by Clay, Verna
For a long moment he contemplated her. Then he said softly, "Let's go make some wonderful memories."
His sweet words touched the sorrow in Pilar's heart over her failed marriage, and she quickly glanced away, blinking rapidly. Max made no mention of her emotional state. Instead, he clasped her elbow and said, "My bum is already hurting just thinking about sitting on that mule. How long did you say it takes to reach the bottom?"
Pilar gained control of herself. "It's ten and a half miles, which equates to about five hours."
Max rubbed his behind and said, "Ouch!"
Pilar quirked a smile. "Come now, don't tell me Ruthless Rutherford is afraid of a little mule ride?"
Max grinned. "Not if there's a Jacuzzi waiting for me."
Pilar scrunched her face. "Sorry, Max, the cabins and dorms are rustic."
"Then maybe I can talk you into a back rub to soothe aching muscles."
Pilar lifted her eyebrows.
Max leaned in. "Okay, then how about I give you the backrub."
She laughed and started toward the barn. "You are incorrigible."
"I know," he laughed and followed her.
Inside the barn, Willie and Caleb were talking to Silas while he checked the cinches on the mules. He waved when he saw Pilar and Max enter. "Howdy, folks. Looks like a beautiful day for a mule ride." He said to Caleb, "Why don't you show our guests to the boarding area while me and the wranglers finish getting the mules ready."
"Sure thing, Dad." Caleb made a waving motion and headed back outside.
Within the hour, the mule train was ready for departure and Pilar sat atop her beast of burden. Willie and Caleb were in front of her and Max was behind. She turned to grin at him and teased, "Only five hours to go."
Max rolled his eyes and Pilar started to make another candid remark when the train moved forward. Instead, she said, "Phantom Ranch, here we come."
* * *
Max's mule clomped forward. This was going to be a long, uncomfortable journey. He'd done some backpacking with mule riding in Yosemite and other parts of the world, but had never become a fan of that mode of transportation. However, seeing Pilar and Willie's happiness just might change his mind. When Pilar had choked up earlier while conveying her sorrow over Willie's father, he'd wanted to pull her into his arms and smother her with kisses. He'd wanted to say impossible things—like he wished he was Willie's father, or any man who let her slip away was crazy.
Convincing himself it was just the surroundings that had him thinking such bizarre thoughts, he pushed them from his mind. Pilar turned and playfully stuck her tongue at him. The thoughts came crashing back.
Two hours later, while the group stopped to rest, not only was Max rubbing his behind, but Pilar was, too. "So I'm not the only one with a sore bum," he joked.
She looked up at him and made another adorable scrunchy face. He stepped closer and leaned to whisper in her ear, "If you rub mine, I'll rub yours."
"Max!" she exclaimed.
He glanced sideways into her eyes and smiled.
She said low, "We talked about this. Just friends…remember."
Max made a sad face. "Perhaps we were a little hasty."
Pilar shook her head. "Friends. Nothing more."
"Spoiled sport."
One of the guides called that it was time to continue and amidst groans, the group of twenty mounted and headed ever downward.
By six, they arrived at Phantom Ranch and Max was glad he'd brought ointment to rub on his aching muscles. He smiled when he considered teasing Pilar again by offering to rub it on her, too. Actually, he wouldn't be teasing. He'd like nothing better than to… Don't even go there.
Silas called for everyone's attention and welcomed them to the ranch. "If ya'll step closer, I'll give some instructions and a quick history lesson." He continued jovially, "There's a list with your accommodations posted on the outside wall of the lodge. After you're settled in, please check the area out, especially the Canteen where fabulous meals are served." He glanced toward the sky and continued, "Believe it or not, today is cooler than most days this time of year. During July our average high is 106, so today's 92 degrees is very refreshing."
