Page 29 of Surviving Love

There was the sound of a splash, and when I looked over my shoulder, Jack was breaking the water’s surface, about ten feet from me. He shook his head vigorously, trying to get the water out of his hair. He seemed distracted as he focused on the fish wiggling on the end of his spear, and I didn’t think he’d seen me yet.

I cleared my throat. “Um… can you stay back? I don’t have any clothes on.”

He jumped at the sound of my voice and glanced up. “Mason? What are you doing here?”

“I was washing up.”

I expected him to turn around and leave, but he didn’t. He moved closer, his dark eyes pinned on me. “Sorry to intrude.”

If he was truly sorry, why wasn’t he leaving? I laughed uneasily as he came even closer. “I was hoping for some privacy.” I didn’t want to act like a blushing handmaiden, but I was acutely aware of being naked.

He ignored me and sniffed the air. “Do I smell peppermint?”

“It’s my soap.” I held up the small bar.

He narrowed his eyes. “You brought soap? Is that allowed?”

“Yes. It’s one of my luxury items.”

“But I mean, is soap okay to bring out here? Isn’t it bad for the environment?”

“This is all natural.”

“Ahhh.” He wiped drops of water from his face. “I didn’t think to bring soap.”

“What did you bring?”

“I brought a razor and coconut oil.”

“Because we don’t get enough of coconuts out here?”

He grinned. “This stuff is formulated for shaving.”

“I see.”

“I don’t like the stuff in the cans.” He avoided my gaze. “This stuff is good for other things too.”

“Like what?”

His lips twitched. “Use your imagination, Mason.”

I gave an uneasy laugh, now even more aware of my naked state. “I should probably let you get back to your fishing.”

“Right.” He grimaced. “Need to earn my keep so the tribe doesn’t vote me off the show.”

Guilt spiked through me, and I once more felt remorse that I was involved in the plan to blindside Jack. I was tempted to tell him not to trust Harold and the others, but I didn’t know if that was smart for my game.

He turned as if he was going to leave, but he hesitated. “Have you heard any strategizing about who the tribe wants to vote off tonight?”

I clenched my jaw and avoided his gaze. “Um… not yet.”

“Nothing?”

I shook my head. “I’ll keep my ears peeled.”

“My vote is for Luciano. He’s lazy and not great in the challenges.” He studied me. “Sherry says she’s cool with voting him off first. Harold agreed to vote for him too.”

“Is that right?”