"Both of our stuff should fit in one pack," he says at last. "Pull out what's essential, and I'll put it with mine."
Hmm. Didn't think he'd say that. I want to refuse and hope they forbid me from going. But … I still feel like I need to prove something to myself by making it through this week. I'm not sure what it is, and I pray that it's worth it by the end of this mess.
I push my suitcase on my bed and unzip it, considering its contents. I don't notice Captain Mathis looking over my shoulder until he speaks.
"First, you need to be wearing these."
I jump.
He leans around me, his forearm brushing mine and his chest at my back. Warmth spirals through me. I ignore it, more concerned with him destroying my clothing. Grabbing my hiking boots, he drops them on the bed.
"I figured I'd change into them once we get there," I rationalize.
"You don't need two pairs of shoes for one night."
I roll my eyes.
"One compete change of clothes, one small bathroom bag and rain gear," he rattles off.
"Rain gear? Really? You Marines have some sort of sixth sense that tells you when it's going to rain?"
"You don't have to be a Marine to tap the weather icon on your phone. It's common sense to check before you go camping," he replies evenly, gaze on my clothing. "What is all this shit?" He picks up a lace blouse I had packed in case there's some sort of formal affair.
I snatch it and push him back with my shoulder.
He moves away. "Bring extra socks and pajamas, if you want them. Anything else gets the axe."
"Pajamas if you want them? So you sleep naked or something when camping?" I snap. Too late, I hear what I said. What's worse, I'm already imagining him lying buck ass naked on his sleeping bag. If the rest of him is as nice as his thighs and biceps …
Stop it, Katya!
"We've got to be outside in five," he says.
"Yes, sir!" I say sarcastically. Thank god he didn't catch the naked comment.
He leaves me, and I shake my head. It takes me a few minutes, but I boil everything down to two changes of clothes, sandals, extra socks like he recommended, pajamas and one bathroom bag stuff to the gills.
His pack is half empty. I wonder if it's because he was expecting me not to be prepared or if he always travels light. I don't dwell on it too long but shove my clothes into it.