The sun was about to set when they drove over to the Dead Horse Ranch State Park after visiting the nearby Tuzigoot National Monument. Although Alexander had come here before, watching the awestruck look on Eva’s face satisfied his soul. It was indeed worth the effort he took of collecting their dinner from the nearest Red Rock Grille and negotiating with the staff here for an overnight stay.
Eva gasped with amazement at seeing the scenic Verde River with its three lagoons gushing alongside the campsite. Were they camping here? Would she sleep in a camp with him? A million questions flashed across her head, but Alexander drove further ahead, away from the campground to the log cabin circle tucked behind trees. It was a perfect haven, far from all the chaos.
Eva’s eyes widened further at seeing the tiny one-room log cabins that looked half the size of the one they stayed in last night. It only meant one thing! The bed would be smaller than the one they slept in last night! Nevertheless, it was better than sleeping with him in a single tent, as she didn’t have the courage to sleep in a tent of her own.
“We’ll be staying in that corner one,” said Alexander, giving her a brief glance as he stopped the car. He helped her out and went up the pathway to unlock the cabin for her. “There are no washrooms attached. You need to use the ones in the facility center there,” he pointed out to the unit, a short distance away.
“Will you come along with me? I can’t go alone at night.”
“Sure.” She was so engrossed in exploring the place that she missed the satisfied smile playing on his lips. She went inside to inspect while Alexander went back to the car to unload their stuff. She rushed forward to help him, taking in the food items, fishing equipment, inflatable pillows, bed linen, and blanket he had stored in the car. So he had come fully prepared for the trip!
“There are three lagoons here, all stocked with trout and catfish. We can catch one and grill it for brunch tomorrow,” suggested Alexander, pointing to a man-made lagoon further up the trail.
“I’ve never caught a fish in my life. So you would have to teach me.”
“Anytime,” he said, carrying everything inside. Eva brought in their food and placed it on the table inside. She noted the cabin had a double bed and smaller bunk beds for children, a small dresser, and a seating facility. She couldn’t possibly fit into the bunk beds, so the only option was to sleep with him.
“Don’t you like the place? The last time I stayed here, I loved the peace and tranquility all around that the hotels didn’t provide.”
“I’m not complaining. It’s cozy. I’m sure the views in the morning would be ones to die for. Tonight I’m super tired. Let’s freshen up and eat.” Alexander nodded, appreciating her spirit. Any other girl, like Beatrix or his sister, would have grumbled at the lack of facilities here, but Eva was a simple and loving girl with a golden heart. He was yet to witness her grumbling or complaining about something. She had the toughest life all on her own, but she faced every obstacle bravely without ever complaining about her fate.
“I need a shower, too. Let’s go together,” he said, but Eva paled considerably, her jaws dropping to the floor.
“Excuse me? I’m not showering with you,” she said, coming to her senses. Alexander stopped in his tracks and looked at her with surprise.
“Did I ask you to? I just meant to accompany you to the facility, but this sounds like a wonderful idea to save on precious water. Don’t you think?” he laughed at her reaction. Eva blushed furiously at her stupidity.
“Nice cliche line, Alexander. Should work on Beatrix, not me,” she said, taking out her clothes and towel from her suitcase.
“I don’t need cliche lines to get what I want, Eva. I just do what I want,” he said, sobering up, his eyes solemn and piercing into hers as if threatening her. A tremor shot up her body, and she knew what he meant. Having known him for a long time, she knew exactly what he could do. He carried his clothes and towel and walked out, followed by Eva. He locked their cabin up and they strolled towards the facility, which looked quite empty at this time.
“There will be a mad rush in the morning and we wouldn’t get to shower. We can just freshen up and leave,” he said, and Eva nodded. They passed people gathered at their picnic tables near a small ring of fire and BBQ. Some were grilling their own dinner while others were just enjoying a drink or two.
Alexander grabbed her hand as they walked together, just like couples do. “After dinner, would you want to come out for a walk?” he asked her softly.
“Yes, I’d love to.”
They parted ways at the facility and after twenty minutes, when Eva emerged, she smiled at seeing Alexander freshly showered and waiting for her. He smiled back, his eyes checking her out under the lights strewn along the pathway. He held out his hand for her to take as if they were couples in love. Of course, only she was the one in love!
“Feeling so fresh now. This is the first time I used such a shared showering facility.” Alexander smiled, leading her towards their cabin.
“There’ll be many more first times in the days to come. Just wait and watch!” Eva blushed, but thankfully he didn’t turn to see her state. What exactly did he have in mind?
“Just like those campers there, I always cook grilled fish or meat for myself while camping,” he said, gesturing towards a family busy cooking their dinner over the BBQ pit.
“Then why didn’t we do it this time?”
“I didn’t carry even half the items I usually do. It happened so fast that I didn’t get time to pack up much. So maybe our next camping trip will be more planned.” Eva smiled, wondering if she would ever go on another camping trip with him. It was a distant dream! They reached the cabin and brought the food to the picnic table outside to eat, since the cabin was too tiny to move around, especially for Alexander.
“Would you have enjoyed more in a camp?” he asked in between bites of his grilled flank steak.
“No, I’m too scared to sleep in a camp all on my own.”
“There are double occupancy camps, too. Next time we could try them,” he said and Eva shook her head vigorously.
“No, I’m fine with the cabin.” Alexander chuckled and Eva, at last, realized he was pulling her leg, actually.
“How many days will it take us to reach Las Vegas?” she asked curiously. Having taken a fortnight off from work, she needed to visit San Jose before heading back.
“A week almost. By then, mom and dad will return to NYC,” said Alexander.
“I have to join work after a fortnight.”
“Sure. We will stay for two days in San Jose and return. Will that do?” he asked eagerly, waiting for her to agree.
“Yes, I’m excited,” she admitted shyly, and he groaned inwardly as her admission made him excited too. Watching her radiant face gazing up at him, he swore he could fuse his lips with hers forever. He lost his interest in the food, as all he could see was the way she licked her plump lips, the way they glistened under the campground lights all around the place. With the other campers farther away, they both were lost in a private world of their own.
“Me too,” said Alexander as a sigh escaped him. Eva was acutely aware of his gaze glued to her lips and her heart raced with excitement. She ate at a snail’s pace, wondering what they would do at night. Would he kiss her again? She noted the dazed look on his face, the way his eyes had darkened more, and she knew she affected him just as he stirred her. There was an undeniable attraction pulling them towards each other that she couldn’t ignore. She did not know where it would lead them, but whatever the case, she didn’t want to engage in a physical relationship with Alexander. It would complicate matters a lot. She wouldn’t be able to stay with Alyssa if that happened. She had to control her urges!
They packed up the leftovers and went back to the cabin. “Do you want to take a walk or sleep?” asked Alexander hopefully.
“We can take a stroll towards the riverside.” They locked the cabin and walked hand in hand towards the edge of the river. The place was almost deserted except for a few couples roaming around, just like them. Alexander led her towards a bench and they sat down. The surrounding air was so tranquil and so pure that Eva forgot her resolutions and leaned against Alexander’s shoulder when he wrapped an arm around her.
“Do you like being with me, Eva?” asked Alexander softly. Although he wanted to ask about the love letter that she had written to him long back, but he couldn’t.