“Probably more exciting than what I had to do today.” I glanced over at the pile of clothes sitting on the table, all stitched and patched—my handiwork from afternoon to dusk.
“Probably.” A wide toothy grin covered his face, the dimples playing peek-a-boo into his cheeks, and I had to look away. I didn’t feel like being social and he was cute, too cute for his own good.
“I have a surprise for you.”
I hoped he wasn’t joking because at this point, I was on the brink of tears and couldn’t handle anymore disappointment.
“Close your eyes.”
I laid down the sock I’d prepared for surgery and closed my eyes. My stomach did a quick cartwheel as I listened to him unzip his bag.
“Hold out your hands.”
I did as he suggested when the smell of cooked apricots and flakey pastry tickled my nose. Then something warm and heavy was laid on my fingertips.
“Oh, dear date of death, this isn’t what I think it is, is it?” I didn’t dare open my eyes; my mouth watered something crazy.
“Well, open your eyes and find out.”
Swimming before me were sliced apricots surrounded by golden brown islands of crispy dough. “How?”
Memphis lifted one shoulder and smirked. “I have my ways.” He produced two silver spoons.
I swiped a spoon before he knew what had happened and slipped it into the cobbler. The sweet tart goodness filled my mouth, sending my taste buds into overload. “Oh, this is heaven. I could…” Kaden’s warning not to lead on his brother zinged through me.
“Could what?” Memphis chuckled and matched me spoonful for spoonful.
“Hug you. This is perfect.”
He beamed and after a mere five minutes, the entire pie was gone. I loosened the button on my jeans.
“I made it myself.”
My jaw dropped. “Really?”
“Well, after your gravy masterpiece this morning, I had to show you my talents.”
I chuckled, feeling my tense shoulders loosen. “Hardly.”
“Now, I just need to show you the ocean,” he said quickly. “And all my promises will be fulfilled.”
Blown away by his kindness, I tried to think of something cute to say. “And the Ritz, too.”
“Oh, that’s right. The Ritz.”
I smiled; a real smile that reached deep inside me. Memphis might not have been the one I’d been initially attracted to, but he’d been the most stable. He cared when he didn’t need to. He wanted to make me happy. I could trust him, but mostly I could count on him to be there. Dependability had to rank higher than saving one’s life, right?
I reached over and squeezed his hand. “Thank you. I really needed that.”
His fingers squeezed, then interlaced with mine. He pulled me forward, bringing my face close to his. I could see what he wanted and I waffled. Did I want this, too?
My body tensed when he leaned in. A flickering light behind his shoulder caught my attention. I turned my head at the last second. Memphis’ lips brushed my cheek.
Moving away from him, my cheeks grew hot. The couple from earlier today passed by, lantern in hand, and nodded a ‘good evening.’
“I’m… sorry,” I murmured. “It’s just…”
“Crowded.” He smiled, massaging my hand with his. “We need time to ourselves.”
I bit my lip. The last time we were alone, we fell asleep and I ended up with nightmares of zombies. Even still, I hated the feeling I was doing something wrong. Why did they have to be brothers?
“Maybe,” I said, feeling guilty.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
In the wee hours of the morning before the sun rose, I opened my eyes and sat up. After eighteen sponge baths, I was determined to get a real bath. Hitching my backpack over my shoulder, I slipped out of the tent. I’d bunched up the blankets on the cot to look like I was still sleeping in case anyone decided to check on me. Once outside, I sucked in a clean breath of air and felt the sense of freedom. Scanning the empty beach, I smiled. No one else had the idea of waking early like I had.
Following the sound of the water, I trudged through the dense brush and stopped, finally descending upon the majestic waterfall. Mist rose off the deep blue pool as ferns leaned over for a drink. Large round stones made perfect islands as if awaiting a mermaid to perch her slippery tail upon.
Slipping off my clothing down to my bra and underwear, I stepped into the water. Braced for the chill, the warmth surprised me. Then the sulfur smell registered. A hot spring.
