by Kaia Knight
She shot him a glare, but the corners of her eyes crinkled, betraying her amusement. “I bet you’d like that, wouldn’t you?”
They hobbled in silence for a few minutes as they started the climb. When the trail steepened, Kailani inhaled sharply, and her face blanched.
He sighed in exasperation. “Can I please just carry you?”
“No,” she panted. “I can do this.” Her mouth was set in a determined line.
“What’s your name?”
“Kai. You?”
“Gabe, nice to meet you.”
He earned himself a dark look.
“Well, maybe not nice, given the circumstances...”
Continuing in silence, they stumbled to the summit, pausing to catch their breath at the top.
“Geez, I usually bike this trail. Who in their right mind would willingly run up it?” He caught a hint of her smile as they crossed the shallow creek with careful steps. Each time he could crack the stony set of her face was a victory, his heart leaping at each shadow of a grin.
He craned his neck, searching for his bike in the tangle of brush along the creek. His brows furrowed. “Hey, do you see my bike anywhere?”
She glanced around and shook her head, but then her eyes widened. “Oh! My backpack is up here too, I left it on the rocks.” She shrugged out of his hold and started staggering towards the curve in the path that hugged the top of the waterfall.
Gabriel lunged forward and grabbed her arm. “Are you kidding me? You think I want to watch you fall off a cliff again?” He steered her towards a boulder on the side of the creek and made her sit.
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, but surprisingly stayed put. “I’m not an idiot! I left it on the side of the trail, just on the rocks.”
“Just give me one second, then I’ll look with you.” He turned off the path and waded through the thick ferns and thorns. A subtle gleam of silver peeked through the brush, and Gabriel bent closer to inspect it. His bike was all but invisible until he walked over it. Satisfied, he returned to the trail and felt a pang of guilt at leaving it behind.
As if she read his mind, Kailani turned to look towards it. “Are you going to leave it here?”
“Yeah, I’ll come back for it later. It’d be hard to walk with it….” He swallowed the rest of his sentence, not wanting her to feel guilty. He gave her a reassuring smile and helped her along the trail towards the waterfall overlook.
“My bag! It’s not here….” She looked around with a panicked expression. “It was right there, on the rocks.” Her voice grew higher and sounded strangled. “Did you move it before coming after me?”
“No, sorry. It all happened so fast, I didn’t even notice a bag.” He helped her search the nearby bushes, sensing her mounting anxiety. “What was in it? Some run gear?”
Kailani stopped and faced him, her eyes overbright and cheeks flushed. “No,” she moaned. “I came straight here from the airport, so my ID, wallet, clothes...everything!” Suddenly her eyes widened, and her hands flew to the pocket on her damp shorts, tugging out a phone. She tapped at the unresponsive screen and sighed. “Figures. The water wrecked my phone.” She covered her eyes with her hands and moaned again. “What am I going to do?”
“Hey, it’ll all be okay. Let’s just get off this mountain first. One thing at a time.” Gabriel extended his arm towards her, and she bit her lip and nodded, accepting his help.
As they shuffled along the trail, he told her stories and kept her talking, but her voice grew fainter and more incoherent as the descent steepened. The sun arced higher in the sky, beating on his face through the trees. Their clothes quickly dried, only to be soaked again by sweat.
Kailani stumbled over a root and her body gave out, slumping against him. Gabriel lifted her once more, and this time she did not protest. He cradled her against his chest, noticing the sheen of sweat on her face and the coolness of her cheek.
“Hang tight, we’re almost there.”
When she didn’t reply, he looked down at her again. She was already asleep in his arms.
Chapter 3
Kailani
A sudden jolt roused Kailani, and she warily looked around. The crunch of gravel under tires faded to the low hum of asphalt.
She was in a truck, air conditioning blasting towards her. Gabriel sat with his left hand on the wheel, right arm slung along the top of the middle seat. White, dusty tracks traced down his temples where his sweat had evaporated, and his shirt was damp, clinging to his broad chest. She blushed, remembering how he had held her body against his, how she could feel the deep rumble in his chest whenever he spoke.
