Page 35 of Just Act Natural

Grant nods. “I’m swimming, too.”

Great. Perfect. Bring on Leech Lake.

I do not want to swim in Leech Lake.

Everyone else has already trekked from camp down to the water and gotten in, but I’m still messing around in my tent. I’m decked out in my tank top and athletic shorts. I’m coated in sunscreen. I’ve got my paper-thin travel towel at the ready. The sun’s sweltering enough that a cool dip will feel good, and I’m certainly smelly enough to need it.

Butleeches. Even the slight possibility of them feels like too much.

I draw in a long, slow breath. It’s either a quick dunk or live in my filth for two more days. How long could it take a leech to attach to me, anyway?

Forget that. I don’t want to know.

I follow the path through the trees down to the access point. Pairs of hiking boots are tucked next to big rocks on the shoreline, along with camp towels and dry clothes. I slip off my boots, set my things aside, and inch into the cool water.

Then, I freeze. Did I hit my head on the walk down? Did I finally slip into that coma? Grant surfaces out of the lake several yards away from me, eyes closed, hands running through his hair as he gains his footing and stands waist-deep in the water. Droplets cascade down his bare chest to the top of his swimtrunks. I knew the muscles would be there. I…was not expecting this much chest hair.

Also, he hasn’t shaved this whole week, and the beard he’s sporting does wicked things to my senses.

Before I can commit felony-level ogling, I drop my gaze to my feet. Focus on the pointy rocks covering the lake bed that are jabbing at my soles. Put that vision of manliness out of my head forever.

Ha. Unlikely. It’s locked in.

“Don’t hang out by the shore,” Mitchell calls. He and Deena tread water about thirty feet away. “That’s where you’re at greatest risk of being discovered by our little bloodsucking friends.”

Okay,thatputs the vision of manliness out of my head.

I scramble deeper into the chilly water. Goosebumps break out over my skin as I submerge, but the sudden shock is the lesser evil here. While I can still touch the lake bed, I dunk my head under and rub my fingers over my scalp and through my hair. I can’t use soap or shampoo, but after days of being covered in a fine layer of dirt, it’s heavenly.

Treading water, I make my way closer to Grant. Naturally, I pretend I’ve only just now noticed him.I didn’t see you and your generous pectorals standing there.“Is this the leech-free zone?”

“Should be.”

“How can you tell?” Not that I don’t trust his judgment, but more reassurance would be nice.

“It’s not murky.”

That’s true. I can see his body pretty well from here. Not that I’m looking.I’m not.

“Wait, are you touching the bottom?” He’s way too steady with the water at chest height, unlike the way my arms and legs constantly churn to keep myself upright.

“I’m a bit taller than you.”

I stretch one foot down but can’t reach anything. Then, a thought occurs, and I jerk my foot back. “Are there fish in here?”

“Yes.”

“Big fish?”

He scans the lake. “Probably, given the size.”

“Bitingfish?”

One side of his mouth quirks. “A few things in here might be tempted to bite you.”

That’s it. Bath time’s over. I start to turn back, but he gently takes hold of my forearm so I don’t get far. He lets go again as soon as I pause my escape.

“I’m just teasing, princess. You don’t have to get out.” His giant grin isn’t all that contrite. “It sounds like they swim in this lake every time they come out here. It’s safe.”

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