Page 19 of The Jade Stone Sleuth

Brex glanced back with a longing in his dark eyes that made her cheeks go hot despite the cold water up past her knees and the cooler air outside. Was it the getting married or the making grandbabies that he liked? She focused on placing her steps to give herself a break, or she might beg him to date her seriously.

They progressed through the stream and reached the first waterfall. A ladder propped against the side of the falls gave them access to the pools above. This sheltered spot was magical to her. The red rock, green water, and blue sky were all so beautiful.

“Are you up for a little adventure?” she asked.

“Of course.” His deep-brown eyes twinkled at her, and he gestured for her to go first.

She climbed the moss-covered ladder and reached the next level. Waiting for Brex, she glanced around at the steep red rock walls and the fast-moving stream spilling over the rocks in a twenty-foot drop. It was otherworldly.

Brex reached her side and looked around.

“What do you think?”

“It’s beautiful,” he said, looking at the red rocks, the green water, the bright blue sky, and then his gaze landed on her face.

She flushed as if he’d said she was beautiful, not the scenery. Brex was clearly interested in her or he wouldn’t have asked to hike with her every morning, but he seemed far out of her league—too accomplished, worldly, and polished for her. She didn’t dare hope he was interested in anything long term.

He moved to the edge overlooking the falls.

“Please,” she cried out. “Get back.”

Brex turned to her, a smirk on his face. “Worried about me?”

“Yes,” she admitted. “I don’t want you to fall.”

“I won’t.” His voice and his eyes were confident.

Brex didn’t know his own vulnerability. That terrified her.

He walked to her side and they wandered up the stream, wading through graduating pools. They hit the end of the box canyon. A steep waterfall descending to a small pool. There was no way to scale it. She’d only seen her extreme-athlete Jude make it up.

Pausing to drink from their water bottles and savor the view, they turned and headed back down the stream.

When they reached the ladder, Brex said, “I’ll go first in case I need to catch you.”

She pushed out a huffy breath. “Catch me? I’m an experienced moss-covered ladder climber.”

“We’ll see.” He winked and scurried down the ladder. His speed made her heart thump quicker. She was tempted to ask him to be careful again.

Clara hurried down after him, intent on proving she wasn’t a wimp and could move as fast as he did. Her foot slipped off a rung near the bottom. Brex grabbed her and hauled her down to the creek bed and against his chest.

“Good thing I was here.” He smiled, and she knew he was teasing her.

“Yes, that plunge of one foot into this raging river could’ve been dangerous.” She was cradled in his arms and wanted very much to stay there.

His eyes twinkled.

The thought of him in danger made her sick.

She wrapped her arms around his lower back and savored the feel of his strong arms surrounding her. The small waterfall splashed merrily next to them. This early in the morning, and with the water cooling their legs and feet throughout the hike, they weren’t sweaty. They were in a magical oasis next to the scenic waterfall. Their own little world.

Was it too quick to kiss him? Their relationship was moving fast, and she shouldn’t get involved with Brex and put him in danger. How would she live with herself if he died?

She should back away, but she was weak.

His gaze became full of desire for her, a look that made her stomach pitch and her legs weak. She leaned into him and he bent down.

“Clara,” he whispered against her lips. “I shouldn’t …”

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