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“Okay, last step is to take these ropes and tie them off to the trees. It will keep the top from bowing.” He has to raise his voice over the wind.
My teeth are chattering as I take the nylon cord and run to the nearest trunk. I have to run all the way around the tree because it is so wide. There isn’t quite enough to tie it. Bracing myself, I try to pull as hard as I can.
Come on donuts, don’t fail me now.
With numb fingers, I wrap the short tail around my palm and try to gain another inch or two. I just need it to reach the other part.
Digging both heels into the trunk of the tree, I lean back and heave. It’s almost slow motion as my frozen hand slips and I fall backwards.
Until I’m caught by two strong gloved hands.
“I got you.” The heat of his breath pours over me before the chilly gale rips it away. I catch just a whiff of his earthy scent before he plants me firmly on my feet and steps away.
Fetching the dangling end of the rope, he pulls it around and knots it.
“Get in the tent.” He glances down my body. “You look cold.”
“You’re always saving me, aren’t you?” I do as he requested, fumbling for the zipper before crouching in through the small door.
“Seems that someone has to keep an eye on you,” he chuckles as he drags the wooden box under the small eave over the door.
This tent is painfully small. Barely enough room for both of us. As he unfurls the sleeping mat and bag, I have to squeeze into the corner to avoid stepping on it.
Damn, I’m cold. I can’t stop shivering.
“Go ahead and crawl in. You need to warm up.” He unfurls the top layer and holds it up for me.
“That’s your sleeping bag. I can’t take it.” There’s no heat in my arms wrapped around my stomach.
He shakes his head. “It’s fine. I run hot. Just save me some room on the mat.” His lips and ears flatten and his eyes narrow. “I won’t touch you.”
I swear he almost looks like he’s going to be sick. Do I disgust him?
This is a bit of a change. I think he’s the first person I’ve ever been around who legitimately doesn’t want any part of me.
Not even a kidney or an eyeball.
It feels weird and liberating as I tuck myself into the silky smooth fabric of the heavy covers.
Curling into a ball, there’s a logical part of my brain that tells me that the purpose of the insulation is to reflect my own heat back at me.
The problem is, I have none to give.
My clothes are soaked and create a chilling barrier.
Screw it, he’s already seen me.
“What are you doing?” He raises his brows while his hands freeze holding more of those little food packets.
“I gotta get these off.” As I’m pulling the clinging shirt over my head, he holds a bag of lasagna in front of his face to block his view.
Really? He doesn’t even want to look? I thought seducing guys was supposed to be easy. I need to win him over before he dumps me off at the next town. It isn’t going to happen with my knot tying skills.
“Am I that ugly?” Maybe I am? It’s not like anyone who was cutting me open cared what I looked like.
Those gray eyes peek over the top of the silver pouch. “Far from it, Hope.” His words come out husky as he turns them to the fluttering top of the tent. “I’m just trying not to be an ass.”
“Yea, well, you’re kinda cute when you blush, Clifford.” I slide back between the layers and immediately regret that decision.