“You’re making the hike with Roxie? That’s great!”
“We’re just climbing together. Don’t go getting any funny ideas.” Drake narrowed his eyes at his friend. He could behave like a gentlemen. He could.
He would.
“I think it’s a wonderful plan. This climb could be a defining factor for your relationship,” Anita added.
“We don’t have a relationship.” Drake had forgotten that Carlos and Anita were born meddlers and matchmakers, even worse than his own five siblings.
“Not yet, and if you don’t know if she can handle climbing up the side of a volcano, there won’t be one.” Anita smiled and leaned back against her husband’s shoulder, exchanging a loving glance with him.
“I’m not looking for a relationship,” Drake answered.
Anita scoffed at him. “Of course you are. You’re what, thirty-one?”
“Thirty-two,” he corrected her.
“See, that’s even worse. By Ecuadorian standards, you’re way past the age of getting married and starting a family. Carlos is thirty-one and he already has three kids, between five and ten years old. You’re way behind schedule.”
“I’m not Carlos.”
To be honest, he was looking for a relationship, but he’d never found satisfaction in superficial flings unlike his younger brothers Tyler and River who were the kings of the one-night stand. A vacation flirtation was the last thing Drake wanted. To feel empty and unfulfilled.
Anita gave him a thoughtful look. “But you do want to get married and have a family someday, right?”
“Sure, when the time is right.”
“Who says the time isn’t right?” Anita giggled.
Drake finished his wine and then headed off to bed, claiming more jetlag. In reality, he couldn’t get Anita’s words out of his head. The defining factor as she’d called it, was partly the reason why he’d never had a serious relationship in the last several years.
How could he expect to have a meaningful relationship with any woman who didn’t appreciate and understand what he did for a living? Who didn’t want to accompany him on his travels? He wanted a true companion, a woman who shared his excitement for adventure and didn’t mind sleeping on the floor, eating instant noodles and not showering for days if there wasn’t another option.
He didn’t know if Roxie was the one. Maybe this climb would help him answer that question. If and only if she made it, he could think about starting a serious relationship with her.
Chapter 9
Roxie arrived at her apartment an hour later, literally biting her nails. She hated the chaotic traffic with a passion, but today something else twisted her stomach into a knot. How could I be so stupid to agree to go on a mountain trip with Drake? I hate the cold.
As soon as she barged into her living room, she put on the headset and dialed Charlene’s number. Her best friend would set her head straight and talk her out of this crazy endeavor.
“Charlene? Thank god, you answered.”
“What’s up? Trouble in paradise?” Her friend giggled into the phone.
“Not funny.” She scrunched her nose. “I think I did something really, really stupid today.”
“Spill it, girl.” Charlene’s giggles faded.
“Remember the man I told you about? Drake?”
“Sure. You slept with him. Was it good or…bad?” Charlene’s voice was full of excitement. “Oh, no. That’s why you’re calling. It was that bad.”
“No. I didn’t sleep with him.” Roxie crossed her arms in front of her chest and stared at Charlene’s picture on the screen. “I did something worse. I agreed to go with him on a weekend trip up the volcano overlooking Quito. Me, who’s never hiked anywhere in my life and shivers if the wind changes direction.” Roxie told her friend.
“Wow.” As a skiing instructor Charlene had vast experience with everything that concerned mountains. “It was about time. I’ve tried to make you come with me on a hike for ages. What does he have that I don’t?”
“Well, let’s see. Adorable tousled hair, a smile that makes my insides quiver, and muscles—“
“Stop.” Charlene giggled into the phone. “It was a rhetorical question. But from your answer I take it you’ll be fine with him. So what are you worried about?”
“What if he regrets taking me, because he finds out I’m inept at this hiking stuff? He does that stuff for a living, for God’s sake. What if this is a test? And I fail?”
“Nonsense. If he’s a pro, then he’ll adjust his pace to yours. Go and have fun. You can do this. I’ll be sitting here, fingers crossed.”
