Page 150 of Cruel Truth

‘Johnny, no, not here.’

‘Why?’ He smiled at her, and they glanced over at the Howitzer rock. A thrill of excitement travelled up her spine and hit her stomach. He kissed her and the sun peeked from behind a cloud and remained fixed on them, as if giving them a blessing.

‘You’re supposed to be recuperating!’ she said.

As if on cue, a black and white collie ran over to them and panted, begging for attention, and Kelly petted her. They greeted the owner, a hiker on his own, and Kelly busied herself with finding a blanket in her bag and setting out a few bites to eat that she’d brought. Johnny nuzzled in close as they sat huddled together staring over the valley.

‘Close call,’ he chuckled.

She grinned at him and ripped open a nut bar.

‘You’ll have to wait,’ she said.

‘Pass me a meat slice,’ he said.

‘Anytime, soldier.’