Page 81 of Far From Sherwood Forest

The grin that stretches across her face is big. “I missed you. We should have a sleepover tonight.”

I arch a brow. “I wanted to murder you all of five seconds ago, and now you want a sleepover?”

She shrugs, a kind of adorable mischievous glint in her eyes. “We could do each other’s hair and nails and gossip about boys.”

Rolling my eyes, I push off the tree and start to walk away. When Ivy is silent behind me and I don’t hear her following, I peer over my shoulder to see her head down, staring at the ground.

“Well?” I bark at her. “Are you coming?”

She looks back up, her smile returning. “Really?”

“I’m not promising not to kill you in your sleep, but…I could use the company,” I admit.

Skipping forward, she links her arm with mine, and we start heading down the trail toward my truck.

A few months ago, I never would’ve let all of this go so easily. I wouldn’t have let her touch me. I wouldn’t have admitted to not wanting to be alone.

Maybe Robin did save me in a way after all.

It’s been over a week since I’ve heard from Henry. I’ve wanted to give him space, but I’m starting to worry I was foolish to cling so tightly onto hope.

At least the Merry Men are here, and I’ve been able to distract myself every night while we drink around the fire. They haven’t been staying in the bunkhouse just in case Lucas comes around, instead camping out in the woods at the edge of the property. They’re more used to that anyway. But it’s been nice having them around, not able to spend all my time sulking.

None of us know when the Spirit will send us back to Sherwood Forest, but the more time that passes, the more anxious I get.

What if Henry doesn’t come? And what if I can’t come back?

John hasn’t said if he’s coming with us, and I haven’t pressured him. If we can’t come back to this place, I don’t think Iwanthim to come. His happily ever after is here, and I don’t want him to give that up.

Spencer and I did a wildlife tour at the park today, and itwas nice enough outside that I didn’t need a jacket. The weather has been warming up, which is perfect timing because I’ve been dying for a swim. Preferably, one that doesn’t end with a lecture from John.

After the tour, I drive deeper into the park toward my favorite spot. I’m surprised to see Henry’s truck parked back here and consider turning around and trying again tomorrow instead.

I want to give him space, but…I really want to fucking see him.

Parking my truck beside his, I get out and head into the trees. It’s not too long of a walk to the waterfall, and when I get close, I slow my steps to be quiet, curious what he does when no one else is around. Fortunately, the soft hush of the waterfall helps to muffle my approach.

Sunlight pours in through the opening in the canopy of the forest over the pool, making the water sparkle. Henry floats on the surface, his face turned to the sun, his eyes closed and his breaths slow and steady.

He looks peaceful.

And fucking gorgeous.

My heart aches, wanting to be close to him, but I don’t want to ruin whatever moment he’s having. However, when I turn to leave, a twig snaps beneath my boot. I freeze, wincing. When I look back at Henry, he’s upright, running a hand through his wet hair, his eyes on me. Beads of water drip down his shoulders and trail through the hair on his chest.

I want to lick it all off.

“Spying on me?” he asks, speaking up over the distance between us and the soft rumble of the waterfall behind him.

I cross my arms over my chest and grin. “You’re the one who stole my spot.”

“It’s a good place to think. And to be alone.”

My grin falls. “Is that what you want? To be alone?”

He stares at me for several seconds, the water trapped in his hair and beard shimmering in the sun like glitter. His chest rises with a deep breath, and he slowly shakes his head.

Taking a few steps forward, I move closer to the edge of the pool. His gaze holds mine as I start unbuttoning my park shirt while toeing off my boots. I strip down to my underwear, leaving my clothes and boots in a heap on the forest floor.