“Geez,” I cursed under my breath. This had to be where everyone bathed, yet I’d been sheltered from it. Secrets and lies, the way of the colony.
I dove under, the water embracing me. This had been the first moment of peace since the abduction. The warmth infused the new tender skin on my inner thighs and took the ache in my wrist away. With the bar of soap, I washed my hair and the skin folds all over, evicting the sand that had made its home, then wiggled off my underwear to give them a good scrubbing, too. Grabbing the rest of my clothes, I swam to the far side and let the cold water rain down on my head.
A giggle escaped from my lips as the happiness of being clean overwhelmed me. I’d be sneaking out every morning from now on.
Knowing my time was short, I quickly scrubbed the dirt off my jeans and shirt, and wrung them out. I had my dress in my pack which I’d hidden behind the tree, but if I was caught returning with wet hair, they’d know I’d slipped away.
Plunging myself underwater one last time, I wished for gills so I could live in this watery heaven forever. My lungs had other plans and I moved to the surface, unable to hold my breath any longer. A muffled boom sounding close to shore stole my attention and I opened my eyes. Off in the distance, white bubbles rose everywhere.
I remained under water and swam to the nearest rock before surfacing. Looking around the edge, I worked to listen over the shushing water, but no one was there. Only a lone cowboy hat lay on the rocks, one that hadn’t been there a few moments ago.
Other voices began to filter over the noise; guy’s voices. Quickly, I snagged my drying clothes off the rock and pulled them underwater with me. Then there was a splash. I peeked again and caught an eyeful of skin and parts I’d never seen before. I stifled a squeal, shielding my eyes.
“Hey, Van!”
“Garrett!”
“Cannon ball!”
My heart thundered as I moved further into the cave. The entire lagoon was filled with naked guys. What if they came under the waterfall? What if they caught me? I wedged myself into the corner between a rock and the wall, hoping no one would investigate this far inside. Smearing mud on my face and hair, I put on my dark shirt, and did my best to sink down and blend into the wall.
Through the sheet of the water, I saw Van laughing and pointing.
“Well, look who’s here ya’ll.”
I leaned over to see who else arrived, expecting Kaden. Wearing nothing but his boxers, Memphis stepped from the trees and dove into the pool. He emerged with a triumphant whoop.
“Done with babysitting duties?” Garrett teased.
“Babysitting?” Memphis let out a low whistle. “Don’t you wish.”
“Until Kaden officially claims his property,” Dixon added. “Might as well take advantage.”
Memphis shrugged. “She’s not his… officially.” A wicked grin curved his lips.
A chorus of catcalls bounced off the water.
“I knew it!” Van said, splashing Memphis. “There had’a be only one reason why you were gettin’ back here a day late, ya lucky dawg.”
“Dude!” Garret followed. “No way!”
“I don’t kiss and tell.” Memphis held up his hands. “But man, does she love to call out my name.” He fell into the water like he’d fainted.
More cheers erupted once his head broke the surface and I wanted to die. My chest tightened even more as the muffled conversation continued on and Memphis didn’t stop their assumption we had fooled around.
&
nbsp; With a huge grin, Memphis climbed onto a rock. “No girl can resist this gun show.” He flexed his arms and kissed each bicep before doing a flip into the water.
Everything inside me wanted to swim out and rip out his jugular. But as more barely clad guys appeared, the conversation became a garble of shouts and laughter over the splashes. If I came out of hiding, I’d look like the perv.
Then a trail of bubbles burst under the waterfall. A blond head popped above the surface. I pinched my eyes shut and willed myself to remain still.
“So what’s up with Kaden, man?” Van asked. “Wound up tight. I can’t get a word out of him, other than Abby’s off limits.”
What? Off limits?
“Who knows? After his vision, he thinks he’s all high and mighty. Up for an Elder position, blah blah blah.” Memphis sneered. “Totally hilarious since Abby can’t stand him. All they ever do is fight. He thought she’d be his golden ticket and she’s not cooperating.”
