The sun was high now, hot, and the hide concealed in the thorn bushes, despite its reflective coating, was hot, too. Very hot. Jan studied her companion from the corner of her eye, feeling the sweat trickling down between her breasts. He must have felt her eyes upon him, because he turned, that damned half-smile on his face again. Arrogant oaf!
"Will we see them again?" she said. "I still have two rolls of film I'd like to use."
"There's a very good chance, but it will be late afternoon, most likely. They'll be resting up in the heat of the day." He made a long arm and grabbed a thermos bottle, pouring a half-cup of still-cool water, passing it to her. "Drink half, I'll have the rest."
She was meticulous, because she'd suffered enough from his remarks when she'd stepped on a dry twig, which cracked like a gunshot, 'spooking every animal for a mile in any direction,' he'd remarked, his tone caustic. She passed him the cup.
"Thanks," he said. My god! Gratitude.
They lay for a while, until he sat up. "I think we can forget any wildlife for the next two hours. They'll all be sheltering." He looked at her. "Do you get embarrassed easily?"
She flushed and he laughed. "Yeah, I guess you do."
She was angry, but determined not to show it. "Why do you ask?"
"If you could possibly stand the excitement, I was going to take my shirt and trousers off, try to get a little cooler."
"Be my guest," she retorted, rolling over to look out on the veldt again. Nothing. She was aware of movement beside her, a scent of male musk, then he was lying on his back next to her, naked except for a brief pair of boxer shorts, damp in places where his sweat had run, and - incongruously - his socks and boots.
He grinned up at her. "You might be more comfortable with less on," he said, his smile turning enigmatic.
"So that's what this is, an excuse to get me out of my clothes. No dice, brother." Her tone was cold.
There was sudden consternation on his face. "I'm sorry, Jan. I never thought. I'm not used to female clients. I just ..." His voice trailed off. "I'm sorry."
She looked at him. Alan Terry, great white hunter, mocker of clumsy tourists, was blushing.
She smiled. "You're forgiven."
He made a face. "I was thinking of your comfort, honest. It will be another three hours before Elijah and Kwasolo bring the Land-Rover back to the river, another hour after that before they're expecting us."
She laughed, amused suddenly. "Four hours for me to ogle you, Alan."
He made a face. "True, but I'm comfortable now."
"And I'm not. You're right, I would be more comfortable with less on, except ..."
"Except what?"
"My tits are small and I don't wear a bra."
"Ah. I see. I'm sure they're lovely, even if they are small. The rest of you is." He blushed again, vividly. "Sorry, I shouldn't have said that."
"So why did you?"
"Because you are. Lovely. Very much so."
She was confused. "You haven't acted that way. Every little mistake I make, you're onto me like a, like a ..." She shrugged.