Sixteen
Annalise
First thing I reached for in the morning was my ibuprofen. I'd learned the hard way a few years ago that I needed to pack all that crap because you never knew what might hit you in the middle of traveling.
Mona groaned beside me. "You know, Ranger Jim needs to realize that some of us are couch potatoes."
I handed the bottle to Mona and she swallowed one without water even.
While we got ready, bitching and moaning the whole time, we discussed what fresh hell might be in store for us today. And when we finally made it downstairs, I did the same thing as last night and successfully avoided sitting anywhere near him .
After a delicious breakfast—the food here was surprisingly good—a chipper Ranger Jim joined us, everyone's eyes swiveling in an instant, some excited, some wary. I stole a glance at Jared to see his reaction, but he hid his emotions with a blank expression.
"Good morning, Insight Inkers! Yesterday, we sure started off with a bang. But today, we'll be going a bit easier on you." He paused, looking around at our relieved faces before delivering the twist. "At least physically."
His laugh was ominous. Man, I was really beginning to dislike this guy.
"I won't reveal everything ," he went on, "but I can say that today will be all about trust. Trust in your fellow co-workers. And let's just say that things will come to a frosty finish. A crisp culmination if you will."
Fucking alliteration again. Of course Jim would love alliteration too.
Sneaking a look at Jared, I found him staring right at me, a big grin on his handsome face. I almost laughed. Almost. But managed to hold it back.
After cleaning up, we all followed Jim outside to a beautiful space behind the lodge, an area that we hadn't explored before. A large, wooden deck stretched out before us, and I looked off to one side to see what looked like a hot tub, partially hidden by a lattice covered in vines.
God, that sounded like heaven to my sore body. I'd have to check it out later for sure.
We walked out into a large, grassy clearing surrounded by towering pines and oak trees, the sun just beginning to climb high in the sky.
The scenery was stunning, but I couldn't really enjoy it because I was too concerned about what Jim was going to do with the blindfolds he was cheerfully handing out.
Everyone took one, and then he told us to pair up. Mona stood next to me, so I grabbed onto her before anyone else could, or before anyone else, ahem, could ask me to be their partner.
"So now, folks, we get into the trust-building exercises. Starting with... drum roll please..." Not bothering to wait for anyone else, he made the noise himself. "A blindfold walk!"
Um, okay. That didn't sound too bad I supposed.
"Ooh, I'll go first," Mona said to my relief as Jim explained the basics.
She tied her blindfold around her eyes, making sure it was snug.
"No peeking," I teased.
"Me? I would never peek."
Laughing, I said, "Okay, then, just follow the sound of my voice, and I'll try not to kill you."
"Thanks?"
Curious about what others were doing, not Jared, I glanced over my shoulder just in time to see Marcella taking Jared's hand, guiding him straight ahead. His easy grin as he trusted her without hesitation sent an annoyed flutter to my stomach.
Damn it. I needed to keep my attention on Mona.
"Cordelia?" she asked.
I refocused on my friend, who had one foot in the air, her hands outstretched.
"Yep, yep, all good. You're good. You're safe to take a few steps forward."
Mona giggled nervously as she took a few tentative steps. "I trust you," she said.
Just as I opened my mouth to respond, I heard a deep laugh echo behind me—Jared's laugh. My pulse took off, and I found myself looking back again to see Jared chuckling at something Marcella had said, his broad shoulders shaking slightly. What the hell was so funny?
"Hello?" Mona called out.
Turning back, I felt a pang of guilt that I'd lost track of her again . See? Men were bad news. I made a mental note to stop letting myself get distracted. Especially by him.
"Sorry, Mona. I'm right here. You can take a big step to the left to avoid a rock in your current path."
Following Ranger Jim's directions, we walked all around the clearing, even venturing a little into one of the many surrounding paths that led into the forest. It was trickier there, pitfalls like branches and rocks everywhere, something that seemed like no big deal when you could easily see them.
By the time our fearless leader told us to switch, I was exhausted, both from guiding Mona and from trying to keep my thoughts on her and her alone.
And now, it was my turn. Wondering when the last time I'd been blindfolded was, I tied mine tightly over my eyes, debating whether I should loosen it a bit to sneak a peek underneath. Even though it was Mona and I knew already that I could trust her, vulnerability washed through me.
Being lost to the darkness heightened all my other senses, the scent of pine needles filling my nose, the warm, breezy air against my skin.
"Okay, babe," Mona said, her tone clear and reassuring, "you're fine to take just a few steps forward."
I gave her a wobbly smile as I followed her directions. This wasn't too bad actually, and it definitely made me appreciate something I usually took for granted—my sight.
Leaves crunched under my foot, and I heard the rustle of trees surrounding us. Where was Jared? Was he now holding onto Marcella, her clutching him back, giggling and flirting with him?
It became silent around me, like everything had paused.
"Mona?" I asked into the strange void, frowning beneath my blindfold. "Are you still there?"
Not thinking clearly, I took a step and my foot caught on something—a root maybe? Tipping forward, a surge of panic shot through me as I flailed, my hands grasping at nothing but air.
