His hand slid from her face to her neck. “Are you saying you want to—”
She reached up and stopped his hand before it could move any lower. “No, I’m not. I may want to, but we’re not going to.”
His hand turned and held hers tightly. “Why not?”
“Because I don’t want to get hurt.”
“I wouldn’t hurt you.”
“You wouldn’t intend to. You wouldn’t want to, but I don’t take sex casually.”
“Who says it would be casual?”
“Circumstances. When the reunion is over, you’ll go back to Montana, and I’ll go home to Seattle. There’s a whole state between us.”
He let out a long breath and gave her hand a final squeeze before shifting back onto his side of the tent. “Then we won’t.”
“Just like that?”
“I like you. I think you’re pretty and funny, and yes, sexy as hell. But I respect you too much to push you. I value your friendship.”
Her voice caught in her throat. “Thank you.”
“I won’t push, but I’m not going anywhere, either. I’ll be right here when you change your mind.”
Kate smiled at his cocky self-assurance, but some of the tension drained out of her. “Don’t you mean if?”
“I’m not as noble as I sound. I mean when.”
She pushed her toes under Lucy’s warm body. “We’ll see about that. Goodnight, Tyler. Sweet dreams.”
****
Tyler woke from his dreams with a raging hard on. Pushing up on his elbow, he glanced over at Kate in the dim, early morning light. She was still asleep, thank God. Quietly, he pulled on his jeans, grabbed his sweatshirt, and slipped out of the tent.
Birds chirped sleepily in the pole pines, and nearby he heard the crackle of another camper’s morning fire. He would have liked nothing better than to crawl back in the tent and curl up next to Kate, kiss her awake, and run his hand across her gorgeous, creamy skin. Which was exactly why he was standing out in the cold right now, shivering. At least the chilly temperature took care of the boner. He rubbed his scratchy jaw. Traveling with Kate might be a little more complicated than he’d expected.
He started a fire and put coffee water on to boil. Taking his shaving kit, he headed for the bathroom. As he approached the building, he heard raised voices. A park ranger stood beside an old Ford pickup with a camper on the back. It was parked in a cleared spot next to the road.
“I don’t care if all the campsites are full. You can’t stay in an undesignated spot.”
An older man wearing a flannel shirt stood in the camper doorway, arguing. “I’m not hurting anything. If you ask me, these government run parks have too many rules.”
“I don’t make the rules. I just enforce them. I won’t write you a citation, but I’m asking you to move your vehicle.”
The man’s gaze strayed to Tyler as he passed. “Fine, I’m leaving, but I ought to write my congressman. I pay taxes, so, technically, you work for me.”
Tyler grinned, admiring the old guy’s spunk. By the time he finished shaving, the old man and his camper were gone. As he neared their site, he saw Kate standing by the fire. She wore a heavy quilted jacket and a knit hat with a pompom on top. Holding her hands out to the fire, she yawned wide enough to crack her jaw.
“Did you sleep well?”
She jumped and pressed her hand to her chest. “Who are you, Natty Bumppo, sneaking up on a person that way?”
“Sorry.” He bent and petted Lucy. The dog danced around his feet, begging for attention. He checked the pot of water boiling on the stove. “I’ll have coffee ready in a minute.”
“Then you’re definitely my hero.”
Kate fed Lucy and got out packets of instant oatmeal while he made the coffee. “What do you want to do today,” she asked, taking the steaming enamel cup from him.
“Careful, it’s hot. I don’t know. We’re a bit limited with Lucy. Dogs aren’t allowed on any of the back country trails.”
“I guess I’ll stick to the paved paths near the road, then. I’m happy anywhere as long as I have a drawing pad and a view. Wildlife is a big bonus.”
“That’s right, you’re working. I probably shouldn’t do a whole lot of hiking, either, not until my ankle is stronger.”
Kate looked up from her contemplation of the fire. “You aren’t using your crutch this morning. I didn’t even notice.”
“The ankle feels a lot better. It isn’t a hundred percent, but it’s getting there.”
