Page 31 of Beautifully Wild

He holds her gaze. “No.”

Her nod is gentle.

There’s a sense of caution, which he respects.

“Where are you headed after here?”

Her sentence holds a question as to ‘what happens’ next. It’s subtle and wise to ignore it at the moment. “North.”

“Same. We’re heading to Margarita Island before Peru.”

Samuel nods. “To meet up with Michael, Sean, and Harrison?”

“I was hoping you were also heading there.”

He decides on some honesty. She deserves some truth as it may help with understanding when the time comes for him to leave. “My vacation has ended for now. I was heading north to return to work.”

“Where?”

“It’s not well known.”

“Are you working in medicine or doing some work to help pay for your travels around the country?”

He raises a brow.

“You know, like bar work or living in backpacker quarters.”

He stifles a chuckle. “No. This is medical work and with…” he pauses, “… another scientist.”

Further explanation is saved when the waiter approaches to take their order.

Eden picks up the menu and points. “This pizza is amazing.” She smiles at the waiter before her mesmerizing eyes meet Samuel’s. “Have you eaten here? I can vouch for the wood-fired pizza. Best in the world, in my opinion.”

“Sim.” The waiter grins.Yes.

Samuel nods at the waiter and raises two fingers. “Make it two since the lady recommends it.”

“It’s a safe choice. Some things I’m just not ready to try. Although, all the fresh fruit and vegetables are fine.”

Samuel takes a mouthful of water. “What foods have you tried and dislike?”

Eden pulls a face. “Cuttlefish in its ink.” Her hand goes to her throat. “Amy found a restaurant, and we tried a few dishes like eel stew.” She shivers as though the thought repulses her. “I didn’t mind those snacks made with cassava flour.”

“So, no dishes like buchada?”

She shakes her head.

“It’s made of the animal’s internal organs.”

Her eyes widen. Samuel doesn’t react. If she lived like him, would she be open to trying the food he survived on?

“No more talk about food. Tell me about you. Do you play sports? Follow any teams? Are you an artsy guy?” she asks.

“I played basketball in high school. Then my studies became a priority. Although I like to run… I competed in track in college.” His physique was suited to long-distance running, and the activity facilitated his hunting skills. “What about you?”

“I played some basketball socially. I was never a sporty person. Although my ex…” she hesitates and meets his gaze. “He played football. I didn’t fit into his world.”

Hairs rise on the back of Samuel’s neck with someone taking advantage of her good heart. “I imagine you’d fit in anywhere. Where is he now?”

---