“I know you’re right, but I’m still nervous.” Roxie sighed into the phone.
“Nervous is good.”
Nervous is good. Right. So much for Charlene saving me from embarrassing myself. “If you say so… Talk to you soon.”
“Good night, sweetheart,” Charlene said.
A few days later, butterflies danced in Roxie’s stomach as she waited at the entrance to her compound for Drake to arrive. Moments later, Carlos’ olive green four-wheel drive Jeep pulled up at the gate and she waved the guard good-bye before she slipped outside.
Drake met her halfway to the car with a breathtaking grin. “Ready to go?”
“Yes.” She managed to say, before his hand on her arm took her breath away. Drake took her backpack and stored it in the trunk of the car.
“You need all this stuff?” She was more than a little astonished at the pile of equipment. There were several bundles of rope, an ice ax, pickax, and a variety of instruments she couldn’t identify.
“Surprised?” he asked with his signature grin. The one that made her knees go wobbly.
“I am. I never imagined we’d need this much stuff for a weekend trip. What’s that?” She pointed to the lens of a funny looking camera.
“An infrared camera. I want to use the opportunity to do some research and collect samples while we’re up there, but climbing and staying out overnight always requires some stuff. That is, if you do it right and want to be safe.”
“But I thought Pichincha was one of the easiest climbs in Ecuador?” she asked.
“Just because it’s one of the easiest doesn’t mean it’s easy. Besides, I like to be prepared. Remember my presentation to the kids?” She nodded and he continued, “I’ve been in my share of dangerous situations and I prefer to be prepared for the worst.”
He must have seen the concern in her face, because he added, “We probably won’t need even half of this stuff, but if we didn’t have it with us, we would most definitely need it.”
Another mind-blowing smile. And his big hand sent hot shots right into her soul as he helped her climb into the passenger seat. Roxie grabbed onto the handle above the door for dear life and leaned back in her seat, watching as he shut the car door and jogged around to the driver’s side. She glanced at the stuff in the back once more, and realized most of the containers were meticulously labeled.
Roxie herself wasn’t disorganized, but she liked to improvise and kept track of most things in her head, instead of putting it down with pen and paper. While she admired an organized person, she’d experienced the backside to this trait. A frightening thought crossed her mind. What if he’s a anal retentive, perfectionist control freak?
She groaned at the memory of her ex folding his clothing more accurately than a soldier in the military. Sorting his closet by color and material. And she didn’t even want to think about the kitchen cabinets. Roxy shuddered.
“Are you cold?” Drake asked as he switched on the motor.
“No. I just…am a bit nervous. If never done hiking before.” Thoughts of her douchebag ex were none of his business. Maybe they never would be.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be with you the whole time,” he said and looked at her with his bright blue eyes. His face hovered so near to hers, she could feel his breath on her skin like a caress. She willed him to kiss her, but he didn’t. He leaned back in the driver’s seat an
d backed out of the entrance to her compound.
“So, how exactly does this work?” she asked somewhat disappointed.
“There are several shelters along the way. We’ll stop at the first one to get any news updates, weather forecasts, and other relevant information. And we have to leave the car there. From then on it’s all walking. But don’t worry, okay?” Drake didn’t look at her. He was too busy to paying attention to the traffic.
The navigation app on his smart phone guided them through the cobweb-like highways in Quito until they’d left the city behind.
“I have no idea how those people manage to drive in this chaos.” He smiled at her.
“It’s different than at home. A colleague told me that you are only responsible for what happens in front of you, never mind behind your back. And it seems to work. Keep your eyes open for everything ahead and let the cars behind you deal with what happens there.”
“Luckily Carlos’ car is a big one. It feels much safer looking down on the other ones.” Drake chuckled.
“Where do you live in the States?” Roxie asked him.
“Los Angeles. I like to be near my family.”
Family? The thought of a wife and children at home cut through her heart. “You have a family?”
