I trail my fingers along the inside of the canyon wall, its ridges anchoring me as we continue walking. A film of red dust accumulates over our shoes, and I begin humming a tune, subconsciously filling the stillness.
“This is the tip-off.”
Jack’s voice startles me, rough and gritty as he announces our location like a spokesperson for the canyon. It’s also the first time he’s volunteered information, even though it’s only five words.
I follow him to the cliff’s edge, gasping at my first sight of the river. Majestic and bold, its emerald veins snake proudly from its body. Everyone comes here to marvel at a giant hole, but it’s the mighty Colorado River responsible for carving it.
Jack and I stand shoulder-to-shoulder, a warm breeze sending wisps of my sweaty hair fanning out as I continue humming and taking in the view. I manage to pull my eyes away from the captivating scene long enough to sneak a peek at the broody man beside me. I like seeing the look of awe that isn’t jaded by his time working here.
“Are you humming ‘Smelly Cat’?” he asks gruffly.
“I think the bigger surprise is that you know about ‘Smelly Cat’.”
He grunts. “I wasn’t born in a barn.”
“Barndominiums are veryinright now. Nobody would think poorly of you.”
“I don’t have a girlfriend,” he announces, and I swallow hard.
“And I’m not a criminal,” I add quietly.
The breathtaking view is forgotten, and we’ve somehow turned to face each other instead, leaving only inches between us.
“That has yet to be determined,” he says.
From this view, standing so close, I have to crane my neck all the way back just to make eye contact.
“What is this bigcrimeyou think I’m involved in, anyway, hmm?” I ask, making air quotes with my fingers.
I shouldn’t be enjoying this so much.
The faintest hint of his deodorant lingers on his clothes, andI take a deep inhale, solidifying the fact that I want to roll around in it.
“Some things have gone missing from an archeological site. Very valuable things.” His stare bounces between my eyes. The muscle in his jaw is working overtime. “Your behavior has been suspect since I met you. I’ll confirm it later, but you can make things easier by telling me your connection to Chad.”
“We were in the circus together, but I left when his jealousy over my trapeze skills became too much.”
“Willow.” He frowns, his voice sounding deeper, tinged with urgency. It’s also the first time he’s said my name, and it does something to me. But the visceral effect doesn’t last long, and my mouth falls open, ready to defend myself at his insistence that I’m here with ulterior motives.
“I came here to prove to my parents that I’m not a complete failure, okay? That I canfinishsomething, for once in my life. Because, for whatever damned reason, this particular hike means so much to them.” Some of the hurt I’ve ignored leaks into my voice, coming out with a wobbly desperation I’m not ready to acknowledge. “Whatever you think I’m involved in, whatever connection you think you’ve found, it’s completely circumstantial. You can tail my every move, and you’ll see I have nothing to hide.”
Seconds go by as he studies me, like he’s fitting my confession into his mental file of clues. Then he nods, and I think he may finally believe me. But his next words crush that thought.
“Maybe I will.”
I can’t say I’m disappointed that he’ll be sticking close. It would have been better if his motives were lessarrest-yand morehow you doin’,but I’ll take what I can get till he realizes how adorably innocent I am.
I’m a fairly confident person. There aren’t many situations I can’t talk myself out of. But it’s been a while since I’veinteracted with someone I’m this attracted to. There’s a whole lot of faking it happening. The truth is, Jack makes me nervous, which is why I’ve been standing with my knees locked this entire time. It’s completely subconscious, but we’ve all seen the videos of grooms passing out. I’m still staring into Jack’s cool, grey eyes when a wave of lightheadedness overtakes me, causing me to stumble backward.
Jack’s reflexes deserve an honorable mention if not a gold medal. His hand shoots out to grasp me, pulling me close, supporting my weight, and saving me from stumbling toward the cliff’s edge.
“You okay?” He bends, trying to catch my gaze, but I’m still slumped against his chest. This is the third time I’ve found myself here. The universe must be sending a message that I belong in this spot.
I almost chuckle at the completely absurd but enticing thought. Emily is right, and I may have a reputation as being a serial dater, but none of the guys my parents pushed toward me have ever made me feel like this.
“Yup.” I shake my head. “I just locked my knees. I’m good.”
Note to self: take an iron tablet tonight.
