by Iris Blobel
When she opened her mouth to say something, he held up his hand. "Another sorry out of your mouth and I lock ya up again."
The sound of her giggle was like music to his ears.
****
Jared's mind was in overdrive for most of the morning. The fact that he'd woken up with Ivy next to him still stirred all kinds of emotions in him. Not only emotions, but reactions as well. He wasn't angry with her and knew that if she had her way she'd probably have apologised for half an hour that she'd snuck into his bed. The apology was obsolete, because it was written all over her face, and her movements that morning. She'd helped packing up, and he'd noticed she wasn't one to be afraid of work. Not at all.
They arrived back in Williams early in the morning, and Jared slowly turned to her.
"Okay, have ya figured out yet where you're headin'?"
She sighed and shook her head. A few minutes later, he parked the motorhome in a little parking lot and turned off the engine.
"Here's a deal. I need to get up to Salt Lake City within the next few days."
"To pick up the girl."
The sound of her voice made him cringe. Something told him that she didn't approve of something, but for the life of him, he couldn't figure out what it exactly was.
With a nod, he said, "Yes to pick up Mia." He waited for her to respond, but she didn't say anything so he continued. "How about a lift to Utah? Would that help you?"
"I think my mother lives there."
He tilted a brow questioningly. "Ya think?"
She turned and looked out of the window. "I haven't seen her in a long time," she said quietly.
Another dozen questions formed on his lips, but he held back. Rubbing his face with one hand, he took a deep breath and then asked again, "So Utah would suit?"
"It all seemed so easy, you know. I left Dylan to be able to start somewhere fresh and get somewhere in life. That's all." Her shoulders sagged, and she leaned even further into the seat as if she wanted to crawl into it and hide. "All these decisions. It's like a constant headache."
Jared broke the brief silence. "I can't make the decision for you, but being with family sounds like a good start, right?"
With a tilt of her head, she met his eyes. "It's been a few years since I've seen Mom. I'm not quite sure whether she'd welcome me with open arms."
"Makin' the first step is always hard, but most of the time well worth the effort."
"Sounds so easy the way you're saying it."
A smile tugged at his lips. What could he say, except, "Honey blossom. Yes or no?"
A slow smile lifted her lips. "Utah it is," she replied with what sounded like a mix of trepidation and excitement.
They turned north onto Route 89, past the Navajo Reservation and towards the Navajo Bridge, which crossed the Colorado River
's Marble Canyon
. A few hours later, as lunchtime approached, the clouds moved in and it threatened to rain. With no diner or eating place along the way, they stopped at the bridge information parking bay, and Ivy made up a batch of hamburger mix which tasted to-die-for.
"I had no idea your talents extended to cookin'."
She smiled and placed one hand on her hip. "Oh, I have many talents."
A choked laugh escaped him, but he didn't say anything.
****
It'd been a long time since Ivy had been so comfortable in her skin. She didn't have to think or worry at that moment. With Jared around she simply was. Even though he'd kissed her the previous day, and it'd been one very memorable kiss, she didn't have the impression that Jared would do something she didn't like. She'd told him she wouldn't sleep with him, although why she would never know, but deep down inside she couldn't help but feel that he respected that. Dylan had thrown her words right back at her when she'd said the same thing.
"I have many talents."
"You're certainly hiding them all," he'd replied.
At that stage, he'd still been caring and kind. He'd always been but, thinking about it now, she didn’t really know whether he'd ever appreciated her. Or even given back, something that seemed to come natural to Jared.
"Who does your cooking at home?" she asked.
He looked surprised by her question and lifted one shoulder in a half-shrug. "I do."
"You seem surprised by the question."
"Who did ya think is cookin' the meals?"
Not quite sure of the answer, she wasn't sure anymore why she'd asked. "Just making conversation," she replied instead, which earned her another chuckle from him.
Later that day they made it into Utah, and it was only another short drive until they were stopping for the day. Jared had told her about Mia and her boyfriend, but also about Mia's upbringing.
"Sophie and Mia moved to Hobart a few years back. They're from Sydney."
He leaned back into the seat. From the corner of her eye, she noticed he was watching her.
"What?"
"I suppose it's another talent of yours. The ability to drive a motorhome?"
She turned to look at him and, with a big grin, she replied, "Told you, there are many hidden in this body of mine."
The echo of his laughter filled the cabin, and she had to force herself to focus back onto the road.
"What made them move to Hobart? Isn't Sydney the place with the beautiful opera house?"
He was quiet for a moment and took a quick glance at her.
"Another talent. I read a lot and remember most of it."
"Impressive," he said. "Yes, it is. I mean, yes, the famous opera house is in Sydney. The girls inherited the house they're livin' in."
Ivy had to look at him again, to see whether he was kidding or not. "From who?"
It was difficult to figure out what his sigh was for.
"Mia's dad's ex-wife," he finally said, his voice now bordering on edgy.
"The girls' father's ex-wife left them a house?"
