Trevor jumps from analysis-paralysis into positivity. He trades sunsets for kissing and explores the mysteries in his heart before life smacks him upside his head in part eighteen.
Pages 33 and 34
Shaking away strange images coming from the lodge, he moved with furtive steps down the steep, muddy slope hoping not to startle her. That hope disappeared when he snapped every branch he had clung to while trying to avoid a landing with a loud, muddy splash.
She stood and together they sputtered their greetings, apologies, and laughter.
“Hello,” she said.
“Sorry I startled you,” he said.
“No, you didn’t. I heard you coming,” she laughed.
“I hope I didn’t frighten you,” he laughed.
Trevor’s attention was drawn to the scene behind her. “Oh, my God, look!” He whispered. The sunset was not only magnificent, but it had turned the entire lake into a swirl of pinks and blues. A graceful crane dipped low in his flight, searching for his evening dinner.
Catherine had turned to admire it and he heard her draw in a breath of amazement. Without going through his usual analysis, he watched his arms slide around her waist and his hands land gently on her stomach. His head lowered and he placed a sweet kiss below her left ear.
She jumped out of his loose embrace and turned to face him. She slapped her neck where his kiss and briefly rested. Haltingly she explained in a whisper, “Mosquito.” By the time she finished the third drawn out syllable, she had stepped back the same number of steps, then punctuated her statement by falling over a log.
Impetuous, he was never impetuous. Why did he kiss her? His hands were on her waist, for God’s sake!
He rushed to her and offered his hand to assist. “Here now, let me help you up. Are you all right? I’m so very sorry.” He managed to get her to her feet and they gently sat on the offending log together. “Miss Randolph,” he began.
She smiled.
He softened his voice. “I have no idea why I would do that.”
He felt her finger on his lips, effectively stopping his apology. She nearly stopped his breathing.
“You know why.”
Egad! and Enough! Until later.
.
Eleanor Tatum 
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