Bred by the Bushmen
He nodded. “Nothing out of the ordinary.”
They walked the doctor out to his truck in front. The moon was just a sliver in the sky, the cloud cover nearly blocking it out completely. At least the rain had settled.
“Drive safely,” said Caleb.
The doctor put his black bag in the passenger seat, then turned and placed a hand on Caleb’s shoulder. “You want me to call the authorities, have someone come out and get the girl?”
He immediately shook his head. “No, we’ll handle everything. Like you said, she needs rest.”
“Just a few days and she should be good to walk on that ankle.”
“Yes, sir.”
They watched him drive off, the cones of light disappearing into the forest. The roads were only roughly carved out between the trees, barely wide enough for their truck. When they’d moved back home after decades away, it had taken weeks of brush removal and clean-up just to reach their cabin.
“Now what?” asked Damon, once they were alone on the front porch.
He shrugged. “It’s only a few days. We have enough supplies to feed another mouth.”
Damon exhaled, leaning against one of the support beams. “That’s not what I’m fucking talking about and you know it.”
“Don’t start,” he said.
“You telling me you’re not attracted to her? Because that’s bullshit, Caleb.”
It was true they both had the exact same taste in women. They preferred a woman with meat on her bones, curves that overflowed in a man’s hands. Opal had an innocent beauty, all fresh and natural. He could imagine her ripe with their child, but he immediately pushed those thoughts away. Obviously, Damon wasn’t doing the same.
“Even if I was, it doesn’t matter. We don’t even know a thing about her. She said a few words before passing out.”
“Well, I can feel something,” said Damon.
“It’s called blue balls. Get over it,” said Caleb. “Besides, a woman like that is likely married or at least taken. And don’t forget how women run the other way when they find out we live off the grid.”
“You’re so damn negative.” Damon wrenched open the door, the screen slapping back into place. Silence settled around him once alone. He didn’t want to grow old and bitter, but he didn’t want to delude himself either. Mostly, he didn’t want Damon to get hurt. His brother was ready to put his heart on the line for a complete stranger.
He took a few cleansing breaths, then returned inside, locking up behind him. Damon was sitting on the coffee table, ogling their guest.
“You’re up,” Caleb said. “How do you feel?”
“Like I rolled down a hill into a pile of rocks.” She chuckled and tenderly touched her head.
He passed her the mug of tea. “Drink this. It’ll make you feel better and warm you up.”
“Thank you.” She cupped the mug in both hands. “I didn’t think I’d make it.”
“You’re safe now. Why weren’t you on the plane with everyone else?”
She finished taking a sip of tea. “I couldn’t afford it. I spent most of my saving just to go on my little adventure.”
Caleb was well aware the nature trips were targeted for the rich, people with so much money they didn’t know what to do with it. Damon and Caleb had done well for themselves in the city, starting their own construction company. It only taught him that money couldn’t buy happiness.
“I hope this experience didn’t give you a sour taste for country living,” said Damon. “Once you’re feeling better, I’d be happy to show you just how beautiful the land really is.”
Caleb scowled at his brother, but Damon ignored him.
“I’m surprised your boyfriend didn’t come along with you on the trip. I know if I had a woman like you, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight.”
Fuck. Couldn’t Damon keep his big mouth shut for two minutes? He was putting their guest on the spot when she was most vulnerable. His manners were shot to shit.
Caleb wasn’t a monster, and he had dreams and desires like any other man. He just didn’t believe in forcing himself on a woman. A relationship had to be stoked slowly, brought naturally to a flame. Damon wanted to skip right to the damn baby-making.
Opal bit her bottom lip, likely feeling awkward. “I don’t have a boyfriend. I was doing this for me.”
Damon smiled, glancing over at him with an evil smirk. Just because she was single didn’t mean she was ready to hook up with two bushmen. But Caleb couldn’t help but feel a trickle of hope.
****
Opal had woken up to the warmth of blankets and the crackle of an open fire. She thought she was dreaming, her mind creating a merciful fantasy in her dying hour. When she opened her eyes, the kind face of an old man looked down on her. A stethoscope hung around his neck, and she immediately felt the burden of survival slipping away. She was out of the elements and in the hands of a doctor.