“I could have had the female but I didn’t want someone that would give up so easily. I walked straight into your trap.” He smiled. She watched as his eyes moved in thought. Coal was recalling the day of the hunt. “I was both angry and intrigued. Who had set such a trap? Who was the mind behind it? I wanted that female. I knew it was you from the moment I caught sight of you. The way you looked at me… such defiance… such anger.” He choked out a laugh. “I couldn’t believe the way you threw yourself into the river like that. I decided then and there that I had to have you. That no one else would do.”

What? Julie shivered as she recalled his dark eyes and how they bore into her. She knew, even then, that he was coming for her. That he had set his sights on her. Her chest rose and fell in quick succession.

“I passed your light haired friend and pulled her from the river as well. I left her for the others to find. I went after you.” Coal put his mouth right by her ear. “I fought for you. I will keep fighting for you, Julie. I hope you give us a chance. It’s all I ask.”

Yes. No. Yes. Oh how she wanted to say it. To take a leap of faith and just say it. What harm could come of it?

Every single time she’d started to feel comfortable the rug had been pulled out from under her. Why was this any different?

“You’re not agreeing to forever, you would just be agreeing to try.”

“I’m scared,” she whispered.

Coal kissed the side of her head. “Some times you have to face your fears to find the beauty. I think that we could have something beautiful.”

“It’s too soon. I don’t even know you.” Her eyes were stinging again and that lump was back.

“You know me, Julie. I know you. Maybe not everything, maybe not even close but well enough. Take a leap of faith. Trust me on this one. Look around you and trust me.”

“Okay.” Julie smiled. She could feel that it took up her whole face.

“Okay?” Coal didn’t sound like he could believe it.

It felt like a weight had lifted off of her. She was sitting on top of the world right now. Literally. “Yes, okay. I’ll give us a chance.” She giggled, sounding like a school girl. “Let’s do this thing, but…” She raised her voice as she felt his arms tighten around her. “I’m not making any promises and…” She practically yelled. Coal was kissing her neck. “Hey…wait!” She squealed when his tongue went into her ear. “We need to take it slow. I’m not rushing into anything.”

Coal took a deep breath. “But you’ll give us a try?”