Chapter Five #2
He raised an eyebrow. “I dislocated your shoulder. Whatever discomfort I might feel is minimal compared to what you did for me. We should be high enough to be out of danger, but we need to get dry before nightfall. Let me scout this cave. Make sure there’s no snakes or bears.”
“Don’t forget scorpions.” Her teeth chattered as she spoke.
He gave her another look she couldn’t discern, shrugged off his backpack, and unzipped one of the compartments. He withdrew a flashlight, clicked it on, then stepped into the shadows of the cave. After a moment, he returned.
“All clear.” He put his hand on the small of her back and led her inside where it was dry. He knelt and started pulling supplies out of the backpack. She watched as he worked quickly to erect a small silver tent in the middle of the cave before bringing her a bottle of water.
“Here, drink slowly,” he instructed, then turned.
He took something else out of his backpack before tossing it inside the tent. Then he was reaching for his belt buckle. Ivy angled her head away to give him privacy.
“We have to get out of our wet clothes, or we’ll lose heat faster than our bodies can create it.” The rustle of fabric sounded behind her. His shirt had been soaked and molded to his broad chest and abdomen.
She knew he was right about losing body heat, but her left arm was stiff, and she wasn’t sure she’d be able to get off the jacket or shirt he’d loaned her. The pants were no problem. Those were hanging off her. All she had to do was shimmy a little and they fell to her ankles. No arms needed.
The soft chuff made her still. “That’s one way to get the job done.”
Had Jude laughed? She wasn’t going to call him out for it, because she had a feeling his smiles and laughs were few and far between. Still, the sound gave her such satisfaction, a bubble of warmth glowed in her belly.
She heard his footsteps and turned her head, gaze landing on his sculpted body, so beautiful it made her breath hitch. She glanced at the floor, not sure where she should look.
“I’m not going to hurt you.” The low rumble of his voice blended with the distant thunder.
She jerked her chin up, meeting his eyes, and swore she saw hurt there. “I know that,” she soothed.
He shifted, suddenly looking unsure. “You don’t have to be afraid to take the rest of your clothes off.”
She gave him a gentle smile. “I was waiting for you to be done, because I can’t do it on my own. My arm is stiff and still in this sling.”
“Shit, of course. Sorry,” he grumbled, and she couldn’t help but chuckle at the grumpy tone. “What did I miss?” he asked as he unzipped the jacket.
“Nothing. I just… I guess I got used to your grouchy voice. I kind of missed it on the hike up here.” He untied the wet shirt that had held her arm immobile and discomfort ached deep inside the joint as her arm readjusted to her side.
“That’s a first. People usually can’t wait to get away from me.” He stretched the T-shirt over her right arm and carefully drew it over her left. He glanced quickly at her bra. “May I?”
She nodded, suddenly not trusting her voice.
It wasn’t because she was afraid, but she’d never been this close to such a gorgeous man.
His hands shook slightly as he reached around and unclasped the fabric at her back.
He held her eyes, as he removed one strap over her arm, then the other.
After taking her clothes, he laid them beside his on the floor to dry, then picked up another silver emergency blanket he’d left on the floor.
“I’ll get inside the tent, then help pull you in so you don’t put weight on your arm.
Once you’re inside, I can wrap us in this blanket.
The skin-to-skin contact and the dry shelter will stave off the hypothermia through the night.
Tomorrow, hopefully the storm has passed, and we can hike to an area with cell service.
I’ll have someone pick us up.” She nodded and waited while he crawled inside the tent, unable to keep her eyes off his perfect ass.
At least her sore arm would force her to keep her hands to herself.
Needing something to do, she sat at the edge of the tent, prepared to wiggle her way in so Jude didn’t have to help her.
“I don’t think I’ve met a more stubborn woman,” he muttered behind her.
“I’ll take that compliment.” His arms wrapped around her, easily pulling her against him.
Within moments, she was tucked against him with her shoulders against his chest. Her spine along his toned stomach.
Her backside curved into his impressive erection.
The longing to arch against him more firmly struck hard.
Her nipples tightened and warmth pooled low in her gut.
Jude growled. “Ignore it,” he said gruffly as though he could somehow read her thoughts.
“Kind of hard to.” Maybe it was the dire situation or the adrenaline wearing off, but she found herself shaking with laughter.
“Jesus, woman. I’m trying to make sure we don’t die and you’re making dick jokes.”
“I can’t help it.” She choked out, breathless.
“It’s going to be…” her voice caught as she tried to quell her giggles; tears were streaming down her cheeks “…a very long night.” She was laughing so hard, she had no idea if he even heard her until his body shook alongside hers.
That posed a problem, because as they lay on their sides, laughing together, she didn’t think she’d ever felt anything better.