Van laughed and my gut felt like I’d been punched. “Well if he would have told me what he was up to, I woulda went with him. Heck. There’s gotta be more girls in Brighton in need of some Southern lovin’. More than what we got here in our sorry homestead.”
“What? You’re not into sweet Ursula?” Memphis chuckled as Van groaned. “With her mole and missing toof.”
“I ain’t picky, but she’s older than dirt.” Van sighed. “And I can’t even imagine kissing that woman, even if I were drunk. Once Kaden lightens up, I’m gonna ask if he could find me a girl. I’d take anyone over Ursula, but if he found one half as gorgeous as Abby, I’d owe him my left nut.”
“She is sweet, isn’t she?” He hummed.
“Don’t lie, man. We all know she ain’t touched you,” Van said.
Oh, for the love of goodness, yes! My respect for Van rose and I would have sang to prove it if I could have.
“So what’s your plan today, Romeo?” Van finished. “How you gonna steal her from Kaden?”
A sick feeling fell over me. I’d thought Memphis was the honest one, the kind one. I’d been played.
“After that cobbler Aunt Clara baked, she’s like putty in my hands. I’m thinking something real romantic. Like a picnic with candles and wine on the beach. She’s never seen the ocean. Didn’t you say you found some of that sweet smelling lotion? Chicks dig that, right?”
“I ain’t givin’ ya my stash or my secrets.” Van laughed. “Heck, after she comes back disgusted with you, maybe I’ll woo her myself—well, with Kaden’s blessin’. Women cannot resist a Southern gentleman.”
“Gentleman, as if? Pfft.” Memphis said. There was a splash, then silence.
“No way, jackass. Screw Kaden. She’s mine. You’ll see,” Memphis’ private confession took my breath away and my heart nearly broke free from my chest as I dared to open my eyes.
Only after his blond head disappeared underwater, did I breathe. That was until I spotted Kaden on the bank, staring directly at me.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Kaden hadn’t come to bathe. He’d come to tell the guys enough was enough, and one by one, they all exited the pool. And even after Kaden had left and I was alone, I couldn’t move. I was frozen inside the cave. What if Kaden was waiting in the trees for me? What would I say?
After waiting as long as I could, I finally exited the pool, dried off, changed into my dress and headed back to camp. Twisting my damp hair up into a tight bun, I hoped no one would notice it was still wet.
I snuck behind my tent and attempted to remove my wet clothes from my backpack to hang them up.
“Abby?” Kaden asked.
I jumped with a squeal and straightened, dropping my bag. “What?”
He gave me a long look, starting at my feet, then scanning my body. “Where have you been?”
“Out taking a walk. Why?”
His eyes darted to my opened backpack.
“I know,” I interrupted, kicking the bag behind me. “I’m supposed to be escorted. I just needed time alone, that’s all. Did you need something?”
Memphis stood off in the distance, chatting it up with Van. In his hands he held something I couldn’t see clearly.
“Yeah,” Kaden said.
I took a harder look. Memphis held a basket and there was a red blanket inside and a glass bottle. This wasn’t going to play out well.
“What?” I asked quickly.
Kaden grimaced, clearly warring with something. I guessed he wanted to confront me. I’d take that deal over breaking Memphis’ sweet yet determined heart any day.
“We need to talk.”
“Great.” I grabbed his arm and led him around the backside of my tent. “Because I need to talk to you, too, but not here. Let’s go.”
I made a beeline behind the rest of the tents and headed for the stairs. Though Kaden stayed quick on my heels, I still feared Memphis would follow if he’d spotted us.
“Could you… take me horseback riding?” I asked as I took the stairs by twos.
Kaden sucked in a breath. “Uh, yeah.”
I almost chuckled at how shocked he sounded.
“Great. Then let’s hurry.”
~~|~~
Once outside, I kept watching the kitchen door of the old farm house while Kaden saddled up the horses. Any minute Memphis could bust through and ruin everything.
“You’re not really dressed to ride,” he said, raising his brow.
“It’s fine. I really want to learn,” and my jeans are wet.
He shrugged and led me over to a white horse. “This is Prince.”
