AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Well, maybe you just haven’t found a place to call home yet. I mean, I say that Missouri’s my home, but then again, it might not feel that way if I went back there right now. Life changes, and so does our home.”
She shrugs, her smile returning—though it’s not the same as it was before. “I don’t know. Maybe one of these days I’ll figure it out.”
“Yeah, if you do, let me know.”
“Deal.” She chuckles.
We walk another mile in mostly silence, taking in the views around us. Something about Nila being here makes it that much more meaningful … and beautiful, but I can’t tell her that—it would freak her out. But it’s the truth. And the more I’m around her, the more I can’t push away my growing feelings for her.
It’s torture.
“Wow.” Nila’s gasp grabs my attention as we come out of the trees to the end of the trail. “What a lookout.”
I join her, my eyes widening at the mountainous view. “Puts the cabin view to shame.”
I take in the steep cliffside, surrounded by large log rails.
As the breeze blows through Nila’s hair, I feel things I don’t even recognize. I don’t think I’ve ever been this mesmerized by someone before.
“It’s gorgeous,” she says, her eyes cast out on the expansive mountain range ahead.
“Yeah, you—it is.” I bite down on the inside of my cheek, waiting for Nila to come after me ... but she doesn’t. I don’t think she heard my fumble.
“I can see why this is therapeutic.”
“You want me to take your picture for your socials?” I offer, stepping up to the railing beside her.
“Um, no, it’s okay...” She sighs. “There’s no way a picture could do the real thing justice, but ... I should probably take a picture of you.” Nila digs into her side pocket, pulling out her phone. “They weren’t kidding when they said there’s no service.” She laughs as she opens the screen.
“Yeah, I don’t mind it.”
“I’m not surprised,” she teases, holding up the phone. “Smile.”
“I think this is the first time you’ve ever directed me while taking my picture.” I laugh, giving her a grin. She blushes behind the camera, but she doesn’t say anything. I keep grinning as she takes a few more and then puts her phone away.
“So, I guess we hike back now?” she asks.
“I guess. Unless you wanna hang out up here for a while.”
“Ooh, I wanna try something.” She rushes past me to the railing—and then climbs it.
“What are you doing?” I grab for her, stopping her as she reaches the top rail. “This is dangerous.”
“Says the man who plays a contact sport for a living.”
“I’m serious,” I quip, my hands resting on her hips. I should take them off her body, but I seriously don’t want her to fall.
“So am I.” She peers down at me and grins. “I wanted to know if it’d feel like I was flying while standing up here—kind of like on the Titanic.”
“Oh my gosh.” I groan and then burst into laughter. “I had no idea you were such a dork.”
She giggles. “You can hold onto me if you’re that scared I’m going to fall.”
I don’t argue as I stand there with her butt right in my face. It’s a good freaking view—even beats the mountains, I think. But still, I shift my gaze up as she spreads out her arms and closes her eyes. The sun glints off her skin, and I’m left with that feeling again.
“Do you want me to sing the Titanic song?” I ask her before humming the intro.
She laughs. “No, we’re not on a boat. There’s no water splashing in my face.”
