Loner by Harloe Rae Page 0,59

massive palm. With permission, of course. Even so, this situation is the perfect opening scene for a horror movie. I can picture the photo caption in bold, blazing letters.

A very trusting, albeit idiotic, woman allows a broody guy to steer her and an innocent child into the dark forest. While blindfolded.

Yep, this is stolen straight out of a scary film script.

I take another shaky step forward on wobbling legs. When a twig snaps, I nearly leap out of my skin. The bastard behind me chuckles.

“So jumpy,” he murmurs.

“You would be too if the roles were reversed.”

“The next location is your pick. I’ll follow along blindly, wherever you lead.”

“You say that now.” The possibilities begin to formulate in my jittery brain. Beating this supposed treat should be a cinch.

“I believe you’ll steer me in the right direction.”

“Ah, using the guilt factor. Well done.”

Another raspy noise scrapes out of his throat. “I’ll do whatever it takes to get more days like this.”

I smash my lips together to silence the embarrassing sigh desperate to climb out. The sound dances on my tongue until I gulp the gooey sentiment down. We’re just friends out having fun. Sure, we slept together. Those escapades might as well be ancient history, though. Our connection is fleeting. When it’s time to move on, we’ll go our separate ways. He’ll keep in touch for Millie’s sake, until she abandons the hero worship.

But it’s difficult to remember the arrangement when Crawford dishes out the sweet and swoony. He makes me question the strength of our restrictions. I could easily fall for his charm, but I won’t. A chaste relationship is precisely my speed. My resolve rattles through me with each shallow breath.

Crawford directs us to the left, knocking me from my reverie. “Are your eyes still closed, Peep?”

“Uh-huh,” she squeaks.

He nudges me. “How about you, Kee?”

I roll the sockets behind my sealed lids. “Yes, sir.”

“Oh, I like that.” A rumble rolls off his chest.

I scoff into the blank unknown. “Don’t get used to it.”

“You two are so funny.” Millie giggles, enjoying his little game far more than me. I suppose that makes sense, since this stunt is definitely for her benefit.

Creepy prickling sensation aside, my belly is in a flurry of flutters. Crawford is spending extra energy being creative with his presentation, and those actions are very much noted. He earns brownie points for upping the anticipation factor with each passing moment. My little girl is practically squealing with delight. Millie’s laughter triggers my own, and soon we’re lost in hysterics.

“Not sure we’re that funny,” Crawford mutters.

“We’re wandering in the middle of nowhere with you as our guide. The fact I’m still going along with this strange trust exercise speaks to my dedication for the cause.” Could I peek through his fingers and ruin the surprise? Well, duh. But I find myself wanting to go along with whatever he’s planning.

“Your faith in me is remarkable. I can hardly handle the weight of that responsibility.” His tone is drier than the dead foliage littering the ground.

“Not sure what more you want from me.” It might be my imagination, but I’m certain he presses his hips into me. I only feel the evidence of him for a moment before he’s backing off. It’s plenty to give me a hint of exactly what he’s interested in.

“Don’t fret, Kee. It’s worth the wait.”

Not even thirty seconds later, the sound of flowing water hits my ears, and I slam on the brakes. “I swear on everything holy, if you’re about to dump us in—”

He squeezes my shoulder. “Relax. This is the finish line.” His hand disappears from my face. “Open and see.”

I follow his orders instantly, shielding my eyes to block the harsh light. A loud gasp immediately follows as the breathtaking view spans out in front of me. The wide creek commands first notice. Deep blue and rippling, the surface glistens in the sun. I follow the glittering pattern along the weaving stream until the lazy current disappears from view. A thick wall of trees lines both sides, protecting this slice of wonder from the harsh reality looming just beyond the forest edge.

When I glance at Millie, her gaze is darting from one surface to the next. She can’t seem to decide where to focus her attention first. I can empathize.

Crawford moves to stand beside me, joining in the staring contest. “What do you think?”

I return my sights to the gleaming river. “Definitely worth the build-up.”

“It’s so beautiful,” Millie adds.

Static erupts across every porous