table and went off toward the bar. Miranda slid into the chair across the table from Fisher and dug through the diaper bag for a couple of toys to distract the babies with.

  Within seconds, one of the toys went flying across the table and landed in Kyle’s beer, splashing the contents onto the table.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry.” Miranda stood up, grabbing a handful of napkins to mop up the mess. While her sister laughed, the baby without the toy burst into tears.

  “Here, let me.” Kyle reached for the little one, picking her up and instantly stopping the tears. “Which one is this?”

  “That would be Ava. She’s got a little too much of her father in her.” Miranda let out an exasperated sigh. “Here, I’ll take her.”

  “I’ve got her.” Kyle bounced the child up and down and she curled up against him, contentedly shoving her chubby little fist into her mouth.

  “You two are quite the couple.” Miranda sat down, pouring half a beer into an empty glass. “A snake charmer and a baby whisperer.”

  Fisher looked over at Kyle and his…his niece. She felt a slight sting in her eyes and she quickly grabbed her beer to soothe the accompanying ache in her throat. She was simply noticing what a good uncle he would become. Uncle. Nothing more.

  Miranda caught her eye and smiled. Of course, she would be happy that Fisher had found someone to distract her from Cody. But there was something more. A genuine warmth that made Fisher feel like the worst person ever for every moment she’d spent longing for the other woman’s husband. And that included the years before they’d even met.

  Leaning over the table, Miranda mouthed, “You’ve got yourself a good one.” And her smile widened.

  The pizza arrived, several varieties set on each table. Extra plates were brought out, and the hungry guides and students reached for their favorite slices.

  “Uh, I think she’s asleep.” Kyle stood with Ava on his shoulder, gently swaying and rubbing her back. “What should I do?”

  “I’ll get her.” Miranda stood and went over to collect her offspring. “Wow, she lo
oks so peaceful.”

  “Is this unusual?” He looked like he was afraid to move, afraid to break the spell.

  “Usually, she’s only happy when her daddy has her.” Miranda laughed. “Or when she’s eating.”

  Fisher couldn’t watch any longer. It was all too much. She didn’t want to start picturing Kyle holding their baby, but the image tried to push its way into her imagination. Air. She needed air.

  “Excuse me.” She shoved back from the table. And marched into the main area of the restaurant. Running directly into Cody, who held a pitcher in each hand.

  “Whoa, slow down. Someone need help with snake removal?”

  “Shut up.” She was so not in the mood. Or maybe she was. She kind of missed her friend. And yeah, it was the sparring and the razzing and the giving each other shit that she’d had to give up when Miranda came along.

  He really was like the brother she never had.

  “There’s my girl.”

  “I’ve never been your girl.” But it didn’t bother her the way it used to.

  “You’ve always been my friend.”

  “Yeah. Friends.”

  “You seem different.” He set the pitchers on a nearby table. “Happy. I’m glad.”

  “Really?” She wasn’t going to let him off so easily.

  “Look, I admit, I didn’t think the guy was good enough for you. Maybe he isn’t, but he does make you glow.”

  “Glow?”

  “Yeah. You glow. And I’m glad.”

  “I thought you didn’t like Kyle.”

  Cody dropped his head. “You know no one will be good enough for you.”

  “Just stop. Right there.” Before her knee connected with his groin. She had no idea if his wife was interested in more children or not.

  “Sorry. It’s just that it’s been hard to lose my best friend. Simply because I fell in love.” He sounded so sincere. “Seriously, Fisher, I’ve missed you. I’ve missed my buddy.”