“I had trouble with the sofa bed.” Preston takes a long sip of the steaming coffee.Sure, burn your tongue too. Moron.
“Oh?”
“It appears there is no bed in the sofa bed. Figured that out after fighting to get it to pull out.”
I can’t help the laugh that escapes me at the image of Preston fighting with this couch in the dark living room and then realizing that he can’t sleep on it at all.
“Wait a minute. You have been sleeping on the couch like that for the past three nights?” Preston looks at me over the rim of his coffee cup but doesn’t say anything. “Why didn’t you just sleep in the bedroom?”
“I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. Didn’t want you to think I backed out on my promise.” The earnest plea is clear in his eyes. Preston would rather suffer no sleep and potential deformity than put me in a compromising position. It’s endearing.
Reaching for his hand on the counter, I place my palm on top of it. “I’m comfortable.”
Preston flips his palm up and traces my palm and fingers with his calloused fingertips.
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. Sleep in the bed, Preston. I promise, it’s okay.”
“Okay.”
“How about some egg sandwiches for breakfast?” Preston’s cooking lessons at Long Caye have built up my confidence in the kitchen. I’m starting to enjoy it and the sense of independence I get every time I make something new or don’t have to ask for help.
“You’re cooking me breakfast?” Preston's eyes dance with flirtation and excitement.
“It’s the least I can do. I’d be surprised if you can even move enough to do more than lift your coffee cup after whatever position that was,” I say, waving my free hand towards the couch.
“So it’s a pity breakfast.”
“Call it what you want.” Winking, I turn and pull out all theingredients I spied earlier and get to work while Preston sits on a stool on the opposite side of the counter and watches my every move.
“What do you want to do today?” Preston watches me with both fascination and something I can’t quite describe. Whatever it is though, I like it. I’ll cook him breakfast every morning if he looks at me like that when I do.
“Didn’t you say there are some waterfalls nearby?”
“Quite a few. Are you wanting to dive headfirst into nature, Hollywood?”
“It could be cool.” I shrug, playing nonchalant even though I am excited about doing something new.
“Let’s do it,” Preston says after a sip of coffee.
We quickly finish breakfast and get ready for the day. Davis Falls will take some time to get to. It's the second highest waterfall in Belize and the articles say it is one worth seeing. I’m nervous that my first hike is two miles but Preston reassures me we can take it slow and hang out at the falls for as long as we want.
“This doesn’t look ominous,” I joke from the passenger seat. Preston veers the Jeep onto a narrow dirt road with the jungle crowding in around us. Nothing in sight except the occasional wildlife.
“Did I forget to tell you this is where I murder you?” Preston gives me a side eye. I don’t miss his smirk. His teasing is my favorite.
“Not if I murder you first,” I toss back.
“You wish, Hollywood.” Preston drops his hand, patting my thigh, which is exposed in the gym shorts I’m wearing. My heart skips a beat. He doesn’t move his hand as he continues driving. The feel of his palm on my skin ignites a fire in my core. I don’t know how much longer I can resist him.
Eventually, Preston pulls off the dirt road at the trailhead.
“Do you want me to carry anything?” Preston insisted if wewere going to hike then we needed to be prepared. He packed snacks, water, sunscreen, bug repellent. Everything he could think of.
“I’ve got it.” Preston grabs the pack, passing me a water bottle. “Ready for this?”
“Let’s go on an adventure.” I beam up at him. Preston guides us to the trail.