“Yes. I mean no. I’m single.”
“Oh.” Roxie sighed with relief. “Tell me about your family.”
“Remember you asked for it. I’m the oldest of six siblings.” Drake chuckled.
“Six? And I thought three’s a bunch.”
“We were quite a crew growing up. Sometimes I don’t know how my mother managed to keep us at bay.”
“Are they all scientists like you?” Roxie asked as they drove further and further from the noisy city into the vast and quiet countryside.
“No way. Just me. The second oldest is Preston. He’s a businessman and owns several hotels and resorts all around the world. That poor man fell prey to the most awful woman, but he’s blind to her antics.”
Roxie laughed and then covered her mouth with her hands. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Don’t be. I wasn’t joking. Nobody in the family likes her. Then there’s Chuck. He’s a private investigator. His girlfriend Linda Ross is house-sitting my apartment and my cats for me.”
“Linda Ross? As in daughter to Evangelina Ross? The famous actress?” Roxie asked with wide eyes.
“One and the same.” He grinned at her. “I haven’t met Evangelina, but according to my brother she’s nothing in private like people think she is. In fact, she sent my brother to prison for kidnapping her daughter.”
“And they’re still together?” Roxie asked. If she’d ever thought her own family was crazy, now she was disabused of that notion.
“Yes, and very much in love with one another. Then there’s Tyler. He’s a firefighter in Los Angeles. My one and only sister, Vivian, is a court reporter, and then there’s the baby of the family, River. He owns a scuba diving company and his preferred place is an exotic beach with a cocktail in one hand and a beautiful woman in the other one.”
“Oh.”
“Sorry. But that’s just who he is.” Drake glanced over to her. “He’ll settle down at some point. We all do.”
Why on earth was she disappointed about his womanizer brother? It didn’t matter. In fact, it would suit her if Drake subscribed to the same opinion. A vacation fling. No strings attached. That was what she wanted.
“So, what about your family?” His voice cut through her thoughts.
“We’re only three. I have two brothers, Roger and Rowan.”
“I’m beginning to see a pattern here.”
“The R names are not the only pattern in my family,” she said.
“Now you’re making me curious. What else?”
“Roger is the oldest. He owns a veterinarian clinic. I’m in the middle—“
“How old are you?” Drake interrupted her.
“Twenty-four. Rowan is the youngest. He just finished school to become an ER doctor. My mom is a registered nurse and my father was a surgeon before he retired.” Roxie rubbed her cheek.
“Ahh…I believe I can see the pattern. What about you?” Drake asked.
“I’m the black sheep of the family. Even my uncles and cousins all work in the health sector. Except for cousin Sheila, who studied biotechnology. But then, being head of research at a biotech qualifies as working in the health sector.”
Roxie was only half joking about being the black sheep of the family. While her parents had never openly opposed her wish to become an elementary school teacher, they’d more than once nudged her to study a “real” profession. Something more along the lines of the family tradition.
“Are you serious? Well, I’m a firm believer that everyone should pick a career that interests him or her. Life isn’t like it was a hundred years ago when kids automatically had to follow in their parents’ footsteps. I say, do what makes you happy.”
“Well, teaching kids does that,” she said with a giggle.
“Although…black sheep seems to be rather fitting. At least physically. You have the most beautiful black hair I’ve ever seen.
Roxie felt a furious blush rising on her cheeks.
Chapter 10
As they arrived at the lowest shelter, Drake turned the car off and then jogged around to open the door for Roxy. She gave him a teasing smile and instead of grabbing the hand he offered her, she jumped right into his arms.
His entire body stood at attention as her soft curves slid down his body until her feet gained steady ground again. The urge to keep her pressed flush against his chest – and more – overwhelmed him, but it would complicate things. Gritting his teeth, he released her and stepped back.
“We need to unpack our stuff. The car has to stay here, but everything else we need for the higher elevations will go with us.”
