by Sable Hunter
“Or a dip in the lake.”
“Yea.” After Beau’s account of Hannah the cobra, Jensen didn’t relish getting anywhere near a place where some type of a reptile might be lurking. “I think I’ll wait for the shower.”
Once they arrived at the tent, Jensen excused herself, traveling some distance into the woods to use the bathroom. As she did so, her nerves almost got the best of her. By the time she was finished, she hurried back to the welcoming campfire, almost sprinting in her eagerness to put the thick darkness behind her.
“What’s wrong? Did something get after you?”
She could hear the amusement in his voice. “Not at all. I just caught a chill.” Bearing her bottom to the world would do that for sure.
“Join me. I fixed us a night cap.”
The closer she came to the campfire, the more easily she could see him. After a day of activity, Jensen felt bedraggled – but Clint Wilder looked good enough to eat. He’d shed his jacket and the shirt he wore molded his frame like icing on a cake. Despite her mental aversion to men with a football physique, she couldn’t help but be aware of how sexy he was – and how safe he made her feel. “What kind?”
“Irish coffee. My own special blend. I brought the ingredients with me.”
“Oh, wonderful.” She found a seat and accepted the warm mug from his hands. “Doesn’t this go against the concept of roughing it?”
“As long as the comforts are portable, I don’t see anything wrong with it – do you?”
She took a sip of the liquid goodness. “At the moment, nothing at all.”
For a few minutes, they sat in silent camaraderie, enjoying the warmth of the fire and the drink. Clint debated what to say or do. There were moments when he felt like she was drawn to him. There were others when he could feel something akin to an emotional force field designed to keep him at arm’s length.
He hated to break it to her – but it wasn’t working.
Even after the countless times she’d pushed him away, he still longed to break down the barrier that kept them apart. Clint admired her strength and her intelligence as much as he appreciated her beauty. She was the whole package, everything he most desired in a woman. Every fiber of his being craved to touch her. To hold her close, to kiss her until she begged for him to make love to her one more time.
“This is nice.”
Her admission drew him from his reverie. “Yea, it is.” He took another long sip. “I have to tell you I’m enjoying sharing this time with you. You know I want more from you, I haven’t even attempted to deny it. Still, if I can’t have the intimacy I crave, I’ll take the friendship you once offered. Anything’s better than not being around you at all.” Letting out a cleansing breath, Clint felt lighter after baring his soul.
Jensen didn’t know what to say. God, she was confused. “You’re not making this easy, Wilder.”
A flare of hope warmed Clint’s heart. “I’m getting to you, aren’t I?” He chuckled at his own comment, then quickly amended it before she could take offense. “I’m just kidding. As much as I wish I were irresistible in your eyes, I know better. Still, it doesn’t matter. The more I learn about you, the more I admire you.”
“Like I said, you’re not making this easier.” She drained the mug and surrendered it to him when he reached for it. “I think I’ll turn in. I’m sure whatever they have planned for us tomorrow will be challenging.”
“All right. Sleep tight.” He gestured toward the tent. “I put your things in the rear sleeping area, that way Rose and I are closest to the door so I can tend the fire.”
“All right. Thanks.” She hurried away, anxious to put some distance between them. In spite of the impression she fought to give, Jensen wasn’t immune to the man or his charms. Truthfully, the only thing holding her back was the one thing she couldn’t change – she wasn’t the same woman he remembered and wanted in his bed. Jensen was irrevocably changed, and she couldn’t conceive of telling him how – much less showing him.
Once inside the tent, she took in the details. The two distinct sleeping areas, the pet carrier covered with a light blanket, and the lantern giving off a warm glow. Right now, the empty space separating their sleeping bags seemed way too small.
From outside, she could hear Clint rummaging around. Fearing he might enter at any moment, she scrambled to get undressed and into the sleeping bag before he joined her. Wrapping a blanket around herself, she readied her area, making sure she could reach the canteen of water if she became thirsty during the night. Setting aside the blanket, she scooted into the warm cocoon of the bag. Once she was inside and zipped up, Jensen turned to face the tent wall, wanting him to think she’d already succumbed to sleep.