“That’s great.” She set her empty coffee cup on the table. “I’m starving. Let’s eat.” She held up two packets of oatmeal. “Apples and cinnamon or maple and brown sugar?”
“I’m partial to brown sugar.”
“And I like apples.”
He stepped up behind her and gave her shoulders a squeeze. She turned to look up at him. With her face free of makeup and an innocent look in her sky blue eyes, her natural beauty took his breath away. But he’d promised not to push, so he resisted the urge to kiss her. “We make a good team. No fighting over breakfast.”
She nodded and pulled away slightly. “Too bad life is more complicated than instant oatmeal.”
****
Kate sat on the ground, legs crossed, drawing pad on her lap, pencil flying over the page. Thirty yards away near the bank of the Yellowstone River, a small herd of bison cropped grass in the Hayden Valley. Every once in a while one would lift its shaggy head and look in their direction. Even from this distance, she saw the beady look in its eyes, daring her to move closer.
Tyler cleared his throat. “Kate, I don’t like the way the big one is eying us. Our chances of outrunning him to the car probably aren’t great.”
“Almost done. Just a few more minutes.” She added details, wildflowers tangled in the long grass, the glint of sunshine off the water, the great beast’s expression as it stared at her. Her pencil stilled. “Maybe we’d better go.”
He reached down and gave her a hand up. “I took a dozen photos. Better to be safe than sorry.”
Slowly they retreated, giving the bison another twenty yards of space. Feeling a little safer, she turned and picked up the pace. “Weren’t they absolutely incredible?”
“They were, but the big one looked like he had a point to make, and I didn’t want to be on the receiving end of it.”
Kate grinned. As they approached the car, she heard Lucy barking. “My poor baby didn’t like being locked up away from all the action.”
“Your poor baby would have started a stampede. We’d better leave the top up until we’ve put a little distance between us and the wildlife.”
“Lucy’s too smart to jump out of a moving car,” she said, unlocking the door.”
Tyler climbed inside, pushing the dog into the backseat. “Let’s not test your theory.”
Any number of cars had stopped, and people lined the road, taking photos of the bison. He pointed at a camper parked a few spaces up and chuckled. “The guy who drives that heap got busted by a ranger this morning for camping illegally. He looked angrier than the bison.”
Kate stared at the vehicle as they passed. “That’s strange. I could swear it’s the same camper we saw yesterday. Maybe you have a secret admirer.”
“Just my luck, an old dude with a gray ponytail instead of a hot little co-ed.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “I bet you’re the real attraction.”
“Not likely. Do you think it’s safe to put the top down now?”
“Sure.” She pulled over, and Tyler pushed the button to lower the retractable roof. “What do you want to do next?”
“I guess that depends on where we’re going to stay tonight. Do you have any ideas?”
He pulled the road map out of the glove box. Their shoulders bumped as they studied it, and she leaned closer, enjoying the contact.
“We could eat lunch at Yellowstone Lake and leave the park by the East entrance. That seems like the most direct route back to I-90.”
Her s
houlders sagged. “I read a pamphlet about wolves. It said the best place to see them is in the Lamar Valley at dusk.”
“Then we’ll leave by the Northeast corner instead. We can still have a picnic at the lake if you’d like.”
“Are you sure?” She pointed to a thin gray line on the map. “It doesn’t look like much of a road back to the main highway.”
“I know the road. There are unbelievable views along that stretch, and we’re in no hurry.”
She smiled. “I realize our chances of seeing wolves are slim, but just imagine if we did.”
“Maybe we’ll get lucky.”
Kate felt color creep into her cheeks as she pulled back onto the road. The double entendre in his words hadn’t escaped her, though she knew it wasn’t intentional. It was her own prurient imagination working overtime, hearing sexual innuendos where none existed. She’d lain awake for hours last night, listening to Tyler’s even breathing and almost wishing he’d pushed past her line of defenses.
