Back To You - A Second Chance Romance

“Yes,” Ben said, looking back and forth between me and Kate. “Insurance needed to make sure you made it through the night. I have to fill out this accident report. Can you sign it later?”

“Sure. No problem. Whatever we have to do.”

“And I need you to sign this, saying you won’t sue us,” Ben said. “It’s not my idea. It’s for production.”

“It’s not a problem. I don’t intend to sue you or the film. It could have happened to anyone.”

“That’s a relief,” he said, turning to the medic who was already gloved up.

“Let’s get a look at the bite.” He took my hand and turned it over to examine the area. Ben crowded in with him to get a good look. “There is no necrosis of the flesh, which is good. There is no more swelling, you have great mobility of your fingers, and it looks like you’ve got your strength back.” He glanced over at Kate, whose face had gone beet red. “I am going to leave you something else for any pain, but it looks like you’re all clear to go back to work tomorrow.” He handed me a couple of packs of pain medicine.

“Tomorrow? Thank you. I’ll be there with bells on.” I smiled.

Ben glanced over at Kate. “Make sure you both are.” He turned away. “Come along, Ally.”

“But didn’t you want Ms. Bridges to assist on the set?”

“No, I think it’s important she look after Jake. I need to make sure my star is happy.”

I couldn’t believe he wasn’t throwing a fit and demanding she go to the set, but I was damned glad he didn’t. I would have gone to bat for her company, throwing my weight around for a change. She would have been worth it.

Ally shot us daggers and followed Ben out, her steps a bit heavier.

Kate must have sensed the young woman’s anger as well. “I hope I didn’t cause any problems being here. I thought I was on a first-name basis with Ally by now.”

Ally was upset, but there wasn’t any reason to be. “I’m sure it was nothing, Kate. Besides, I want you here. Now, how about that walk?”

She hesitated a moment and then agreed. She got up from putting on her shoes, and we walked out into the camp.

There wasn’t anyone in sight outside, other than Ben and Ally, who were on their way back to the set. We walked off in the opposite direction past the latrines, and soon, we were on a beaten path.

“There aren’t leeches in these trees, are there?”

“Maybe,” she said. “But I’ll tell you if I see one.”

“That’s the last thing I need,” I said. “Something else out for blood.” I chuckled, and Kate joined in. It was fun to laugh with her again.

Suddenly, she picked up her pace. “Come on. The quicker we get there, the better.”

She led me along the path, and eventually, I could hear a roar in the near distance. “What is that?” I asked. “Is that the water?”

“Yes, we’re almost there. It might have been a little farther than I thought.” She finally reached the end of the path and waved me on. “Here it is.” She smiled. “Isn’t it gorgeous?”

I looked up to see a cliff and a huge waterfall, where the water was running so quickly it was blue and clear.

“I take it we can’t go for a swim?”

“We really shouldn’t because it is against the rules, but we could sit here and enjoy it a bit if you like.” She walked over and sat on a fallen tree. “Here.” She patted the place next to her.

I walked over and sat close, noticing the sun shining off her long hair that moved gently in the breeze. I was still overcome by her beauty, and I felt a swell in my heart realizing that I still loved her.

How could I not?

“I’m so glad that Ben didn’t make me go to work.”

“You intimidate him. He’s actually a little scared of you, I think.”

“Scared? That’s silly. Why would anyone be intimidated by me?” She rolled her eyes and then looked off into the distance where wildflowers were growing. “So beautiful.”

“I agree.” I couldn’t take my eyes off her. If she intimidated anyone, it was me. I wanted to tell her so badly how much I wanted things to work between us, but I was scared that she’d only pull away again.

I couldn’t handle it. If I thought about us and all we’d lost, I still got an aching feeling in the pit of my gut. I’d driven all the way across the U.S. with that feeling, and only after some time of settling in did it begin to fade.

The only thing that had kept me from going back to her was thinking she probably hated me.

The past few days had given me hope.