Trust (Chasing Shadows) by Mia Fox Page A

the day, and yet a bit of worry over how long we might still be out here crept into my mind. 
    Certainly Ella’s sister would have people searching for us. It was shocking that they hadn’t already gotten here, but then again, they probably had called off the search when it became dark and would start up again now that a new day had dawned. No sooner had the thought entered my mind when I heard the whir of a helicopter.
    I bolted from behind the rocks, wincing immediately at the pain the sudden movement sent through my hand and arm. Ignoring it, I got a few feet farther and had intended to get to higher land to wave down the helicopter when what I saw stopped me in my tracks. A coyote was lapping up the crumbs that I had thrown out and now eyed me with distinct interest. The dog edged closer, forcing me backwards along with any hopes of attracting the helicopter. As I stared at the hungry coyote, out of the corner of my eye I spotted the helicopter rise high before making a turn and retreating over the next mountain range.

Chapter 34 - Nate
     
     
    I couldn’t bear to see her like this, bent over and crying. It wasn’t just a few tears flowing either. Heaving sobs erupted from her core. I know that I had promised I would give them a chance -- give her a chance to get over me, but I couldn’t help myself. I approached her quietly from behind and wrapped my arms around her waist.
    “Oh Nate, please tell me that’s you,” she said the second I pulled her against my chest.
    “It’s me, Ella. I love you so much.” My words just tumbled out of my mouth, causing the tears that flowed from her eyes to stream even faster.
    “Ethan is so sweet. He doesn’t deserve someone who’s so messed up in the head like I am.”
    “What makes you say that?”
    “Because I’m talking with you and you’re...”
    She just shook her head as if saying the word ‘dead’ would make it real. Unfortunately, it already was our reality.
    “Listen to me, Ella,” I said placing my hand under her chin and tilting her head upwards so that our eyes met. “Seeing you happy would make me happy. If he can do that, then it’s what I want.”
    “But I saw the bakery box and couldn’t think of anything except being with you. The way we used to be... Getting pastries for our weekend hikes. Talking to you on the phone every night before I went to bed. How will I ever be that happy again?”
    I smiled at her. “You just have to trust.”
    She wrapped her arms around my neck. “Nate, I’m not sure I’ll recognize that day when it comes.”
    I just nodded, a sad, but determined gesture. “You will.”
    She didn’t want to hear the sentiment, and in that moment my heart ached as much as hers did. Ella could convince a squirrel to give up a hidden nut and I was lost in her beguiling ways. She tugged at my neck pulling me toward her mouth, which I covered with my own. My defenses against her had fled the scene. I had been telling myself that I needed to take care of her, but in this moment, this felt right.
    My tongue found hers and a purring sound erupted from her. The tension she had held in her body, any sign of previous stiffness and hesitancy, washed away and she immediately pressed herself closer to me. My own resolve crumbled further and I kissed her back with all the passion that I had kept buried inside.
    My hands enjoyed the travel down her back, feeling the curve of her hips, the roundness of her ass. I was losing the battle to keep things at a PG rating and groaned in spite of myself. That was all the encouragement she needed. Ella immediately made a little jump, wrapping her legs around my waist as I caught her easily. My hands landed underneath her filmy dress that I had noticed all the previous day. The pale pink color brought out a glow in her skin, making me want to touch her from the moment I saw her.
    “Please, Nate. We can be together one more time.”
    I couldn’t answer and I certainly had no willpower to argue. My