Page 82 of The Scald Crow
Calla urged her horse into a full-on gallop, pulling up before the rising rock formations.
“What’s this?” She dismounted with ease.
“These are the caves.” I looped both sets of reins over a protruding stack. “Would you like to explore?”
“Of course.” She removed her shoes, leaving them on top of a rocky outcrop, rolled her pant legs over her knees, and then walked through the first tide pool, unaffected by the frigid temperature.
My heart jumped when I saw how far she had ventured into the narrow sea cave.
“Wow, this is cool. How far does it go?” She pressed her palms into the pitted wall, venturing knee-deep into the tidal basin.
“Be careful, it’s slippery.” I took one hesitant step, finding a foothold on bare rock.
“How many caves are there?” Her face glowed radiant in the reflective light. She seemed nonplussed by the colony of algae buffering the smooth surface.
“Fifteen. Depends on the tides. We’re a little late for most.” I scraped my toes on sharp dragon claws.
“Look, there’s a crab.” She stooped, studying the fast-moving crustacean. She hopped from one sloping rock to another, deeper and deeper into the cavern. “This is so cool.” Her voice echoed from a faraway chamber.
“The last man who disappeared into this cave never came out, Calla. I think it’s time we leave.” I called out, slipping and tearing my foot on a barbed rock.
“Really? We just got here.” She appeared behind me.
I wondered how.
“You’re lucky to have grown up in such a wonderful place.” She scrunched her nose. “Not those bogs, though. I’m not a fan.”
The waves crashed into the sand, rising higher with the coming tide, bringing the moss-covered outcrops to life. I dove for her hand, pulling her toward the light.
Jack whinnied, stamping his hooves.
“It’s time to go, Calla. We can come another time if you’d like to explore.” I clutched her wrist, urging her across the strand toward the rock stacks where the horses waited.
“No worries, O’Donnell.” She rose onto her tiptoes, kissing the side of my cheek. Gathering Jack’s reins, she leapt into the saddle. “Where to now?”
“I can show you the dunes.” I rode my horse toward the low grassy hills abutting the strand.
“It’s time you made love to me, O’Donnell. Don’t you think you’ve teased me long enough?” She grinned.
“This is not the place.” I gazed into her wild eyes, taken aback by the set of her chin.
“Look around you. The sun is shining. The bees are buzzing, and the world smells brand new. What could be more perfect?” She loosened her reins, giving Jack his lead.
Jack picked through the sand, stopping amidst the thick marram grass. A moth floated from one waving tendril to another, catching his attention.
“Did you bring a condom?” Calla slid from her horse, landing on both feet. She turned toward me, her fingers working the buttons of her shirt.
“No, Calla. Wait.” I searched the distant landscape, the public parking lot at the end of the slat walkway. We were alone.
“That’s okay.” She dug into her pocket, offering a wrapped package. “Will it fit?” She bit her lower lip, looking at me.
“Are you blushing, Calla Sweet?” I inspected the condom. The heat dusting her cheeks confirmed my mounting suspicions.
“No.” She patted her cheeks, then blew a warming breath in my direction.
The skies darkened, and black clouds coated the sun. A wind gusted, picking up the sea and washing the dunes with a salty spray.
The rising tide swept away any thought of ravaging her sweet delight.
