However, I’m not going to get naked in the back office of the ranger station.
“Do you have plans tonight?” he asks, sounding more rational and a little uncertain.
“Some of the hiker trash are having a campfire with s’mores, but I can skip it.” I shake my head. “Unless you want to go?”
He’s asking me out on a date. At least I think he is, and I’m babbling.
My lips still tingling from the feel of his kiss, I press my finger against them to quiet my words. “No, I don’t have plans.”
“Good. This is me, asking you out. To dinner.” He’s serious but also irresistibly nervous. “To avoid any confusion or misunderstanding, this is a date. Don’t try to split the check or pay. We’re doing this the proper way.”
I beam at him, my happiness like rays of sunshine. “How proper are we talking here? Should we have a chaperone? I bet Gaia would be delighted to join us.”
“You’re adorable and hysterical, but I’ve never been more serious about a first date than I am right now. The last thing I want is to share you,” he grumbles. “I think we’ll be fine without supervision. I managed to remain a gentleman when we were trapped in the cabin. Should be able to act like a decent human in public.”
If real people swooned, this would be me swooning over his words.
“Just so I’m clear this time: this is a date?” I ask, teasing him a little.
“Yes, a real date—the kind where you should bring an overnight bag.” His eyes twinkle with mischief and intention. He confirms the meaning of his words with a solid kiss, taking up where we left off before he locked the door.
Backing me up to the wall and then pressing me against it, he devours my mouth with his, a thirsty man taking his first sips of water, a dying man praying for his soul.
Wishing I had a third hand or maybe a fourth, I want to touch him everywhere. I can’t decide if I should twist my fingers in his hair or grab his biceps to steady myself, or perhaps neither when his strong back is within easy reach. Oh, and his abs. And his pecs. Those are more difficult to access because he’s flush against me, my boobs squished against his chest.
Unlike me, he doesn’t appear to be paralyzed by indecision. He skims his hand down my waist and over my hip, lifting my thigh to his side. This changes the angle of where we connect below the belt.
A deep, husky, loud moan escapes me when he hits the right spot. We’re fully clothed and he still makes my knees buckle.
“Shh,” he whispers along my neck, sending a cascade of goosebumps over my skin.
Raised voices and laughter reach us through the door.
My eyes bug out. “Do you think they heard me?”
“No, of course not,” he says while nodding.
“Totally did.” I’d cover my face with my hands, but they’re currently buried deep in his back pockets where they’re busy grabbing his ass.
“And this is why we need to get out of here.” He leans away but is trapped because of my hands. “Um, Olive?”
“Right. Sorry.” I release him.
“You never answered me about the overnight bag. Did I overstep? I don’t want to presume.” He sweeps his hands through his hair and ducks his chin like he’s shy or embarrassed.
“I only have my pack, so there’s not a lot to bring besides my toothbrush.”
He steps back, shock in his eyes. “Wait, you hiked here?”
“Of course. How else would I get here?”
“By plane? In a car? Hold on, if you walked here, does that mean what I think it means?” His expression switches from confusion to elation. I prefer his wide, happy grin.
I nod, my own mouth curling into a wide, tooth-showing smile.
He scoops me into his arms, lifting me clear off my feet before spinning me around. “You did it!”
“If you mean complete all two thousand one hundred and ninety miles of the historic Appalachian Trail, then yes, yes I did.”
He’s squeezing me tight and still turning us in circles. “Congratulations!”
He sets me down but keeps his arms wrapped around my shoulders, hugging me tight against his chest.
If we stand like this for more than a few seconds, we’ll end up making out again. I’m not opposed, but we really need to get out of this office.
“When did you finish?” he asks.
“Five days ago.” My voice is muffled by his chest.
“You’ve been here for almost a week?” Incredulous, he holds me at arm’s length, his beautiful face a mix of emotions, both joy and sadness. “I wasn’t here to celebrate with you.”
“We still can. There’s no time limit.”
Walking into the campground did feel anticlimactic. If anything, I looked like a quitter who gave up less than a hundred miles into the hike. I wanted a laminated placard for my pack with the route and dates of my miles. I wanted a trophy and ribbons. No balloons, though, because they’re bad for birds and turtles.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here and missed it.” He hugs me again. “I’ll figure out a way to make it up to you. Maybe we can recreate your arrival, give you the proper welcome.”
