Page 41 of Wild in the Woods
“It’s gluten free.” He waved the bar, the wrapper making a crackling sound that got her attention.
“Oh, this is allowed?” She took the bar and flipped it over to read the ingredients.
“Not normally, but I carry emergency rations just in case.”
About to rip the wrapper, she paused and looked him square in the eye. “Why are you being easy on me instead of making me dig grubs like your other students?”
“Do you want to dig grubs? Because we can.”
“It was one kiss. You don’t need to give me special favors because I kissed you.”
He drew back. “That’s not what I’m doing.”
Her voice rose. “I want to get through this course, get my wonderful certificate, and sit you down for an interview, Fox. Not get special treatment because you think we’re going to sleep together.”
His head was spinning. This is why he stayed away from women. Nothing ever worked out right. She threw the protein bar at him. He caught it with one hand.
Clearly, she was hurt and riled up about something. Was it the phone call, or was it him?
“I’m sorry that you’re angry,” he said evenly. “I apologize for the kiss.”
She threw her hands up. “I don’t want you to be sorry for kissing me!”
Furrowing his brow, he thought over the last few seconds of their conversation and was more confused than before. She didn’t want him to be sorry? But she was mad about it anyway?
“I’m not following what you’re implying, Lulu.”
Running a hand over her head, she looked at the sky and pulled herself together. “Let’s forget about this for now and get on with our day. Everything is fine.”
Sure. Sure it was. He turned back to the trail, and they continued to the one and only water source they’d have access to until tomorrow. Taking off his pack, he set it near a rock. Lulu did the same, keeping some distance between them that he didn’t like.
“Time to catch breakfast and purify some water. Let’s get a fire started first.”
The basin was mostly grass with trees lining the crests of the surrounding hills. They’d have to really scrounge for good kindling.
“I’ll start looking for sticks and things.”
She stared at the rushing stream before moving around to look for burnable material. Fox did the same, then deposited his collection on the rocky shore and made a fire circle out of rocks. Lulu returned quickly with the crook of one arm full of plant stalks, small branches, and dried leaves. They’d need to venture closer to the trees to find something substantial to burn.
“Want me to look over there for bigger branches?” She gestured to the closest tree line.
“Yeah, go ahead. Stay at the tree line where I can see you.” His phone rang.
Keeping an eye on her, he answered the call. It was Jett. Fox raked a hand through his hair.
“I’m glad you called. Something ishappening.”
“I just called to let you know I have Osprey. Ryker had issues at work. What kind of something?”
This was stupid. He didn’t want to talk to anyone about this. Voicing it out loud would give it life and he didn’t want that.
“Lulu,” he said pleadingly. “She’s tearing me up inside. My bear is going insane. I feel like I’m losing my damn mind!”
Jett made a knowing sound. “You want to feed her, don’t you?”
“How did you know?”
“And make your bed nice and comfortable for her so she has somewhere soft to lie down. Right?”
