Maggie-

"Maybe we should turn back." Jackson debates conceding while running a hand through his hair and tugging at the ends.

We've been traveling for at least an hour since the pavement ended and there's nothing in front or behind us besides the dust flying up from the dirt road.

I half agree with him. The sun has just begun to beat down on us and I haven't slept in at least twenty-four hours, but the stubborn half of me knows we've come too far to give up.

"You're throwing in the towel so early?" I tease.

"Early?" I watch a smirk rise in the corner of his lips. "I think you're either delirious or you've become fond of spending time with me."

"Don't flatter yourself." I tease. "I'm just enjoying the incredible scenery, it's like a Bob Ross painting out here."

I can't help but crack a smile as his head snaps in my direction, an attempt to check my sanity. The broad desert is utterly barren. I've never actually seen a real-life tumbleweed, but if I wanted to find one, I'm sure I'd be in the right place.

"You're sure you're not tired?" Jack asks, his tone bordering concern.

"I recently awoke from a coma, Jackson." I sigh. "I'm pretty much Sleeping Beauty and I've already had way more rest than I've bargained for."

His smirk disappears, my statement no doubt followed by the blunt reminder that my sleep record has been anything but normal.

"What's that?" I ask, changing the subject and leaning in to get a better view of the large pine trees casting their shadows over the dirt road ahead.

There's been absolutely nothing around for miles. Nothing but a barren desert wasteland as far as the eye can see and suddenly in the distance, there's a shroud of trees as if we're about to pass through a small forest.

"How is this possible?" I whisper as we travel full speed ahead.

"Looks like a small grove." Jack replies as if it's obvious, but it's clear by the look on his face that's he's just as puzzled as I am.

"No, really?" Sarcasm drips from my lips but he chooses to ignore my snark as we enter the woodland area.  A small green sign welcomes us to Seven Springs in Tonto National Forest while also warning of flash floods.

I pull out my phone, ignoring the warning about my battery being below 20%, and pull up Google Maps but nothing loads.

"I'm not getting any service." I pout. "Can I use your phone? I was trying to look this place up."

"And spoil the fun of making a discovery all on your own?" Jack teases, but he makes a good point so I don't push any further.

We're silent as we admire our new lush scenery. Pine trees line our path, and tall grass peaks out of the travertine rock formations. I roll the window down, reaching out to feel the wind pass through my fingers and appreciate the sudden drop in temperature.

Jackson comes to a complete stop, and the second his motor goes silent I hear a cascade of water streaming loudly dead ahead of us and notice our path is blocked by a surge of water spewing over the road.

"I guess this is our stop." Jackson's head swivels around, looking for any sign of another person but falls short.

Yellow and orange wildflowers litter the surrounding earth, rising to at least knee height as if they haven't ever been manicured. There's absolutely no one around, it's as if it's our own paradise earth just waiting for us to discover it.

"Wait one moment before getting out, Love." Jack says as he opens the driver's side door and shuts it swiftly behind him.

I debate on waiting, but patience has never been my strong suit and I've never been one to obey orders from a man. Besides, even if there were any foul play around I certainly wouldn't want him to risk himself to protect me. So I quickly unclip my belt and join him in front of the car.

He's silent as he surveys our surroundings until he hears me take my place beside him.

"You've never been one to do what you're told, have you?" He asks without bothering to look in my direction.

"Nope." I admit but swiftly move past the subject. "What are you looking for, a murderer or something?"

"Is that what you always think when you encounter a serene area?" He puffs up his chest and holds a pointer finger in the air. "Oh, there must be foul play and murder about." He says, using his best American accent, but it sounds more like he's impersonating a valley girl than me.

"I don't sound like that and certainly if you were a woman you'd have the very same thought process." I assure him.

"Ah, yes." He smirks. "How could I forget the trials and tribulations of being a woman."

His snarky tone causes a rise in me but before I can properly snap at him he cuts me off.

"You hear that?" Jack whispers, sliding his hand around my waist and pulling me close in order to shield me.