For twenty-five years she’d wondered what it would be like to kiss Tyler North. Now she was wondering about a lot more than a kiss, and it wasn’t just idle curiosity. It was an ache inside her, a need she wasn’t sure she could resist.
He snapped his fingers, and Lucy let out a sharp yelp. Kate jumped and took her foot off the gas. “I’m sorry, did you say something?”
“I said that looks like a good place to stop for a picnic. Outstanding views of Yellowstone Lake and not too many people around.”
She pulled off the road and parked, staring out across the huge expanse of deep blue water. “It’s gorgeous.”
“You were a million miles away. What were you thinking about?”
She pushed her sunglasses more firmly onto her nose. “Just something I’d like to do.”
“Tell me what it is, and we’ll do it.”
“I’m still weighing the pros and cons. Let’s go eat. I’m starving.”
He laughed. “I like that about you, Kate. You’re a woman who isn’t afraid to admit when she’s hungry. You always seem to know exactly what you want.”
She knew what she wanted, all right, but getting it might cost her more than she could afford.
****
They ate dinner at the Roosevelt Lodge then headed east along the Lamar River. The sun was sinking below the hills, casting shadows across the wide open valley. Tyler drove while Kate gazed out at the spectacular scenery. Leaning forward in her seat, she reminded him of a child waiting for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Suddenly she stiffened.
“Stop, Tyler, stop! Do you see them?”
He pulled to the edge of the road and looked in the direction she was pointing. A group of dark shapes ran parallel to the river. He squinted, making out low slung bodies and shaggy fur, pointed noses and sharp ears. They faded into a clump of trees, and he let out his breath. He hadn’t realized he’d been holding it.
Her hand clamped down on his arm. “Did you see them?” The feel of her warm fingers on his skin sent a jolt of awareness through him. In the distance he heard a long, mournful howl. Kate’s grip tightened.
Lucy whined and pushed between their seats, wiggling onto Kate’s lap. Tyler could see her shaking. “Apparently your dog isn’t a fan of wolves.”
“My poor girl.” Kate stroked her fur until the dog’s trembling subsided. “They took my breath away.”
“Ranchers aren’t usually wolf supporters, but I have to admit they were magnificent. I’m glad we waited to leave.”
“Oh, so am I.” She let out a little sigh as he pulled back onto the road. “I know we couldn’t see them very well, but if I can capture the emotion of that moment in a picture, I’ll be thrilled.”
He listened to the excitement in her voice as she talked about her work. It was the same way he felt when he was playing his guitar or writing a new song, getting the music just right, the words perfect. He hadn’t felt that excitement, that feeling of fullness in his chest, often enough in the last ten years. Listening to Kate’s bubbling enthusiasm made him want it back.
The last of the light faded as they left Yellowstone behind. The headlights cut through the dark, illuminating the winding mountain road. They turned right onto the Chief Joseph Highway, and the temperature dropped as they gained elevation.
“I bet we’re missing some spectacular scenery,” she said, reaching for her jacket in the backseat.
He glanced her way. “I’ve been across this road before. It really is beautiful.”
She chewed on her bottom lip. “Should we stop for the night?”
“Where? I don’t think there’s a campground near here.”
“Maybe we can just pull over and pitch the tent.”
Obviously the thought of peeing behind a bush didn’t faze Kate. “I’m game. Keep an eye out for a likely spot.”
A mile up the road he turned onto a rutted dirt track. Cringing as the undercarriage of the car scraped against rocks, he decided they’d gone far enough. He stopped the car and raised the convertible top. The ticking of the cooling engine blended with the sound of crickets in the still night.
They set up the tent on a level, grassy spot. Tyler spread out their sleeping bags while Kate brushed her teeth, and a few minutes later they were both ready for bed. In the cramped tent, he pulled off his clothes and crawled into his bag, giving Lucy a shove when she lay down on his feet. Kate was moving around on her side of the tent. He forced his gaze toward the wall, trying not to imagine her lifting her shirt over her head, unfastening her bra.
