Naked Love(42)

Off to my right are a few mushrooms that I recognize from my days of foraging mushrooms with my dad. I don’t know the name of this species, but I do remember what happened to us when we mistook it for a morel. Giving Jake another quick glance, assuring his head is still bowed, I snatch one of the mushrooms.

“You making a smoothie today?” I ask.

He has a travel blender. I keep turning down his nasty-looking green concoctions, but it might be time for me to show a little interest.

“Yes.”

“Why don’t you show me what you put in it? I’ll make it for you while you get a shower. I want to stretch a bit before showering.”

Turning at the tent, I flash him my best smile while holding the mushroom behind my back. He narrows his eyes a tiny bit, giving me the once-over.

“You’re hungry. You want me to share my smoothie today. Am I correct?”

Yes. I’m starving, but I’ll again forego food to have an opportunity to take the lead. My conscience scolds me for being so immature in my thoughts. I blame it on too much time in the woods. Jake might think this is refreshing and a place to clear his head, but I’m dying for an eight-dollar cup of caffeine, shopping therapy, and a full day at a salon getting myself pieced back together.

“I am.” I spread my legs for him last night. It’s killing me to submit to him again, even if it’s just a guise.

“A handful of spinach, a banana, two dates—pitted—coconut water, and a scoop of Cordyceps powder.”

“Cordyceps?”

He shrugs off his tank top. I remind my eyes to keep my gaze above his neck.

“Mushrooms.”

“Reeeally …” I fail at keeping cool. Jake likes mushrooms in his smoothie. Well, isn’t that just fate?

“Yes, really. You should try them.” He slips into the tent. “Do you know where everything’s at?”

“Yes, Jake. I’ve watched you flaunt your morning routine. It’s predictable.”

When he comes back out, I flash him a smile.

“You’re in a good mood today. You forgive me for your shirt?”

Not ever, you monkey-spanking asshole.

“Mmm …” I nod, biting my tongue.

“I’ll be back in ten.”

I continue nodding as he disappears around the trees toward the shower facilities.

In the back of the truck, I riffle through the cooler and plastic containers to get his smoothie shit out. He has three bananas left. I scarf down two. If a guy goes down on a girl, all food becomes communal. Cringing, I try to forget about what his tongue did to me because that same tongue probably did that same thing to Deedy.

Retch …

I contemplate how much of my special mushroom to add to his smoothie, not wanting it to impart a noticeable taste. Half-sies feels about right. It’s not like I want him dead—okay, maybe I do, but …

Dear Heavenly Father,

Please don’t let this kill Jake. Seriously, I mean it. My gut says it won’t, but I need your magical powers as a backup in case things go wrong. I would never survive prison, but I’m sure you know this. Oh, and of course the guilt and remorse. I’m not suggesting prison is my number one concern, clearly human life trumps that—even Jake’s. Once things between us feel a bit more even, I promise to act my age, and try to do what Jesus would do a little more often. Please forgive my moments of sin. I’m only human.

“The water is extra cold today.”

My heart springs into my throat as I turn toward Jake’s voice.

Be cool, Avery!

“Big surprise.” I hand him his smoothie, once again reminding my gaze to ignore his bared chest, dripping hair, and those perfect flip-flop clad feed.

“Where’s yours?”

“My what?” My eyes narrow.

“Your smoothie?”

“Already drank it.”

“What did you think?”

“It was good. Hope you don’t mind, but I used two bananas in mine.”

He takes a sip of his smoothie. “Mmm … you did good.”

I hold my breath, waiting for him to keel over.

“Go shower. Let’s hit the road as soon as possible.”

“Good idea.” I hustle to get my stuff and run to the shower. Of course I want to get on the road, but mostly I need to be close by if he dies. There will be a body to bury—I mean … 9-1-1 to call.





CHAPTER THIRTEEN





Oklahoma. Just as I suspected.

We make it two hours down the road. I start to think I should have used the whole mushroom. The good news—if I can really look at it like that—is Jake’s still alive.

“Fucker!”

Jake’s body tenses with my outburst. Swarley whines, making his own adjustments in the backseat to hide behind Jake instead of me.

“I hate you! I. HATE. YOU!” I roll down my window and throw my phone out into the ditch.

“Av-er-y …” Jake rolls up my window.

Clenching my teeth, I will away the tears. Anthony Fucking Asshole, chocolate-mousse liar, cheater, hateful man doesn’t deserve my tears.

“Ave?” Jake rests his hand on my leg—this brings out the tears.

I don’t want his kindness and sympathy.