“When you look at me like that, I have to fight the urge to strip you naked right here.”
“That’s not exactly a deterrent,” I reply, and he chuckles.
“Tonight, baby. I’m going to lick every inch of this delicious body.” He runs his hands down my back, resting them on my ass.Hot lips land on my neck, raising goose bumps on my skin.
“Promise?” I whisper.
“Oh, yes, love.” He takes my lips with his in a slow kiss. “I promise. Now, what should we do first?”
I step back, putting a little space between us. “We could go hiking, or there’s a two hour canoe trip that starts at three.”
“Have you ever been in a canoe?”
“Nope, you?”
“No, let’s do it.” He locks the cooler in the car and grabs his bag. “I have plenty of supplies in here if things go all Deliverance on us.”
“I’m not worried. You’re the one with the pretty mouth.” I laugh, and he takes my hand as we start toward the river.
The guy in charge of the canoes looks about fourteen years old. He hands us both a life jacket, and Mason asks, “This isn’t a guided trip?”
“No, sir. Just follow the river. There’s a wide bank with a sign that’ll tell you where the trip ends. A van will bring you back here. The water is only about four feet deep except for a few areas, mainly under the bridges and rock outcroppings. Keep your life jackets on.”
We thank him and head down to pull our canoe into the water. It’s very still and calm, and it’s a good thing. We need some practice. “We’re going sideways!” I squeal, and Mason laughs.
“Put your oar on the left side.”
I do and we straighten out. “I’m no good at this,” I announce, laughing.
“You’re doing great, baby. Having fun?”
“This is awesome.” We float along peacefully, and I take the opportunity to drink in my surroundings. The scent of trees, wet leaves and honeysuckle fills my nostrils and I close my eyes, breathing it in.
I’m immersed in the tranquility of the forest. The wind rattling the leaves, the buzz of the dragonflies hovering a few feet above our heads, the water lapping against the boat. It’s such a reprieve from the usual sounds of traffic, airplanes and chattering people. When I open my eyes, Mason is staring at me. “What?”
“You look beautiful out here. So happy.”
“I am. This is how people were meant to live. Free, natural, not packed together in concrete rows.”
“Why don’t you move to the country?” he asks softly.
“I’ve thought about it, but I don’t want to leave Ian and Amy. Although, Amy will be leaving for New York soon. Still, BTC needs me, and I really enjoy working at Striking Back.”
“You’re very popular with the residents and staff, you know,” he informs me.
“The women are so brave, and the resilience of the kids is inspiring.”
He gestures to a sign informing us we’re at the halfway point. “Want to stop for a few and stretch our legs?”
“Sure.” We drag the canoe onto the bank and sit at the edge with our feet in the water. Mason digs into his backpack and produces a tube of sunscreen. “Mr. Prepared,” I murmur, and he smiles at me.
“You’re getting red.” He rubs the cool lotion on my shoulders and the back of my neck. “Close your eyes, love.” I feel the pads of his fingers as he gently massages the lotion into my cheeks, nose, and forehead. “Can I ask you something, Everly?” His voice is soft. I’m pretty sure I won’t like the question.
“Mmm Hmm.”
Strong hands massage my shoulders. “How did you end up in foster care? What happened to your parents?”
I suppose it was bound to come up. “There was a car accident when I was five. I was the only survivor.”
