Cracking Bones

Chapter Twenty-Two

I know, I've been MIA for awhile, but I've had other projects on my mind. This will probably be a huge chapter, but there is a surprise new P.O.V. coming after this, so hang on. 

The rain still poured as we sat in the dry cave. Cadence was chewing on a piece of deer jerky as I told her of my weeks alone.

When I finished, she laid a hand on my arm. “That is so amazing. I knew you were strong, but I never dreamed you would come so far. I'm so proud of you.”

I closed my eyes and absorbed her words. Everything I had done, everything I had worked for was now worthwhile. Oddly enough, though I was overjoyed to see Cadence, it wasn't as though I was saved. More like complete. I knew I could survive without her. But I never wanted to have to again.

“What did you do? Where did you go?” I asked eagerly. I wanted to know every detail of her time away from me.

“About fifteen miles away is another cave that I knew of. It's bigger and easier to access than this one, but when we came, I knew you couldn't make fifteen miles. You were such a wimp,” she grinned. “Of course, that doesn't apply anymore....” she trailed off, her eyes traveling over my bare chest and arms. Her eyes snapped up to mine and she looked away, her face red. I was confused as to why, but I felt pleased by her attention.

“Anyway, I've been camping out there for the past few weeks. There's a small spring, not much, but enough. It was hard,” she admitted. “I missed you, a lot more than I thought I would.”

I was silent. I knew she felt some sort of an obligation to watch out for me, but missing me? My heart soared.

“Now for the big question,” Cadence said seriously. I snapped to attention. “Do you still think of me as your handler?”

I sagged in relief. “No,” I answered firmly. Cadence smiled. “Right answer.”

With nothing left to say, I stared at her. I felt strange. Like I couldn't breathe. My eyes settled on her lips. I couldn't remember ever loving a girl before, but I knew I was feeling something for Cadence.

“What does love feel like?” I asked curiously.

Cadence drew a sharp breath. “Why would you ask that?” she whispered.

“Because I think I might be falling in love with you,” I answered honestly.

She paused, then cleared her throat. “I'm not sure what the kind of love you're talking about feels like,” she explained, her voice shaky. Was she nervous? I guess I was too, now that I thought of it. I didn't know why though.

“I've heard it feels like you never want to leave the person. You feel like your life isn't complete without him. You can't stand to let him out of your sight,” she started to explain.

“This feeling is close enough,” I interrupted, my decision made. I leaned forward and kissed her, my hand cupping the side of her face. Her lips parted in shock, and then, miraculously, she kissed me back.

I closed my eyes, lost in the heavenly feeling. Abruptly, she broke it off. “We can't do this,” she gasped, her eyes wide.

I was genuinely confused. “What are you talking about?” I demanded.

She got to her feet and walked out into the rain, away from me.

“I liked it!” I called after her, getting up.

I followed her outside, refusing to let her out of my sight.

“Leave me alone, I need – I need time to think,” she yelled over her shoulder.