Page 9 of Dark Flame

“That’s right,” said Nat, smiling. “I’m a witch, and my mission is to burn every piece of shit man like you at the stake.”

Flip and Spook could barely contain their laughter as the man ran as fast as he could toward his trailer. Within five minutes, he was packed up and leaving in a dust cloud.

Spook and Flip flanked Nat on either side, walking calmly back toward their own campsite as if nothing had occurred. Flip’s big arm wrapped around her shoulders, making small circles to warm her shaking body.

Nat lowered herself onto the big log bench facing the fire. Sitting quietly, she wiggled her fingers through the long strands, shaking out her wet hair.

Flip said nothing but sat silently beside her, poking at the embers, ever vigilant. He knew that she would break down at some point, and he was waiting… waiting to be there for her.

Spook disappeared into his tent, knowing that the two needed time together. It wouldn’t really matter anyway; he would hear everything being said whether he wanted to or not. Damn! He thought. I could have been making millions by taping cheating couples. He chuckled to himself and shook his head. Not really his thing.

“I-I thought… I…” tears welled in her eyes. She sucked in a huge breath of air and finally let it go, her tiny shoulders shaking violently, her face buried in her hands.

It was more than Flip could handle. Lifting her from the log, he sat her in his lap and rocked her gently back and forth as she sobbed. Hearing the familiar sounds of a female crying, Spook’s face appeared from the tent, and he sat across from the two of them.

“It’s okay, honey,” said Flip quietly, “it’s okay. We were here the whole time. We heard you scream.”

Spook nodded at the big man and gave a small smile to Nat, who could only cry harder.

“I-I know, but I should have acted so-ooner,” she hiccupped. “I shouldn’t have been so s-stubborn. I should have… I should have let you come with me. I’m so sorry!”

“It’s all good, Nat,” said Spook. “Sometimes, we just have to figure out what we’re capable of. That’s all. Just know that we’ll always be here for you and that you don’t have to take on everything yourself. None of us will ever have to do this alone again.” Nat smiled at Spook as he stood once more and left them alone.

“I’m so sorry, Flip. I should have listened to you,” she sobbed against his chest. He smelled of smoke, woods, and meat. But more than that, he smelled safe. It was a masculine scent she’d never experienced before.

“Baby, there is nothing for you to be sorry about. It’s all good now. Did he hurt you?” She shook her head and looked up at him, his huge brown eyes staring down at her, filled with pain and guilt. “Good, I’d hate to have to chase him down and kill him.”

“You’re a special man, Flip. You got there in time, Flip. You were there for me. You’re so special, Flip, so very special.” She looked up at him through tear-filled eyes, her nose red and running in a very unlady-like manner.

“Yea? I’m not sure that’s a good thing, Nat. I’m a mess. Hell, I think we’re all a mess, but you? You, baby, are the most beautiful mess of us all.”

She looked up at his big brown eyes. The thick veil of black lashes that most women would kill for shadowed his cheeks in the firelight. He rubbed his thumb along her chin, tilting her face upward.

“I’m going to kiss you now, Nat. So, please, don’t set my big ass on fire.”

A light tilt at the corner of his mouth told her he was joking, and she watched as his beautiful lips lowered to her own.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” she said, smiling against his mouth.

His warm full lips touched hers hesitantly at first and then with hunger and desire. Nat wrapped her hands around his neck and realized in that moment how very small she was compared to Flip. He lifted her, repositioning her on his lap, and immediately, she knew why. Something hard and rigid was poking her backside, and he was trying to be a gentleman.

His hands held firmly to her waist, and then a strong arm wrapped around her back and pulled her closer. He let the other arm slide beneath her legs and stood.

“I’m going to lay you in that tent over there,” he said breathlessly. “If you want me to lay beside you, I will. If you prefer to be alone, I’ll sleep in the tent with Spook.”

She looked up at him and then back at the tent. She knew she wouldn’t be far from him, but right now, being any further than five feet was too far for her.

“I think… I think I’d prefer a little company in my tent,” she said softly.

Flip nodded and moved toward the two-man tent. He kneeled and unzipped the door, and Nat slid inside. Crawling into the small space, Flip zipped the tent flap and laid down on the ground beside her. His long body stretched out, his feet touching the zipped door flap, his head touching the other end of the tent.

Nat lay on top of the sleeping bag, Flip’s big body sending off heat like a small space heater. The cool night air would normally have her shivering beneath the covers, but not with this man beside her. She watched Flip’s massive chest breathe deeply, up and down. He was trying to be a good boy, a good man, and she smiled at the thought.

“I think I might like you to be a little closer,” she whispered.

He moved a few inches closer, and she moved a few inches. She laid her head on his shoulder, and he wrapped one massive arm around her waist, pulling her tight against his body.

Flip was so big. Bigger, somehow, the closer you got. He wasn’t all rigid muscle but rather bulk and muscle. Most would describe him as barrel-chested. Built like a lumberjack instead of a bodybuilder, but he oozed alpha male and protection.

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