I grabbed onto the reins, slipped my foot into the stirrup, grabbed onto the horn, and flung my leg over to the other side. Smoothing down his mane, I tapped my heels into Prince’s ribs and clicked my teeth. “Come on, boy. Let’s go.”
The horse walked out of the barn, leaving Kaden wide-mouthed in awe of my ability.
“Come on,” I called over my shoulder.
“I thought you said you needed lessons?” he asked as he got onto Cactus and followed.
I laughed and shook my head. “I guess I remember more than I realized.”
Kaden flew past me. “Then try to keep up.”
That pissed Prince off and before I could stop him, he took off under me. Exhilarated by the rush, I hung on for dear life even when my hair fell out of the bun. I leaned into his body, moving with the motion as he ran like the wind.
Through the fields and onto a meadow, the two horses ran for what seemed like forever until their mouths were slobbery with foam. Eventually they slowed before reaching a stream.
Kaden dismounted and reached for Prince’s bridle. Across his lips was the brightest smile, something I hadn’t seen before.
“Just when I think I’ve got you figured out,” he said breathless, eyes dazzling.
I shook my head and smoothed back my tangled hair. “Just because you met future-me doesn’t mean you know me,” I teased, matching his smile.
“True. You just… surprised me, that’s all.”
He scanned the length of my body, his eyes lingering on my bare legs. My heart flip-flopped for a second. I pulled my dingy white cardigan closed, but the shivers weren’t because I was cold. His dark hair was pushed off his forehead and his pink cheeks lightened his face. Man, he was beautiful and I wanted nothing more than to slide off the horse and kiss his lips.
I sucked in a deep breath. Yesterday he’d ignored me and I couldn’t forget how quickly his moods shifted. That still didn’t stop the desire to want to know everything about him. Know what made him tick. Know what made him smile. Know how to keep this Kaden around more often. What was he thinking at this moment?
But the dark shadow returned as quickly as it had left. Ugh, stop doing that. Maybe confessing about the mix-up in the lagoon would help us start over.
“I’m sorry about earlier… it was a mistake.”
“Earlier?”
I opened my mouth to explain. The inside was dry like the sand under our feet
. Nothing came out. In the distance, a loud crashing sound kept repeating over and over. What was out there?
“I have something I want to show you,” he said, interrupting.
He tied the horses to a tree and motioned for me follow. We stepped over the thick brush and finally broke through to the source of the noise. The soft wind and salt hit my nose the instant I witnessed a vast stretch of sand spread before me. Blue frothy water sucked into the sea and fell over in one giant wave. I’d seen pictures of the ocean online, but this; the beauty took my voice.
Memphis’ promise to take me here resonated in my mind and if I would have known it was so close, I wouldn’t have begged to go. Instinctively, I reached into my pocket, searching for my flat screen. Elle would want to see this. Then reality snapped me back once again. I didn’t have it, or my family, or my best friend, or anything familiar to me. This was just proof Kaden was jealous of Memphis and out to win me over. I was the prize.
I turned to Kaden and grabbed him by his jacket. “Why are you showing me this? Did Memphis put you up to it?”
“What?”
“Ever since you’ve brought me to the colony, it’s been nothing but a competition between you two.” I gripped harder, my hands shaking. He’d put me through hell and back, but smelling his sweet breath and being this close to his lips, made my judgment grow cloudy. Damn, why did I have to be so attracted to him?
His eyes wrinkled in concern. “Competition?”
“Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about.” Tears pricked my eyes as his expression softened.
“No, Abby.” He grabbed my wrists firmly and pulled them from his shirt. I expected him to fling them away, but he didn’t let go. “All I’ve wanted was for you to be safe. I’m sorry about yesterday. I acted like an ass. If you like Memphis, I won’t stand in your way. I’ve already told you that.”
His confession conflicted with the heat building between us. He held me, close. Too close. And I didn’t want him to let go. “Then why did you bring me here of all places?”
“To show you this.” He looked to the horizon.
“Yeah, and Memphis wanted to, too!” I pushed him away.
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