Page 43 of Love By a Landslide

Lucy took a few breaths, squared her shoulders, and looked back up at Jonathan.

“Because you were trying so hard to get rid of me.” He opened his mouth to speak, but she suddenly found her voice. Stepping forward, taking up the space he had created a moment ago, she raised a finger and poked him in the chest. “The moment you heard that I didn’t have a man with me, you were convinced I couldn’t hack it. Like, because I am a girl”—she corrected herself—“a woman, you automatically assumed that I’d be some clueless dingbat. You threw out all kinds of bullshit about liabilitythisand safetythat. You lied too. Your website didn’t say anything about that in the fine print. So, I’m thinking it has to be personal, right? You gave me a once-over and made your decision. So, yeah. I lied about being an Eagle Scout but didn’t lie about my hiking and camping experiences with my family. I’m fully capable, and you weren’t willing to give me a chance to prove it.” Her tone was fiery, and her eyes burned with accusation and anger.

Jonathan felt like a prick.

He kept his voice calm. “It had nothing to do with you being a woman. I know lots of adept women and trust their abilities as much as I do a man with the same experience. Hell, my sister works for me, and she is the most capable rafting guide on my payroll.” She had it all wrong. He had no problem with her gender. His problem was with the near-electric reaction he had when she was around. First at The Rooftop, then in his dream, and again in the Off the Beaten lobby. But he couldn’t exactly give her the main reason. So, he half-lied. “My problem was with the switch up. I don’t always do well adapting to change when it’s sprung on me at the last minute.” Reaching up, he pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “I prepared for two people. I’m not just talking with gear, but mentally too. I like to know all the tangibles before going on an excursion, and you showing up on your own threw me for a loop.”

“So, you alter your plan. You don’t lie about it and dismiss a customer.” Resentment was still present, but the flat-out anger had dissipated. “Especially one that’s paying double,” she finished with a hint of scorn woven into her words.

Jonathan snorted. “How could I have been so shortsighted?”

Lucy just shrugged.

“Let me make it up to you.” He had a strong urge to undo his blunder and make it right with her.

“Well.” Lucy chewed on her bottom lip and looked at the heap of nylon jumbled in the dirt. “I could use some help.”

Jonathan smiled. “Why don’t I handle it?” It was the least he could do.

“No.” Lucy shook her head and then smiled tentatively. “Teach me.”

Chapter twenty-three

Jonathan

After Jonathan ran through a quick lesson on hanging the camping hammock, he and Lucy worked together to prepare dinner. Both were ravenous from the day’s efforts and could barely wait for the food to reach sub-lava temperatures before digging in. Another freeze-dried meal, this time chicken teriyaki and rice, was demolished in minutes. Dishes were washed in companionable silence. Then they sat and rested by the fire.

The crackling flames harmonized with wind-rustled leaves that encircled the camp. Jonathan followed the glowing embers as they floated a few feet above the fire then disappeared into the night. The evening sky was awash in a gradient of purples and blues. Stars slowly revealed themselves, each one gradually illuminating the darkening sky from east to west.

They’d made good time and distance on the trail. While the coming day would probably be just as grueling, there was a strong likelihood that they would make it out of the woods by late afternoon. This time tomorrow, Jonathan had plans to be sprawled out in his orthopedic California king, showered, and with a belly full of burger. The thought was so appealing that the only addition to improve the fantasy would be Lucy curled up beside him. He mentally slapped his own hand at the thought but couldn’t muster a much stronger reprimand, given his state of exhaustion. There’s no harm in thinking about it as long as his thoughts didn’t turn into actions.

The temptation in question sat across the fire with a liberated boot lace in hand. The tip of her tongue poked out of the side of her mouth as she focused on tying one of the many knots Jonathan had taken the time to teach her. He smiled affectionately. That woman was something else. Of all the things, though, determination continued to top the list of positive attributes. She didn’t know when to give up.

“I give up.” Lucy sighed.

Jonathan chuckled. “Done practicing?”

She threaded the lace back into her boot. “Yeah. My vision is starting to go blurry, and I can’t tell the difference between a square knot and a fisherman’s knot.”

“That was a clove hitch you were working on.” He grinned.

“See?” Lucy scoffed and shook her head.

“Are you ready for bed, then?” Jonathan was fully aware of how the question sounded.

Lucy gave the hammock a tentative scan then looked back over to the fire. “Not quite yet.”

“Hey.”

She met his gaze. The flickering light wasn’t the only thing reflecting back at him from her eyes. She was nervous about sharing a sleeping space. “Yeah?”

“I already told you I’d be a perfect gentleman.” Jonathan did his best to convey the sincerity he felt. “But if you would be more comfortable, I could sleep out here by the fire.”

“No, that wouldn’t be fair.”

“Are you saying you would rather sleep out here by the fire?”

“Let’s not be hasty . . .”

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