***
FELICITY STOOD AT THEmouth of the cave, her excitement barely contained. The sight was breathtaking. A crystal river ran out of the opening, trickling down a rocky bed. The hike with the tour guide up to the mouth of the cave had been exhilarating, and Felicity’s muscles burned. Their group was small, only ten people, and their guide was energetic. The jungle here was lush and even more overgrown than where they’d been yesterday. They’d crossed three rivers to get there, so stepping into the water now was not a big deal. She adjusted her helmet and turned on the light like the guide instructed.
Brittany looked at the water with a frown on her face. “More water? The pamphlet didn’t say we’d have to get this wet.”
Aiden gave her an annoyed look. “That’s why we brought a change of clothes. We’ll be swimming for a bit.”
Felicity turned so she didn’t have to see the look of disdain on Brittany’s face. She’d been the one to buy the tickets. Why was she complaining?
“Okay, but if my hair frizzes, I’m going to ask for my money back.”
Oh, brother. If Felicity had to hear more about Brittany’s hair, she would stab herself with a stick. She took a step and hit a rock, knocking her off balance. Aiden reached out and caught her. “You okay?”
So far, she’d managed to walk far enough away from him to avoid having to hold hands. But now, with his muscular arms around her, her body reacted. Her heart pounded and zaps of electricity coursed through her. It seemed stronger than even this morning. “I’m fine,” she said, her voice more breathless than she had wanted.
He took her hand. “Come on. I’ll help you keep your footing. You’re going to love this cave.”
“Who’s going to holdmyhand?” Brittany said as she picked her way over the rocks. Aiden ignored the comment and Felicity held in a smile. At least pretending they were back together was keeping Brittany from fawning all over him. That was a plus.
“The ancient Mayan people believed the gods’ domain was under the earth,” the guide said. “When their crops didn’t grow or they suffered from drought, they would make their way down here to offer up human sacrifices to their gods. But don’t worry. We won’t be offering up anyone today.” He chuckled at his own joke. “Follow me, please. We’ll need to climb up on the rocks once we get inside.”
Anticipation coursed through Felicity as they swam into the cave. Her eyes adjusted to the dim lights from their headlamps. The walls of the cave seemed to glow from the sliver of sunlight creeping in. Aiden climbed out of the water onto the rocks then held out his hand to help her up. The rocks were slippery and, once again, he steadied her by wrapping his arms around her.
She peered up at his eyes, dimly lit by the light on her helmet. His eyelashes were sticking together, tiny drops of water on them. His lips curled up into a smile. “What are you thinking? Are you wishing we were alone?”
Words failed to come to her mind as she stared at him. Butterflies filled her stomach and she couldn’t remember what he’d asked. Was that his heart pounding? Or was that loud noise in her ears the sound of her own heart?
“Get a room,” Brittany said as she brushed past them.
Aiden chuckled and leaned in closer. “I think our plan is succeeding.”
His breath tickled her ear. Felicity pulled back from him, her brain slowly starting to work again. “Sure. Yes.”
Well, almost working again. She forced a smile. “You’re a genius.”
Aiden brushed his lips across her cheek and she shivered. “Come on. We don’t want to be left behind.” He took her hand and led her into the darkness.