“Historical reenactment of an event that took place a week ago?”
“Works for me.” His warm green eyes meet mine. “This is a big deal. We need to do it right.”
He could be talking about more than the AT.
My being here is a huge deal, and I do want to do this right.
His lips find mine again and we seal the promise with a kiss.
“Okay, tonight. I have ideas.” He slides his fingers between mine. “Where’s your tent?” At my worried expression, he laughs. “I’m walking you there so you can gather your things, nothing more. As you know, I have a perfectly good bed at my place. Unless you prefer sleeping on the ground?”
Laughing, I shake my head.
He unlocks the door and swings it open. The conversation among his coworkers immediately stops, like birdsong quiets when a predator approaches.
“I’m leaving,” Jay announces, even though everyone is busy looking busy at their desks.
Gaia spins in her chair and stares at me. “Be easy on Daniels.”
Next to me, Jay groans and squeezes my hand. “Guy, I don’t need you acting like a mama bear. I’ve got this.”
Something passes between them.
Ranger Baum raises her hand like she’s in class and waiting for the teacher to call on her. “Can I ask what’s going on? New girl here is confused.”
“Daphne, this is Olive. Jay’s —” Guy pauses, glancing between Jay and me. “—Jay’s friend.”
I give her a small wave.
“Oh, you’re the hiker who’s been hanging around,” Daphne says. “Griffin said you were waiting for some bird to fly back to the park.”
Ranger Lee pops his head, around the corner. “Daphne, you’re going to have to be quicker if you’re going to last longer than a season around here. What kind of bird did I say?”
Guy groans and closes her eyes.
Lines appear in Daphne’s forehead as she thinks. “It wasn’t a crow. Owl? No.”
Griffin lets out a frustrated sigh. “Not even close. I’m disappointed, Daphne. I said it was a blue jay.”
No one laughs.
“Get it?” he asks the group. “His name is Jay and he’s been a mopey bastard for months?”
Sweet Daphne at least tries to fake a laugh.
Griffin doubles down on his terrible joke. “It’s funny.”
“Not if you have to explain it,” Guy chides.
The two of them bicker about the subjectivity of humor.
Next to me, Jay rolls his eyes.
Dipping my head closer to his shoulder, I whisper for only him to hear, “I think it’s sweet you missed me.”
He squeezes my hand. “More than you know.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Jay
Gaia tips her head in Olive’s direction. She thinks she’s being subtle. “There’s a jam session in
town tonight. People around here generally say it’s a fun way to spend an evening. You know, if you’re looking for something to do. Would make a fun date if you wanted to go out.”
I pierce her gaze with imaginary lasers from my eyes. “Thanks for the social calendar update.”
“Jam session?” Olive asks. “Like a group of people canning preserves?”
Gaia’s eyes widen. “Why would I suggest Jay take you on a date to hang out with the Methodist church ladies?”
“Guy,” I growl low in my throat, avoiding glancing at Olive. I don’t want her to think I’ve been gossiping about us to my coworkers. Griffin’s joke was bad enough.
Shifting my attention back to Olive, I explain. “Bunch of local musicians get together and play at the community center every Friday night. Nothing formal, but the music is good and they have some pretty decent barbecue.”
“What kind of music?” Olive asks.
“Probably nothing you’d like. Old-time country and bluegrass from Appalachia, songs you’ve never heard, handed down generation to generation around here.”
“Are there fiddles? Banjos? Mandolins?” Olive’s eyes grow wide and her knee bounces with excitement. She lowers her voice. “Please tell me someone plays a washboard.”
Guy’s eyes seek mine and she shrugs. “Probably?”
Olive grips my arm, tight enough I’d hate to thumb-wrestle her. She has a strange amount of strength in her fingers. “We have to go. What time does it start? Can we go now?”
Still thinking about the possible bruise on my forearm, I remove her hand. “It’s mostly locals playing music together. Nothing fancy. Best not to think of it as a concert or anything. Don’t be expecting Nashville or New York.”
Olive narrows her eyes at me. “Why are you trying to convince me not to go? Is it because I’ll stick out as a city slicker?”
I glance at her wild hair and the scrape on her cheek. I doubt anyone would mistake her for a socialite now.