After feeding the fire, Clint readied to turn in. When he entered the tent, his eyes were immediately drawn to Jensen. He could see she was all nestled in with her back to him, the only part of her he could see clearly was that tumble of honey-colored curls. Rubbing his chest, he sought to quell the yearning making his heart sore. If things were different, he’d join her, snuggling close enough to kiss the delicate curve of her throat.
“Stop it,” he grumbled low, knowing his thoughts were just making his body uncomfortably aroused with no chance of relief in sight.
On her side of the tent, Jensen’s eyes were wide as she listened to him move about. She didn’t need to see him to imagine how he looked. Yet, when she heard a zipper slide down, she had to steel herself against turning over to sneak a peek.
“Goodnight.”
His whisper teamed with a click of the lantern’s switch as he turned it to the lowest setting. “Goodnight,” she answered breathlessly.
After what seemed an hour, she heard his breathing become even and shallow. He was asleep. Pity she was still wide awake. Shutting her eyes, she tried to relax, even counting a few sheep for good measure. Truthfully, she was too on edge, too keyed up to relax.
As she lay there, Jensen became aware of the sounds of the night. The whisper of the wind as it drifted through the pine boughs, the distant call of night birds. These noises vied with the gentle, assuring sound of Clint’s breathing.
And then she heard it.
Tromp. Tromp. Rustle. Snort.
Her eyes grew wide. What was she hearing?
Tromp. Tromp.
Whatever it was – it was coming closer.
Snort.
Jensen jerked away from the tent when she realized the intruder to their campsite was just on the other side of the wall of fabric. Unbidden, images birthed from the stories Beau and the others told around the campfire came rushing to her mind. Large wolves who walked on two feet. A swamp monster with the head of an alligator. Impossibly huge, hairy creatures with glowing red eyes.
Tense, every muscle frozen, Jensen listened, praying that whatever it was would just leave. A grumbling rumbling growling noise sounded a few inches from her face, causing Jensen to gasp – and when something huge pressed against the tent, she screamed as the sight of a monstrous head with huge horns outlined by the fragile material molding to its shape. “Clint!”
Not delaying a moment longer, she tore herself out of the sleeping bag and lunged across the tent, landing right on top of Clint as he lay prone in his sleeping bag. “What?” he grunted, his arms emerging to automatically cradle her close. “What’s wrong, baby?”
Jensen didn’t even take exception to the endearment. “There’s a monster outside.”
A smile came to his lips. “A monster?”
“Yes.” She pointed to her side of the tent where the tent wall was still moving, disturbed by something large just on the other side. “And he’s still there!”
Chapter Eight
Instinctively, Clint held on tight, enjoying the unexpected treat of holding her in his arms. “A monster?”
How opportune.
He wouldn’t put it past one of the guys coming over to try and spook Jensen. “All right. Just sit tight.” He scooted her just far enough away to give him r
oom to stand. Grabbing the lantern, he unzipped the tent and went to check on who or what was disturbing their sleep.
Jensen didn’t attempt to join him, she sat on the edge of his sleeping bag, her arms wrapped around her knees. “Be careful!”
After a few moments, she heard him laugh. “Jensen, honey, come here.”
Glad to hear him sound so calm, she grabbed her blanket, slung it around her shoulders and went out to see what he’d found. “Is it gone?”
“Nope, he’s right here.”
With tentative steps, she rounded the tent to find – a huge longhorn rooting around on the ground for choice morsels. “A cow?”
“Nope. A bull.” He shooed the big beast away.
“Good gracious,” she fumed as she reentered the tent. “I’m sorry for disturbing you.” How silly he must think she was.
“No problem. Glad I could be of service.”
“Let’s try and get some sleep.”
“Why don’t you drag your sleeping bag more to the middle.” And nearer him. “Just in case it comes back.”
“Do you think it will?” Even knowing the intruder wasn’t a swamp monster, the idea of something lurking right outside the tent made her feel jumpy.
“Oh, you never know.”
Giving in to temptation, she pulled the sleeping bag away from the side of the tent. “I probably should be expelled from the program.”
“No one is going to hear anything from me,” he told her sincerely. “After all, the others did everything they could to unnerve you.”
