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They made camp in an area beside some shallow caves to use for shelter. Stephanie cleaned them out with some dry leaves, so they’d at least no longer be damp. Then he had her gather up foliage to soften the bedrock they’d be sleeping on. The next day, they’d be hiking another five miles to the pick up location. Bret excused himself to gather food because he had to think.
Boy, did he have to think.
The hardest part of the journey was over—the bridge. Bret hadn’t expected Stephanie to get so scared over something so mundane but he reminded himself that to her, it wasn’t. It was a big and scary obstacle. The fear of heights worked up so much in her head, she had nearly been paralyzed with fear. It was something he loathed but understood. He felt that every day about, well, people.
People and cities.
So he did the only thing he knew to do, be there for her. Ground her. Touching her had been like a man dying of thirst only getting a few drops of water. It had been so long since Bret had contact with someone like that, it made him think of Jaime. And that was never a good sign. It was best to keep himself isolated but holding Stephanie even for her own survival, brought a stir of emotion to the top.
Feelings of grief and loss he had long suppressed. Plus new ones he had been trying to ignore. Stephanie was opinionated and pushy but she was also beautiful. Her smile transformed her face to one of peace and joy. Bret could use a little of that in his life. Plus, when she became vulnerable with him, it drew Bret to her.
He wanted more. The life he had finely crafted to withdraw was beginning to show cracks. His heart wanted more and his head wanted companionship despite how he told himself it had passed him by years ago.
By the time he had a pocket full of berries, three modest sized fish and wild growing mushrooms, Bret felt in control enough to return to camp. Stephanie sat by the fire he had built, her knees pulled into her chest. His steps snapped a twig and she glanced up with a start. When their eyes fell upon each other, she smiled with clear relief.
“I’m not a wild animal, don’t worry.” Bret said as he knelt beside her. He gathered up two long sticks and sharpened the ends with his knife.
“What are you doing?”
“You’ll see.” Bret speared the fish and handed one of the sticks to Stephanie. “A fish kabob.”
“Or a fish s’more,” Stephanie joked.
Bret stuck his stick in the fire and rotated it to evenly cook the fish on both sides. “We’ll need to pick through the bones but seeing no one brought a frying pan, this is the best way to get our protein. It’s important after such a long hike. Now we stay hydrated and get a good night’s sleep. As ordered by your hiking guide.”
Stephanie laughed. “Yes, sir.”
“Are you....” Bret’s voice dropped, “Are you enjoying your time? I mean out here in the wilderness.” He cleared his throat, unable to believe he sounded like such a buffoon.
She blinked as if the question surprised her. “Yeah, I am.” Nervous laughter bubbled out. “Though I’m surprised you haven’t wanted to push me off a cliff. I’m sorry how I acted around the bridge.”
“It’s all right. You were spooked. Together we got through it though, right?”
“Together,” Stephanie echoed with a smile.
They fell into an uncomfortable silence, each of them cooking their fish. Bret divided the berries between them and cooked the mushrooms. So by the time their fish was done, it was almost a complete meal.
Stephanie pursed her lips and blew on her fish taking delicate bites of the charred substance.
“Try this.” Bret reached into his pocket and pulled out a small jar of sea salt. “I never go anywhere without it.”
Stephanie’s eyes widened with surprise. “Wow, just when I think I know everything there is to know about you.” She sprinkled the salt generously on her fish before taking her next bite. She moaned. “That might be the best tasting thing I’ve ever had!”
Bret laughed. “When you’re hungry enough, that’s how everything is going to taste. I’m not a foodie by an means but salt helps.”
“I’ll say,” Stephanie said as she pulled off a piece of fish and popped it into her mouth. “So, what’s next?”
“Eat and get some sleep. We need our strength for tomorrow. We’ll head out early and wrap up quick. Hopefully you’ll get a little more footage to round out your report.”
“Oh right. Some reporter I am. Though I guess I’ve made up my mind. I’ll owe you an apology, when it’s all said and done.” Stephanie stared into the fire and it was only after she finished speaking that she looked up.
Bret stared at her from across the flame. “I...You don’t owe me anything.”
“You wanted an apology.”
“My assistant did, not me.”
“Well, now you’ll get one. On air.”
Bret let a long breath. “I don’t know I need you to humble yourself like that in front of your audience. Hearing from you is enough.”
“I’m a woman of integrity, Mr. Mitchell. If you deserve an apology, you get one. I guess I just wish this hike was longer. So I can find out more about what makes you tick. I think you’ll never reveal your secrets.”
“And why is it you need to know? I’m no different than anyone else. Triumphs and heartbreaks that’s all any of us have. Regardless of how much money I’m worth. Everything else is the same.”
Stephanie shrugged. “I guess that’s true. It’s hard to understand someone if it’s all kept a secret.”
“Is that what you think?” Bret asked and leaned in closer to her. “You think I’m keeping secrets?”
Her eyes flickered across his face. “Must be because I hardly know anything about you. And you’re reluctant to talk about your heart break. Aren’t you?”
“I guess I am.” Bret touched her chin. Stephanie trembled and Bret was surprised to see it. Maybe there was more between them as he thought. He moved in closer to kiss her, feeling her breath against his lips when suddenly her head snapped back.
Stephanie rose up to her feet and wiped her hands on the butt of her cargo pants “Good night. I better....get a good night’s sleep.”
Bret blushed but tried to preten that he hadn’t. “I’ll be there soon in a respectful way.”
She smiled. “In the wilderness out here, I’d say you’re safe. We’re in this together regardless about what happens. I think everything will work out. Good night, Mr. Mitchell.” Stephanie turned her back to him and trudged the short distance to the cave.
Bret turned to watch her go, aware a big part of him wanted to call her back to the fire. The thing was, he wasn’t even sure what he’d say. You’re pretty and smell nice sounded rather like he was a cave man and they would be sleeping in a cave, so maybe it was true. He had to have more to go on. So what did people talk about?
Did he want to talk? All he could think about was kissing her.
Or could he just get to the morning and pretend he wasn’t feeling sparks inside of him he hadn’t felt in years? Then they’d both go their own separate ways, none the wiser. It was the safer option. He hated safe except when it came to matters of the heart.
Bret sat out by the fire until the flames turned to small amber sparks and simmered into ash. He tossed piles of dirt on top to doss it out and a chill ran through his bones that he hiked his way to the cave about ten feet away.
Stephanie was asleep on her side, curled up with her hands underneath her head. Her breath was even and soft with her lips parted. In her sleep, she was even prettier. Bret sat near her feet and against the rock wall, not wanting to disturb her and not wanting to get too close. He was many things, but a creeper wasn’t one of them.
When he couldn’t keep himself outright any longer, he laid himself down against the wall and finally closed his eyes. It was time for rest but deep inside of himself he felt stirred and warm, just being in her presence.
A crush, Bret told himself, and nothing more. It was healthy to appreciate women once in awhile.