Page 70 of Back in the Saddle

‘We used to come here often when I was growing up.’ He fished a set of keys from his pocket. ‘I don’t think I’ve been here for maybe three years or so. Buck comes here whenever he can. Either for a little getaway with his wife after dropping the kids off at the ranch, or with Cody. They go fishing together.’ His voice trailed off and he realised he was feeling a bit nervous.

The mere thought of the last time he had been here brought tears to his eyes. Five years ago, celebrating what was meant to be the start of his happy-ever-after.

‘Are you OK?’ Caroline asked cautiously.

He looked up, meeting her concerned glance. ‘I’m great.’ He blinked rapidly, trying to will the tears away. ‘Just a lot of memories. Shall we go in?’

Before she answered, he retrieved a cooler bag and another big green duffel bag from the trunk. He also took Caroline’s travel bag and started walking up the narrow driveway.

‘I haven’t seen these many stars since I went to Skye,’ Caroline said in wonder, wrapping the blanket she’d found on the sofa tighter around her arms.

Hunter didn’t respond; he was just observing her from the other side of the open fire they’d started outside. He watched how her face lit up as her eyes travelled through the vastness of the dark, starry sky. He noticed how she brushed away the stray lock of her light hair that fell over her left eye. All he could see in her just now was joy. It was the kind of joy that was contagious – he couldn’t help but feel the warmth reflecting in his own face.

‘The view’s definitely stunning,’ he said without looking away.

She must’ve felt his eyes on her as she looked back at him with a blush.

Silence filled the night air, its stillness interrupted only by the insistent cicadas and wood crackling in the fire pit.

Hunter stoked the fire with a long, carved stick. ‘I think I promised you dessert, right?’

‘I hope you brought marshmallows. That’s the best you can do over an open fire.’

‘We’re going to do better than that, we’ll have s’mores.’ He reached into the material tote bag behind him and took out a packet of big white marshmallows. Tearing it open, he said, ‘Have you tried s’mores before?’

‘No, but I’ve heard about them. It’s like a cracker sandwich with chocolate, right? And marshmallows.’

Hunter smiled at her, popping two plump marshmallows on the stick. Carefully, he balanced it so that it stayed over the fire propped up by stones. ‘Yeah, but if you haven’t tried it, you don’t really know what it is.’ He took one graham cracker and broke it in half. ‘It’s my favourite thing on Earth as far as food goes. Perfect comfort snack.’

He covered one half of the cracker with Hershey’s chocolate pieces. ‘Also, it’s the first thing I learned to make when I was a kid. In this very same fire pit.’ He checked the marshmallows. Both were roasted, with a slight golden tinge on their edges. Holding the stick, he laid the marshmallows on the chocolatey graham cracker half. Lifting the other half of the cracker, he covered the toasted marshmallows and pressed down firmly, removing the stick with his other hand. ‘Here you go. Try it, it’ll change your life.’ He grinned, handing the squashed sweet sandwich to Caroline.

She laughed as she grabbed it, taking a bite. Her eyes closed and she chewed each bite slowly, deliberately.

He watched her, not making a sound. Finally, she swallowed the last piece and gave him a smile so bright it lit up the night. ‘You’re right. It’s delicious. Let’s make some more.’

A little while later, when they ran out of marshmallows, they decided to open a bottle of bourbon. The fire was still going strong, helped by his vigilance and a steady supply of firewood.

‘Thank you for bringing me here. It’s been a great night,’ Caroline said, pouring herself another glass of amber liquid. ‘I think it might’ve been just what I needed.’

She passed him the bottle, and he held it for a moment. ‘The night isn’t over yet.’

‘Oh? And where do you see this night going?’ Her eyes sparkled over the rim of the heavy crystal glass.

He licked his lip, eyes not leaving hers. ‘Wherever we want it to go.’ He put the bottle on the grass. ‘I, for one, think that making out by the open fire is underrated.’

‘Never tried it.’

‘No? As I said, it’s not quite as popular as it should be.’ He put his hand on her knee and shuffled a little bit closer. She hadcome over to sit on his blanket when they were making s’mores and was now just inches away. He could almost feel the heat radiating from her, mixed with heady smell of the burning fire.

‘I think I can see the appeal,’ she murmured, putting her hand on his chest. Without another word, he leaned in, gently tasting her lips.

The gooey s’mores and warming bourbon.

Caroline kissed him back, lacing her fingers at the back of his neck. Pulling her legs over his lap, his hands moved to her waist. Without breaking their kiss, he rolled a strand of her hair over his finger and brought it to his face. Their lips parted and they both took deep breaths.

Hunter closed his eyes, burying his face in her hair. ‘Your hair smells so good, like mango and some other tropical fruit … pineapple?’ As soon as he said it, he felt her whole body stiffen in his embrace.

She held her breath and didn’t even flinch.

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