AllFreeNovel
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“This is beautiful,” she breathes, eyes wide. Her smile washes over me like a warm sunray.
We unpack, laying out our provisions next to the cave’s opening.
”What do you feel like for dinner?” We pull our food out of our individual bear canisters and she looks over our combined stash of canned vegetables and beef jerky. “The least I can do after you saved me from that beast is to feed you.”
“Anything you like. I'm not too picky.” I grin. Ready-to-eat meals and energy bars set the bar pretty low.
She laughs. “Alright then. Rice and beans it is.”
As Maddie hovers over her tiny portable cooker, her hair cascading in loose waves just begging to be brushed aside, I can't help but watch her. The way her brow crinkles in concentration while she stirs the rice is almost mesmerizing. She is a vision against the backdrop of the wild Appalachian woods. The setting sun throws a soft golden glow around her, making her look like she belongs in one of those dreamy, sun-kissed Instagram posts.
I shake off the distraction and focus on building the fire. The crackling of the twigs and the faint scent of burning wood bring a sense of calm. There is something about making fire that feels deeply rooted in my DNA. As a kid, I always preferred the summer weeks I spent meandering along the Adirondack trails to the sailing camp my father insisted I attend during the other half of the school break.
The fire's warmth starts to spread, fighting off the evening chill. I steal another glance at Maddie. She is absorbed in her task, her cheeks flushed. A strand of hair falls over her face, and she blows it away with a little puff, her lips forming a perfect O. That simple, unconscious action sends an unexpected jolt of desire through me.
I add a few more branches to the fire, the flames now leaping up in a cheerful dance. It's getting cozier by the minute, the kind of setting where you'd lean in for a kiss under the stars, the fire crackling and cheering you on.
Maddie turns, catching my gaze, and for a second, everything else fades away. Her eyes sparkle with a mix of mischief and warmth, holding me captive. She offers a playful smile. “Dinner's almost ready,” she announces, her voice a melody.
I clear my throat, trying to focus on anything but the way my heart seems to beat in rhythm with her smile. “Smells great,” I manage to say, my voice a thick rumble.
I push away the thoughts that buzz in my head. The need to comb my hand through the thick mass of her hair, to sweep it up and expose the nape of her neck, to trail my lips over its slender curve. Her skin would be like plush velvet, her mouth as soft and malleable as candle wax.
Get a grip, man.
“Tell me again why you’re out here on your own?”
She glances away, sighing. “I meant the TikTok thing.” She pauses, gauging my reaction. “It makes a good living. You're not on it, I gather?” She shoots me a playful smirk.
“No.” I grin. “How does that work anyway?”
“It must sound silly for someone rooted in the tangible world. But there’s an art and science around it. I create videos GenZ connects to. Catchy dance moves, clips about becoming independent, clothes, makeup, travel. You name it. Brands see my voice resonating with their target demographics, and they sponsor posts or products. Et voilà. Rent is easily provided for.” She smiles wistfully.
“But there’s more, isn't there?” I shake my head as I probe gently. “The reason you’re out here by yourself, I mean. It’s not your typical city girl outing.”
Her voice lowers to barely a whisper, a shadow of something dark crossing her features. “I had the idea to make a vlog series about hiking alone as a girl, about being independent. Maybe pair it with some dance moves.” She pauses, looking at me to fill the silence. I remain still. “But that’s not the whole story, you’re right. I wanted some time alone. I—we need more income, and I’m starting a new job soon.”
“We?”
“Me and my sisters.”
I reach into my backpack and pull two beers out of a portable ice pack, condensation already forming on the cold cans.
“How old are you, anyway?” I stop in my tracks, hesitating.
She raises an eyebrow, a teasing smile dancing on her lips. “Are you going to card me?”
I chuckle. “If I deem it necessary.”
Her laugh is sparkling. “Twenty-two, last I checked. Almost twenty-three. Just old enough.”
“Barely. Did you drink before?” I raise my eyebrows and hand her a can.
“I think most people have a few drinks in college.” She smirks as she takes it from me, her fingers brushing against mine. A warm current zips on my nerve endings. I look into her eyes as we clink the cans together, wondering if she felt it too.
Hands off, I order myself.
She’s too young.
