Page 92 of Adrift

“I’ve never done anything like this. I’ve hardly done anything at all. I’ve had two long-term boyfriends, a few flings, but nothing like this.”

I take the empty bowl from her hand and put it on the log next to me. Her hands are soft, and I pull them onto my leg. “Ifyou don’t want me in your gaggle of guys, then I don’t have to be in it. But I like you, Haley. I liked you before all this.” I wave my hands around. “You’re good at your job, which I find sexy as hell. You’re smart, brave, you fuckin’ saved my life. And Easton’s too. Whatever you want, I’m cool with it.” I’ve presented dishes to billionaires, to owners of Michelin Star restaurants, and my heart didn’t beat as fast as it does right now. The fact that she’s not looking at me has my palms sweating. “You’re in charge, if you haven’t figured that out yet. Calvin might think he is, but he’s not.”

She nods and stands. But then she leans over and kisses me on the lips. It’s a quick brush. But then her lips part, and I want to consume her like a French pastry. She pulls away all too soon. “You need to get healthy first.”

“Got it.” I’m still holding her hand. I can feel that she wants to take off. Run and hide. But I’m not letting her hand go. “No gymnastics. I suppose I could say the same for you.”

She laughs. “I’m going to go find Calvin.”

“I’ll come with you. Swimmer Boy, watch the fires,” I holler over my shoulder.

Easton waves at me. I’m hoping he heard. But at this point, I don’t really care. Haley has a head start on me. I grab one of the sharp sticks that Calvin has in a pile next to the cooking area and follow her. When I catch up, I interlace my fingers with hers.

“Are you sure?” she asks.

“That I want to get speared by a boar’s tusk? No. But do I want you to stay out of trouble with the largest bore on the island? Yes.” She knows I’m talking about Calvin.

“He’s not boring.”

I grunt a bunch and shuffle my feet like a wild animal.

“Dante,” she laughs. “Stop. Calvin is just concerned for our safety.”

“Right.” I nod and lead her down the path to the jungle. I’ve been down here a few times. I take my time, going slowly. The last thing we need is for her to re-injure her ankle. “You doing okay?”

“Picture perfect. Thanks for taking it easy on me.”

“Oh, trust me, this is the only time I will take it easy on you.” A blush blooms up her neck, and I fucking love it. “Looks like you need some sunscreen.” I rub my knuckle over the round of her cheek.

“I’m going to stay out of the sun today. I’ve got two skin tones: pasty and red. But I want to save the sunscreen. You never know when you might need it.”

I smile at this woman. “Damn, Sassy, have you ever thought about yourself first? It’s okay for you to use sunscreen. Calvin, Zane, and Easton spend most of their days in the water. They’ll make it through.”

“What about you?” Her shoulders go up.

“Oh, my Irish-English ancestors must have spent a little time in the med. I tan up nicely when I’m out in the sun. I’ll be fine.”

“Fine isn’t good enough. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“And the only flush I want to see on your cheeks is from what we do to you. Am I clear?”

“Yes, sir.” She smirks.

But damn, I like it. I like her following my directions, and I like the “yes, sir” more than I want to admit.

The jungle path is always farther than it looks. Stepping past the tree line on the beach is like stepping into a different world. The humid air sticks to our skin. There are birds making noise on the tops of the trees. And I can’t help but wonder where their nests are and if we can find some of their eggs. Zane’s able to climb the banana trees. Maybe he can find some eggs for us.

“Palm fronds you’re after?” I pull out my knife. To think I almost hadn’t put it on when I got out of my bunk that morning.Damn, it feels like yesterday and last year all at the same time. I use it mostly for opening boxes and such. I’m not sure Calvin even knows I have it yet. I hold it up. “I think we can get some of the smaller ones with this.” I haven’t had a reason to pull it out before. Much like Calvin with the hatchet, I’m a little possessive about it. Knives and women are things I don’t usually share. Guess there is a lot changing for me.

“Dante? Where did you get that?”

“It’s mine. I’ve had it all along. Thanks for not dropping it when you dragged me out of theRock Candy.”

“You’re welcome?” She stops in her tracks.

“It’s fine, Sassy; I was joking.” I haven’t let go of her hand. She twists both of us to face down the path.

“I know. Did you hear that?” Haley tucks her hair behind her ear. “I heard something.”

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