21

HOPE’s POV

The fire burns and embers of the flame crackles in the air, adding to the already heightened tension in the cave.

I sit on one end of the fire and Blake on the other. Both of us have our arms crossed and we are not looking at each other. I am looking at my muddy sneakers and Blake, I couldn’t care to see what he is fascinating himself with right now.

Larry sits crossed-legged between us fidgeting every once in a while and picking at his nose. He sneaks a peek at us from time to time and attempts to rub his palms together near the dancing flames only to quickly pull back when the heat scorches his hand.

“Umm…”Larry clears his throat as he inspects his palm, “so, what’s our plan?”

At his question, both of us look at him. Our eyes meet, Blake’s and mine. His gaze feels like a caress, it is as if his eyes have the power to undress me, to touch me…NO! Damnit, Hope, get a grip. I cannot let myself be pulled in by his gaze. So in the end, it is I who tears my gaze away.

“You mea