Hunters' Love

Chapter 5

I fall into the creek, screaming for help. The backpack dragged me under the surface. I slid it off and kick my legs, struggling to reach oxygen. I finally make it to the top, the mini waves crashing over my head. I scream as loud as I could, tears stream down my face. I was getting weak, I slowly slid back under the water, I was too exhausted to move. Water filled my lungs as I began to drown. I tried to yell but no sound escaped. My eyes became heavy.

I awake, yelling with tears falling from my face, Garret was by my side, calling my name and gently shaking my shoulders. "It's okay. You're safe." He repeated softly. He wrapped me in a hug as I cried into his chest. I ignored the pain in my head as I sobbed. He held me tight as he rubbed my back lightly.
I cried till I couldn't cry anymore and I slipped into a deep exhausted sleep.
°°°°°
I opened my eyes. The Sun's rays leaked through the window and poured onto the floor. I was in Garret's lap, my head on his chest, his arms around me. We were in the bed, the covers laid around us.
I stirred slightly trying not to wake him but I failed. He opened his beautiful green eyes and smiled down at me.
"Hey, Good morning." He said, his voice was a little rough from the tiredness.
"G'Morning." I replied my country accent was definitely present.
"How's your head?"
"It still hurts but not near as bad."
"Good, we can probably take off the bandage tomorrow." He looks at the blood stained bandage, his hand goes to my chin as he tilts my head to get a better look at my injury.
"Hey, um Garret can you help me get to the bathroom?" I felt embarrassed asking, but I didn't want to fall in the process because that would've been even more awkward and embarrassing. And I had to go since yesterday.
"Of course," He gently moved me onto the bed then stood up. He stretched making the cute baby dinosaur noise you make when you stretch in the morning. I couldn't help but smile and watch him. He caught me staring and he grinned.
Garret got closer and wrapped his fingers around my arm. I slowly scooted to the edge of the bed and then brought my legs around and planted my bare feet on the soft tan-carpeted floor.
With his help I stood up. Dizziness swept over me causing me to lean heavily on him. "You okay?" He asked, concerned.
I shake it off. "Yes I'll manage." I took little steps towards the door. He stayed by my side then opened the door for me. I go through first then he quickly followed. He pointed to a white door in a hallway, to my left.
"It's right there." He said as he helped me get to it. He opened the door and let me through. He closed the door behind me and I locked it. I looked around, the bathroom was hunter themed. "No surprise," I muttered to myself.
I looked into the mirror and almost shrieked. The white bandage covered most of my head, and what you could see of my hair was matted in knots. The camouflage makeup I had put on before hunting still slightly showed. I quickly and carefully used the bathroom and washed my hands.
I let the water fill my cupped hands then I splashed my face. I took the brown towel off the hook and scrubbed my face till all the paint was removed. I wetted my fingers and combed my hair the best I could. I heard a knock at the door.
"Everything okay in there?" His deep voice called out.
I opened the door in response. His eyes remained on my face a little too long before he finally looked away. "I know you probably want to stay out of bed, but I want you to heal a little longer."
I opened my mouth to protest, but the throb in my head caused me to close it.
Still taking small steps, I walked past him and went back into the room. I gently sat back down, but stayed sitting up. He followed me and sat in the chair beside me.
"So do you have any questions that you want to ask me?" He asked, his eyes staring into mine.
I nod, "Do you live alone? Do you own the land behind the white 2-story house? How did you find me and save me?" I had more, but I didn't want to overload the guy. He took in the questions, smiling slightly.
"Yes, I live by myself. Yes, I live behind that house, I bought this land a couple years ago. Though I've always wondered who lived behind me. And for your last question, I was turkey hunting and saw the storm roll up. I knew I had better be headed home but before I headed back I heard these screams for help. I never ran so fast. I could tell that she-you were in the creek. When I finally reached your screams I saw you headed for the rock. I yelled for you to look out but it was too late. Once you were out, the current carried you quickly. I ran after you till I reached a small slightly flooded bridge. I got in the middle just in time to grab you. Your head was bleeding pretty bad so I hurried and carried you to my house where I could care for you." He stopped, letting me soak it all in.
"I live in the white house." That was all I could muster, I simply didn't know what to say. Should I thank him now? I mean what would someone say in my situation?
His eyes got wide, "You've lived behind me the whole time? Why didn't I piece this together? We can be hunting buddies!" He was smiling from ear to ear. I couldn't help but notice how straight his pearly white teeth were. His eyes sparkled in the suns rays.
I chuckled, "Slow down sweetheart, I gotta heal first." My eyes scanned his face, gosh he is gorgeous I thought.
He came back to reality. "Yeah you're right, hey in a couple days when you're better let's catch the last day of turkey season."
I nodded in agreement, "Okay but I'll need to borrow some of your hunting equipment, mine sort of.... Swam away."
He laughed, "You're welcomed to use any of it." He stood up to leave but he hesitated. Before I knew what was happening his lips were on mine, they were soft. He slowly pulled away. His hand caressed my cheek as he looked into my eyes. "I'm sorry but I couldn't help myself. You're so beautiful Skye and I've never met anyone like you before." Before I could reply he kissed my forehead and stood up. He walked out of the room as I watched.
I was stunned and confused.