Chapter Fifteen

Alex and Travis banter back and forth in the cabin.

Travis is startled out of his thoughts as Alex has just inadvertently reminded him that he is not alone in the cabin.  Travis tries to explain to Alex the location of the ‘bathroom’, but Alex predictably responds with the following denunciation:

 

"That’s funny! I’m not doing my business outside and risk god knows what biting my privates, or are you secretly filming me while I pee?”

 

Alex, as per usual, makes this comment with a fire in her eyes, a tough girl attitude, and a sarcastic grin.

 

Travis chuckles, "If I were to film you I think I would do it having you do something a little sexier than peeing!   And I’m not a pervert.  It’s an outhouse, there’s no bathroom inside here."   Travis says this with mock irritation in his voice.

 

Alex nods, but is not pleased.  She rolls her eyes and mumbles something with the word “a*s” in it.   She then turns and walks out the door still wearing her same skirt saying with heavy sarcasm but without meanness, "Well you look like a perv!  And, don’t worry Frank, I’m not running away from you this time." 

 

Moments later Alex hurries back into the cabin closing the door hard,

 

"The smell in there is wretched! Peeing outside on the ground would be better than peeing in that freaking outhouse!"  

 

Travis is busy checking the thermostat setting on the side wall.  "Hey, you wanted a bathroom so there you go. You could have peed outside and then I could have gotten my camera and started rolling film!"  Travis’ eyes brighten up for the first time all day at this suggestion. 

 

 Alex watches him, fights a grin, and says, "Very cute!"   

 

A few minutes later as Alex sits on Travis’ bed tiredly and watches him, she blurts out, "Have you called yet?  Have you even called my dad?”

 

For the first time since the abduction more than 14 hours ago she is feeling fairly safe.  She is not worried about being killed or even hurt.  I don’t think he’s capable of hurting me!   I am even starting to feel a weird attraction to him!   He seems a lot like a mischievous little boy right now and that is kind of nice.

 

Travis feels his stomach tie in knots at the question but simply shakes his head, giving Alex a simple answer, "No. I haven’t yet.    Alex continues, “Well, Frank, when are you gonna call because being stuck here is not, I repeat not, fun!"  

 

Alex sighs with much drama. and throws herself back onto Travis's bed, Her lavender shirt is pushed up showing him some of her soft belly over the top of her skirt, and a generous portion of her bare legs hang off the end of the bed. Travis watches her with some butterflies going through him, the hair on his arms stand up and his cheeks flush as he catches a glimpse of her stomach and her shapely, pretty legs.   He starts to feel a physical reaction to this young lady that he wasn’t expecting.  Alex is also barefoot and her toes have a shiny reddish color painted on them. Travis knew Alex was pretty, but this is more than he even knew.

 

I didn’t realize….wow.  She is really stunning.

 

Trying to compose himself, Travis clears his voice, "You’re not gonna stay here forever. I’m just thinking of what to do now and how to do it without taking unnecessary risks which could mean a long jail term.  I am in a bad place right now in my life.  I need a fresh start.”   Then after a quiet moment, Travis says quietly and with some actual tenderness, “I am sorry I got you involved in this.”  

 

Alex is surprised and impressed with the new found human side of Travis.  She never expected this. She gently sighs and sits herself back up pulling down her skirt and getting better situated.  "You’re not very good at this ransom thing are you?"

 

He smiles and shakes his head, "Well, I’m not exactly a pro at it, if that’s what you mean.”    Travis notices the sweet, charming smile on her face.  This is the first real smile he has seen from Alex so far, and he likes it.  He wants to see more of those.  He hasn’t seen a smile like that before.

 

Alex sits comfortably and watches Travis quietly as he randomly organizes the groceries in the kitchen cabinets, and puts a few other things away.  Wow.  An organized kidnapper!

Reviews

[MichelleClay]

I’m really enjoying this story so far and I’m glad that Alex is beginning to see the human side of Travis. Travis doesn’t want to be in situation any more than Alex does but he is desperate and Alex is his only hope. The physical attraction sparking between them is interesting and genuine and it leaves the reader wanting more. I'm looking forward to the next part!