"Sophie and Mia don't share the same father."
She thought that through. It sounded indeed like a complicated family tree. But she knew difficult family trees. After all, hers wasn't all that straight forward either. Not that she had another brother or sister, sadly, but there'd been many want-to-be fathers in her life. She'd met her grandparents once, but she'd been very young. Her mother had never told her why they'd only stayed there for a week and had never seen them again, or talked about them. Ivy had never asked.
"So, Mia is coming to Salt Lake City to travel with you?"
"Exactly."
The fact that he was going to travel with an under-age girl was still not sitting well with her. She wasn't really sure why, especially as Jared seemed to be the perfect gentleman when it came to manners and behaviour. But Mia was young and possibly impressionable.
"A penny for your thoughts."
His question hauled her back into the moment. "Nothing," she lied. "She'll love the US. Especially the west coast."
"Have ya been there?"
She sighed. "I've been to so many places, I'm sure one of them was the west coast as well."
Ivy noticed his movement on the seat next to her and quickly glanced over again. Then she saw him holding a coin towards her.
"I wouldn't have a clue how much this little thing is, but I'm sure it's close to a penny."
She blinked, not sure where he was going with this.
"Will ya now tell me what you were thinkin'?"
Chapter Nine
It bugged Jared a little bit, that Ivy was holding back on something that was obviously occupying her mind. And that something had something to do with him, otherwise she would've told him. But then again, there were so many other things she was holding back, and again he reminded himself that it wasn't really any of his business. It didn't make it any easier though because, with every minute he spent with her, he became fonder of the girl driving him along the roads of America. There was no doubt he really enjoyed her company, their banter, her humour, even her cooking skills. He'd become very fond
of them as well.
"Gonna tell me?" He tried again.
"There's nothing. Really."
Her smile didn't reach her eyes, and he knew she wasn't honest with him, but he let it go. He didn't want to ruin a perfect day.
When they arrived at their destination, they made a quick dash through the shopping centre before heading towards the campground. The site looked a lot more like what Jared was used to from Australia. The sites were located amongst grass with only a small spot of concrete for the motorhome and the table with two benches. There were trees around in all shapes and sizes, swaying in the breeze. Even at this late hour of the day, he was still able to hear birds chatting in the trees and insects humming between the flowers that dotted the grass. Jagged, snow-capped mountains were all around them and, as on the previous night, he took his time to take some photos. It was an amazing sight, and he had to pinch himself again that he was there.
He turned when he heard Ivy approaching.
"There's a little pool over in the small building next to the showers. I'd give anything for a little dip."
Slowly he raised his eyebrow.
She gently slapped his chest. "What? Aren't you Australians lovers of the water? Wouldn't you like to go swimming?"
He shook his head. "Nope."
A sigh escaped her lips.
"What's holdin' ya back?" he asked.
Her eyebrows shot up. "What's holding me back?"
He simply nodded.
"I've got no bathers."
Then he shrugged. It didn't make sense to him. "Anybody else in there?"
"No." She looked around. "Which doesn't surprise me, because there're not too many people camping here tonight, it seems."
"No one will notice that ya swimmin' in ya bra and knickers."
"Knickers?" She giggled.
Not sure whether this was a language thing or whether he'd offended her, Jared decided to stay quiet.
"Honey, I don't wear knickers. I don't have much money, but enough to buy decent underwear, which we call panties."
Heat rolled over his body and pooled in his groin. He knew! There weren't too many secrets in a small motorhome, and when she'd changed into her clothes that morning, he took a sneak peak. Of course he did. After all, he was only human.
"Wear the panties."
"I can't do that."
Putting some distance between them, he moved back a bit. The conversation rang a bell with him as he remembered this kind of argument between Mark and Sophie. It was the female logic that seemed to defy him.
"Well, in that case, I s'pose you won't go swimmin'."
Hands on hips she came closer. "You're not helping."
"Happy to give ya some of my panties."
She rolled her eyes. "Forget it."
The words weren't even spoken when she turned and stepped into the motorhome. He followed her in.
"Hey!"
With no chance to hold back, he had to grin when he saw her in the back of the motorhome half-naked.
"Do you mind?"
His grin got wider. "Actually, no I don't."
"Out," she screamed.
Bursting into laughter, he stepped out.
"Haven't you heard of knocking?"
"Honey blossom, how was I supposed to know ya goin' to strip in there?"
"I said I'd go for a swim."
He shook his head, still laughing, when he sat outside enjoying the scenery. There were a few noises coming from the inside, and he decided he'd be better off not knowing. A few minutes later, she stood in front of him with only a small towel wrapped around her body. At that moment, he was considering the idea that a swim wouldn't be that bad after all.
"If anybody approaches me inappropriately, it's your fault."
"Want me to come with and guard ya from all the bad Americans around?"
But all he heard was a humpf as she stomped away towards the pool. Watching her small body swaying, he thought how bad he could be if he were in there with her.
