Never Too Far Novel

Chapter 2033

“I found something. Look at this. It doesn’t seem like anything modern.” A member noticed some copper items around the pond.

Winston went over and picked it up. “Looks like something between the tenth and thirteenth century. Our guess is right on the money. The trade ships did pass this area and left a mark.”

That raised everyone’s morale. This finding alone was monumental for them, and they had more vigor to search the place now. The discovery came quickly, but it was welcome. A while later, another member fished out some shards from the pond as well. This proved one thing: the fleet must’ve stopped at these islands, and the sailors must’ve stayed near the pond.

The team worked until dusk before they went back to their camp. Jasper took Willow back up, of course. All the other ladies had to climb the ropes and get their hands burned a little, but Willow didn’t have to.

Everyone came back to the camp and talked about their discovery with vigor. A big tent with glow-in- the-dark stars stuck to the roof was set up so everyone could take a break and get into a discussion there. They even brought out some alcohol to celebrate, though everyone only had a little to help them sleep. Willow saw that her favorite red wine was available, so she asked for a glass.

“To a smooth expedition. Cheers.” Winston stood up and raised his glass, then everyone did the same and drank their concoction. Willow took a sip and looked at Jasper, who had taken a seat on the chair outside.

She asked him to join them, but he didn’t. Everyone was relaxed, but it was all the more reason for Jasper to be on guard. He was in charge of everyone’s safety, and he was a more cautious person, to begin with.

From time to time, Jasper would look at Willow, who was having fun with the team, and tenderness would appear in his eyes. Every smile, every gesture, and every glance she threw his way was enough to comfort his lonely heart.

Willow didn’t watch how much she was drinking, and she downed two glasses of wine. After that, she approached Jasper and handed him a bottle of water. “Why didn’t you join us for a drink?”

“I don’t like to drink.” Jasper took the bottle, opened it up, and finished half of the water. Willow sat beside him and requested the bottle. He handed it over, and she drank from the same place Jasper did, not caring that his lips had touched the bottle.

Jasper looked at her, his eyes glinting, and a hint of delight flared in his heart.

“What a happy day. We discovered clues faster than we thought we would. It means we must be really close to the thing we’re trying to find,” said Willow happily.

“Congrats.” Jasper was happy for her.

Willow’s eyes were filled with excitement and a misty look, no doubt elicited by the alcohol. She rested her chin on her hand and looked at Jasper. “I’m so happy I get to see the moon, the stars, and the sea with you. What an honor.”

She didn’t say she liked him outright, but her sentiments were proof enough that she really liked his company.

Jasper looked at her in silence.

“This is going to be a great memory for us,” said Willow.

The guys at the grill came to her with a plate of grilled meat and greens. She never had this kind of food at home, for her father would not allow it. Her eyes twinkled. “Smells nice.”

She picked up a kebab and handed it to Jasper. “Dig in.”

Jasper took it and munched on it as they gazed at the moon. Willow picked up a pork belly skewer and gulped down two slices. She thought they were a bit too greasy. She never liked the fattier slices of meat, but she didn’t want to waste food, so she asked, “I don’t like fatty slices of meat. Do you want them?” NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

She could have tossed the skewer away, but she didn’t. Jasper looked at her and took the unfinished food, then he dug into it. Willow thought it was sweet and she smiled at him. “You don’t seem to mind that it’s half-eaten by me.”