Free Beyond the meet by Sarah Anderson Page A

had not wanted the divorce, it was Risa who had given up on him, and he was not ready to give up without a fight.
    He slid his arm around Risa's waist. “We know each other very well, don't we Risa?” He murmured seductively.
    Risa glowered at him and pulled away. Tom noticed how this irritated Steve, whose ruddy face became even more red with frustration. He was a ruggedly handsome man with masculine features and short black hair. His body, though polished by the gym, did not make up for what he lacked in height.
    “Let's just go.” Risa said, determined to have a good time regardless of the company. Along the first part of the hike Tom took the time to point out several interesting plants. He plucked a flower from one of the trees and offered it to Risa. Steve glared, while Mia and Aria giggled. Tom caught Risa's eyes and held them as he smiled softly.
    Risa felt a little flustered as she wondered if she was reading Tom's signals correctly. When he gave her a playful wink, she blushed and glanced away, and right into the Steve's jealous eyes. For the rest of the day she stayed close to Tom, and did her best to avoid Steve. No matter where Steve was, his eyes were on Risa, as his irritation with the guide's flirtation grew.
    That night they set up camp in a beautiful clearing. A small stream ran past their campsite and provided a soothing sound of rushing water. Tom ignited a fire and they all sat around it for a little while, enjoying the stars above them, and the sounds of nature around them. Mia and Aria did their best to encourage the budding attraction between Tom and Risa.
    “You know, Risa is a doctor.” Mia pointed out. “She is one of the best.”
    “Mmhm, and of course, she is beautiful.” Aria added as she smiled sweetly at her older sister.
    Tom laughed as he sat down beside Risa. He sat close enough that their knees touched. Risa pretended not to notice.
    When Steve saw their knees brush together he was furious. He threw down his plate of food and stormed off into the woods.
    “Should we go after him?” Risa wondered. Tom's hand curved over her knee reassuringly.
    “Let him blow off some steam.” He met her eyes and held them for a long moment, seeking any sign that she was as interested as he was.
    “Maybe we should turn in.” Mia said, as Aria watched Risa and Tom dreamily.
    “Oh really?” She sighed with disappointment, but let Mia lead her into the tent.
    Tom pretended to be concerned about the fire so that he could remain with Risa whose gaze was fixated on the stars above her. When she felt Tom begin to lean closer to her, Risa's heart began to flutter. She had not felt the lips of another man in several years. The heat of Tom's breath grazed her cheek and instead of pulling away Risa turned toward his lips, and met them with tentative passion. Her eyes were closed, as if she could deny that it was Tom who was crushing his lips against hers, that it was Tom who had slid arm around her back and was drawing her body closer to his. The crackling of the fire mingled with the sounds of their lips as they met and parted, and met again. Risa was dizzy with the urgency of her desire as she found herself engulfed by Tom's arms. He pulled her up from the log they had been sitting on, and with his eyes remaining on hers he led her toward his tent.
    When Risa heard the zipper of the tent being opened, she pulled sharply away. Tom followed her, a frown creasing his handsome features.
    “What's wrong?” He asked with concern, he hoped he had not offended her.
    “Nothing.” She forced a smile. “I just think maybe we should call it a night.”
    Tom searched her eyes for an answer to why all of the sudden her passion had faded. Perhaps he had been too forward with her, but the beauty of her skin, the taste of her lips, the heat of her eyes had been all that he needed to be driven into a frenzy of desire.
    “Don't be afraid.” Tom murmured as he stepped closer to her. “I only want what you want.”