“I think that’s just about everything.” I pat my bag with soap, empty water bottles and a clean towel inside. “Ready to get moving?”

Abbie looks down at her dirt stained clothes, “I don’t have anything clean to change into,” she pouts.

“No problem, I’ve got some drawstring pants you can cinch onto ya and I’ll lend you a clean shirt until we can get your stuff sorted out,” I watch as her mouth tugs down further at the corners. “What? Is there something else?”

“No, well, it’s just,” she looks down at her hands, “I don’t have any clean underwear to change into,” her voice is so soft it sounds like she’s straining just to whisper.

I can’t control the laughter that escapes my lips. I can’t help as it bubbles up and overflows from inside me. I don’t mean to laugh at her, it’s just so cute that she’s all twisted about, well, not having any panties to get in a twist.

“Just do what I do then,” I chuckle, “go commando.” Her eyes grow wide, and for half a second, she lets them drift down my torso to my package. I can’t help but smirk as her cheeks burn bright pink and she quickly diverts her eyes.

I don’t want to let my body register the look. I don’t want to let my mind explore the possibilities. Instead, I walk over to my bed and pull a plastic bag out from the side of my bed where I keep my clean, dry clothes. Stuffing them inside my pack, I quickly zip it up.

“Good to go?” I offer my hand to her to help her up off the chair.

“I think so,” she grimaces as she stands, but finds her balance with the walking stick.

“Here, let me help you,” I tug her arm around my waist and slide mine around hers, helping to ease some of her burden.

“Thanks,” she murmurs. I can feel the heat radiating from her body. I can smell her hair, caked with mud on one side, but the smell of fresh peaches still lingers. I set my jaw and forge ahead. Opening the door for her, I help her through. I try to give her as much support as I can as I guide her around the cabin. I need to shut down my senses when it comes to her. I can’t trust them. Everything about her makes me want more. To feel more of her body against me. To smell the natural perfume between her thighs. To taste her.

Abbie limps beside me, biting her lip hard.

“Hey, you okay?”

“Mmhmm,” she nods, but I know she’s putting on a brave face.

“No, you’re not. Stop.” I order her and she doesn’t move a muscle. “I’ll carry you,” I sweep her from her feet and her walking stick jingles as I hold her in my arms.

“You don’t have to do this, I can walk,” she looks up at me from under those long, dark lashes, her lips inches from mine.

Stop staring and walk.

I don’t second guess the order from my brain. Lord knows I can’t trust my other instincts right now. I march through the woods with purpose, only letting my destination consume my thoughts. Not the beautiful woman looking up at me with that fuck-me stare. Not her sexy body. Just get to the water. Just focus on each step if you have to.

I know I can’t touch her. Not when I plan on making her leave as soon as she’s physically able. I don’t know much about this girl, but I can tell she’d be crushed if I fucked her and then gave her ass a slap and sent her on her merry way. After what she’s already been through, I’m not going to add any more stress or sadness to her life. If that means a case of blue balls for me, well, I’ve got a hand, I can take care of myself.

Luckily, I can hear the roar of the water not far off and Abbie stops looking up at me and turns to listen to the noise.

“What is that?” Again, that wonder fills her voice. To see the world through her eyes must be amazing.

“You’ll see,” I can’t help but smile, knowing how much she’s going to love this. I carefully make my way down a hill toward the stream below.

As we get closer the rush of water fills the air. It explodes on the rocks at the end of the stream into a million sparkling dew drops. I watch Abbie’s face as she looks up, letting her green eyes follow the flow up to the top of the small waterfall above.

“Wow,” she breathes.

“We’re here,” I help her down to her feet. “To your own personal shower.” I help her hobble over to the edge of the cold, clear water and she leans back against my chest as she takes it all in. I don’t mean to wrap my arms around her, but they just feel so natural holding her close. If she minds, she doesn’t show it, simply enjoying the moment. This little waterfall in the woods, with no one around for miles. It feels perfect.

“It’s so beautiful,” she murmurs.

“You’re beautiful,” I breathe. Clamping my mouth shut, I realize the words came out too late. Abbie turns and looks up at me, tilting her head to the side, locking me with her gaze.

“Thank you,” she looks away shyly, as though I’ve said something she won’t let herself believe.

“Don’t thank me for telling you the truth,” I answer. Clearing my throat, I try to let some of the spray from this waterfall dampen the flames of desire I have burning for her inside. “Let’s get you set up here.” I push past my scorching need and try to keep doing the right thing.