Page 28 of Gripp

April looked up and saw Gripp smile. It lit her up to think he admired her, even though he had been so harsh and standoffish when they’d first met.

“That’s a good point,” he replied. “And that brought you to journalism?”

“It did,” April said. “It seemed like a natural progression. I really could have just lived off my parents' money, but I didn’t want to. That seemed like a simple, boring life to me.”

April hoped she wasn’t coming off as martyr-like. But the look on Gripp’s face as they moved through the hot sun told her that he believed in her authenticity.

“That’s very bold,” he said. “I respect you for that.”

There was a moment of silence where April wanted to take his hand and pull him into her. She could, and he probably wouldn’t resist. But there was still hesitation inside her that made her fear for the future when the adventure was all said and done.

“Thank you,” she replied back. “I know it sounds like I’m bragging, but I actually give a shit about people.”

“That’s hard to find,” Gripp said.

Gripp pulled out a satellite map as the sun informed them it was nearly evening. April’s heartbeat picked up when she heard something scurry through the forest toward where they were standing.

“Gripp,” she whispered. He looked up casually from the map, noticing the warthog.

Seeing that it wasn’t a lion or a panther that could easily take her down, April didn’t freak out, but she was smart enough to not underestimate anything that ran free among those trees.

Gripp stepped in front of April, then raised his hands in the air. He protruded sharp fangs and let out a high-pitched hiss at the creature. The warthog immediately retreated, rushing through the brush as if it had just been shot at.

April couldn’t help but cover her mouth, shielding a gasp that sounded way too sexual for the context. Gripp turned, grinning playfully like he had heard her anyway.

“They don’t want a fight,” Gripp said. “As long as you make yourself at least seem tougher, they will leave you alone.”

A smile grew under April’s hand. It sounded like he was talking about her without knowing it.

“Thank goodness you’re here,” she joked.

Gripp took out the compass again, then gave her a wink. If they were on a date back home, she would have taken that as a hint to get down and dirty right then and there.

“Anything for you, honey bunch.”

He was joking, but she still loved the pet name he had given her. She had to walk away for a minute and peer into the dark to bite her knuckles to keep herself from letting out yet another sensual moan.

“Let’s go this way,” Gripp said. “You must be tired from all the excitement.”

April followed him. His lean, muscular back in the dark was like a ship at sea. About ten minutes later, they reached an opening in the forest where a hut sat before them. A man came out front, holding a lantern that glowed softly before an older-looking face.

“Gripp? Gripp Johnson, is that you?”

The man and Gripp embraced quietly. He explained the situation and introduced April to him like she was a girlfriend coming to dinner for the first time. The man nodded at her, then showed them inside.

The hut was a lot bigger than the one near the mangroves. There was a main area where a pot stewed on an open fire, as well as two curtained-off bedrooms.

“Thank you so much, Aspen,” Gripp said. “Your hospitality is greatly appreciated.”

April felt herself sigh, then squeeze her thighs together. Gripp’s politeness made him even more attractive. She barely noticed when Aspen asked her if she wanted anything to eat.

She blinked heavily, then shook the naughty thoughts from her brain.

“Oh yes, of course! Thank you!” she replied.

Aspen guided them to the main area in front of the pot cooking on the fire. They sat on beanbags, which felt comfortable after a long day of walking.

Aspen spoke about the corrupted government as they are rabbit stew. But April had a hard time listening. All she wanted was to get Gripp alone.

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