“So basically the two of you are too much alike?”
A slight pang of hurt shot through Maddie’s chest and her jaw dropped. She glanced at him, and as he stared her way, not backing down, she sighed. “Probably.”
In the sunlight, the golden undertones of his eyes shone beautifully as he chortled. Everything about his face sent her heart fluttering. She loved his proud nose and the curve of his kissable lips. The memory of their short interlude flashed in her mind, and her cheeks blazed. Her cat had calmed slightly but lingered beneath the surface as if she were watching everything. It’s like I’m breathing down my own neck.
“What?” As he stepped closer to her and took her hand, her body temperature immediately rose a few degrees.
“I’m sorry.” She averted her gaze, looking at his huge, brown work boots as she hung her head.
“About what?”
She bit down on her lip as she looked up at him. “The cave...”
The happy expression on his face seemed to melt away, and he dropped her hand. “Yeah, me too. My behavior was unprofessional—it had to be the darkness messing with my mind.”
A tidal wave of disappointment flooded over Maddie, leaving her feeling as if the wind had been knocked out of her. Her cat’s angry snarl threatened to resound, but she held the wild animal inside her at bay. “Um, yeah, me too. It had to be the darkness.” She turned away to hide her teary eyes. “And I also apologize for impulsively running into a cave possibly filled with dangers—very childish on my part.” She clammed up as her voice started to crack.
“I should get the tents up. You brought one, right? Or were you bunking in the cabin?” He talked so fast, he was practically babbling.
“I can put up my own tent.” She started unpacking. They worked separately, not speaking as they did. She got hers up faster, but he caught up and staked his tent down before she got her second rod pounded into the ground.
She picked up the pace, hoping to skulk inside her makeshift abode and die. The sound of heavy steps alerted her to Abram’s approach before he spoke. “Need some help?”
She bristled, not even turning to look at him. “I can handle it.” As she tried to figure out what had gone awry, her pride smarted. I initiated the kiss but he responded with plenty of enthusiasm. As soon as we hit daylight, all of a sudden he didn’t mean it?What the hell is that?
“Dusk’s approaching fast so I’ll build us a fire.” He paused as if he expected a reaction but after a few seconds of silence, he walked off. She secured her tent before crawling inside and unrolled her sleeping bag. I’ll hit the hay early. He can sit by that fire alone.
A few minutes later, she heard scraping against the mesh material of her temporary shelter. “Knock, knock.” Abram’s voice was low.
Every tiny hair on her body stood on end with goosebumps, and a wave of arousal made her squirm. She pressed on her chest with her fingertips as if holding herself back. Don’t be an idiot. Don’t seem too anxious. Be cool. Keep it chill. With trembling hands, she partially unzipped the door but only enough to peep out. “Didn’t you see the sign? No soliciting. Peddle your magazines somewhere else.”
He smiled. “I’m sorry.”
“About what?” She was glad he couldn’t see her quivering.
“Being chicken shit. It’s time to man up—I like you.” His pupils dilated as he blushed. “I know you’re paying Davis for a professionally guided tour, and I’m trying but I keep getting distracted.”
Her stomach simmered with nervous energy. “Distracted by what?” She continued to peek at him through the tiny opening.
He removed his hat and rubbed the side of his head. “You gonna make me say it with this tent door separating us?”
“Yes.” Her pulse raced.
He sighed and looked off in the other direction. “I got a fire started and laid out a blanket for us.”
“Huh?” She threw him a sideways glance. “And just what are you expecting to do on that blanket?”
He blushed. “Sit. Look at stars. They’re really pretty up here this close to heaven.” He was so adorable Maddie’s heart felt as if it might swell up into her throat and choke her.
“Hmm, tempting, but I dunno. You did say something about a spanking.” She felt a slight twinge of guilt for teasing him but not enough to stop.
“Which one will get you to come out? If I promise to do it or not to do it?”
She laughed. “Guess.”
He smirked. “To tell the truth, I’ve never lifted a hand to a woman and I don’t intend to start. Well, unless you beg for it.” He bowed his head slightly, flashing bedroom eyes her way.
Beg? Not fucking likely. “I’m not the one trying to coax you out of your cozy den. Therefore, I’m not the one who needs to be doing the pleading.”
He set his mouth in a line as he tugged at his earlobe. “Maddie, I didn’t want to resort to bribery, but I brought marshmallows and graham crackers.”
Her ears perked up and her mouth watered. “I’ll be right out.” She unzipped her tent completely.
Abram pushed a marshmallow onto a skewer and handed it to Maddie before fixing his own. As she roasted her treat, the fire crackled and illuminated her pretty features. She ran her hand through her windblown hair, leaving her long, dark locks spilling down over her shoulders. I can’t believe I told her I like her. I have no game whatsoever.
She happily heated her marshmallow until it looked like a piece of coal. He held his sugary goodie over the flames as she removed hers. As he
