But Collie…she’s unique. Real. Alluringly beautiful. Petite, but toned with curves from her athleticism.
I feel myself being affected by her mere presence more than I should, and that terrifies me.
We decided to start a fire to wind down for the night after spending the day exploring the other side of the park. Collie and I both wanted to check off seeing Old Faithful. Thankfully, we didn’t plan the day around the experience because we both agreed it was anticlimactic as shit.
Maybe we didn’t go at the right time, but within seconds we both looked at each other and said, “Well, that was fun,” and left without another thought.
I knew after what I did this morning, I had to get out of here. Venture somewhere else for the day, where I couldn’t relive my weak moment and pray like hell Collie wasn’t even slightly awake to witness it.
But fuck did it feel good.
Sheila, on the other hand, probably showed up at the right time, or I would have taken Collie up on her offer right then and there.
Her offer.
The thing I’ve felt lingering in the back of my head like a festering disease. Everywhere I turn, I’m reminded of heroffering herself to me. Not like a charity—and for once, it feels good to not be wanted out of pity, but desire.
I’m not accustomed to women being so open about their sexual needs. Shit, it took Sydney and me months to actually kiss.
Should I dive headfirst and put our undeniable chemistry to the test? There’s no one here to judge us or speculate.No harm, no foul, right?
“How about you drink your hot chocolate and worry less about what I’mnotwearing?” She’s so fucking sassy. Makes me want to wipe that smirk right off her pretty face and give her something else to bitch about.
Like how my cock feels hitting the back of her throat.
Choosing to ignore her comment, I change the subject. “I’m surprised Sheila and Dirty Dan haven’t questioned where we’ve been.”
They’ve been scarce all day, which I’ve learned is rare even in the midst of a forest as widespread as Yellowstone.
“The schedule said they went elk spotting with a group,” Collie answers, her eyes looking upward as she takes in the setting of the sun.
I don’t blame her. There’s something magical about this side of the country at night. The colors of the sky blend together in a way that looks intentional, with the stars peeping through. The colors are bold and glimmer with animation.
We’re enveloped in nothing but the silence of the outdoors.
Just Collie and me.
I nod in response, my eyes falling closed to appreciate the stillness. Wyoming reminds me of Salt Hollow. Maybe it’s the immeasurable amount of peace I feel just reaching the country outskirts?
The remote of the remote.
“Tell me something important I don’t know about you.”
My brows rise, Collie’s question catching me off guard. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, so you’ll have to give me some context with that, lost girl.” I kick my ankle over the opposite knee and situate myself for the direction of this conversation.
And for once, I’m not dreading talking.
Collie’s bright blue eyes train in on me. “It can be anything. Just tell me something important. Something you wouldn’t usually tell a stranger.”
I turn my head on a swivel to make sure no one else can hear. But again, I’m reminded just how alone we are out here. “There’s a lot I could tell you, and just as much you’d probably rather not know.” I chuckle, surprising myself with how comfortable I feel around her. “I’m not very good at talking.”
Collie waves me off. “You’re doing just fine. Now, tell me that. The thing you think I wouldn’t want to know, because now I won’t take any answerbutthat.”
Do I tell her about Sydney? I’ve never fully admitted the situation out loud to anyone. However, my gut, which has never steered me wrong, tells me I can trust Collie to handle my unresolved grief and struggle with care.
I guess it’s worth a shot.
“I’m engaged.”Fuck.Her sharp intake of breath points out my mistake in wording. “Was engaged. Fuck. Sorry. See, I’m horrible at this.”
