She hits my shoulder for that, and I feign shocked indignation. Though for a small thing like her, she’s actually really strong. She packs a hell of a punch.
“Of course, I care about you, Audra. How could I not?” I ask her.
“This morning, you were acting like I barely existed. As though I’m just someone who you have no choice but to be shacked up with.”
I sigh deeply, falling onto the bed.
It's time to come clean. This morning was stupid on my part. I have feelings for the woman. The least I can do is own up to them.
“I was acting that way because I felt like I was taking advantage of you and our current situation. I thought you only slept with me because I was available and to help take your mind off your grief over the kid.”
Audra is silent for several moments after that. Then she hits my stomach.
“You idiot!” she yells.
“Ow!” I yelled, rubbing my stomach. “Seriously woman. Think about your strength,” I tell her.
Is she trying to kill me?
“Sorry,” she says, not sounding apologetic in the slightest. “Anyway, I didn’t sleep with you because I felt sad or any other bullshit reason like that. I slept with you because I wanted to. Because you’re this tall, hot doofus that has done so much for me in such little time, and I admire that. I admire your strength and your willingness to help others.”
Wow.
That actually makes me speechless for a few seconds.
“I admire you too. Your drive, your strength, and even your recklessness that got us into this mess in the first place. You have a kind heart, and although I think you’re too stubborn for your own good, I admire that as well.”
She blushes at my words.
“Now that we’ve complimented each other, what’s next?” she asks after a few seconds.
“Now, I get to kiss you,” I say to her, pulling her into my lap and doing just that.
We continue kissing for a few minutes until Audra pulls away, panting for air.
“I love your idea, I want to continue kissing, but we also have an imminent problem for which I might have a solution. In the cab today, I noticed the driver giving me funny looks on the way back. Just in case, I alighted far away from the motel and walked here.”
She kisses away the frown that immediately appears at her words.
“I know, I know. I’m a reckless, stubborn, annoying woman.”
I nod.
“It’s good that you know.”
She laughs.
“Anyway, I found a solution to our problem.”
“Which is?” I prompt.
“While on the beach, I was thinking about my friend who recently relocated to Mexico. He used to be in the police force too, specifically the tech division. He’s really good with computers and stuff. He gave me his address when I told him I was coming to Mexico. I don’t remember all of it, but I’ve remembered a bit, perhaps the hotel manager can help us figure out the rest. I guarantee he’d be able to provide us with a safe way to communicate with your teammates in America.”
I think about it for a few moments.
“That’s actually a pretty great idea,” I tell her.
She beams.