****
Ivy slid into the water and swam to the centre of the pool. The water was a perfect temperature, and she relished the cool feel of it over her body. Her gaze went to the pool entrance door a couple of times, although she told herself that was to see whether anybody else was coming in, but deep inside she knew, she was waiting for Jared. Leaning back, she lowered her head under water up to her mouth before she dunked her head under water. Hoping to clear her mind, she stayed like that for a few seconds. Jared was in her head and playing havoc with her emotions. She didn't like it. Okay, truth was, she did like it. She had liked his gaze when she'd undressed to only her underwear. And she had liked it the way he’d stared at her when she'd walked towards the pool. Thanks to the office window, she'd seen his open mouth before he'd rubbed his face with both hands.
The thought of the expression on his face spread warmth through her body, when she suddenly felt a hand on her thigh. She shrieked and whipped around, only to stare into Jared's eyes. His eyelashes were spiked from the water, his hair was plastered to his head, and a big grin spread across his face. He was only inches away, and she curled her arms around his neck as she snuggled into his embrace.
"Will ya keep it down," he said with a laugh.
"You scared me."
He leaned in, angling his head, and nuzzled just beneath her ear. Her body instantly came alive.
"I like American panties," he said as his hands moved further down her body.
Ivy choked back a giggle. "I'm sure they have them in Australia as well."
"Hmm. Can't say I've noticed."
"Liar!" She laughed.
Then he was still, and she tilted her head to meet his gaze. His face had become serious, and his eyes expressed more than fun in his eyes. Something different. Something she would have loved to explore. But it was the would have that made the difference to the situation. They were close to Salt Lake City, and their time together was drawing to an end. She sighed, and she became aware that she was having the time of her life with this stranger, who always carried a smile on his face. The Australian mate who laughed at her silly jokes, or even laughed at life's simple pleasures. Her heart ached as part of her wanted this to never end. However, her heart was still bruised, and she knew that she didn't want sleep with Jared. Not out of regret. She was certain, she wouldn't regret a single second with him, but her heart would not cope with the beating afterwards. It would shatter into a thousand pieces the moment she had to say goodbye. This way, it'd be only a few hundred pieces—enough, she told herself, to pick up and put together again over time.
"We shouldn't do this," she heard herself whisper to him. It was like someone else was using her voice, it felt so distant and unreal.
"I know," he replied as he buried his face in the vulnerable spot beneath her ear to place another kiss.
As if on auto pilot, she angled her head again for him. How did he make her feel so good? She sighed, thinking how easily he made her feel attractive like no man had before.
"Jared."
He gently bit her in the shoulder before he moved to look at her. "I know." All of his disappointment was put into the two words.
"Another time, another place—"
"This could've been somethin' really good?" he finished.
She simply nodded. Not sure whether her tears were obvious on her wet face, she didn't make an effort to hold them back.
And she was awarded with another one of those kisses that went straight to her toes.
Yet, he only spoilt her for a brief moment. Jared placed his hands on her hips, and in one smooth motion lifted her up and threw her back into the water. Initially, she wasn't sure what was happening, but when she came back to the surface, she saw his typical grin.
With a pretend pout, she swam away. As expected, Jared came towards her and, as soon as he was close enough, she tried her best to dunk him. It was a fruitless attempt though. He was much stronger than she was. Even though, she had the time of her life being immature
for a while, she had fun like she hadn't had in a long time.
****
"Thanks," she said later that evening when she climbed up into her bed.
He turned and, as soon as their eyes met, she assumed he knew what she was grateful for. His gentle smile that went right to his eyes said it all. He knew she appreciated the great time she was having, him respecting her, and her wish to not pursue this any further.
Sleep didn't come easy that night. Ivy tossed and turned.
"Cold again?" she heard him ask from the other end of the vehicle.
"That too," she answered truthfully.
She thought she heard him choke back a chuckle, but wasn't sure.
"It's better that way, Ivy."
Hoping they were talking about the same thing, she said, "I know."
She looked around the RV, which was dimly lit by the outsight lights. Soon she had to leave this little "home on wheels" behind.
"Jared?"
"Uh-huh?"
"I don't like goodbyes. So when we get to Salt Lake City tomorrow, please just pretend I go to do some shopping."
He didn't reply, and she wasn't sure how to take it.
"Jared?"
"I'll do my best."
"One day you will make someone very happy," she whispered into the silence after a little while.
There was only a chuckle in the distance.
"And Jared?"
Silence.
"Yes, I was initially a bit concerned that you're travelling with a teenager through the States, but I think if I were a mother, you'd be the one I'd trust with all my children."
When he still didn't say anything, her heart thumped hard and loud in her ear. What if she'd overstepped her mark? Had she said something wrong?
"You're still awake?"
"With you yappin' over there I have no chance to snooze."
She leaned on her elbow and looked towards him into the dark night. "Have you ever been in love?"
The big sigh he let out was audible right to her end of the RV, and she immediately felt insecure.