Page 58 of Surviving Love

“Works for me.” I smiled.

He went back to gouging pieces of coconut from the shell. “I guess all we can do now is wait to see if the show continues.”

“Yep. Everything hinges on this weather.”

As if on cue, the shelter shuddered as another gust of wind hit it. I gave a heartfelt sigh, resigned to what would probably be another wet stormy night.

Chapter Twelve

Midday, the rain seemed to lessen a bit. Jack left me at the shelter to go check on the creek. When he returned, I could tell from his solemn expression it was too soon to try and cross.

“No luck?” I asked as he sat inside the shelter.

Wiping water from his face, he said, “No. It’s way too dangerous without ropes or something to anchor us.”

“Damn.”

“Yeah.” He blew on his hands. “My fingers are so waterlogged.”

“Me too. This is really dreadful. I’ve never been wet for this long of a stretch.”

“I have.”

“Of course, you’re Grizzly Adams. You’ve seen it all.”

He scowled at me. “There you go, mocking me.”

“I’m actually complimenting you. You’re knowledgeable about this outdoor stuff. I know where you live is very different from this place, but you’ve still managed to thrive out here.”

“The tropical environment definitely puts a new spin on things. It gets way colder in Colorado, but it’s usually dry enough I can get a fire going. Everything here is sopping wet. Even with flint it would be a challenge to get a fire started.”

“You did it back at camp.”

“It hadn’t rained for so many days without stopping. I’m not saying I wouldn’t be able to do it, but it would take a while.” He blew out a long breath. “I’m beat. I need protein to get my strength back.”

“I’m regretting every meal at Outback Steakhouse I didn’t finish.”

He grinned. “Same. I’ll always clean my plate from now on.”

“Are your brothers interested in survival stuff like you?”

“No.” He laughed. “Much to my dad’s disappointment. Lex is a Realtor, and Garrett is a cop.”

“Wow, that’s three very different sons.”

“We are different, but we’re close. Garrett was pissed that I got picked for the show because he tried out too.”

“Ahhh, sibling rivalry. I didn’t have to deal with that.”

“No.” He studied me. “Having brothers was great, but I’m sure there are perks to being an only child.”

“Maybe in a normal family.”

He frowned.

“My mom doted on me, but it was too much. I missed out on so much because she didn’t want me out of her sight. I never got to go to other kids’ birthday parties or school dances.”

“She wouldn’t let you go?”