The group laughed in disagreement and Silas said, "Our elevation is 2,460 feet, so we're 4,800 feet below the southern rim and 5,800 feet below the northern rim. The earliest this site has been dated for use by Native Americans is around the year 1050. For European settlers it's when John Wesley camped here in 1869. Gold prospectors swamped the area in the 1890s, and in 1913 President Roosevelt visited. After that, it became known as Roosevelt Camp. In 1922 the architect Mary Colter drew up plans for a permanent camp and suggested the name Phantom Ranch because of the Havasupai legend of a phantom emerging from the underworld through the canyon floor. It makes for a great campfire story." His words caused a slight stir among the visitors and several grins.
Silas made a waving motion toward the creek. "As for Bright Angel Creek, we hope ya'll will spend time enjoying its beauty and solitude and perhaps envision the Native Americans going about their daily chores, or gold prospectors searching for that elusive nugget, or President Roosevelt backpacking the area." He paused for air and chuckled. "I said a quick history lesson. But you see what happens when a high school history teacher gets wound up."
Someone called, "I wish I'd been in your class. At least you make it interesting."
Several people nodded and Silas replied, "Thanks, folks, now let's get ya'll situated. Some of you will be in dorms and some in cabins. Sorry, but the showers are centrally located, not in the cabins or dorms; however, your accommodations are air conditioned. Of course, if you have questions, don't hesitate to ask me or any of the workers."
Max walked with Pilar and Willie to the lodge and waited for fellow mule riders to scan the list and step aside. When there was an opening, they stepped onto the porch and located their names. He was in the men's dorm, of course, and Pilar and Willie were in cabin number seven. Willie exclaimed, "That's the same one we had last year."
Pilar said, "It sure is."
As they started toward their respective locations with plans to meet up again in ten minutes, Caleb called Willie's name and rushed toward them. He whispered in Willie's ear and Willie grinned. Pilar asked, "What are you boys cooking up?"
Willie said, "Caleb just asked me to stay with him in the dorm. Can I, Mom? If I traded places with Max, he could stay in the cabin with you. Please, Mom?"
Pilar stammered, "Ah, well…"
Caleb interjected, "Please, Mrs. Armstrong."
Pilar said, "Why don't you boys both stay with me in the cabin, It's got two bunk beds?"
Willie scuffed his hiking boot in the dirt. "Aw, Mom, staying in the dorm is more fun."
Max watched Pilar's discomfiture with amusement. She was as attracted to him as he was to her, and because of that, she wanted to avoid close quarters with him. He almost grinned.
Finally, she relented. "Okay boys, I can see how much it means to you. Max and I will share the cabin." She glanced at him and he kept a poker face.
Chapter 18: Oh, Sweet Heaven
Half an hour later, Pilar and Max met up with the boys in front of the Canteen. Sharing a cabin with Max had Pilar's heart racing furiously. He'd been overly polite when they'd entered the rustic room, and asked, "Which bunk bed do you want?"
The beds were positioned side-by-side with only a pace between them. "I'll take that one." She pointed to the one closest to the bathroom. Throwing her backpack on the top bunk, she said, "Excuse me," and entered the lavatory. Inside, she placed her hands on the sink and lowered her head. You can do this. You can do this. She lifted her head and stared at her rosy cheeks reflected in the mirror. I just know he knows I want to jump his bones. She lowered her head again. You can do this. You can do this.
Now, waiting in line to enter the Canteen, she tried to focus on her son's excitement. "Mom, after supper can we walk to one of the bridges?"
"Sure, there should be eno
ugh daylight for that." She turned to Caleb, "Why don't you ask your father if you can join us?"
Caleb grinned, "Yes, ma'am!"
Pilar turned to Max. "There are two suspension bridges in close proximity, Bright Angel Bridge and Kaibab Bridge. They're the only ones crossing the Colorado for over two hundred miles." Pilar suddenly felt embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Max. You've traveled so much, you probably already knew that."
Max gave her a strange look. "Honey, you can tell me anything, at any time."
Pilar's throat closed up and she looked away. The man had already edged his way into her heart, but now he was planted.
The line moved forward and they entered the dining room. Inside, rays of waning light streamed through the many windows and conversation buzzed. Max motioned to four empty chairs and Pilar nodded that they looked good to her.
