Chapter 5
Karen
"Oh, fuck no. Nooooo. Nope. No fucking way. Nope. Not happening. Fuck this. Seriously. No."
I stood with my back pressed against the cavern wall, the cool of the rock reassuring.
"Come on," Drake coaxed. "There's only one way out, and it's down. You did the rest of them. I promise this will be just as easy."
"I'm sorry, Drake. You're a really nice guy, but this is my home now. This is where I live." I lifted a hand to slap the rock behind me. "Just me, the cave and this very solid, very strong rock."
I heard sniggers from across the ledge and didn't have to turn to know it was Liam and Jay.
"Karrie—"
"Nope!" I shook my head fervently. "Will, you've sweet-talked me up to this point, but no more.
I am a strong independent woman who is refusing to fall for your golden gaze.
If this is the shelf I die on, then so be it.
You're attractive, but unless you're prepared to get naked and rub oil all over yourself, then there is no fucking way I am moving from this spot. "
Jay lost it, doubling over, his laughter echoing around the cavern.
"You know," Liam mused, tapping his cheek with one finger. "I reckon the old guy would do it if there was some baby oil around here."
Will flicked him the bird. "Shut the fuck up, Liam."
The kid grinned, his teeth flashing in the dim light. "Just saying."
"Shut it!" Will turned back to me, holding out a hand. "Come on, Karrie. You got this."
"I do not have this," I informed him primly. "I can assure you that if I get on this line, I will die. And if I die, that means I can't have dinner with you tomorrow night. So, your options are either allow me to die or allow me to live, and I might even let you visit."
Dane's shoulders began to shake, the strong, stoic man was actually laughing at me.
I don't care. Come hell or high water, I'm staying here.
"Look, I'm all for the low eco-living," Drake interjected, crouching before me.
"But the thing is, you stay, we all stay.
And the lights are on predetermined timers.
They only stay on for a few hours a day.
Now I'd be fine in the dark, but Dane here?
" He pointed at his husband. "The man still needs a nightlight. "
Dane snorted, rolling his eyes.
"So, your choice, Karen. We can all stay here and listen to Dane scream, or you can give it a go."
Will's fingers entwined with mine, his hand warm and solid. "No pressure."
I closed my eyes, sucking in deep, gulping breaths. "I hate this."
"I know. But you've done so well. One more obstacle, and that's it."
I tried to calm my racing heart. "Promise?"
"Swear it."
I nodded, keeping my eyes screwed shut. "Okay, I'm ready."
I heard Dane push off, heading down to the landing pad where he'd be waiting for us, trying desperately not to think about what was coming.
"What else is on this resolution list?" Will asked as Jay followed, hollering as he went.
"Skydiving."
Will snorted.
"Some kind of tantric yoga retreat."
"I thought that was a sex thing?"
I shrugged, my eyes still closed. "Maybe? Chrissy is desperate to get me laid."
Will muttered something under his breath. "And?"
"Meat load therapy. But Mistress H is doing that one."
"Is that a sex thing as well?" Will asked as Liam took off, letting out a 'yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker' shout.
"No, something to do with massages and rainforest noises. It's meant to be relaxing." I answered, still with my eyes closed.
The floor is solid. The floor is solid…
Will's hand settled between my shoulder blades, guiding me toward the zip line. "You want me to go first or after you?"
My hand shot out, finding his arm, fingernails digging in. "Don't you fucking leave me."
Will wrapped his arm around me, holding me close. "Don't worry, I got you."
As Drake quickly hitched me up, Will continued to soothe me, his voice warm and gentle.
"Ready, Karrie?"
I gulped, my eyes still squeezed shut.
"I don't know. Maybe?"
"Yes." Will squeezed my shoulders. "You are. And I'll be right behind you. Promise."
"Now?" Drake asked.
I nodded, gripping the handle on this one real tight. I sucked in a breath, leaned back, lifted my feet and—
"OH, MY FUCKING GAAAAAAWWWWWWWDDDDDDDD!" The shriek echoed through the cave, the giant gaping hole under my feet terrifying as I flew down the line.
"Yeah, Karen!"
"Go, Karrie!"
"You got it!"
The cheers rang in my ears as I forced my eyes open, staring at the walls as I raced down toward the small glow at the bottom.
I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die. I'm gonna—
A clip caught me, slowing my speed as Dane stepped up, catching me with a second loop and stopping me with a gentle jerk.
"You did it!" He held up a hand, and I automatically slapped it, looking back along the line for Will.
Jay and Liam crowded around, giving me high-fives and back slaps as we waited for Will to come down. The man did so quietly, grinning as he slid to a halt.
Will dropped to the ground, beaming at me. "Well done, Karen!"
I beamed, pumped up on endorphins. "Thank you! I couldn't have done it without you."
He wrapped me in a hug, giving me a tight squeeze. "Oh, you would have. It was all you."
Drake arrived, and, triumphant, we began the short trek back to the entry caves and out to the waiting minivan.
"You should join us for pizza," Jay said, dropping an arm around my shoulders. "The kids'll all be there, so it's a circus, but if you don't mind losing a finger or two, then we'd love to have you."
Will reached over, shoving Jay away. "He's joking. I try to break them of the biting habit the first week they arrive."
I grinned, dropping my voice so only Will could hear. "That's a shame. I don't mind a bit of rough."
As we stepped out into the afternoon light, I couldn't help but laugh at the red flush decorating his cheeks.
"So… pizza?"
"Love to."