Page 68 of Love By a Landslide

He paused. “You’ve claimed naming rights, huh?” he asked with an amused snort.

“Damn straight.”

“I’m sure we can alert the U.S. Board on Geographic Names once we get back to town.”

“Don’t roll your eyes at me. I’ve earned it.”

“Fine, fine.” He chuckled, holding up his hands in surrender. “Anyways, we want to connect with Eight Mile Trail, that’s here. This spot is a little steep, but if we avoid it, we should only be adding an hour or so to our journey, meaning we should be able to connect up before sunset. Then it would only be about two to three miles to the trailhead and a quick hitchhike ride back to town. Even better if we’re intercepted by search and rescue.”

“Do you really think we can make it out tonight?” She felt the mix of skepticism, hope, and disappointment mingle in her words.

“It’s possible. We only have half the day left and need to hustle. And if we don’t make it in time, we’ll camp one more night out here. Either way, I’ll be taking you out for a proper meal tomorrow night.”

There was something seductive in Jonathan’s eyes, and it draped over Lucy like a warm blanket fresh out of the dryer. Shewas desperate to get back to town but also didn’t want these intimate moments between them to end. Over the last few days, she felt like she had really gotten to know this man. Her mom always said that you learn someone’s true nature when you see them in their worst moments, and what Lucy had seen was that Jonathan was beyond compare. He was warm and comforting. While his body was strong and solid, he could be gentle and patient, which was evident in their lovemaking. Generosity was also something he gave freely (also evident in their lovemaking). Against their will, they had become a team, a unit banded together for survival. And now, nearing the end of their ordeal, Lucy was afraid of what that end would mean.

There would be a goodbye. Wouldn’t there?

Her heart sank.

“Lucy?” Jonathan’s voice pulled her back. “You all right?” He gently laid a hand on her cheek, brow furrowed as he tried to read her expression.

She gave him a reassuring smile and nodded. “Yep, just . . . overcome.”

He circled his arms around her, and she melted into the embrace, grateful for the strength and reassurance he provided. “I know. Just hang in there a little while longer and we’ll be home free. All right?”

She nodded once. “Ok.”

Jonathan

Jonathan led the way northeast as they trudged through the lengthy final leg of their journey back to civilization. The morningwas long gone, and the day’s heat brought a considerable dose of humidity. More and more clouds drifted in, marring the perfect bluebird morning that had greeted the travelers just hours before. Jonathan knew exactly what was coming.

Rain.

He didn’t know when it would start, but with the breeze and palpable moisture hanging in the air, he would be willing to bet that they’d be swimming in a matter of two hours. Looking up, he saw a mostly blue sky. A few wispy clouds floated by, lulling an unassuming amateur into a false sense of security. But he knew better. The countless mountaineering, weather, survival, and orienteering seminars and classes he had attended over the years had positioned him to know a thing or two out there. And imminent rain was coming that afternoon. He glanced over his shoulder at Lucy, who was half watching her feet and half trying to take in the scenery along the bushwhacked path.

Should he tell her?

On one hand, the next couple hours (maybe three if they were really lucky) would be dry. Did he want her to continue in optimistic ignorance until she was actually faced with the rain? They could carry on in good moods. Enjoying each other’s company and the sensation of being dry and comfortable.

On the other hand, if she knew it was coming, maybe that would kick up her pace to take full advantage of the calm before the storm. Did he want to give her cause to worry about what would happen later?

He took a deep breath.

Better question: Would she be pissed if she found out he knew and didn’t tell her?

Despite their short acquaintance, he knew the answer.

Shit.

“Hey, sunshine?” He couldn’t convince himself to turn andface her.

Coward.

“Yes, my grouchy guide? What can I do for you?”

Jonathan groaned internally; she wasn’t going to be happy about this. “You feel that humidity, right?”

“I sure do. It feels like I am marching through pea soup.”

---