I listen intently searching the woods for any sign of trouble, but the only sound I hear is the rushing water of the creek just ahead of us.

"No?" I whisper, increasingly more alert by the second and my eyes plead with his for an explanation.

"Exactly." He whispers back, smiling cooly while taking his lip ring between his teeth. "Not a single sound from any living creature. No animal, man, security guard, we're completely secluded here."

I don't hesitate to punch him in the ribs as punishment, but he hardly flinches as my fist collides with his hard chest.  Instead, he takes my fist and smooths it out with his fingers before entwining his with mine.

"You scared me." I admit.

"You've nothing to be afraid of, it's just you and me and I don't bite, much." He teases before pressing a kiss to my palm, letting go of my waist and heading off toward the creek. "Welcome to Cave Creek, Love. Seems we've arrived."

My thoughts are momentarily frozen and I feel a sharp inhale slip past my lips as I watch him effortlessly remove his shirt with only his thumb and forefinger.

With his usual Hanes v-neck covering his body I could only speculate what was underneath. I've memorized the way his shirt stretches beneath the muscles of his forearms and the thin fabric reveals hints of black ink underneath but this- 

Speechless.

My mind trails off as I stand in awe, my cheeks warm and my eyes rake over his bare chest and the beautiful black ink that lines it.

Most of the tattoos are sporadically placed on his chest.  A bird, a feather, some vines, but what really snags my attention is the intricate collage of novels lining his ribs. My eyes are glued to his torso, taking in the art he's chosen to embroider on his skin.

My gaze swoops downward, wandering to the slight definition of his muscles leading to that deep v shape just above his-

My enamored mind freezes in place the moment he tosses his t-shirt directly at me. I manage to get myself together quick enough to catch it then realize he's kicking off his classic black chucks and unbuttoning his jeans.

"Wh- What are you doing?" Panic, shock, all of the above rip through my mind as I watch him strip.

I practically choke on a sharp intake of air but manage to slap my hand over my eyes just as his thumbs slip in the waist of his jeans and he starts to slip them off.

"You don't think we came all the way out here just to turn right back around, did you?" He asks and I feel a rush of wind at my ankles and realize he tossed his jeans at my feet.

A mixture of emotions run through my mind and my face begins to seer from humiliation and nerves. I scramble for something to say, despite my curiosity, I'm unwilling to remove the barrier from my eyes and see him full-force butt naked directly in front of me.

"Are you taking off your underwear?" I ask nervously, my clammy hands still gripping my face and hiding from the show.

"Do you want me to take them off?" Jack asks teasingly, his deep voice much closer than it was before.

"Um-" A tiny voice in my head is curious, like I imagine any woman in my position would be, but my palm is glued to my eyelids. "No! Or yes? I don't know, maybe? No!"

I settle on no out loud, but my mind still pictures the deep v in his pelvis just below the lowest tattoo on his chest and I can't seem to think of anything else but what might be hidden under his jeans.

"Open your eyes." Jackson whispers so close that I can almost taste the scent of mint that lingers on his tongue.

My heart thuds roughly threatening to jump out of my chest and I quickly shake my head no. It isn't until I feel his warm fingers gently tug on mine that I open my eyes to see him covered with only his black boxer briefs. I briefly feel a pang of disappointment, and then relief.

"Disappointed?" He teases before taking his lip ring between his teeth.

My face flushes with embarrassment but he simply smirks at my reaction, then takes a few steps back and jumps into the creek. The waterline ends just above his stomach, covering his lower half that entranced me, making it easier to get a grip on my hormones.

"Are you just going to stand there?" He asks before splashing his face and running a wet hand through his dark hair to pin it back. I hadn't realized I was standing awkwardly, holding his shirt with his jeans lying at my ankles.

For a moment, I debate joining him. The sun beats down on us through the covering of pine trees and the clear rushing water beckons me to jump in, but I can't seem to push down the insecure girl deep inside who just doesn't want this man to see me naked yet.