Glancing over, his face brightened and the crease between his eyebrows smoothed. “Thank God, I was getting worried! How are you feeling?”
She licked her lips and tried to swallow. “Not too bad.”
“Thirsty?” He handed her a plastic bottle. “It’s an electrolyte mix, so it should help with the dizziness.”
She grabbed it, and the sound of crinkling plastic and her desperate gulps filled the air. There was an unexpected, fizzy aftertaste that made her crinkle her nose. Wiping her mouth, she was suddenly self-conscious and scratched at the label on the bottle with her fingernail. “Thank you. For everything… Did you carry me the rest of the way?”
“Yeah, it took you passing out to let me carry you. We’d still be hobbling along up there if you hadn’t.” He chuckled as he ran a hand absentmindedly along his jawline, his stubble scratching noisily against his callouses.
“How far was it? I know I’m pretty heavy...”
“Two miles, all downhill. And no, you’re not heavy. Just sturdy.”
“Sturdy?” Her mouth fell ajar as he grinned, and she shook her head. The nerve. She glanced down at her muscular thighs, remembering all the taunts from girls growing up. They would pretend to scream in horror, then point, shrieking, Run, it’s Quadzilla!
Kailani gazed out the window as he navigated the roads with the ease of familiarity, weaving his way through back roads. The buildings gradually gathered closer together and Kai guessed they were getting closer to town.
“Where are we going?”
He glanced at her in disbelief. “The hospital? You need to get checked out.”
“No!” Her voice came out sharper than she had intended. Her words sounded strangled as she tried to keep her voice level. “I can’t go. I don’t have insurance. I can’t afford something like this right now.” She glanced down at her hands and felt heat rise to her cheeks. If he didn’t already think I’m pathetic, he does now.
Gabriel nodded in understanding, easing off the gas. He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel and furrowed his brow. “Hmm...well, my brother is a paramedic. We can probably catch him before he leaves for work.” Nodding resolutely, he glanced both ways before executing a U-turn. “We live about fifteen minutes from here; would you be comfortable having him make sure you’re okay?”
She nodded in relief, comforted by his genuine concern and thankful that he didn’t press her about her financial situation.
He lifted a finger. “But seriously—anything happens and I’m taking you straight to the hospital. The last thing I need is for you to sue me for pushing you off a cliff or something.”
“Is that admission of guilt?”
He laughed. “Not quite.” Then growing more serious, he turned towards her, holding her in his steady gaze. His right hand, still slung across the back of the seats, twitched towards her shoulder as if he wanted to reach out. “I am sorry for startling you though, I should have been more careful around that turn.” A grin tugged at his mouth again. “But you’re welcome for saving your life. Not the brightest move, standing by a slippery cliffside.”
“Some apology,” Kailani grumbled, trying not to smile.
He laughed again, leaning his elbow out the window, fingers playing with the wind as they drove on.
She sighed, relaxing into the seat and took the opportunity to study Gabriel more clo
sely while he concentrated on the road. He had a strong nose with a slight crook, as if it had made hard contact with a fist. His dark, disheveled hair looked like it was regularly raked back from his deep-set eyes. They were a striking blue, the first thing she had noticed when he held her in his arms by the water. Her stomach tightened as she remembered the heat that had channeled between them. Does he have to be so gorgeous? While his hand gripped the wheel, his muscles rippled and he started whistling, smiling when he caught her looking at him.
She jerked away quickly, blushing. “What are you so happy about?”
He just grinned and shrugged. “How are you feeling? Better with a little sugar in you?”
“Much better, thanks…starving, actually,” she admitted.
“Good timing, then.”
Turning off the main road, the truck bounced as they hit a scrubbed-out dirt lane. A neat line of towering evergreens lined the driveway, leading them to a field of wildflowers where a modern-looking cabin nestled in the back of the meadow. Its sharp, angular features and large windows were a stark contrast to the soft, wild beauty around them.
“Wow, your brother lives here?”
