Page 20 of Control Line

It was a relief and likely the reason she was letting him go. She didn’t have to publicly grieve or be thought cold.

“Shit,” Zee cursed as she tripped over a huge rock. The same one she’d avoided on the way out. She felt so fucking stupid.

“Are you okay, doll?” Barney’s hands shot out and saved her from face planting in the dirt.

“Yeah,” she shook it off. “More embarrassed than anything. I was preaching to you guys on the way out about not losing situational awareness and here I am, losing my bearings.”

Barney leaned in close and whispered for her ears only, “It’s me. I have that effect on women. If you want to really lose your bearings, be at your bathroom door at eight o’clock tonight.”

He strolled past her and turned to walk backwards. He gave her a wink and tapped his wrist where a watch would be. Before she could even roll her eyes, he turned away and jogged into the clearing.

It was sheer shock that kept her on her feet. She bit back a groan and worried her bottom lip. He’d all but admitted he knew she’d watched him and invited her for another viewing.

“Holy shit.” Thank God Grant and Emerson were far enough behind they didn’t hear her exclamation. However, she was positive Barney heard it because he added a little extra spring to his step. She was well and truly fucked. Being wildly attracted to a man didn’t pose a problem for most, but there was zero percent chance of her keeping her heart out of it. That was a problem because Barney was not the man who could be trusted with it, or even wanted it.

---