Rain kept Rusty and Nate company on the way back to the parking lot, so even taking a shorter route, they got soaked. Warmish rain, but rain nonetheless. Though Nate’s Subaru was no luxury model, Rusty was not sorry to duck into it and close the door on the weather.
“Hold on,” Nate said, starting the engine. “It won’t take long for the motor to warm up, then I’ll turn the fan on with the heater so we can steam dry. I feel like I’ve stolen half of New Zealand’s water supply.”
Rusty gave a short laugh. “Well, then I’ve got the other half soaked into my pant legs. I feel wetter than when I fell in the river.” It was more words than they’d exchanged all morning.
The night had been sweet, no denying that. Once—or twice, if Rusty counted the fumbling rumble on the trail—had not been enough fo
