Instant Temptation (Wilder #3)(40)

“You had a bug. I blew it away.”

His eyes seemed to darken at the word “blew.” “Do me a favor.”

“I already owe you a…favor.”

His eyes smoldered at that. “There’s no debt between us, but don’t blow on me like that again unless you mean it.”

Okay, good to know. Suddenly parched herself, she drank some of her water, but not nearly as gracefully as he had, managing to dribble several drops down the front of her.

Both their gazes went to her chest. He made a noise, low in his throat as he exhaled.

“I’m messy,” she whispered.

His eyes lifted back to hers, heated. “I like messy.”

She took a gulp of air.

“What now?” he murmured.

Um, we forget the being tough thing and have wild sex against a tree? “We should find something to bicker about and fast.”

He laughed softly. “I meant regarding your work.”

Oh. Right. She struggled to concentrate. “East ridge.”

“There and back before nightfall, and then…”

“And then I hike home in the morning,” she said.

“You’re not a you. You’re a we.”

Until they get back. While they were out here. After that, it was back to real life. Suddenly she wished all the cameras were down and she had an excuse to stay out there with him for longer.

“What will you do when you get home?” he asked quietly.

She lifted a shoulder. “Keep working the research internship until spring.”

“And work long hours at the garage?”

“Yes.”

“And worry about your parents. And your sister.”

“Yeah, and stress about whether or not taking the Colorado job is the right thing to do. It’s called life, TJ. You work long hours, you worry about your family. It’s what we do.”

“You’re questioning taking the Colorado job?”

Trust him to anchor in on the one thing really bothering her. “No.” She squeezed her eyes shut, then opened them. “Yes.”

“Tell me.”

“Maybe…maybe the research position is the wrong angle. Maybe being out here fulfills me like it does you.” She met his gaze. “What do you think?” she asked, honestly wanting to hear what he’d do, even though a part of her already knew. He’d do what was right, not necessarily what was easy. Taking the job, if it was offered, was the easy route. Figuring out what would fulfill her, what would make her happy, would be better.

He looked at her for a long moment. “It’s your decision to make.”

“Thanks. You’ve been a big help.”

“I think you already know what you want to do. I think you know you want to be out here and not at a desk, but you’re worrying about everyone other than yourself. That, or you’re scared.”

“Of what?”

“Of admitting you don’t always have the answers. Of disappointing yourself. Of making a mistake. Of taking a real risk. Hell, I don’t know, Harley, pick one.”

How about all of the above?

His smile was gentle. “Sorry you asked?”

“Hard to be, when you’re right.”

“I like being right.” He reached for her hand and entwined their fingers. “Think of yourself, for once, Harley. Do what works for you.”

Her throat went a little tight. “TJ?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you really think we can do this? Be friends? After all this time?”

He let out a low, deep breath, but surprised her by giving her an honest answer. “I want to think so.”

Well, that was something at least.

“But you’ll have to stop talking about blow jobs.”

“All I did was blow away a bug!”

“I think it’s the word blow.” He shifted as he thought about it, then nodded. “Yeah. It is.”

She rolled her eyes as his phone vibrated, then watched as his good humor vanished as he took the call. “What is it?” She asked when he was done.

“Search and Rescue. There are two people missing from Red Rock as of last night.”

“Red Rock…”

“About three hours north of here by foot.” He looked at her, clearly conflicted. He didn’t want to leave her alone, but this was his job.

“Go,” she said. “They need you. I’ll be fine.”

“You’re just going out to that east ridge and back to the same spot for the night, yes?”

“Yes. And then home in the morning. I’ll probably be back in town before you. I’ll be fine.”

Still he hesitated.

“TJ, go. Don’t worry. You’ve taught me some good tricks.”

He opened his pack and lifted his Maglite. “You have one of these?”

She rolled her eyes. “Yes.”

“Extra batteries?”

“Uh huh.” Somewhere.

“Enough food and water?”

“TJ, I’m a big girl. I won’t be a responsibility to you.”

“You’re not a job to me, Harley,” he said, his voice low and serious. “You’re much more than that. Here.” He handed her the magic goodie bag from his pack.