"Though none at the moment," I rushed to assure her. "But we're always ready if a kid needs a place."
"That's really lovely."
I felt a flush creep up my neck.
"You know,” Liam said, licking his finger. “If you need a place for dinner, my sister owns a bar in town. The Bronze Horseman. Have you heard of it? Their burgers are—"
Drake cleared his throat, interrupting Liam.
"Sorry, just wanted to see if you guys are ready? If you're still keen to do the major cavern, then we need to get going if we're gonna get you back before dinner time."
"We're keen," Liam said, standing up and brushing crumbs from his clothes. "Been looking forward to this for weeks."
"The major cavern?" Karen asked.
"Yeah, it's this giant pit off the main caves walk. You sail directly over it. Sounds cool, right?"
She began to nod as if she were a broken toy. "Cool. Cool. That sounds… cool. Right, no problem. Cool. Very cool."
I reached over, linking our fingers to give her a warm squeeze.
"Hey."
I waited until her gaze met mine.
"You got this. I'll be there the whole time."
For a moment, she seemed lost, unsure, then she nodded, sucking in a shaky breath. "Yeah. I got this. Thanks."
"Anytime."
And saying that made me realise that I wanted her to take me up on the offer.
5
Karen
"Oh, fuck no. Nooooo. Nope. No fucking way. Nope. Not happening. Fuck this. Seriously. No."
I stood with my back pressed against the cavern wall, the cool of the rock reassuring.
"Come on," Drake coaxed. "There's only one way out, and it's down. You did the rest of them. I promise this will be just as easy."
"I'm sorry, Drake. You're a really nice guy, but this is my home now. This is where I live." I lifted a hand to slap the rock behind me. "Just me, the cave and this very solid, very strong rock."
I heard sniggers from across the ledge and didn't have to turn to know it was Liam and Jay.
"Karrie—"
"Nope!" I shook my head fervently. "Will, you've sweet-talked me up to this point, but no more. I am a strong independent woman who is refusing to fall for your golden gaze. If this is the shelf I die on, then so be it. You're attractive, butunless you're prepared to get naked and rub oil all over yourself, then there is no fucking way I am moving from this spot."
Jay lost it, doubling over, his laughter echoing around the cavern.
"You know," Liam mused, tapping his cheek with one finger. "I reckon the old guy would do it if there was some baby oil around here."
Will flicked him the bird. "Shut the fuck up, Liam."
The kid grinned, his teeth flashing in the dim light. "Just saying."
