Page 136 of Luck Be Mine
“You’ll see.” He slowed, voice amused. “Rain may spoil the plan, but we’ll roll with it.”
“It’ll be good no matter where.” For the first time, duty and doctors weren’t first. Marriage was.
The truck stopped. “Wait for me, Mrs. Hunter.” Hunt came around to her door before she could move. He lifted her out, his mouth skimming hers in a particularly unsatisfying kiss. “I hope this isn’t a mistake.”
“Show me already.”
He spun her toward the glow of the headlights. Trees framed a small white camper on a cement pad, a rock wall sheltering it from the next site.
Her jaw dropped. “We’re…camping?” The squeak in her voice said it all.
“I thought we could try this. Camper’s got a bed, kitchen, bathroom. Fridge might even have a turkey sandwich, and I can vouch for the coffee. We can take hikes, or we can stay in bed. If you hate it, we’ll check into a hotel in the morning.” The man was nervous. Aww!
Intrigued, Cait slipped from his arms and walked toward the trailer. He remembered everything she’d begged for on their mountain trek in Afghanistan. Overwhelmed, she cleared her throat. “Where did you get the camper?”
“Rented it. It’s the newest version. The company hooked it up, and Elizabeth did the furnishings. I think it’ll fit the two of us nicely.” Pride radiated from him, and it was such a spectacular compromise she couldn’t leave him floundering.
She smiled, letting mischief out. “I said I’d never go camping with you again.”
“Case in point, last time we weren’t camping.” He relaxed. “This time, your comfort is all I care about, and time alone.”
Fresh mulch, ocean scents, the shelter of trees – relaxation spread through her one layer at a time. She twirled like Julie Andrews, taking in the space, then grabbed his hand. “This is marvelous. Can we check it out?”
Rain spit as Hunt opened the trailer door. Inside: white-tiled kitchen, roses on the counter, bed dressed in a white comforter, gray sofa with pillows, TV tucked above the bathroom. Compact but complete.
The rain switched from drizzle to hard fall. Hunt ran to turn off the truck and bring in their bags.
“You tested this first,” she accused, when he returned.
He grinned. “Might have.”
“Are we going to buy this?”
“It’s on the retirement list.”
“Food?”
Hunt opened the fridge. “Turkey sandwich. Told you.”
Two sandwiches, cold drinks, chocolate dessert.
“Eat now? Or explore?”
“Not hungry. I grazed off your plate. Show me.” She kicked off her shoes and took his hand. “I’d go anywhere with you – and I believe I have – but this was inspired. Thank you.”
Hunt blushed. Her cool, controlled SEAL blushed! Adorable.She tugged him toward the bed and backed him onto it. He fell without protest, and she wasted no time easing on top of him.
“Is this what we’re testing first?” The wicked gleam in his eyes suggested he had ideas, too.
She’d been longing for this moment. Taking advantage of his surprise, she claimed his mouth, pouring her aching soul into the kiss, blowing past gentle into seductive. He kept up with her, his own mouth easily sweeping hers into the storm. But he slid a gentle hand over her back, the precious touch stirring tears.
Their argument on the beach still lay between them, and even with three visits to McIvers, they still hadn’t sorted it out.
Hunt broke the kiss. “You’re thinking too hard.
She frowned. “We haven’t…”
He put a finger over her mouth. “My fault.”
