Best of the Best

Chapter 8: Wind Caves

"You need to warn a girl if there's going to be hiking, champ. Footwear selection is a serious process. It's not just about how good I look."

Camila looked down at Lauren's sandals and bit her lip. "Sorry," she apologized, but found it hard to feel bad when there was a slender hand wrapped around her bicep, and Lauren was tucked against her side. "It's not really a hike it's just up this little hill. I use to come here when I was a kid. Hansen and I would make a break for it every once and awhile."

"Mama, look," Thomas interrupted from his perch on Camila's shoulders.

Lauren looked up and shook her head. "And why is your beach bucket on your head? Is that your helmet in case Camila drops you?"

Camila chuckled. "I would never, but safety first, right bud?"

Thomas adjusted the handle under his chin. "It's my Power Ranger helmet," he stated, tapping his hands on the top of Camila's head. "Camila's my Megazord."

"I assumed," Lauren said, reaching up to rub his back. "And who will you be protecting me from today?"

"Goldar!" Thomas yelled, raising his arms.

"As always."

"Where?" Camila asked, turning her head from side to side. "I don't see him."

"On the rock!" Thomas let out, pointing further up the trail.

Grinning, Camila gripped Thomas' feet firmly. "Alright bud, hold on," she told him, waiting until she felt his little hands holding her head tight.

"Stay here, Mama," he ordered, and Lauren couldn't help but smile at the seriousness of his expression.

"Of course, sweetheart. Be careful. Don't fall," she added, directing it more at Camila than her son.

"I'll keep him safe."

Lauren rubbed her hand up and down Camila's arm before letting go. "I know."

With a bright smile, Camila took off up the trail, Thomas squealing as he bounced on her shoulders. "Get him, Camila!" He ordered, and Camila let loose with a few kicks as Thomas laughed.

"Phew," Camila exaggerated, and let out a deep breath. "I think we got him, buddy."

"Yeah!" Thomas agreed, turning to look back at Lauren. "Safe now, mama."

"My heroes," Lauren said, adjusting the bag on her shoulder as she rejoined them. Her hand found its place again on Camila's arm.

"Now kisses," Thomas said, leaning over so Lauren could peck his cheek.

"Camila too," he added, oblivious to Camila's sudden fit of blushing and stammering.

Before she could insist it wasn't necessary, she felt soft lips press against her cheek and every blood vessel in her face explode.

"Thanks for the rescue, champ," Lauren whispered against Camila's heated skin, before dropping down from her toes, chuckling as she was forced to give Camila's arm a tug to get them moving again.

"Yeah. Any- anytime," Camila managed, still attempting to recover. "You- you kissed me."

Lauren smiled, her thumb caressing the soft skin of Camila's arm. "When I really kiss you, should I have an ambulance present?"

Camila stumbled, causing Thomas to laugh. "When you...When you really k-kiss me?"

Lauren shook her head. "Yes, champ. That's the plan. We are on a date, remember?"

Camila nodded, fidgeting with the velcro straps of Thomas' sandals. "Right. Yeah. Dating and...and then kissing."

"Did you not see that one coming?"