weight, he continued on his search for his caretaker. “Rachel, where are you?”
The make shift cane was just another example of the way Rachel seemed to always be considering Gabe’s wellbeing. He had been cared for by complete strangers in his past, welcomed into Rampart, given love when he did not understand how it was merited, but none of those instances seemed to compare with Rachel’s kindness. He had been abusive towards her verbally, making it clear from her arrival that she was unwelcome. Yet here she was, caring for him as if he were the most important person in her life. The idea of her behavior confounded him to the point where he was enamored with her. She was a puzzle he was determined to solve.
“Gabe?” Rachel called out as she approached the cabin, the morning sun just peaking over the top of it. She wore a white tank top spotted with dirt that clung to her sweat covered torso. As she approached she paused, bending at the middle and lifting the soiled, bohemian style skirt to wipe away the sweat from her brow. “What are you doing out of bed? I figured we would exercise soon, I was just coming back to wake you.”
Gabe blushed, shocking even himself with the image that flashed through his mind of the two of them engaged in a very primal form of exercise together. A scene that seemed to be haunting him more frequently. He couldn’t help but feel guilty about the natural urges, ashamed that while she had been caring for him, he had been violating her in his thoughts. “I want to help.”
“With what?” Rachel asked, clueless of the ideas running through his devious mind.
“Chores, maybe, I’m feeling much better today.” Gabe added, doing his best to block the other thoughts out of his mind.
“I’m sure you are, the way you seem to be bouncing back. However, while you’re looking much better, I’m afraid I’ve already finished most on the list for today. Except for cooking of course, interested in wearing the chef’s cap today?” Rachel grinned, already positive of what his answer would be.
Gabe had grown quite fond of Rachel’s cooking abilities; he had no desire to go back to his simple and bland dishes. “Umm, that’s alright. How about a walk then?”
Rachel laughed at the confirmation of her suspicion. “Of course, a walk would be wonderful. To the garden?”
Gabe’s stomach ached, the feeling then spreading to his loins at the sound of Rachel’s laughter. He couldn’t explain his reactions to her suddenly. Perhaps it was the fact that she had saved his life and nursed him back to health. There was also the simple fact that he was a man who had been alone for quite some time and she was a beautiful woman. Gabe convinced himself it must have been a combination of these factors, certain his desires were natural, and would fade when he no longer relied on her so much. That or when he purged his carnal needs in some other way. Gabe shook his head; he needed to focus if he wasn’t going to think about their naked bodies pressed up against each other all day.
“How about I take the lead? It will be a surprise.” Gabe replied, careful not to let his eyes linger too long.
“Oh my, a surprise, huh? Well alright, sir, lead the way.” Rachel said waiving her arms and bowing as if he were royalty.
Gabe had come to enjoy her frequently snarky responses. He grinned and extended his arm in return. Gleefully, she took hold of the offered appendage and the two began their journey.
“You know, I still can’t believe you have been out here on your own for so long. I mean, I just can’t imagine what it must be like for you.” Rachel replied looking over at Gabe with a new understanding of him in her eyes.
Her gaze made him uncomfortable, “It’s not as bad as one would think.”
Gabe peered over to see if she had recognized his lie, it appeared she had not. “I was only here a day alone and I thought I was going to go mad. I am a bit of a blabber mouth, I guess my worry is if I didn’t have any one to talk to for a year, I’d go bonkers.”
“No, you? A blabber mouth?” Gabe jested, slightly nudging Rachel in the side with his elbow. “I don’t believe it.”
“Shut up.” Rachel snapped in return before giggling.
Gabe hesitated a moment, then