Chapter Sixteen
The pounding of Tim’s heart was almost painful, his dry throat screaming for moisture. Jessica was slumped over as he held her around the waist, pulling out in a panic.
“Jessica?Jessica!” He lay her down on the crumpled blanket and quickly pulled up her shorts. As soon as she was covered, he dragged up his own and grabbed a water bottle from the backpack. The earth was hard as he sat down and shifted her body into his lap, smoothing random strands of wet hair back from her heated face. Her skin flushed, sweat beaded on her brow and upper lip. Gently, he patted her cheeks trying to get her to open her eyes.
“Baby, wake up. Please.” He tilted the water bottle toward her mouth, moistening her lips and watched as her lashes fluttered. The azure blue of her eyes was glassy, and it took her a minute to fully respond.
“There you are,” he whispered, the pounding of his frantic heart dissipating. “Drink some more.” Positioned near her mouth, she drank slowly from the tip of the water bottle, allowing some of it to spill on her bare chest and dribble between her legs. She seemed confused and tried to sit up.
“What happened?” she muttered, her voice catching in her throat.
“You got over-heated while we were having sex. You passed out in my arms.”
Jessica slowly sat up and rested her elbows on her bent knees. Her bare breasts swayed as he clutched the clammy skin of her arm.
“Are you okay? I think you’re dehydrated, baby. I shouldn’t have pushed you so hard on this hike, but I knew you’d love all the flowers. And then I totally took advantage of you in the heat before you had time to rest.”
Jessica shook her head and sighed deeply. “I’m so embarrassed. I told you before—I’m not in the best shape after having Jo-Jo. I feel like I’ve been run over by a truck.”
Cupping her cheek with his hand, he peered into her wide eyes, filled with anxiety. “It’s been so hot—and humid too. I shouldn’t have pushed you so hard. You have nothing to be embarrassed about. This is my fault. I’m so sorry.” He handed her the water bottle before he stood and looked around for her bra and t-shirt. “I want you to drink all of that.” Her sports bra was soaking wet, and it was a struggle to get it back on over her head.
Jessica started to giggle, awkwardly rolling the wet fabric over her chest. “I think I can dress myself. My arms still work.”
Tim nodded and sat back on his heels, watching her. “We’re not leaving here until you drink all that water.” He didn’t mean for his voice to sound so commanding.
“Yes, sir,” she replied, smiling with her eyes.
“Come here.” Pulling her into his arms, he leaned back against the tree, and she rested her head on his chest. “You scared the shit outta me.”
“I’m sorry,” she mumbled.
They both sat silent, staring out at the brightly colored field highlighted by the sun, Jessica continuing to take tiny sips from the water bottle. Tim’s heart was finally beating normally again, but his thoughts were clouded by what had happened.
“Thank you for bringing me here. It’s so beautiful.”
“And fucking hot,” Tim reiterated, making her giggle again.
“I’m fine, Tim. Really.”
His lips lingered on her forehead in a heated kiss. “We should head back. Do you think you can walk?”
“Of course.” Jessica gripped his arm, and he helped her stand on wobbly legs. When her brow furrowed and she reached out to steady herself on the tree, Tim interceded.
“Whoa! You’renotokay.” Pangs of concern shot through him and for a moment, he wasn’t so sure she would be able to make the trek back to his house. He held her by the forearms steadily, watching her every move.
“I’m just a little woozy. Give me a minute.” Pulling her arms away from him, Jessica took a few tentative steps toward the field.
Tim gathered their things and slung the backpack over his shoulder. “Hold my arm the whole way home. I mean it. Don’t let go.”
She seemed touched by his concern and looped her arm through his. “I’ll never let go.”
“Seriously, if you feel even the slightest bit faint, let me know. I can carry you on my back or call the authorities and get some help—”
“Tim,” she interrupted.
He exhaled with force. “Yeah?”
“It’s okay. I’m okay.” She squeezed his arm and pulled him forward through the flowers.