“Yea, but I shouldn’t be so susceptible to their scare tactics. The longhorn cattle live on this property, I should’ve expected something like this might happen.” She knelt by the sleeping bag, suddenly self-conscious because she was wearing a nightshirt that rode high on her thighs. Plus, she didn’t sleep in her prothesis. Hopefully, he wouldn’t notice her lopsided condition.
Clint couldn’t help but chuckle at her comment. “Believe me, I think any one of those guys might’ve reacted to that big old horned head poking through their tent.”
“Maybe.” She smiled at the thought of those men being surprised at the longhorn’s visit.
When he saw she was hesitating to lay down, he realized she might be shy. “How about if I turn the lantern off?”
“Okay. We’ll probably sleep better in the dark.” As soon as he extinguished the lantern, she unwrapped herself and crawled into the bag.
Clint lay there in the dark – so close to her, yet so far. Closing his eyes, he swallowed hard. He could feel her drawing him, like some powerful magnet. He’d never been much of a gambler, but the idea of nothing ventured nothing gained seemed to fit this situation. “Just so you know, there’s still a place for you in my arms. There’s no one else in my life – and there won’t be – not as long as there’s the remotest possibility you’ll give me a chance.”
Jensen kept her back turned to him. She held onto the blanket with both hands, willing herself to be strong. “Clint…I…” The reasons she named to discourage him the day of the crosswalk incident seemed trivial now. He might not check all the boxes of her ideal man, but he was good and kind. He was gorgeous. Hell, who was she kidding? Clint Wilder was freaking perfect. And unless he was an expert at spinning a line, he really and truly wanted to be with her. As she’d lamented earlier, the only justification she had for rejecting his advances were her own insecurities and the fear she harbored of his reaction.
Could she tell him? Could she trust him? How would he react if he knew the truth? The very idea of exposing her utmost vulnerability to him made her nervous.
“Don’t say anything.” He didn’t think he could bear to hear another rejection from those sweet lips. “Just think about it.”
Her heart beat a half dozen times before she whispered softly. “Sleep well, Clint.”
Jensen’s quiet answer didn’t surprise him. At least she hadn’t given him another succinct refusal. “Goodnight.”
A few feet away, Jensen’s mind was racing as fast as her heart was beating. Just the improbable notion of being with him again made her tremble with need. Why she was torturing herself with the possibility, she didn’t know. There was no way she could think of to make things work. No way they could be together without him discovering… “Damn,” she mouthed the word, tossing and turning in the sleeping bag. After a while, exhaustion gave her leave to close her eyes.
As sleep came, so did the dreams. Freed from her worry, Jensen let her spirit soar. In her mind’s eye, she gave into her longing. Gravitating to Clint’s warmth, she eased close enough to feel his breath on her face. The sensation gave her an immediate sense of well-being. With a sigh of happiness, she closed her eyes, drifting deeper into sleep.
…A few hours later, Jensen awoke. She didn’t know what time it was, but night was still upon them. Something was different, however. What had awakened her?
Oh, nothing was wrong. On the contrary. She felt warm, safe, and perfectly content. At first, she thought she was dreaming. Lying perfectly still, she sought to determine what had changed. Two heartbeats later, she realized Clint was spooning her, one arm out of his sleeping bag to cradle her close.
Her eyes sprang open to verify she wasn’t dreaming. No, this was real. Totally unexpected and absolutely amazing. She was now fully resting in his embrace – and God, it felt so good. Unable to resist, she allowed herself to indulge in the moment. Jensen held her breath as he tightened his hold on her, urging her closer in his sleep to nestle more fully against him.
Jensen knew she needed to move. Even though her mind was onboard with the idea, her body refused to cooperate. To complicate matters, frissons of excitement bloomed on her skin when she felt Clint begin to nuzzle and kiss her neck. As much as she ached for the sweet contact, she knew this was a mistake.
