“The skull had traces of tree sap on the fractured area.I’m hoping to find a rock with that residue.”
She watched him roll up his cuffs.He had tanned calves and strong feet.After a short hesitation, he shrugged out of his shirt and left it on the bank.Then he waded into the creek, shoulder muscles rippling in the sun.His male beauty was actually blinding.She had to blink to clear the stars from her eyes.
She tied her hair back at the nape of her neck and followed him into the water.The creek was murky green, with a mix of mud and slippery rocks underfoot.The shock of cold felt delicious against her overheated skin.They slogged into the middle of the creek together and started searching.
It was a slow, time-consuming process.Meredith lifted softball-sized rocks from the water and handed them to Wade.He studied the surface for residue and tossed them toward the opposite bank.Soon they had a pile of discarded specimens.
“What if the killer used two hands?”she asked.
He gave her a curious look.
She lifted a large rock from the creek with both hands and mimed smashing someone’s head like a pumpkin.
“It’s possible, but unlikely.The best murder weapon is heavy but compact, and easy to use against a moving target.If the victim evades the strike, and the attacker can’t swing again quickly, he’s at a disadvantage.”
Meredith let the large rock fall back into the water.“Fair enough.”
They continued to mine the creek bed.The sound of rushing water was peaceful, and she found Wade’s presence comforting.Lifting rocks was hard work, however, and it was difficult for her to maintain her balance in the knee-deep water.She stumbled sideways at one point and grabbed Wade’s arm for support.He lost his own footing.They both fell into the creek, sputtering and laughing.Then he helped her stand, and they began again.
Her wet skirt was a nuisance, so she gathered it into a knot at her side.Wade stayed close to her, as if he thought she might fall again.He also seemed distracted.When she bent over to pick up another rock, she caught him staring at her backside.She straightened to check the hem of her skirt.The wet fabric barely covered her bottom.No wonder he was looking.He wore a lazy half smile of admiration.
She put her hands on her hips.“Enjoying yourself?”
“Yes.”
“Am I going to lift rocks all day while you watch?”
“I have an even better idea.”
“So do I.Let’s take a break.”
She climbed onto the bank and tried to loosen the knot she’d made in her skirt.Instead of following her, he sank down into the water with a low groan.He reclined in the creek, unmoving.She figured he was aroused and attempting to cool off.Her cheeks flushed with heat.She focused on the fabric of her skirt, flustered.When he finally rose from the water, rivulets coursed down his chest and into the waistband of his pants.
Her mouth went dry at the sight.
They walked barefoot, carrying their shoes, to the nearby swimming hole.It was a better spot for a picnic.Wade spread out a blanket under the branches of a large live oak tree, which gave ample shade.Then he arranged an array of snacks on a plastic tray.He’d brought mini sandwiches as the main dish, and frozen lemonade to drink.Sides included green olives, cheese squares with whole-grain crackers, and a bunch of plump red grapes.
“Very fancy,” she said, munching a ripe olive.
“I thought so.”
She was too hungry to be delicate, so she filled a plate.The lemonade had thawed to the perfect temperature.After she’d eaten a variety of savory snacks, she lay back on the blanket and nibbled grapes.He watched her through half-lidded eyes, like a tiger waiting to pounce.She smiled, aware of his interest.
He might notexpectsex, but he wanted it.
He wanted her.
She studied him in return, more comfortable with his bare chest now that he’d been in close proximity for over an hour.Although he was strong and well-muscled, he didn’t have that smooth-waxed, six-pack look.His stomach had hair on it, and more whorled around his nipples.He was warm and golden, relaxed in his masculinity.
He ate grapes with her, lounging with his weight resting on a crooked elbow, and his long legs crossed at the ankles.She imagined that he exercised to stay healthy, not to take selfies or preen in front the mirror.
“Like what you see?”he asked.
She shrugged, as if she’d seen better-looking men.She hadn’t.
“I’m going to have to jump in the water again if you keep undressing me with your eyes.”
She snorted at this idle threat and moved her gaze to the tree trunk at her side.The gnarled surface was patched with scars.Dozens of names and initials had been carved into the bark.Teenagers must have been marking their territory here for decades.She sat up to trace the inscriptions with her fingertips.EG + WN, CP # 10.
