Page 112 of Chasing the Dream

“You about ready to go?” He was standing in the kitchen, filling his backpack with water, when she came in to join him.

“What’s the name of this trail you’re taking me on?”

“Devil’s Bridge.”

“First it was Fatman’s Loop, and now Devil’s Bridge. Why do they all sound so ominous?”

He laughed.

“Can’t we just enjoy the scenery from the balcony?” She went over to the sliding glass door and glanced out at the view.

Caleb’s condo was perched on the side of a mountain, and it offered spectacular views of the surrounding area.

“The best way to appreciate the scenery is by getting out there and seeing it up close. Wait until you see the view from Devils’ Bridge.”

“If I make it. I swear I’m still sore from the last hike we went on.”

“That was over a month ago!”

She turned to face him and leaned against the glass, adopting a seductive pose. “Is there anything I can do to change your mind?”

She was wearing a snug black T-shirt tucked into a pair of camo cargo shorts. They’d gone to an outdoor store before the trip, and he’d helped her pick out some clothes and a rugged pair of hiking boots. He’d made her model every outfit she’d tried on, and although she’d looked gorgeous in everything, he especially liked this one.

He set down the backpack with a thump and eyed her longingly. Ever since they’d told Maria, it had become easier to carve out time together. Still, it never felt like enough.

“Are you trying to seduce me out of hiking?”

She tilted her head and gave him her best smile. Of course, he loved any smile of hers.

“Is it working?”

“Maybe.”

He went out from behind the kitchen counter and stalked toward her. The way the condo was situated, nobody could see in, but they could see out for miles.

“Arms up.”

Her eyes went wide. “Right here?”

“Someone once told me they had a fantasy that involved fooling around in front of a window. Arms up,” he repeated.

She lifted her arms while he untucked her shirt and then carefully pulled it over her head. Then he reached around her back and unhooked her bra. He sucked in a breath as the material fell away from her breasts, baring them to his hungry gaze. Talk about a spectacular view!

Her nipples were hard, and she arched her chest forward, inviting his touch. He grinned at her and then dipped his head down and covered her right breast with his mouth.

“Mmm,” she moaned.

He kissed a path across her chest to feast on the other breast, and she burrowed her hands in his hair, her fingertips kneading his scalp.

After a while (he was in no hurry), he knelt and placed soft kisses on her belly and along the waistband of her cargo shorts.

“I was supposed to be seducing you,” she protested as he unfastened the button.

He glanced up. Her back was flat against the window, and the red rock of Sedona glimmered in the background. “You are.”

He slid her shorts and panties down her legs and pushed them aside.

“Gabe…”