Suddenly, a large, warm hand closed around mine, steadying me before I could fall. I sucked in a breath, the world still dark around me, but the feel of that grip sent a lightning bolt of awareness through my entire body.
"I've got you, baby." The words were whispered right near my ear, the deep, familiar voice unmistakable.
Jared.
My heart fluttered, and an unwelcome smile tugged at my lips. His hand was so strong and sure, and I didn't want to let it go. But I should. I really should—because this was Jared.
"Don't call me baby," I managed to say, trying to inject some of my usual bite into the words. But I knew I didn't mean it, not this time.
And here we were back at my latest problem, the fact that my mind and body were currently at war with each other. Because now, I didn't mind that Jared was holding my hand and that he was close enough for me to feel his breath against my skin.
Shit. What had happened to my cold heart?
"Hey, where's Mona?" I asked, finally letting go of his hand.
"Marcella needed her."
That was odd. "Marcella needed her?"
"Yep."
His tone was firm, almost like he was daring me to question him. Frankly, it was fucking hot.
Letting out a breath, I tried to focus on the task in front of me and forget about Jared, about the traitorous Mona who had to be conspiring with him in some way.
"Did you enjoy your time with Marcella?" It slipped out without a thought, damn it.
There was a beat of silence and then I sensed him move close, tensing as I felt him near my ear again.
"Why, Cordelia, you're not jealous, are you?"
"Who me? Jealous? God, no," I sputtered.
He laughed softly. "You know denial is a river in Egypt, right?"
"I'm not jealous, Jared," I huffed. "You can flirt with anyone you want to."
Another long pause and his hands grasped my shoulders, turning me to face him maybe? I held my breath, waiting for him to finally speak.
"The only person I want to flirt with is you."
"Oh." My stupid heart took off in a gallop.
"Yeah. Oh," he echoed.
"Um," I swallowed hard against the rising feelings swirling in my chest, "so what now?"
"I don't know. I think the ball is in your court. And there's something you should know..."
Every part of me strained to hear what he had to say next as I attempted to look in his direction. "What's that?"
"I'm a very patient man."
Oh damn.
Someone clapped loudly nearby. "Okay, folks!" Ranger Jim shouted. "Time to switch partners!"
"Fuck that," Jared said, leading me away from the noise behind us.
My God, the deep possessive way he said that was challenging all the feminism in my body. What was happening to me?
His hands dug into my shoulders as he continued to guide me, softly whispering directions that skimmed across my skin like a gentle caress. Even though I couldn't see a thing and the world was dark to me, I trusted him implicitly. I couldn't say why. It was just a gut feeling.
Just like how we'd slow danced at the gala, we moved together seamlessly, and I could feel the connection, that pull between us tightening with every step. The chatter of the group faded behind us, and I realized Jared was leading me deeper into the woods. Away from the others.
"Where are we going?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Somewhere a little quieter," he replied, his voice low, almost a rumble. "I think we need it."
I didn't argue, not even when the sounds of the others disappeared completely, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the occasional bird chirping. The forest felt more intimate somehow, like it was just the two of us in our own little world. I could feel the heat of his body close to mine, his hard chest brushing against me as we walked.
"Jared..." I started, but he cut me off.
"Just trust me. I won't let anything happen to you."
His words, his confident tone, sent a shiver down my spine, and after a few more steps, we stopped. He turned me to face him again, and I could feel his breath against my cheek, so close it made my heart pound.
I reached for the ties of my blindfold with trembling fingers, but his hands on mine halted my movement.
"Leave it on," he said.
Hesitating for only a moment, I decided to do as he asked. This side of Jared was making my stomach do flips, and even more so when he edged my back against the solid trunk of a tree and pinned my hands above my head.
Heat filled my core as he used his free hand to cup my cheek and jaw.
"It's just you and me now," he said, the tension crackling between us, anticipation thrumming in our shared air. "Do you feel it?"
"Feel what?" I breathed.
"Whatever's happening between us. You can't deny it."
My breath hitched at his words, how assertive and self-assured he was about this spark we had.
I licked my lips, my mouth suddenly dry, my lungs working overtime in this exploding heat, everything else in the world forgotten.
"Let me kiss you," he murmured, the vibration of his voice something I could feel.
Shocking even myself, I nodded my assent, and before I could second guess anything, his lips brushed against me, the lightest of touches, barely there, but it still sent a shock through my entire system.
My breath caught, and for a moment, the world stopped too. All that existed was this single point of contact where we touched, the warmth of his lips on mine, the way his big body pressed into me.
He made a noise deep in his throat, his hand tightening its grip on mine still pinned above my head, his other hand angling my mouth up toward his, his fingers splaying so wide on my face they spanned the side of my neck.
And then his lips were on me again, taking mine in a scorching hot kiss filled with a passion that curled my toes. My fucking God, Jared could kiss. Who the hell knew?
Parting my lips, I opened my mouth to his, and his tongue instantly found mine, making me melt against him with a moaned exhale.
Our passion exploded then, and he let go of my hands to wrap his arms around me, pulling me in so tight against him I could barely breathe. Needing to touch him myself, my hands slid up his back, feeling the heat of his body through his shirt.
