Eileen and Bill Carlson turned out to be high-school social studies teachers who’d embarked on this trek-which they called the trip of a lifetime-as a gift to themselves for seeing their twin sons graduate from college.
“We deserved a reward and a vacation,” Bill said with a laugh.
Another couple, Shawn Deavers and Ashley Laine, were newly minted college graduates from California taking a break before plunging into their new post-college lives. Dan Smith, a soft-spoken man traveling alone from Chicago, whom Kayla placed in his late fifties, rounded out the group.
“Bienvenidos, welcome,” Paolo said, addressing the group after collecting everyone’s tickets. “Today we begin our hike along the Camino del Inca, or Inca Trail. This footpath through the Andes will lead us directly to the gates of Machu Picchu, one of the most beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites and important archeological finds in the world. I want to congratulate all of you on choosing this adventure, for this trail is the most authentic and scenic way to see Machu Picchu, to understand the Incas’ extraordinary architectural achievement and their deep regard for nature.” His white grin flashed. “And you’ll have lifetime bragging rights against the gringos who take the train to the ruins.”
Everyone laughed and he continued, “As you already know, the journey will be arduous, especially given the high altitude, but I guarantee that by the time it’s over, you will not be the same. The mountain scenery, the exotic vegetation and animals, the Inca ruins, the dazzling cloud-forest vistas-they will all work their magic on you. We are fortunate that the high tourist season has not yet begun, so the trail will be less crowded, affording you the opportunity for the quiet contemplation this place inspires. I will provide commentary along the way, but please do not hesitate to ask either me, Alberto, Miguel or Ana any questions you may have. Their English is not fluent, but they know sufficient, like to yell, ‘Hey, that gringo tourist just fell off the cliff!’”
Kayla’s stomach dropped at his words, but again Paolo’s smile flashed.
“Don’t worry,” he said. “That hardly ever happens. Especially when we obey the first rule, which is…?”
“Stay on the trail,” everyone dutifully repeated.
“Excellent. I ask that you take a few minutes now to check that your gear is secure and that you have water and sunscreen handy. Then we’ll be on our way, first crossing the Rio Urubamba, then beginning our ascent.”
Knowing how her fair skin burned and freckled-the curse of redheads everywhere-Kayla slathered on another layer of sunscreen, then plopped on her floppy straw hat. She and Brett checked each other’s backpacks to make sure they were secure, then faced each other.
“Here’s to our Big Adventure and getting our lives back in balance,” she said with a smile, lifting her palm for a high five. “No change, no gain.”
He lightly slapped his hand against hers, then cupped her face between his hands. “Gotta tell ya, Kayla,” he said softly, his gaze serious on hers, his thumbs brushing lightly over her cheeks, “I’m feeling changed already. As if my Big Adventure started yesterday afternoon at that outdoor café. And it’s all your fault.”
“Is that a complaint?”
“Hell, no.”
A lump lodged in her throat. Because, in spite of her already sore butt and her trepidation about embarking on this way-outside-her-comfort-zone journey, she was happier than she’d been in a long time.
And it was all his fault.
Yet poking holes in that happiness was the knowledge that it would soon deflate, courtesy of her deception. Reality would hit once they returned to New York, so all she could do was live for the moment. And that’s what she intended to do.
That and pray she survived this four-day hike.
Damn. Why couldn’t Brett have decided to get his life back in balance on a tropical island adventure where the most strenuous thing anyone had to do was decide if they wanted a mai tai or a piña colada? A fancy hotel where “packing light” meant stylish sundresses and cute shoes and teeny bikinis folded in a Louis Vuitton carry-on bag. Definitely much more her style. As opposed to sleeping in a pitched tent and lugging a backpack. While she’d still be spying and deceiving the man, at least she’d be comfortable.
So much for glamour.
Sure, Brett had thought she was attractive yesterday, but no doubt his ardor would cool when after a few days on the trail, she looked like roadkill. She had no doubt that he’d still look supremely sexy-in that unfair way that men had of looking good while women seemed to…deteriorate. Well, her hat and oversized sunglasses would hide a multitude of sins. She hoped.
After everyone had on their gear, Paolo handed each of them a plastic-coated pocket-size pamphlet that unfolded like an accordion. “These show pictures of just some of the vegetation and the more than two hundred and fifty species of orchids that grow along the trail, as well as many of the birds and insects. You’ll be able to spot hummingbirds, waterfowl and an extraordinary abundance of butterflies unique to this region. However, the most prized and rare sighting along the trail is the spectacled bear.”
Kayla’s insides chilled. “Bear?” she repeated, unable to keep the note of alarm from her voice.
“Bear?” Ashley echoed, earning Kayla’s gratitude that it wasn’t just her who didn’t care for the word.
“Not to worry,” Paolo said. “The spectacled bear is very shy-much more afraid of you than you are of it.”
“I sincerely doubt that,” Kayla said with feeling. “Did I, um, mention that I’m allergic to bears?”
Paolo chuckled. “This bear is an herbivore, so unless you suddenly sprout leaves, you are in no danger. The species is very rare and close to extinction. It is a sign of extreme good fortune if we see one.”
“As long as we see it from a healthy distance,” Kayla muttered, ignoring a sound from Brett that sounded suspiciously like a snicker.
They set out, with Paolo in the lead, followed by the Carlsons, Dan Smith then Shawn and Ashley. Brett and Kayla went next, with Alberto, Miguel and Ana bringing up the rear.
Brett entwined his fingers with hers, moving slowly so as to leave a gap behind Shawn and Ashley for a bit of privacy. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”
A frisson of annoyance rippled through her, stiffening her spine. Humph. Smug male. “I’ll have you know I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time, thank you very much. So I’m used to more…uptown accommodations. Without bears. I’ll adapt. And run fast.”
“Sweetheart, you won’t be able to outrun a bear.”
She glanced over at him and smiled. “I don’t need to. I only need to run faster than you.”
“I see. So you’d leave me behind for bear bait.”
“No, I guess not. I’d protect you.”
“Oh? I’m not the one who’s, um, allergic to bears.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Are you laughing at me?”
“Absolutely not.” His lips twitched. “Are you allergic to hummingbirds, orchids and butterflies, too, princess?”
“Nooo, but I am allergic to annoying men.”
Instead of looking abashed, his lips curved upward into a wicked smile, creasing that sexy dimple in his cheek. The pad of his thumb drew slow, intoxicating circles around her palm. “You won’t think I’m annoying when I’m massaging away all your aches and pains tonight.”
She lifted her chin. “What makes you so sure I’ll give you the chance to do so?”
He lifted their joined hands to his mouth and pressed his lips to her inner wrist. He gently sucked, his tongue swirling over the sensitive skin, and a soft gasp escaped her as tingles raced up her arm, melting all vestiges of annoyance, along with more than a few brain cells.