“Actually, we both do. It’s pretty small, but we love being all the way out here.” He pointed out the driver window, drawing her eye to the lilacs that hugged a quaint stone walkway that wove its way around the house. “The view is even better out back.”
Cutting the engine, Gabriel hopped down and walked around the truck. He opened the passenger door, holding his hand out to her. Gabriel led her towards the house and held the front door open, gesturing her through.
“Eli?” Gabriel called upon entering, “We’ve got company!” He looked at Kailani with panicked eyes. “So…put some pants on.”
A young man strolled out from a side room, wearing flannel pants, but no shirt. His hair was lighter than Gabriel’s, a tousled mess sticking in every direction. His face was rounder, more boyish, and he wore a mischievous grin.
Gabriel crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow.
Eli’s hands shot up in the air in a gesture of surrender. “You didn’t say anything about a shirt.” He let out a loud yawn, stretching and flexing his biceps.
“You’re an ass,” Gabriel grumbled. “Kai, meet my brother.” He turned back to Eli with more purpose. “I’m glad we caught you before you left. It’s a long story, but we were up on Bonner’s Peak and she fell from the top of that waterfall—”
“Wait, that was you?” Eli turned towards Kailani and his eyes grazed down her outfit. “There was a call on the radio about a missing hiker up there, it actually woke me up. Blue shirt, brown hair: check.”
“What?” Kailani furrowed her brows. “Who would’ve reported me missing?”
Eli shrugged. “I just heard the dispatcher, not the report...let me go call in really quick so they know you’ve been found.” He disappeared back into his room, closing the door behind him.
Kailani sat on one of the stools at the kitchen island while Gabriel poured her a glass of water and set it in front of her. She flashed a grateful smile at him and chugged the water in one pull.
Gabriel leaned on the granite counter, his blue eyes meeting hers playfully. “You didn’t tell me I was running with a wanted woman.”
“I’m new in town, I have no clue what that’s about.” She frowned, peering into the empty glass without seeing when it suddenly clicked, and she snapped her fingers. “Oh, my backpack! Someone must have found it. Two women passed me earlier on...”
He nodded, stroking his stubble again. “They could’ve doubled back and saw you weren’t there, but your bag was. Maybe they’re the ones that took it?”
“I hope so. My internship doesn’t start until tomorrow, so if I want a place to stay tonight, I need my wallet and ID.”
Gabriel waved his hand at her. “I’m sure your bag will turn up, but either way, you are more than welcome to stay here.”
Kailani looked up at him gratefully, a weight lifting from her stomach. She felt at ease with Gabriel, and it was a better offer than the alternative, which possibly included a park bench. “If you don’t mind, that would be great.”
A few moments later, Eli emerged wearing a dark blue uniform and set a small medical bag on the kitchen counter. He talked around a toothbrush hanging out of his mouth. “They were getting ready to send a Search and Rescue team up there, good timing. So, you fell off that cliff? It’s gotta be what, forty, fifty feet high?”
Kailani nodded. “Maybe. I was looking at the view when someone came whipping around the corner. I slipped when I turned around.”
“Hey, now! Let’s not forget the part where I dove after you and resuscitated you.”
Eli tutted, giving his brother a disappointed look. “Wow, Gabe. I know you’re getting desperate, but there are easier ways to get a date, you know.”
Kailani bit back the urge to laugh.
Gabriel clenched his jaw and glared at his brother. He took a deep breath, ignoring the comment. “Anyways, could you give her a look-over before you leave for work? I’m worried she might have a concussion. She can’t go to the hospital, so I had to settle for my college-dropout of a brother.”
Eli smirked. “I may have dropped out but looks like you’re the one asking me for help. I’d be happy to…check her out.”
Gabriel groaned and turned towards Kailani. “Don’t listen to him. He’ll flirt with anything with a pulse.”
Kailani relaxed as she followed the volley of their brotherly banter. As the boys continued to needle one another, Gabriel and Kailani recounted the story of her fall. With a more professional composure, Eli asked Kailani basic questions and checked her eyes and reflexes while Gabriel stood to pull together a late lunch.
