One was scared of messing up again and getting scolded. The other was all tangled up inside, unsure what to do.
Yet, their hearts were drawing closer. Like back in middle school, when you had a crush on your deskmate. If your eraser accidentally crossed into their territory and they handed it back, brushing fingers in the process, your heart would shudder uncontrollably.
Derek didn't find any spare pants, so he wrapped a bath towel around himself.
Beyond the rain, the only sound was the occasional "crackle" from the fire.
Their soaked clothes, being dried by the fire, emitted wisps of white smoke.
After eating some compressed biscuits to fill her stomach, Tabitha curled up in her sleeping bag and fell asleep.
When she woke up again, the air was filled with a delicious aroma.
It made Tabitha's mouth water before she even opened her eyes. Then she heard Derek's deep voice by her ear, "Are you awake?"
Tabitha's head was still fuzzy from sleep. "What time is it? Is it still raining?"
"Almost six. The rain stopped for a bit but started again."
Outside was pitch - black. The cave, lit by the fire, felt warm and cozy.
In the few hours she slept, Derek had been busy.
"Smells great. What are you cooking?" she asked.
"I went back to where we were earlier and killed that wild boar. Now I'm roasting the meat," Derek said.
Tabitha rubbed her eyes and looked at the fire. Sure enough, there were skewers of wild boar meat, already sprinkled with salt and pepper.
The sizzling sound of fat dripping made her stomach growl.
"Should be ready in a few minutes," Derek said, noticing her hunger. He tossed her some wild berries. They were juicy and sweet.
But Derek didn't stop there. He'd also cut and woven wood into baskets and trays. They held fresh leaves and fruits.
Tabitha knew Derek would never bother with such details if he were alone. He'd thought of everything.
She noticed the pile of wood beside him. "What's all this for?"
Derek squatted down, assembling the wood pieces.
Earlier, he'd collected tree bark and vines, which he'd turned into ropes.
Still shirtless, his back showed a array of scars—manly and strong.
He focused on his work. "I don't like sleeping on the ground. There might be bugs. I thought I'd make a simple bed for you. You'll sleep better tonight," Derek explained.
Having done this before, he had a basic bed ready in half an hour.
He also had dried leaves and grass, which he'd placed by the fire to remove any moisture.
Tabitha wondered where he found them in this downpour.
"It's just one night. No need to go through all this trouble," she said.
"For you, it's no trouble at all," Derek replied without looking up.
Tabitha glanced at the bed's width. Derek clearly hadn't planned to join her.
Even with the fire, the cave was damp. Derek's poison hadn't fully cleared yet.
Tabitha hesitated, then spoke up.
"Why don't you make one for yourself too? It's the rainy season. Chances are it'll rain again tomorrow. With this downpour, traveling won't be possible anyway."
"I don't need one. I'm a man. I can sleep anywhere. No need for all these niceties when I'm out in the wild," Derek said, keeping his head down.
Where was the noble CEO now? All she saw was a man focused on his work.
Derek reached for another wood pole, but a small hand grabbed his.
The fire danced behind Tabitha as she stood before him, bare - legged and shirtless in his oversized shirt.
"Make it," she said.
"Alright," Derek agreed.
Derek glanced at her cautiously. "Thing is, we've only got one sleeping bag. If I make a single bed, I'll be left out in the cold. But if we split it open and use it as a blanket, we could share. How about I craft a double bed instead?"
Tabitha's face flushed. She knew his words held a double meaning, but at this point, she wasn't about to act all shy. "Do as you please."
With her blessing, Derek worked even harder. Despite the principle that simpler is better in outdoor survival, he skillfully crafted a makeshift double bed.
Midway through, he reminded her, "The meat's ready. Eat while it's hot."
Tabitha had only eaten biscuits all day. After burning so much energy that morning, she was starving.
The aroma of roasted boar made her mouth water. She took a bite.
"Ouch!"
"What's wrong?" Derek quickly dropped his wood and rushed to her side.
"It's hot, too hot," she said.
Derek lifted her chin. "Let me see."
"I'm fine."
"What if you get burnt?" he insisted.
At that moment, Tabitha was dressed in Derek's shirt, her hair loose. The top buttons had come undone in her sleep, revealing her delicate collarbone.
Derek knelt before her, shirtless.
Before they realized it, they were inches apart, feeling each other's breath.
Tabitha's face flushed. "I really am fine."