Headlights flashed through the darkness, and a vehicle slowed on the road. He heard the engine idle for a minute before the driver moved on. Kate was finally still. Outside something rustled in the underbrush, and Lucy growled low in her throat.
“Tyler?” Her voice quavered.
“It’s probably just a raccoon.”
He heard a loud thump, followed by a grunt. “That’s no raccoon,” she whispered. “It sounds like a bear!”
Chapter Six
As much as Kate loved animals, the thought of a bear sniffing around their tent sent goose flesh rippling over her skin. She shivered and scooted up tight against Tyler. He wrapped his arms around her.
“It won’t bother us,” he whispered, his breath warm in her ear.
“What if it’s a grizzly?”
“We’ll be fine. We don’t have any food in here with us.” He reached out and laid his hand on Lucy’s head, stroking her. The dog’s low growl quieted. If he stroked her that way, Kate thought she might relax, too.
Sticks snapped under heavy paws, and a big shape brushed the side of the tent. She cringed. There were a few grunts and snuffles, then silence. Her heart pounded in her chest.
“I think it’s gone.” Tyler got up on his knees and unzipped the tent door. A minute later he zipped it shut and lay back down. “It left.”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive.” He pulled her close. “You’re shaking.”
“I guess it was the adrenaline rush. I’m not usually such a scaredy cat.”
“Bears have big teeth and long claws. I was a little nervous, too.”
She wrinkled her nose. “That thing smelled horrible.”
“You don’t.” He pressed his nose into her neck. “You smell like those little flowers on the vine.”
Her toes curled. “Honeysuckle. It’s my moisturizer. Tyler—”
“Let me hold you for just a minute.” His hand touched her hair and slid down her cheek. “Your skin is so soft.”
She turned her face, and his nose bumped hers. Slowly he tilted her chin and kissed her. His lips were firm and gentle, exploring, questioning. When she let out a tiny sigh, he deepened the kiss. His tongue touched hers, and she shuddered. The kiss was all she had ever imagined it would be and more. Her blood heated, and her defenses melted. She reached up and sunk her fingers into his silky hair.
“Jesus, Kate, I can’t get enough of you.” His mouth was hot and demanding. Shifting, he pressed
her down into the nest of sleeping bags. His hands cupped her face as his mouth ravished hers.
Through a haze of desire, she realized the sleeping bag was slipping downward. Tyler’s bare chest rested on her thermal covered breasts. With infinite care, she trailed her fingers down the hot, tough skin of his back and felt him shudder. Deep inside she ached, wanting to be even closer. A tiny shred of self-preservation tugged at her conscience, growing stronger until she could no longer ignore it.
“Tyler, we can’t.”
His lips ran down the side of her neck and across her collarbone, stopping at the edge of her shirt. His hand settled heavily over her breast. Her nipple tightened. “Are you sure?”
She closed her eyes, fighting against her own longing. “I’m sure.”
Slowly his hand withdrew, and he flopped over onto his back. She could feel his chest rising and falling with his labored breathing.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” He reached out, found her hand in the darkness, and squeezed it. “I shouldn’t have let it go so far. I got a little carried away.”
“We both did.”
“Then we’ll take a step back. I’m not that horny eighteen-year-old you remember from high school. Over the years I actually developed self-control.”
“I probably have too much. Some people might call me repressed.”
She could feel his gaze on her in the dark. “When I look at you I see passion, for your work, for the environment. It’s in your voice when you talk about your son. I feel it when you touch me. You’re definitely not repressed.”
Her heart clenched. “Thank you.”
He was silent for a long moment before asking, “What happened to your marriage? I would image you as loyal to the end, even if you weren’t happy.”
“I was never unhappy. Ben and I shared a quiet, stable love. We enjoyed each other, but—”
“He didn’t rock your world.”
She smiled. “I didn’t rock his, either. Ellie, his new wife, does. She’s younger and more outgoing. Ben and I were too much alike. As painful as it was, we finally realized we would turn into our grandparents before we were forty if we didn’t get away from each other. It was a wise decision.”
Lonely Road to You (Class of '85) Page 6
