“Good thinking. I’m collecting rainwater.” He nodded to just outside the shelter where a nylon tarp from the tent was tied up. He’d rigged it to a funnel made from a potato chip bag and into a water bottle.
“Clever.”
“Creek water’s pretty muddy.”
“Definitely not ideal.”
“When that bottle fills up we can switch it out.”
“At this rate, it shouldn’t take long.” She looked at him across the table. “Wyatt, I’m really sorry about this.”
“It’s not your fault.”
“I feel like I should’ve prepared better or something.”
“No harm, no foul. We’re dry and safe. What’s one more night?”
“I guess.” She surveyed their supper. “Well, bon appétit. I’m sad to report that we’re out of coffee, and I’m going to go ahead and warn you about my morning disposition.”
“I’ll be right there with you.”
“At least we don’t have drunk, disorderly neighbors tonight.”
“There’s always that.”
Grace started on the granola bar, her stomach rumbling gratefully. She chewed each bite carefully, hoping her hunger would be satisfied with the meager fare.
“Will your family be worried when you don’t turn up?”
She wasn’t about to admit that her sister would be frantic by now. Wyatt was only starting to view her as an adult. “They know I can take care of myself.”
“I’m sorry I dragged you out here. You could be warm and cozy in your bed right now.”
“I offered, and I guess neither of us can claim responsibility for the flooded bridge—act of nature. I’m going to consider this a learning opportunity for future treks.”
He gave her a long, steady look, his eyes dark as coal in the meager firelight. “And what is it you’re learning exactly?”
“Pack extra coffee.” Though she was thinking,Nomore trips with handsome single guys whose eyes say one thing and actions say another.
“And more water,” he added.
“Dry clothes.”
“More food,” they said at the same time, then shared a smile.
The fire crackled and snapped, burning brighter, casting shadows over his beautiful face, emphasizing his angular features and deep-set eyes. Really, did a man need eyelashes that long?
“At least we have plenty of bug repellent,” he said.
“True.” She’d applied some as soon as they reached the shelter. Not sexy but necessary.
They finished the food all too soon, stuffing the trash into the bag they’d brought along, then they dragged the table closer to the fireplace.
Grace sat down and propped her feet on the stone hearth. A breeze cut through the open space, and she zipped her jacket to preserve warmth. Wyatt added a few more branches, then settled a couple of feet down the bench.
Her thoughts turned back to Molly, and she sent her sister a silent apology. At least she didn’t know about last night’s debacle. Grace remembered the man’s iron grip on her arm and the helplessness that had risen in her. Feelings that took her back to that long-ago day when her heart thumped so hard she thought it’d beat right out of her chest.
She shivered.
