Page 22 of His Hawaiian Heart
I rolled my eyes. “What’s the difference?”
“The difference is that a problem would require fixing, whereas an issue simply requires removing those rose-colored glasses you’re wearing.”
Recalling Katrina’s reference to glasses, I had to smile. The ones currently in my pocket didn’t have rose-colored lenses but did help me remember why I was here. I’d spent all morning carefully looking among the lush ferns for evidence of insects on my wish list. I’d found nothing besides a few spores and a couple of butterflies had landed as if wondering why I was slowly turning fronds this way and that, but if the man behind me actually pulled through with his promise, I would have a start.
“How far do we have to go?”
“It’s a few miles but will take longer as it’s not a straight shot. Do we need to stop and check in with anyone before we leave the area?”
Okay, so he was behaving more professionally than I was. “I think that’s a good idea. It’s better to check the maps and make sure we have permission to study an area than get our hopes up only to discover our permits don’t extend that far. Besides, if we ask nicely, Cookie might even prepare us a picnic if this ride will last past noon.”
“It will, and if that picnic is anything like the sandwich I ate last night, then I’ll be sure to add a pretty please to the request,”he said, which only served to make that tingle reappear. Or perhaps it was caused by the tightening of his grip when the incline of the rise pushed me harder against him.
You’re here to w-o-r-k.
Give it a break. Part of my work involves research.
For the first time I didn’t hear the annoying voice, instead, I imagined her rolling her eyes.
“Speaking of sandwiches, I also wanted to thank you for bringing me dinner. I know I didn’t deserve it after rudely shoving the plate at you, but I appreciate it. The extra cookie just went above and beyond.”
He chuckled. “If a simple cookie is all that’s required for you to elevate my status from serpent to something a little less despicable, I’ll make sure you are never without one.”
Knowing what I knew now, I really felt bad about the serpent comment, but wasn’t quite ready to forget why I’d thought it in the first place. “I’m afraid a thousand simple cookies won’t work. Cookie’s the most sought after chef in the field for a reason.”
“Then I’ll remember to stay on his good side, starting now.”
I looked up and was surprised to see we’d reached the outskirts of the camp. Riding had definitely been faster than walking as I’d done that morning.
A half hour later, he was lifting me back onto the horse. I’d been anticipating watching the interchange between Cookie and Sam, hoping for some clue as to what had occurred between them after I’d stomped away the night before. Instead, I’d had to check the permits and discovered they were pretty much all-inclusive, and then I had to visit the porta potty. When I got to the mess tent, it was to find them putting a bunch of wax-paper wrapped items into a flimsy plastic bag.
“Is that supposed to be our hamper?”
Sam shot me a look and then said, “I assured Cookie we didn’t expect a wicker basket and actual plates.”
Wow, either he was trying to cozy up to the chef or else he liked those cookies as much as I did.
What cookie? He gave you his, remember?
Oh, right. Still… “I just meant that unless we’re not planning on taking anything to drink, that bag isn’t going to work.” When they just looked at me, I shook my head. “Good grief, I’ll get my backpack.” By the time I returned, several bottles of water had been added to the pile waiting to be transferred to the backpack. Not only hadn’t I learned anything about their dynamic, I didn’t even know what we were having for lunch! The only thing I’d packed was my father’s magnifying glass and the vest Sam suggested I remove as it would make riding more comfortable.
And now, once again sitting astride McNut, I listened as the man I’d introduced as the serpent shrugged into the backpack and then shook Cookie’s hand.
“Thanks again, Cookie. We appreciate this,” Sam said.
“You’re welcome.” Cookie graced me with a brief look before returning his attention to Sam. “She tends to forget everything when she’s found some little bug that interests her. Make sure she eats and stays hydrated.”
“Really? I’m right here, you don’t need?—”
“I will. And I’ll have her back in plenty of time for dinner.”
“Hello? I can hear you, you know.”
“Make sure you have her back at least an hour before then. There’s a mandatory meeting before supper to make sure everyone has checked in and gives a rundown of what they’ve found.”
“Thanks for letting me know. She’ll be here on time even if I have to yank her nose out of some rotten log or stagnant pool of water,” Sam assured him.
I put two fingers to my mouth and blew. The sharp whistle had both men snapping their glances at me as if they’d just remembered I was there, which had been my intention. Ofcourse, I hadn’t thought about the reaction of the third male in the group. As McNut made a leap forward, I had to grab handfuls of mane to keep from sliding off. His sudden, jarring halt had me clamping my thighs as tightly as I could against his sides to avoid flying over his head.
