Taron swung Lorelei's guitar case in time with his steps as they head back down to the crashed jet. His other hand held hers with their fingers intertwined. She had a powerful flashlight to guide their way. The moon was full, and starlight added to the silvery glow as they stepped out onto the path back to the beach.

"We need to get the fire going. I'll grab a couple branches of that tree Katilynn showed me." Lorelei sighed. "This was one of the best evenings of my life. People who aren't family who didn't have an ulterior motive. No demo tapes shoved in my face, no autographs to sign. Who knew those two could sing like that?"

"I have never been this close to someone who creates music like you do. It's a far cry from the concert scene. And the the spontaneous improvising you did? The jazzy guitar? It's a side of your ability that never gets showcased."

"It's why I'm taking some time away. I want my music to grow in a new direction. No more hits only mega concerts. I want the evenings like this one. I want to be able to join a jazz jam session or take an electric guitar on a crazy rock riff. I've been plugged into a rut because, as Lissa says, it pays."

"Maybe you need a change in agents to go with it?" Taron suggested.

"Possibly. Melissa isn't very receptive to my desire to grow. I feel stagnant."

"You didn't sound like it tonight. An that last song? Not at all your usual pop/country stuff."

"It's my newest creation. Windy. Blues almost jazz. Such fun to play, and the lyrics wanted the switch. What did you think?"

"It pulls at me. You'll have to play it for Mooch sometime. He's a huge blues fan."

They passed the fork that led to the freshwater pool. Lorelei ducked. "What the hell was that?"

"A crested owl? Johnathon mentioned them. Those white eyebrows are insane." Johnathon pulled her closer to him. "I think we surprised him as much as he did us."

"Amazing how much they learned about the environment here. I can't wait to spot one of the harpy eagles. I've only seen them in nature videos." Lorelei swung the beam of bright light to their left. "Here, give me a second. Katilynn said the branches are brittle and should twist right off."

The snap of breaking twigs sounded like the rap of a drummers stick on the edge of a snare drum.

"Almost back. Grab the fire starter, will you? I'll put your guitar back in the in the luggage compartment." Taron dug the key out of his pocket.

"I'll get it. Did we have any wine in the galley?"

"Nothing this trip. Remember, you said we would restock before your next flight. You haven't even said where we were headed."

"I didn't know yet. I wanted an Airbnb somewhere private and warm. Do you have a suggestion?"

"We'll talk about it in the morning," Taron watched as Lorelei drew large sparks off the starter. Two minutes later she had a small pyramid of twigs blazing and he placed a teepee of bigger logs over it.

As soon as they caught, she added the branches she harvested, and pungent smoke billowed off the flames.

"Ready for bed?" Lorelei asked.

"Yeah, it's been quite the day." Taron drew her into his arms, and their lips met. The connection between them strengthening as he explored her mouth. Drawing back, he moved the blanket out of their way on the makeshift mattress. "Let me love you, Lore. Just lay down and let me take care of you. It seems like no one has."

Lorelei sank down to her knees, "Love me, Taron, as I love you. It hasn't been a sudden fall, but a gradual thing. Crashing here took the locks off. I'm not sure why it had to be this way. But I'm glad we are where we are."

Taron knelt in front of her gently running his palms over her curves. "You're a treasure. Gorgeous. You're right, it's been a long slow slide into love for me as well. Sometimes it takes a shock to remind us to act on our feelings."

Lorelei pulled her top over her head and tossed it aside. Laying back, she held her arms up welcoming him to her. Sinking into the warmth of her embrace he started at the tender hollow of her neck. This would be a slow burn.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

"Taron, wake up!"

Lorelei could hear the thump of a helicopter approaching.

She grabbed his hand and yanked. Who knew he would be so hard to rouse? Fine. She took her knuckles and rubbed them hard into his sternum. Taron's hand moved quicker than a striking rattlesnake, and her wrist twisted as his eyes opened.

"Shit, shit." He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the aching spot. "I'm sorry. I should have told you how to wake me up."

"Not important. Listen."

His other hand dropped over the side of their bed and grabbed his phone. Turning it on, he punched a series of numbers and hit the speaker so Lorelei could hear too.

"Hey."

"Mooch, helicopter incoming. I can hear it slowing down to land. He's here."

"We're just about twenty minutes out. Make sure the bird can't take off. I doubt he can fly it himself. You're going to have to make it over to the runway."

"No kidding. I don't like leaving Lorelei here alone."

"Take her with you. I'll tell Ditch to pour on the coals. Our team is on a deniable mission. Do you understand?"

"Got it. We're on our way. Be safe."

"You too. Goodbye.

Taron slid the sat phone into it's pouch. "I'm taking it with us. Get a few packages of trail mix, water, and put them in my pack. I'll be right back. Have to pee." He strode out naked, as she pulled on her t-shirt and slipped into a pair of jeans. Dumping the supplies into Taron's single strap pack, she stopped for a second to admire him as he returned, and started pulling his own clothes on.

"I'll be right back. I have to use the facilities too. I'm ready for a fast hike. Do you remember what Jonathon said about the path to take?" She asked as she ducked under the nose of the jet.

"I do," his raised voice reached her easily.

She squatted, did her business, and met him as he arrived to meet her.

"Let's go." Taron's urgency was apparent as he started across the sand.

"Lead on. I'll be right behind you."