Free Burnt by Bella Love-Wins Page A

to Tara.
    She shook her head. She felt the same.
    ***
    K evin was mesmerized by their stories. He could have sat there and listened to them for hours. He noticed Tara also appeared captivated. He wondered, but didn’t want to ask why the two were single. Yet, the answer was offered up to them.
    “We just never found that one special person,” Brian said, shrugging. “Or rather, two special people. Over the years we got over it.” He took a drink of water. “So, we have been talking all night. What’s your story? Engaged? Married? Dating?” he asked, sitting and watching them attentively.
    He turned to Tara. She was beet red. She was undoubtedly uncomfortable with the question of their relationship status. The truth was, every time they kissed, Kevin felt more emotionally involved. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that in her eyes, they were probably just friends. He decided to let her off easily.
    “We’re not a couple,” he replied, seeing the shock on Bruce and Brian’s faces. “Just really good friends,” he concluded.
    “Could have fooled us,” Brian said, laughing and taking a drink.
    Kevin wasn’t fazed. It was another person assuming something was going on between them and he just wished Tara would see it, too.
    “Sorry to disappoint you,” he said, chuckling. He looked at Tara and she was still red in the face.
    “Okay gents. We’ve taken up too much of your time,” Kevin said, standing up from the chair and gesturing to Tara, who followed. “Thank you for the drink.”
    They shook hands with one another.
    “Anytime,” Bruce replied. “If you are ever up this way over the weekend, stop by and see us.”
    “We will,” Tara said, finally regaining her voice.
    The two stepped out of the tent and waved goodbye to the brothers. They started their trek back to the campground, walking in silence for some time. Kevin wondered what she was thinking about, but hesitated to ask. She didn’t seem ready or open to the idea of being more than friends. He decided he’d hold off on raising any questions during this trip. When their camp came into view, Kevin was relieved to have made it back after their rappelling adventure. It was almost dark and he looked forward to starting a campfire so they could warm up and have dinner. It was one day he did not want to end.
    “Want to sit by the fire to warm up when it’s ready?” he asked, hoping she would want to be around him for longer.
    “I’d like that,” she said, smiling. “I’m really not tired. You’re warming up some of the chicken you made earlier, right?”
    “Yes,” he answered, and started toward the set of double-sealed containers they used to store food and other leftovers at camp.
    “Good. I’m starved,” she replied. “And I can use some of the time to quiz you on those index cards you prepared. This is supposed to be a study weekend, remember? No more fun and games for you, Kev.”
    He was reeling with enthusiasm. They headed over to the fire pit, where he put some logs in the middle and added some kindling. He lit the kindling with matches and waited for the flame to catch. It didn’t take long to have a small fire going. He placed the small grilling rack over one side of the growing fire, and placed the leftover chicken on it. As he stood up, he noticed Tara looking at him. She had the warmest smile on her face. He walked over and sat in the chair next to her as she turned back toward the fire.
    “We could tell ghost stories after we’re done studying,” he offered.
    “Yeah, I don’t think so,” she replied, laughing.
    “Come on, it’ll be like old times.” He looked over at her.
    She held up her hand. “As I recall, I’d have nightmares for weeks after your stories.”
    “That was the idea, wasn’t it?” he called out as he went over to turn the pieces of chicken on the grill. “Besides, you’d cuddle with me more after those stories. I’d say it was a win-win.”
    “Oh, that’s why you loved scaring me