"I don't have anything to wear." An overused excuse, but still valid.

Jack simply rolls his eyes and raises his hands as if to point out the fact that he's only in his underwear.

"I'll just sit and watch." I spit quickly before making my way to the only protruding rock that's dry despite being halfway in the water.

"Suit yourself." He shrugs before diving underneath and soaking his entire body.

A ping of jealousy hits my stomach as I sit on the fiery hot rock which has been baking in the sun all day and the thin fabric of my dress doesn't offer much protection. I take off my black slip-on shoes and toss them into the rocks, far enough away from the small waves that rush onto the shoreline, and dip my bare feet into the cool water.

Comfort washes briefly over me as I grab handfuls of water to rub on my arms and legs. The water itself although waist-deep is clear enough to see the multicolored pebbles on the bottom and it runs swiftly past us around a bend.

If it were any deeper I wouldn't even be sticking my feet in, but since I can clearly see there are no flesh-devouring fish, I'm semi-confident it's safe.

I'm deep in thought, wondering how this creek possibly exists in this barren desert. Debating if it drops off into a lake somewhere around the bend, but my rampant thoughts dissipate as I watch Jackson wade through the water toward me.

He positions himself in front of my dry rock slipping right between my legs and doesn't bother speaking a word as he lays his palms on either side.

Jackson doesn't try to convince me to get in or tease me for being self-conscious, instead, he lifts a handful of water and gently lets the droplets dribble from his fingertips, moistening my legs, then my arms to keep me cool.

The beads of water glimmer on his chest, dipping and grooving with every move as he continues cooling my arms. His eyes flicker to mine before his fingers slowly move to my neck and the dewdrops glide down my collarbone passing my breasts and wetting the bust of my dress.

My eyes involuntarily close as a chill runs down my spine and goosebumps rise everywhere he touches, leaving a trail of desire behind. His diamond eyes linger on my skin, watching my chest rise and fall with scattered breaths, an effect that only he's able to enact.

My dress, now wet with dewdrops, clings to my skin, revealing the curves I'd been trying to conceal. My favorite black lace bra is on show, the sheer fabric on my dress no match against heat, water, or Jackson Porter.

I feel his warm hand cup the back of my neck, and I finally open my eyes to meet his. Despite the chilling drops of water that trail over my exposed chest and dampen my dress, a slow heat spreads through my skin igniting my desire with every second his diamond eyes linger.

His lush lips tempt me to crash mine into his, yet neither of us makes the first move. Our eye contact speaks more than words ever could and in this moment we revel in the depth of our unspoken thoughts.

Jack slips his arms around my waist, gently urging me closer and I instinctively cradle his hips with my legs.  He effortlessly lifts me from my dry rock and slowly carries me down into the water. My chest defies the cool water, warming as it presses tighter against his skin while he wades through the open water.

We stand unmoving in the center of the small river as water rushes past us, urging our bodies to stay closely linked together. My breath catches in my throat as he tucks a lock of hair behind my ear and brushes his thumb over my cheekbone.

Finally, he leans in to caress my lips with his. He softly tugs at my bottom lip with his teeth, sending a shock of electricity coursing through my veins as I savor the taste of mint and metal.

Our mouths move rhythmically together as the water laps against us and occasionally hits our chins as we bob in the water. I thread my fingers and tug gently, earning a soft moan which vibrates through my lips sending another wave of heat through my entire body.

His large hand grips my head pulling me deeper into his kiss as the desire in both of us grows. The sound of cascading water floods my ears but it's not loud enough to drown out the sound of my pounding heart which quickens the moment his skilled fingers glide under my dress.

The water rushing around us makes easy work of my skirt, raising it above my hips as Jack's fingers begin toying with the lining of my underwear while his other hand cups my breast.

The closer his fingers come to sliding just beneath the slim fabric of my cheeky underwear the faster the ache in my stomach builds. I loosen my legs tight grip on his waist to give him easier access and he immediately recognizes my gesture as approval.

