Page 88 of Lost In Kakadu

Abi explained the points on the compass. She seemed excited about teaching him something. “Do you want me to show you how to use it?”

Over the next couple of days, they explored in different directions from the wreck, each time travelling further away from their campsite. Mackenzie guessed they’d explored several square kilometres of the surrounding area and yet the scenery remained the same—enormouseucalyptus trees, dense underbrush and masses of vines weaving it all together.

Abi baffled him, too. He was frustrated with the monotony, however she seemed to enjoy their daily walks. Her pace steadily increased each day, and she didn’t complain about the heat, the tough terrain, or the inevitable scratches from the thorny bushes.

The only thing that changed as they got away from the campsite was that they saw more animals. He couldn’t decide if it was because they were there in greater numbers or because he was better at finding them.

One afternoon, as they were returning to the campsite, Mackenzie spied a rust-coloured wallaby foraging in the grass. He froze mid stride and held his arm up to halt Abi. The creature curled its muscular tail and hopped toward them, apparently oblivious to their presence.

Mackenzie remained rigid, considering his move. But the wallaby suddenly darted away, and he was pretty sure his grumbling stomach had finally scared it off.

“You weren’t going to kill it, were you?” Abi’s jaw dropped as the animal disappeared through the bushes.

“Hell yeah, kangaroo meat is one of the most nutritious red meats.”

“But it was beautiful.”

“And it will be just as beautiful roasting on our fire.”

She playfully slapped him on the shoulder. “You’re horrible.”

“I know.”

As they progressed toward their clearing, they were caught off guard by menacing clouds, rapidly shrouding the sun. Abi kept close behind him as he navigated the darkening bush, careful not to deviate from the 270-degree notch on the compass. A fat raindrop splattered his cheek, startling him. He stopped to wipe it off, staring up through the tree canopy at the dark sky.

Charcoal clouds swirled in a tight circle, as if driven by an invisible blender.

Since the crash they’d only had a dozen or so brief showers. Mackenzie turned to Abi and saw confusion in her eyes. “I think we’re in for a storm.”

As if on cue, a brisk wind swept through the bushes and sharp stinging rain fell in a solid sheet upon them. With no obvious shelternearby, Mackenzie wrapped his arms around Abi and hustled her to the nearest eucalyptus tree.

A piercing crack of thunder made them both jump and Abi gripped tighter. Lightning flashes dazzled the darkening sky and the surrounding trees cast eerie shadows. Warm rain drops drummed upon his head and within seconds he was drenched, but he closed his eyes and faced the rain, allowing it to pummel his skin, welcoming the refreshing shower.

Abi cowered into his chest, trembling and he ran his fingers through her wet hair, offering comfort. Looking up at him with wet eyelashes, she ran her tongue over her lips, catching a raindrop and his breath froze, trapping him in the moment.

He followed a raindrop’s path down her neck until it disappeared into fabric that lay at the swell of her breast. He wanted to kiss her. No, it was more than that, he wanted everything about her.

But does she want the same?

His arousal was swift and absolute, and he leaned toward her upturned face, searching for a sign. He tried to resist the throbbing in his loins but when she didn’t turn away, he couldn’t wait a moment longer.

As his world blurred into a haze of lust, he pressed his lips against hers. She tasted of rain drops. From the very first touch his uncertainty was swept away. Abi parted her lips allowing his tongue to explore the softness of her mouth and the hairs on his neck bristled as her hand clutched his neck pulling him down to her. A groan tumbled from his throat.

Desperate desire exploded within him, but he needed to be certain if Abi’s desires met his. He released her and as he swept a wet lock of hair from her cheek, he searched for confirmation.

His breath caught at the burning want he saw deep within her green eyes.

He swept her into his arms, and she clung to his chest as he carried her through the penetrating rain. His heart pounded in his chest. Fervid intentions drove him forward.

And as thundering rain pelted his body, excitement made him sensitive to every drop.

The plane appeared before him with steam rising from its rigid body. He stepped into the cabin and lowered Abi onto her bed. Shehesitated for a brief moment before she let him go. Her irises shimmered as her eyes drilled into him. The wet shirt clung to her body, outlining her full breasts and her chest rose and fell rapidly, yet she blinked with slow animation.

He knelt beside her, placing his hand on her thigh and she arched her back, levitating her flat stomach toward him. She lifted her shirt over her head, revealing her nakedness and he was drawn to the allure of her pink nipples.

His fingers danced over her wet skin, and he slowly drew a line in the dampness from her navel to her nipple. He cupped her breast and she moaned when he gently squeezed her pink bud.

Mackenzie tore his wet shirt from his body.

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