“Oh, baby,” Clint whispered, his hand moving from her waist to brush her hair from her cheek. Before she could move, he urged her to lie flat and moved over her, his mouth claiming hers. The moan he gave was one of absolute relief. Cupping her face, he claimed her lips again and again, gentle at first, then hard and hungry. The kiss was so hot, it sent shockwaves through Jensen as their lips crashed together over and over like stars colliding in cosmic fireworks. In her mindless state, Jensen arced into him, reveling in his fire and in his strength. He wanted her desperately and was unafraid to show it. This was beyond sexy to her and gave her the freedom to reveal her own compelling need. Clinging to him, the kiss went on and on until his hand slid up her body – mere inches from her nonexistent breast.
As Clint continued to kiss her softly, Jensen froze and captured his hand to still the sensual exploration. She fully expected Clint to protest. When he didn’t, she realized he wasn’t fully awake. Holding his hand in hers, she kept it still, anchored just below her heart. Lying her cheek to his, she held him as he quieted, drifting back into a deep slumber.
Nestled near him, her heart was beating like a drum. “Don’t wake up. Please. Don’t wake up,” she voiced the most silent of whispers. When his breathing evened out, she carefully distanced herself from him, rolling to her side. Reaching for her bag, she checked her phone, and saw that it was still several hours until dawn.
Behind her, Clint let out what sounded like a happy sigh. She couldn’t help but smile, the reality of his kiss was far better than any fantasy. Knowing tomorrow would be challenging, she closed her eyes and willed herself back to sleep.
… “Wake up, sunshine. Time’s a wasting.”
“Okay. Okay. I’m up.” Jensen’s announcement preceded any actual movement by ten seconds or so. In the process of stretching and rubbing her eyes, the events of the previous night dawned on her. “Oh, my God.”
“What’s wrong?” Clint asked casually. “Is there a snake in your sleeping bag?”
“No!” The very thought sent Jensen scrambling, trying to get to her feet before the zipper was completely down. “Thanks for giving me a bad case of the willies.”
&
nbsp; Behind her, he chuckled. Jensen glanced around, surprised to see him fully dressed. “How long have you been awake?”
“Oh, a while. How did you sleep?”
“Fine,” she answered slowly, wondering at the inflection in his tone. Did she detect something in his voice? “Why?”
“Oh, no reason,” he said off-handedly as he stood to his feet. “Just being polite.”
“How did you sleep?” she asked, mirroring his casual small talk.
“Wonderful. Fantastic dreams.”
“Great.” Jensen coughed, almost choking. “Since you’re dressed, could you give…”
“Give you some privacy? Sure.” He folded up his sleeping bag. “I’ll be outside when you’re ready. We’ll head over soon and catch that shower – if you want.”
“Yes, please.” As soon as he left the tent, she rose to dress quickly. Memories of their midnight kiss made her entire body tingle. Again, she wondered if he sensed anything. With Clint and his incessant teasing, it was hard for to judge.
Once she gathered her things, she stepped out into the early morning light just as Clint returned with two coffees. “Oh, how nice.”
“I aim to please.” He gave her a teasing grin.
Again, Jensen couldn’t help but wonder if his words held a double meaning. “I can tell, thank you.” She accepted the coffee and took a grateful sip. “I guess we can drink on the way.”
“Fine by me. I’ve already given Rose food and water. We’ll drive the truck over to the meeting place and put the crate in the shade so Desiree can check on her off and on during the day.”
“Desiree is such a nice lady,” Jensen said as she fell into step behind Clint, veering to go to the passenger side of his vehicle.
“She is,” Clint agreed. “Very down to earth.”
Jensen sipped her coffee, unable to think about anything else but the kiss they’d shared. She absolutely did not intend to bring that up, but she knew they needed to talk. The tension between them made everything more difficult.
Clint sat beside her, stealing glances, and hiding a smile. She had no idea he’d been wide awake the night before and cognizant of every deliberate kiss he’d given her sweet lips. He’d woken up early just to watch her sleep. She wanted him, she felt something for him – he’d bet his life on that fact being true. Something was holding her back, though. Her efforts to keep him at arms-length were rooted in something other than disinterest. Clint was convinced there was something more going on. For that reason, he’d decided not to push her. His plan was to bide his time and not give up hope. Sooner or later he’d learn the right thing to say or do to make Jensen his. In the meantime, he’d just go with the flow and keep the channels of communication open.