I hadn't realized we were moving until he was already lifting me out of the water and laying me down gently on the shoreline. Little bits of rock too big to be sand, stick to my skin and cling on for the ride as our lips consume one another.

My heart pounds out of my chest, as the desire to feel his touch grows so intense I can't possibly suppress it, nor would I ever want to. His skilled fingers rhythmically rub circles to the beat of steady lapping waves crashing into the shoreline.

Jackson hurriedly pulls away and I whimper from the loss of contact until I feel him push my skirt above my waist. My mind is wrought with hunger as I lift my hips to help him tug my soaked underwear off.

Sun rays streak through the trees and warm our bodies, managing to dry just about everything but our soaking clothes. His lips leave a trail of tender kisses just below my belly trailing to either thigh before I'm practically writhing in the sand begging for him.

A wildfire spreads through my skin as I feel his mouth cover me, thumb circling, pressing and I feel myself falling apart beneath him.  I glimpse down at him and can't help but admire the glorious sight of him burrowed between my thighs.

Though I tug and pull at his long chocolate hair, his movements aren't calculated or rushed. He takes his time attending to my body's needs, listening to every whimper, slowing or quickening as if he's done this many times before and knows exactly which buttons to press to get me soaring through the sky.

I wriggle beneath him, unable to take the pressure that's building in my lower belly, but he simply wraps his arm around my leg pinning me down as if he was anticipating my squirming. Immense, mind-blowing, staggering, sensations building like I've never felt before as I search my surroundings for anything to grip but find nothing but pebbles and sand.

Finally, after nearly blacking out, I shudder against him as colors streak through my sight and I come completely unraveled in his grip.

Calm washes over me, the sun streaming through the trees warming my skin and the gentle breeze soothing my face. My bottom half is completely exposed but I don't have the energy to move, let alone cover myself up.

Seemingly hearing my thoughts, Jackson drapes my skirt back over me, covering me then taking his place beside me.

We lie unmoving in a quiet peace for a few moments, before I hastily bring my lips back to his. My kiss is hurried as the thoughts of how I'd like to repay him play in my mind.

He gently pulls me on top of him and my legs straddle his, his hands linger just above the belt while mine wander lower. I feel my heart jump out of my chest and his breath catches in his throat as I clasp my hands around the hardness in his boxer briefs.

I've never wanted anything more than I want him at this very moment, but something jabs at the back of my mind. The fragile self-conscious girl rears her ugly head and I realize that our kisses have stopped and have been replaced the sound of heavy breathing.

"You okay?" He asks cautiously, sensing my hesitation. "Any regrets?"

"Jack-" My words catch in my throat and my face lights on fire as I attempt to form a sentence that I know needs to be said. "I'm a virgin."

Our foreheads press together as we catch our breath and I eagerly wait for his response. His head leans back into the sand and I can't help but feel his sense of dread.

I know it's probably not the best time to mention it, and maybe I should have said something before, but I can't fathom this kind of reaction. He should be happy knowing no other man has touched me, not this-

I wait a second more then pull myself off of him, snatching my underwear from the sand.  Embarrassment fades and hurt and anger take over, I'm seething, boiling even. To think the man I thought I was falling for would act this way after my confession absolutely infuriates me.

"Maggie, wait." Jackson sighs, propping himself up on his elbows.

"I'll be in the car." I grumble as I begin stomping away.

"Christ." He puffs as sits up.

"Christ is right." I puff back and swiftly turn to give him an earful. "Sorry not sorry to disappoint you.  I guess I'm just not as 'experienced' as your usual girls. I thought-"

I pause to clear my throat and attempt to hold back tears. "It doesn't matter what I thought."

"You thought what?" Jack asks watching my face and attempting to figure out the puzzle in my mind.

"I thought that whatever this was, whatever is happening between us was more than just sex.  I guess I was wrong." And with that I grab my shoes, holding them in the same hand as my underwear, and begin making my way back to his car when I hear him stand.

"Maggie, you're not a virgin."