I took her outstretched hands and helped her out of the creek and up into the meadow full of wildflowers.
My eyes wouldn’t listen when I asked them to look away as she stepped out of the baggy boy pants right in front of me. She was naked except for her plain black top and panties, and I couldn’t stop admiring her soft curves and slim waist.
Her attempt at wringing the water out of her pants was pitiful so I stepped forward with my pulse racing. “Here, let me.”
“Thank you. I feel weak still.”
“No wonder. Only fifteen minutes ago you were passed out from a heat stroke. Did you drink a lot in the stream?”
“Yes.”
“I wish I’d brought some food, but I didn’t think of it.”
“What about towels? Any chance you have some in your drone?”
“I’m afraid not. Sorry.”
She shrugged. “It’s okay, the sun will dry us.”
Like a fragile old person, she got down on the ground with slow movements. “Tyton.”
“Mmm?”
“I’m so sorry that I took you away from the tournament. I know how much it means to you and you have a lot of money on the line with Emmerson. Did he win?”
“I don’t know. But it’s okay. Don’t worry about it. As long as we’re back for the ceremony tonight, we’ll be fine.”
“What time is that?”
“At eight.”
“Okay.” Devina lay down on her stomach, using her hands as pillows. “Does that mean we have time for a nap while our clothes dry? I haven’t slept much these past nights and I’m tired.”
Seeing her lying on a bed of wildflowers had to be the most erotic sight of my life, but I was determined not to scare her again.
“Sure, you can take a nap.”
I wanted to ask about the massage she had mentioned, but no part of me found it okay after she had just been passed out. Instead, I lay down beside her and closed my eyes listening to the calming sound of the stream and the subtle wind playing in the trees.
“This is a nice place.”
“Uh-huh.”
I was on my back when she turned on her side and moved a little closer.
“Can I tell you something, Tyton?” Her voice sounded drowsy, like she was close to falling asleep.
“Sure.”
“I miss my family a lot.” She paused but I sensed there was more that she wanted to say. “I miss their hugs and kisses. Sometimes I would cuddle up with one of my siblings and we’d sleep in the same bed. Now, there’s only Nellie.”
“Your dog?”
She nodded. “Does your family kiss and hug you a lot?”
“Not really. Not since I was a child.”
“Do you ever miss it?” She yawned. “Physical contact, I mean.”
