Page 76 of Johnathan

“I’m glad you like it.”

“And what about the tree? It’s so detailed, and the flowers around it are so beautiful.”

“Yeah, out of all my tattoos, that’s the only one I would ever get done again. I started it right after Katy was born. At first, it was just the tree and the aster flower, for the month she was born in. Then I added flowers for my mom and dad. Then my brothers. When Jackson and Grace had Jack, I added in flowers for her and the baby.”

“I’m going to cry, John. That’s so sweet.”

“I’m excited to have a honeysuckle added.”

He kept his gaze on the sky, but felt her pick her head up off his shoulder when she realized what he was saying. “For me?”

“Yeah, Abby. For you.”

“Well, now I’m really going to cry. I was trying to think of a way to get into your pants but I’m afraid you’ve been so sweet I can’t think of anything witty or sexy to say right now.”

John laughed. “We just got done sparring with each other, we’re on the dirty, cold ground, and you still want to get in my pants?”

“I mean, it’s your fault for sexing me so good that I can’t think of anything else!”

He got to his feet, and reached out to pull Abby up. “How about I sex you real good in the shower for being such a star pupil?”

“Yes, please!” She took off running towards the cabin, her shirt falling into the grass, followed by her bra on the porch. Every ounce of restraint left his body as he bolted after her.

Twenty-Two

“I’m going to bring the fishing gear down to the stream.” Abby jumped off the bar stool and bent to put her shoes on.

“Just bring the poles. I’ll carry everything else down. You’ve got to be careful. Sometimes the rocks can get a little slippery.”

“Yes,sir.”

She laughed at the way John’s face turned bright red.

“Don’t say that again,baby, unless you don’t want to leave this cabin. It’d be an awful shame if we didn’t catch our supper. Then I’d have to eat you for dinner.”

Fuck. Now it was her turn for heat to sear through her body.

“Outside. I’ll be outside,” she said as she forced her jelly-like legs to move towards the porch.

Grabbing their poles, a tackle box, and two folding chairs, Abby made her way down to the creek. The rainfall from the night before had found its way there, swelling the current. A small pit churned in her stomach as she thought about getting too close to the edge. John said the rocks were slippery. One wrong step and she’d be in the water.

No. That wasn’t the time or place for her intrusive thoughts. She’d just have to stay back far enough that there wasn’t a chance she’d go in.

She set up the chairs on the edge of the rocks and looked back at the cabin. No sign of John yet. That’s okay. She could just sit and enjoy the sounds of nature while gathering the courage to stand next to him when he fished.

The sun came out from behind the clouds and Abby tipped her face up to the sky, enjoying the sudden warmth that kissed her skin. When she looked back at the bank, something shining grabbed her eye. A small pile of trash, with a soda can at the center, was scattered about the ground. She pushed herself up from her chair and walked towards the mess.

Abby bent over, facing the water as she reached for the soda can. A whistle of appreciation from behind had her laughing as she plucked the trash from the dirt.

“I could get used to a view like that.” John made his way down through the trees.

“Don’t think—” Abby’s words were cut off by a loud bang. She was so startled that she flinched, immediately trying to lower herself to the ground.

That was a mistake.

Her boot slipped on the rocks, and she lost her balance, tumbling backwards into the water. Her heart pounded painfully in her chest as her body plunged into the cold.

“Abby!” John shouted her name just a second before her head dunked under the surface. She hadn’t even had enough time to take a full breath of air before she crashed into the water, and her lungs strained against the need for her next breath.

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