"Hey, love birds!" Ranger Jim's booming voice echoed through the trees, startling me so much I nearly jumped out of my skin. "No getting lost in the woods now! We've got team-building to do!"
Jared pulled back, and I could feel his silent laugh more than hear it. "Damn it, Jim," he muttered under his breath.
How utterly embarrassing to be busted by fucking Ranger Jim.
I couldn't help but laugh too, the moment shattered in the most ridiculous way. "We should probably get back," I said, still breathless and slightly dazed.
"Yeah, we should." Jared sighed, frustration lacing his voice.
His hand on my lower back, he guided me toward the group, my whole world reeling with what had just happened between us.
And even more wild? I was kind of okay with it all.
Jared was slowly wearing me down, and although part of me was terrified, another even bigger part of me was thrilled. It'd been a long time since a man had pursued me like this, so doggedly, so determined to win me over, and it was exhilarating if I was being honest with myself.
When we reached the clearing, I could hear the voices of my co-workers again, and mortification settled in. "Is everyone staring at us?" I whispered in Jared's direction.
He chuckled. "Only Mona. And she's smiling."
Done with being temporarily sightless, I whipped off my bandana, immediately connecting with Mona's knowing stare. I shot her a look, but even I knew it had no heat.
Jared's hands left my body, and I ignored the sense of loss it gave me, instead focusing on my fellow workmates who thank fuck weren't paying us any attention, too caught up in their own tasks.
Ranger Jim blew a whistle, making me jump a little.
"Who the hell gave that man a whistle?" Jared muttered beside me.
"Great job, Insight Inkers!" he said, his voice ringing out in the otherwise quiet clearing. "We're off to a really great start today. Are we ready for the next thing?"
A few people said yes, but Ranger Jim wasn't happy with that.
"Oh, no, team. We need way more enthusiasm than that. Let me get a big yes on the count of three. One, two, three... Yes!"
More people joined in this time, and he was finally satisfied, beaming at us all.
"And our next task is something I'm sure you've all heard of before. A trust fall."
Groaning inwardly, I didn't think I trusted anyone enough to just fall straight back into their arms. When would this fucking torture end?
"Next time I see Max Sterling, boy, am I going to give him a piece of my mind," I said to Jared.
Jared glanced at me, unsuccessfully stifling a smile. "What does he have to do with any of this?"
"Well, I'm sure this was all his idea. It's just the kind of bullshit thing he'd push."
"Maybe he had no clue this was even happening," Jared argued.
"Why would you think that?"
"This has Veronica written all over it, don't you think? Or Nina in HR. Both of whom are conveniently not here."
It was interesting that he brought up Nina, the only person at Insight Ink who knew who I really was and agreed to keep my true name and identity hidden. Actually, she was an old acquaintance from college who'd helped me hatch this scheme one night when we'd run into each other at a happy hour.
"Now," Ranger Jim interrupted our discussion, "I need you all to change partners. Change. Partners." He looked pointedly at the two of us, the chipper bastard.
Not that it mattered really. Because despite the kiss we'd just shared and the feeling of ease I'd had during my blindfolded walk, I still didn't want to do a trust fall with Jared. Or anyone.
Maybe it was time to use the bathroom?
But there was no escaping this task, Mona coming up behind me and playfully pushing Jared aside. "Step aside, lover boy," she joked. "I was here first."
Great. Mona was even smaller than me. How was she going to catch me?
Jim encouraged us all to "give it a go," and I tried, I really did, but it was impossible to let my body just fall back like that. I kept stopping myself, bending, contorting, taking big steps, with every single co-worker that tried.
I did end up being really good at catching people, however. There was an art, a timing, to it that I hadn't anticipated, but working together—fucking teamwork—I didn't drop a single soul, even some much bigger guys.
Of course, I just had to keep an eye on Jared, my gaze always drawn to him, my senses tuned to his every movement. God, it was annoying.
But that kiss. I couldn't get it out of my head, how fucking good it was, how safe and secure I'd felt wrapped up in his large body, how much I wanted more.
It was his turn to catch me, but even then, I couldn't let myself go, much to Ranger Jim's dismay, who stood in front of me, doing his best to encourage me.
"You got this, Dee," Jim said.
Hearing him call me Dee rubbed me the wrong way. After umpteen tries, the man finally gave up.
I knew he wanted to ask who hurt me, but I honestly had no clue. No one really had. It was just an innate distrust I had in people in general. Or maybe it was growing up in the two-faced, backstabbing world of uber-wealthy society.
Ranger Jim blew his whistle. "Okay, folks, you did a fantastic job with the trust fall. Well, most of you." He shot me a look. It took a lot to get on the bad side of someone like Ranger Jim, but apparently I had. "We're going to take it easy for a bit with lunch, a low-key hike, and then..."
His eyes practically popped out of his head while we all collectively held our breath.
"And then, don't forget... we have that final frozen finale!"
"Ice cream?" someone asked.
"Watching the movie?" someone else pondered out loud.
"Snow cones?"
Jim simply shook his head, lips clamped together like he was having a hard time holding it in. Knowing Ranger Jim, it couldn't be good. The man was clearly a sadist.