Roxie looked up the mountain, into the car and then at him with wide eyes. “Everything in the car is going with us? Up there?”
“Don’t worry. Carlos’ wife loaned me her lightweight hiking backpack for you. We’ll fit everything into our two backpacks and off course I’ll carry the heavy stuff. We can leave most of it at our night shelter when we climb further up in the morning.” Drake grinned at her. She didn’t seem intimidated or disgusted, but eager to go.
He liked that. A lot.
They unloaded everything and he showed her how to pack like a pro.
“I should have you pack my suitcase next time I travel. I can’t believe all of that fit in those two backpacks,” Roxie commented.
“It takes most people several trips before they realize what needs to go, what can stay, and how to economize their packing.”
Drake stood up after securing the last cinch and a wave of dizziness hit him out of the blue. Whoa. I have to move slower. He cracked his neck to dispel the slight headache that had been creeping up during their drive. The traffic in Quito had been dreadful, but he was confident it would disappear as soon as he got walking and breathed the fresh mountain air.
They entered the unattended shelter and filled out the hiking register at the reception desk.
“What’s this for?” asked Roxie.
“In case we get lost. Then the mountain rescue service will know where we were headed and when we wanted to be back.”
“Can we get lost?” she asked with a soft voice.
“Usually not. But there’s always the possibility something can go wrong and then it’s good to know where the rescue teams should start searching for you. It’s just something responsible mountaineers do, like bikers wear a bike helmet.”
“There’s so much I have to learn,” Roxie said.
“Don’t worry. With me you’re safe.”
He looked at her and noticed the shine in her beautiful brown eyes. With every minute he grew more attracted to her. Even Vivian would like her. His sister wasn’t exactly known for diplomacy and so far had overruled all of her brothers’ girlfriends, except for Linda
Ross who’d won not only the heart of their brother Chuck, but also of his entire family.
“I never doubted that,” Roxie said and cocked her head.
Why did this woman have to be so incredibly cute? And sexy? He swallowed back the lump in his throat and nodded.
“Let’s go.”
“Where are we going to sleep tonight?” Roxie asked as they wound their way up the mountain on the small trail.
“At the next shelter. We should be there in about three hours.”
By now it was almost noon and the sun stood high in the sky. Regardless, this high up the chilly wind kissed every inch of exposed skin. Drake panted and stopped for a moment to look back at Roxie. She didn’t seem to mind the strenuous walk, and her cheeks had taken on a healthy rosy color.
“Have you applied sun protection?” he asked.
“Sure. I always do that first thing in the morning. The equator sun can burn you in no time at all. I’ve experienced this first hand,” she said with a grimace.
Drake continued upwards. Each step sent a pounding ache into his head, and breathing became difficult. He slowed down in the hope he’d soon feel better. The wise thing would be to take a break, but he didn’t want to disappoint Roxie who was so excited on her first mountain hike.
Instead he concentrated taking one step after another, while Roxie chatted away.
“Look at that!” she exclaimed.
They’d reached a curve and now the entire valley lay beneath them. Soft slopes with greenish-brown scrub reached all the way down to the outskirts of Quito. A small dirt trail marked the path they’d hiked up from the shelter, where they could see the windows of Carlos’ jeep reflecting in the sun. Ahead of them the soft slopes morphed into jagged rocks, to steep to host vegetation.
Grey clouds gathered around the summit, a reminder that the Pichincha was an active volcano.
Drake wiped his forehead. Despite the cold, sweat dripped from his skin. The rest was welcome to calm down his racing pulse and get the dizzy feeling in his head under control. But he urged them to continue.
“Come on. We don’t want to arrive late.” He handed her walking sticks from his backpack, because off to each side of the well-worn dirt trail were deep ruts where copious amounts of water from rainstorms had eroded the soft dirt away.
Burning for Love: Los Angeles Armstrongs 2 (The Armstrongs Book 8) Page 5