Delicious bowls of hiker's stew was served and Willie and Caleb kept up a running conversation. Pilar knew the children were best buddies and it saddened her that they only had a few weeks together each summer. The boys finished their meals first and fidgeted in their chairs. She understood their impatience. "Willie, why don't you and Caleb run to my cabin and get my camera? That way, we can leave for the bridge from here."
"Okay, Mom! We'll be right back!"
Willie and Caleb rushed out the door and Max said, "Oh, to be that young and enthusiastic again."
Pilar teased, "Don't you feel young and enthusiastic, Max?"
Seriously, he said, "Sometimes I feel as old as Goody."
"Maybe it's your lifestyle. Maybe coming to Oasis will revive the boy in you. I know I've gotten back in touch with the girl in me."
Max smiled. "You are an amazing woman, Pilar."
She glanced away. "I'm not, Max. There's nothing amazing about me. I'm…"
Max leaned closer. "What?"
"Ordinary." She looked back at him. "And that's okay. I love my life. I love raising Willie. I love days like this. Days of adventure, friends, and good food." Pilar felt paralyzed by the intensity of Max's stare. If she didn't do something soon, she'd probably lean forward and kiss him. She cleared her throat and forced her gaze toward the windows. "The boys are back. Are you ready to leave?"
Max stood, reached for her hand and led her outside.
I can do this. I can do this. Pilar repeated the mantra in her mind.
It only took a few minutes to reach Bright Angel Bridge and Pilar reveled in walking over the raging Colorado River. Everyone paused in the center to enjoy a deepening azure sky and watch a flock of blackbirds. Max pointed past the blackbirds and said excitedly, "I do believe that's a condor!"
Pilar lifted her binoculars, which Willie had brought along with her camera. "Oh, my goodness, it is. Here, Max, look while I take a picture."
Max followed the flight of the bird through the binoculars and then handed them to Willie and Caleb. He said, "He's probably headed for his roost in the cliffs."
Pilar snapped several photos with her expensive, albeit outdated digital camera. It was one of the few items from her divorce that she'd taken with her. The camera was bulky, but it had a nice zoom and gave crisp pictures. She'd always loved photography and she hoped she'd have a photo worthy of enlarging and framing. There was an empty wall in her living room just waiting for the perfect picture.
The condor finally became a speck in the distance and Max led the way back to the lodge as the shadows deepened. After walking Willie and Caleb to the men's dorm, they returned to Cabin 7. Pilar lifted her camera and took a picture of the door.
Max laughed. "A picture of the door?"
She responded, "Yes. And now I need one of you standing in front of it. Right there." She pointed.
Max laughed again and moved into position.
After Pilar snapped another photo, she explained, "I always make a scrapbook of places Willie and I visit. Someday, when I'm old, I'll look back and relive these magic moments. And, hopefully, Willie will do the same. It's also a peek into our lives for future generations. I love studying old photos, especially of my family, and imagining their daily lives."
Max's laugh ceased. "Like I said before, you are an amazing woman."
Pilar's heart hammered. She made a waving motion as if brushing his comment aside, and entered the cabin. A few minutes later, she gathered her pajamas, old housecoat, toiletries, and said, "I'm off to shower and get rid of this trail dust."
Max said, "I'm right behind you."
By the time Pilar returned from showering in the women's building, Max had already returned. He was lounging on the lower bunk of his bed reading a James Patterson novel. Self-consciously, she pulled her old housecoat tighter and retied the belt. If Max had any romantic notions, her attire would surely turn him off—exactly what she wanted.
Pilar said a quick goodnight and Max responded in like manner, barely removing his eyes from his book. She climbed the ladder and took residence on the top bunk. Removing her housecoat, she tossed it on the bunk below and snuggled under her sheets and plumped her pillow.
Max closed his book and said he was ready to turn the light off, if Pilar was ready. Oh boy, was she ready. Seeing Max in a T-shirt and jogging shorts, with a pair of glasses perched on his nose, was one of the sexiest sights she had ever encountered. The man was flat-out gorgeous and she was practically panting after him.
Turning onto her side, away from Max, she said, "I'm ready when you are." Then she thought about what she'd said, and cringed. Why couldn't she have just said, "Turn the light out."
