Hope for Love by Elizabeth Maddrey

Author:Elizabeth Maddrey [Maddrey, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JoNaTiMa Books
Published: 2020-07-13T16:00:00+00:00

Every muscle in her body ached. That was the first thing Sophie noticed when she woke. She was also warm. And there was something warmer and heavy wrapped around her. She shifted slightly and pried her eyes open.

Pine needles. Why was all she could see above her pine needles?

Oh, right.

The events of yesterday came rushing back and she identified a rock poking her hip. Sophie looked down to see Royal’s arm around her waist. Which meant she was warm because— she glanced over her shoulder— Royal was snuggled against her back.

The furniture pads had been surprisingly good blankets. Though it would have been nice to have more of them along for extra padding between her and the ground. As much as Sophie enjoyed the outdoors—horseback riding, hikes, even the occasional kayaking trip when people wanted to make the drive to do it—camping was not her thing. Especially not camping without the comforts of a tent, sleeping bag, and air mattress.

Gingerly, Sophie eased away from Royal, careful to cushion his arm so it didn’t fall and wake him. There was a nip in the morning air once she was away from the blanket, but she was wearing enough layers that it wasn’t too bad.

And she needed to get some distance between her and Royal.

They hadn’t started out snuggled together. Who had moved?

She frowned as she looked at him and tried to remember where they each had been when they’d said good night. Maybe they’d both moved.

Her stomach growled.

She’d kill for coffee.

She might as well wish for pancakes, bacon, and eggs to go with it.

Trying to be as careful and quiet as she could, Sophie wandered deeper into some trees to take care of the inelegant process of going to the bathroom in the wild. At least their low supply of food and water meant she didn’t have to do it very often.

Finished, she headed back to their makeshift camp near the side of the road. Royal was still sleeping. How?

Sophie powered her phone back up so she could check the time. The sun was up, so they might as well start their plodding toward the more major road. If they started soon, they ought to be able to get there around lunchtime.

She knelt on the blankets and gave Royal’s shoulder a little nudge.

Nothing.

She shook his shoulder a little harder. “Royal? We should get up.”

“Mmm. ’Kay. Jus’ a minute.” His voice was slurred, sleepy. His hand slid up her leg and hip to her waist. “Or we can stay here.”

“Royal.” Sophie wasn’t sure what to do with all the nerve endings in her body firing at once. She gave his shoulder another wiggle. “Come on. Wake up.”

“Don’t wanna.” His eyes cracked open and his smile shot straight to her heart. “Morning.”

“Hi.” It was a stupid response, but Sophie had only the slipperiest grasp on her language skills, so she went with it.

Royal pushed himself up and stretched his arms above his head. His shoulders popped. He rolled his head on his neck and sighed as he scooted away.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.