Page 20 of Wandering Wild
Scarlett laughs and jumps in to say, “I promise we don’t want your children, firstborn or otherwise.” Her features soften with understanding. “You’re smart to be careful, but don’t you think your stepdad would have done his due diligence?” She taps Jerry’s name, and I realize she’s right. His mother was a lawyer, so he knows not to mess around with contracts, nor would he sign anything without reading every single word.
Ember shifts closer, as if she’s preparing to have my back should I refuse to cooperate, and that alone gives me the courage to mutter, “Fine,” before I autograph it with a flourish.
“Your turn, Zan,” Gabe says.
There’s a crease in Zander’s brow as he copies my actions and scrolls, scrolls,scrolls, but then he too gives in and signs the last page.
“Wonderful,” Scarlett says, reclaiming the tablet. “With that done, let’s go introduce you to Rykon.”
Butterflies swarm in my stomach as we follow her back out into the crisp morning air. My nerves don’t make sense, since it’s not as ifI’ma superfan of Hawke’s—but then I realize they’re likely covering the deeper heartache I’m feeling at being so close to someone who my mum would have given anything to meet.
I swallow and shove that thought away, burying it with all the emotions I’ve locked deep inside for the last six months.
“I’m so excited I can barelybreathe,” Ember says as we walk toward the second shed-like building, this one bustling with the most activity.
“I take it you’re a Hawke fan?” Zander asks, matching his pace to ours.
“Don’t worry.” Ember grins at him. “You’re still my favorite.”
His eyes are bright as they catch mine. “At least someone likes me.”
“You’re hardly short on admirers,” I reply. “One person not falling at your feet is good for you. Keeps your ego in check.”
“Are you saying I should thank you?”
“No.” I smirk. “But you’re welcome.”
Right then, as we’re looking at each other, a flash goes off.
“Perfection, my sweetlings!” crows the man holding the camera as I blink away stars. He’s slender and has wavy brown hair, and I’m instantly envious of his eyeliner skills. “Now let’s try again, but this time smile at each other.”
“Give us a minute, Ollie,” Scarlett cuts in. “I want them to meet Rykon first. Then they’re all yours.”
The photographer—Ollie—nods, but continues taking candid shots as we step through the open entrance to the shed-building. It’s large enough to be an aircraft hangar, but there are no planes in sight, only a small fleet of vehicles all with the hawk logo on the side.
Another flash of Ollie’s camera has me rubbing my arms self-consciously as I realize this is going to be my life for the next four days, my every move recorded. There will be times when physical exertion will leave me red-faced and sweaty, moments when my unfiltered words could be misinterpreted, camera angles showing unflattering bulges and make-up-free skin and?—
“Rykon! Over here!” Scarlett calls across the hangar, yanking me from my inner spiraling.
I take a deep breath and remember that even if I end up publicly humiliated, it’ll hardly be the worst thing that’s ever happened to me. And when Ember is a big-time movie star thanks to the opportunities Zander creates for her, she can pay for any therapy I need resulting from this trip.
Resolved not to dwell on what’s ahead, I watch as the survivalist legend breaks away from a group of people loading gear into a vehicle and strides our way.
Rykon Hawke is even more impressive in real life than he is on-screen. My mum once described him as “the epitome of masculinity” and I can see why. Standing at well over six feet, with dark skin and hair, coupled with an easy smile behind a neatly trimmed beard, everything about Hawke exudes warmth and kindness. But it’s the muscles rippling along his arms and shoulders that emphasize his strength and remind me of just how long he’s been in the physically demanding survival business, going all the way back to his park ranger years. Seeing him in person, any lingering fears I have for the next few days dissolve, since it’s impossible not to feel safe in his presence.
“These must be my VIP guests,” Hawke says once he reaches us.
“Ryk, this is Zander Rune and Charlie Hart,” Scarlett introduces.
“Zander, love your work,” Hawke says, shaking the actor’s hand.
“Right back at you.” Zander seems almost embarrassed by Hawke’s praise, though I’m sure I’m imagining his humble reaction.
“And Charlie, a pleasure,” Hawke tells me.
“You too,” I say, before adding, somewhat stupidly, “You’re taller than I thought you’d be.”
Hawke’s smile returns. “My father always said, ‘Eat your greens if you want to grow up tall and strong.’ I guess he was right.”