For the next hour Pilar tossed from side to side. She tried laying on her back and then her stomach, and then returned to her back, only to stare at the ceiling. Other than Max being in the same room, she knew what was wrong; she'd forgotten to grab a huggie pillow from the lower bunk. She knew that if she didn't snag it, she'd never fall asleep.
Quietly, she edged to the ladder and climbed down. Feeling gingerly for the pillow that would be her salvation, she grabbed it and slinked sideways, back to the ladder. Because she couldn't help herself, she turned to glance at Max, and, in the process, snagged her foot on the rug between the beds. She pitched forward and her involuntary yelp was loud enough to wake the dead. One minute she was flying through the air, the next, she was lying atop Max.
Complete silence blanketed the room and then Max said softly, "Hello, Pilar."
Pilar gasped and repeated her mantra as she started to rise. I can do this. I can do this. Just as she lifted her chest off of Max's, she said aloud, "I can't do this." She fisted his T-shirt and pulled herself downward, jamming her lips against his. Sighing into his mouth, she gave herself over to suppressed feelings so powerful she thought she was probably scaring the hell out of him. She couldn't help herself as she devoured his mouth and let her palms roam his chest and arms. Her new mantra became, Oh, sweet heaven.
Chapter 19: All Night Long
Max had been lying in bed listening to Pilar's movements and fighting the raging desire of his body, when the unbelievable happened. He'd been wishing he'd stayed in the dorm. At least, maybe then, he could have gotten some sleep. Seeing her after her shower with hair streaming down her shoulders and wearing that ridiculous housecoat, he'd been so aroused he'd had to bite his jaw. And when she'd retied the belt of the damn thing, he'd almost tossed his book aside, grabbed the belt, and used it as leverage to yank her against his body. He'd been imagining all kinds of ways to remove that housecoat when she'd climbed into bed.
After staring at the bunk above him for ages, he'd heard her climbing down the ladder. In the darkness, he could see her shadow and his heart slammed his chest. Was she giving in to the desire that flowed like electricity between them? Would she be joining him in his bed? He'd watched her bend into the lower bunk to retrieve a pillow and then move back to the ladder. His disappointment was so great, he'd been weighing his options of asking her to join him, jumping up and taking her into his arms, or remaining silent. When she'd turned around, his heart skipped a beat, and then, unexpectedl
y, she was flying through the air and landing on top of him.
He wanted to believe she'd purposefully thrown herself on him, but he knew she'd tripped. While he was still weighing his options, she'd covered his mouth with hot kisses and he'd gone straight to heaven. She'd even said, "Oh, sweet heaven." He couldn't agree more.
Framing her face with his hands, he angled it so he had unhindered access to her mouth and invaded it. Everything he did to her mouth, she reciprocated, until he was so ravaged by lust he jerked her beneath him, ripped off his T-shirt, and fumbled with the buttons on her pajama top. He reached the last one and all he could think about was being skin to skin with her. She moved her hands up his chest and then down to his abs, and he almost climaxed right then. He grabbed her hands and held them above her head. He whispered, "Oh, baby, my favorite song right now is, All Night Long." She whimpered and he pulled her now unbuttoned PJ open with his teeth. Lowering his body, he sighed when he felt her softness. Still holding her hands, he began slowly rubbing his chest against hers. She was voluptuous, pliable, and he dragged his mouth to her ear, teasing and tasting and loving the lingering fragrance of perfumed soap. Following the curve of her neck, he made a pit stop at her shoulder, and then trailed his lips to her breasts. He found what he wanted and she arched into him, moaning.
All night long, Max tasted, rubbed, fondled, gently pinched, kissed, and finally entered the body of the most desirable woman he'd ever been with. Sex with Pilar was indescribable and just when they started to fall asleep, she initiated another round. Heaven couldn't get any better than this.
* * *
Pilar stretched and yawned and felt something wonderfully warm against her body. She wrapped her arms around that something and sighed. She felt so languid and fulfilled. She was drifting back to sleep when a voice, rich and deep, chuckled next to her ear. "Are you ready for another go at it?"