“You seem fine, no obvious symptoms that I can see. Make sure you get enough to eat, and it’s probably best if you have someone monitoring you tonight, just in case. I’m sure Gabe would be happy to volunteer for night duty.” Eli laughed as Gabriel threw a punch at his shoulder and tucked his flashlight back in his medical bag before settling on a stool next to her.
Gabriel muttered to himself as he passed out plates laden with sandwiches and chips, and they ate in companionable silence. Kailani wolfed her sandwich down and eagerly reached for a second helping of chips.
Eli raised his eyebrows and grinned. “Sheesh, I didn’t realize this was a race.”
Kailani returned his smile and pointed a chip at him. “I’ll have you know I burned more calories this morning than you probably have all week.”
“I don’t know about that, I got a good workout last night, if you know what I mean.” Eli wagged his eyebrows.
“Oh, is that why you’re looking off balance?” Gabriel reached over and squeezed Eli’s right bicep.
“What? No, I—”
“And I bet it’s what, thirty seconds max? Not much of a workout.”
“Ha-ha. Says the world record holder for the longest dry spell in history.” He smirked at Kailani as he stood, jerking his thumb at his brother. “Sorry, he’s taken. The only thing he rides these days is his bike.”
Kailani choked mid-chew, covering her mouth with a hand as tears sprang to her eyes.
Eli grabbed his bag and a thermos of coffee, ignoring Gabriel’s protests. “It was nice to meet you, Kai. Give me a call if you start feeling dizzy. I’m working second shift, so I’ll be at the station until around midnight if you need anything. I’ll make sure to ask about your backpack too, don’t worry.” He waved and headed towards the front door.
Standing up with a groan, Gabriel sighed. “I should get going too.” Kailani’s head shot up, and he met her questioning gaze. “I have to run back to the trail and grab my bike. I doubt anyone would find it, but just to be safe…”
Kailani stood abruptly, suddenly unsure of what to do. Was he just being polite before, offering that I stay? Should I go look for a hotel after all?
Gabriel stepped forward as if he could read her thoughts, touching her arm
gently. “Would you be comfortable staying here until I got back?”
A wave of relief rushed through her, her stomach fluttering as his hand lingered on her. “Yes, thanks.”
He nodded and held up a finger, disappearing into one of the bedrooms. He returned a few moments later with a stack of folded clothes. “Here, in case you wanted to freshen up. They’ll be a little big on you, but you can toss your stuff in the wash in the meantime. There are clean towels in the bathroom. It’ll probably take me about two, three hours max, so make yourself at home.”
“Sounds good. Be careful, try not to crash.” She laughed when he rolled his eyes.
Peeking through the window as Gabriel closed the front door behind him, Kailani saw Eli still had not left. He was leaning against a bright red truck, checking his watch. Probably waiting to get the low-down on me. They chatted briefly before splitting off and climbing in their respective vehicles. Eli whipped his truck around and cut Gabriel off to get out the driveway first. Chuckling, Kailani shook her head, turning to face the room.
With the house to herself, she took the opportunity to explore, curiosity pulling her further into each room. The cabin was bright, but cozy. Everything flowed together in cool tones of grays and greens, and she stepped down into a sunken living room that showcased wall-to-wall windows. The evergreens swayed outside the window, giving the impression of being suspended in a tree house.
Wandering toward the opposite side of the house, she tried a few doors. The first two were bedrooms, which she gave a cursory look. The third room was nearly empty. Dust-coated boxes were stacked in the middle of the room, various pieces of clothing and knick-knacks strewn across the floor. A vintage-style desk held a disarray of folders and papers. Hanging on the wall across from where she stood were a row of framed portraits. Stoic faces gave way to slight smiles, their chests adorned with ribbons and medals on their crisp military uniforms. Unlike the others, on the far right of the row hung an ominously empty frame, glass broken. Feeling like a trespasser, she quietly backed out of the room, softly shutting the door.
