"What an idiot," she whispered under her breath.
She wanted to trek the woods so badly that she had put them both in jeopardy. What if she passed out now and he had to go for help? Stop thinking about it. She splashed some more of the cool water on her face and neck. Gradually the nausea abated and the pounding in her head stopped. She glanced up to find Justin watching her intently. Why was he looking at her like that? He probably thought she was the biggest baby he'd ever seen. She summoned a brave smile.
"The water feels so good. I could take a bath in it."
He nodded, apparently encouraged by her smile.
"You'd find out it was a little cold for a bath."
They both fell silent, absorbed in the beauty of the country around them. It was so peaceful out here - like another world. The problems of city life faded to nonexistence. Muldrow was right. It was a perfect retreat. Even a weekend out here would be refreshing. She gazed off into the distance, lost in thought. What if she purchased the land? It would deplete her savings, but she could rent it out to retrieve some of the cost. Maybe later she could build a couple more cabins, far from each other, and rent them out too. Cut a few trails, clear around the pool of water - maybe enlarge it and get some ducks.
"Penny for your thoughts."
Her attention was abruptly brought back to Justin. She smiled. "I was doing a little dream improvement."
"Oh? Share it with me."
She ducked her head and blushed. "It's probably silly, but I was thinking that this land would be a good investment for a resort retreat. I see trails leading to this pool and the brush trimmed back - maybe a couple more small cabins. There are a lot of people in California who would pay dearly for a weekend or two away from the rat race."
He glanced around. "It has possibilities - providing a person could buy it."
She lifted the hair off the back of her neck and stretched. Did he know how meager her savings were? Would Dad have shared that information with him after keeping it silent for so many years? He might think she would be safer that way. She shrugged.
"It would take time, but I think I could swing it."
His gaze jerked to her face and he shook his head. "If anyone could do it, you'd be the one."
So he did know. He was like all the others. He thought she was loaded. Did it make any difference, though? His tone indicated that it merely was a statement of fact. In the time that she had known him, he had given no indication that he was impressed by money or people with important positions. Their dates had been modest, but was that by preference, or because he had limited funding? What was his profession? She would like to ask, but she didn't want to force him to lie. She straightened, remembering he had possibly been to see her father.