Page 38

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

A flash of lightning illuminated the cave for a breathtaking moment. In the dimness that followed, Olivia felt Tyson’s hand gently brush a damp strand of hair from her cheek.

“Olivia,” he whispered.

Something in his voice made her heart quicken.

She turned fully toward him as another lightning flash brightened the cave.

Their eyes met, and everything—the assignment that led her here, the dangers she’d been facing—all faded.

Without hesitation, she leaned forward, closing the distance between them.

Tyson’s lips met hers with surprising tenderness. The kiss was gentle and questioning at first. But it deepened as she responded.

The taste of mountain air and rainwater lingered on Tyson’s lips.

For a perfect moment, there was only the warmth of his touch against the cool cave air. The steady drum of rain that created a private world where nothing existed beyond the two of them.

Olivia didn’t want the moment to end.

They finally pulled apart, both slightly breathless.

Thunder rumbled in the distance—no longer threatening, but somehow a perfect accompaniment to the moment they’d just shared.

A goofy smile spread across her lips. “Did you plan on doing that?”

Tyson caressed her arms. “No, I didn’t. But I also didn’t plan on having feelings for you.”

They smiled at each other again, breathing in the moment.

Eventually, the pitter-patter stopped, and the rain dripped away. Tyson loosened his hold on her and shifted his weight. His hands slid to her shoulders, and he rubbed them.

“Ready to get out of here?” he asked.

“You have to ask?”

Maybe everything would be okay, Olivia told herself. Just maybe.

* * *

Tyson and Olivia climbed out of the cave and stood on the wet ground.

With some work they managed to get on the trail. Tyson had to help pull Olivia along a couple of times.

They then trekked back to his truck.

Donald waved at them from his vehicle.

Tyson opened the door for Olivia. “Here—you can sit down and warm up.”

Though the day had started hot, the storm had brought cool air with it. That, mixed with their wet clothes, made for a bad combination.

He’d seen Olivia shivering and wished he had something to give her.

Before closing her door, he leaned toward her and planted one more kiss on her lips.

When he pulled away, she grinned.

Even with her wet hair clinging to her neck, the mud across her forehead, and her wet clothes, she’d never looked more beautiful.

He closed the door before hurrying to his side of the truck.

He reached into the back seat to grab an extra blanket he kept there. He handed it to her, hoping it would keep her warm.

As he straightened, his gaze skimmed the bed of his truck.

His breath caught.

Roses were there.

Six roses.