Page 77 of Courage, Dear Heart

Jillian watches me. “I didn’t realize you had so much stuff in there. You should have said something. I can help.”

I smile. “Next time.” Not a chance in hell.

She still takes in every detail, her eyes widening as if to take in more. “This is beautiful.”

“I thought you’d like it.”

She steps closer to the water’s edge. “Like it? No. I loveit.” Her voice is low, almost reverent. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

I watch her, the way her shoulders relax, the way her lips curve into a soft smile. There’s something about her in this moment—something pure and unburdened that calls to me. Perhaps a slice of the before Jillian. The woman she was before life hurt her in the worst of ways.

I crouch to unlace my hiking shoes and peel off my socks. Set them aside. “Come on.”

She turns to me as I remove my shirt, pulling it over my head.

She freezes. Her lips part as her gaze flits all over my chest and abs.

The way she’s looking at me sends a flood of arousal to my groin. I’m gonna need to get into the cold water fast if I don’t want to pull a tent in my swimming shorts. “Let’s go in.”

I don’t wait. I wade into the water until it’s waist level. Allow the cool mountain water to do its thing and send the blood flow back to my brain so I can think straight. “Are you joining me?” I smile, going for casual. Nothing to see here, nothing at all. Pay no attention to the hard-on below the water level. I move my hands in the water, hoping it will make it less clear and blur any remaining proof of my erection.

She shrugs, then takes off her shoes and socks. She hesitates before unzipping her shorts and letting them slide down her legs. Her T-shirt comes off next. She’s wearing a modest one-piece navy blue swimsuit. A flower design around her slim waist. I can’t take my eyes away from her. Ican’t stop myself from drinking her in, memorizing every inch of her skin.

She takes small steps toward the water, mindful of the pebbles. Her gasp is sharp but followed by a laugh. “It’s so cold!”

I wade backward, giving her more space. “You get used to it fast.”

She walks in until the water is up to her chest, then dunks and swims underwater until she’s behind me. I turn, watching her through the crystal-clear water as she moves with ease—like a freshwater mermaid. I’m completely captivated by her.

Jillian pops up, water streaming down her hair, face, shoulders. Droplets sparkling in the bright sunlight. She smooths her hair. “The water feels much better now. Not as cold.”

I chuckle. “You surprised me. I didn’t expect you to dive in.”

She lifts a shoulder. “It’s easier to get over the coldness if you go in one shot.”

I follow her lead and dive under, touching the bottom, my hands skimming over the rocks. And that’s when I see it. A pebble shaped like a heart. I grab it and put it in my swim shorts’ pocket.

I come up for air. “How good a swimmer are you?”

“Very good.”

“Great!” I point at the waterfall. “Follow me.”

I swim to the falls and duck under, then pop up on the other side where it’s shallower and stand up. A few seconds later, Jillian surfaces. She gasps as she takes in the hidden space.

And then it’s like it’s only the two of us in the world. Cocooned between the rocks and the curtain of water, we’re invisible to the outside. Not that there’s anyone around to see us. I walk to the natural stone ledge, wide and tall enough for three or four people to stand on without crowding each other.

She follows me. “This is amazing.” The sound of the rushing water muffles her words. “How did you even find this here?”

She’s like a vision as she emerges from the water in the shadows of the small cave.

“I can’t take the credit for finding it. This land has been in Grandma’s family for generations. Grandpa showed it to me when I was a kid.” I hold a hand out to her. “Come, I want to show you something.”

Jillian takes my hand and I bring her closer to the outer edge of the rock wall, where the sunlight filters in, casting a glow over the stone.

“Look.” I point at the dozen or so carvings on the stone.

Jillian traces the letters with awe. “What are they?”

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