Page 32 of Stuck with My Bossy Protector

I hear a story there, but I don’t press. He’ll talk if he wants to. We’re not pouring out our souls. We each have our secrets.

A heavy silence hangs between us, thick and ponderous. I’m not sure what to say to fill it. Instead of trying to find a response, I find myself studying him. His rough exterior hides a gentle and lonely soul, one that has found comfort in the solitude of the Alaskan wilderness. I wonder if it’s an old heartbreak that’s making him sad.

“I guess we sit and wait,” I smile.

“Is that the worst thing?”

“Not so much.”

“Unfortunately, that’s all we can do for now,” he shrugs. We’re better off staying put until help arrives. Honestly, we’re pretty lucky to have made it here.”

“What do you mean?”

“Mia, grizzly bears are no joke,” he says. “Every bear out there is awake and hungry, looking for that first real meal after a long winter. I imagine we looked pretty damn tasty. I’m surprised it didn’t come after us.”

My eyes widen. “I’m really glad you didn’t tell me that at the moment.”

“I didn’t think that was the kind of thing you wanted to hear,” he jokes.

“Trust me, it wasn’t,” I retort, gently pushing him. He flashes an amused chuckle.

“We should probably get some sleep,” he suggests. “Long day tomorrow.”

“Yeah, we should,” I agree, though I’m not sure how much sleep I’ll actually get.

With all the craziness of the day finally sinking in, I realized just how close we had come to dying. Like really dying. Not just injured, but dead. With the remoteness of where we are, I’m not even sure our bodies would have been found before the wildlife feasted on us. I shudder, my stomach turning at the thought.

“Okay?” Noah asks, putting his arm around me and gently rubbing up and down.

“Yeah, fine. I am just thinking.”

“You’re replaying today,” he nods. “And last night.”

“More like imagining what could have happened—what should have happened. You are a very capable man. I can’t say I’m hoping to be involved in another plane crash, but if I am, I hope you’re my pilot.”

“Thanks, but no thanks,” he laughs. “And we didn’t crash. We landed.”

“In the middle of nowhere,” I correct.

“Go to sleep before you offend me,” he replies, pushing the blankets back.

“Offend you?” I feign innocence, a small smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “Never.”

He grins back before settling down, pulling the heavy blanket over himself. He seems so at ease here in this barren wilderness.

“Are you going to wear that blanket to bed?” he asks. “Rolled up like a burrito?”

“No,” I scoff. “Avert your eyes.”

“You’re serious?”

“I am. The first time was, well, it happened. Just turn your head until I can get under the blanket.”

“Why don’t I just sleep on the couch,” he suggests.

“That isn’t necessary.”

“Okay, so I can’t see your body, but you don’t mind snuggling that fine ass against me?” His cocky grin is nearly my undoing. I know I’m being ridiculous, but I am a little embarrassed. I’m shy. I don’t get naked with strangers.

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