“How about we take a raincheck for next week?” I hope she understands my meaning.
“Deal.” She beams at me and I feel like I’m the only man who’s ever fallen in love.
“Ready to get out of here?” I whisper loudly to her. “Before my colleagues invite themselves along on our date.”
Laughing, she nods and waves at the weirdos I have to deal with on a daily basis.
“Remember, only you can prevent forest fires,” Griffin says as parting advice.
Outside, I lean down to give Olive a quick kiss.
When we part, she asks, “What’s next? Jam session?”
“Another time. I have something more private in mind.” I give her another soft peck. “Stay here. I need to make a phone call.”
I step inside again, ignoring the commentary from the peanut gallery, and move into the office for privacy.
Energy courses through my body, and not the jittery kind from coffee or the buzz from alcohol. This is new. My pulse quickens and my heart beats in double-time. This is crazy. She’s here. She’s back. She’s been waiting for me.
A quick call and my plans are settled.
“Everything okay?” Olive asks when I return.
I’ve missed her. All of her. Her lack of filter and her stubborn determination. How she makes me laugh and pushes my buttons. The way she is easy to talk with about stuff I never share with anyone. How she’s both fearless and a little absurd. Those are only the first things to come to mind. She’s here now, in front of me, and I don’t want to waste a moment of time with her by making mental lists in my head.
I slip my fingers between hers, lifting our hands to my mouth to place a kiss to her wrist. Her touch grounds me. “More than okay.”
“So where are you taking me on this date? Do I need to get fancy?” Olive gestures to her leggings and puffy jacket.
“Do you have other clothes?” I hadn’t thought about her lack of clothes appropriate for a nice dinner out.
“Maybe.”
My brows draw together. “You don’t know?”
“Guess it depends on where we’re going.” She bobbles her head. “I might have an adorable GSM sweatshirt a guy bought for me. Not sure if it’s date appropriate.”
I finally catch on to her trickery. “I’m not telling you where I’m taking you. Think of it as a surprise.”
“This makes me a hypocrite, but I hate surprises. Or at least being the surprisee.”
“Given there are three options for a nice dinner in Green Valley, you have a thirty-three percent chance of already knowing.”
“I haven’t really left the campground to explore the area. Rode one of the rental bikes down to Green Valley. Looks like charming little town, but if we’re not going to the diner or the Piggly Wiggly, I haven’t a clue.”
I realize she’s genuinely nervous about being unprepared. Last time, we went to Daisy’s and no one cared if she was in sweats.
With empathy for how she’s feeling, I confess, “I made a reservation at the Lodge.”
“For dinner?” she asks softly.
“To start.” I confirm.
“What time?” She toes her shoe into the dirt.
I clear my throat, unexpectedly nervous. “Does now work for you?”
“Yes.” Her smile fades. “No.”
“Okay.” I wait for her to explain.
“I’d love to, um, freshen up before we go.” She doesn’t quite meet my eyes.
“How about you can shower there? I also booked a room. For you. For … us.” I stumble over the words and the meaning lurking behind them.
Her eyes brighten. “When can we check in?”
“How about now?” I kiss her again, because she’s adorable and she’s here and I can.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Olive
Jay packs up my little campsite in record time. I’ve never seen a tent collapsed and stuffed into its bag so fast. If there’s a camping Olympics, he should enter.
I’m not-so-secretly hoping he drags me back to his cabin, locks the door, and ravishes me. I don’t think I’ve ever been ravished, and I’d like to find out what I’m missing. Jay seems like he’d be a natural.
We swing by his place so he can drop off his suitcase. He surprises me when he comes out of his bedroom with a small backpack.
“What’s that for?” I ask.
“I wasn’t joking about this being an overnight date.” He rolls his lips together and drags his teeth over the bottom one.
“Oh,” I whisper. “We’re not coming back here after dinner?”
“No.” He sways back on his heels. “I told you—I’m taking this date seriously. Go big or go home.”
“I don’t want to go home.”
“Good.” He takes my hand. “Ready?”
Sliding my fingers between his, I’m reminded of the night we fell asleep on his bed. All we did was hold hands. And it remains one of my favorite moments with him.
The Lodge is exactly how the name makes it sound. Constructed of old timber, it’s a wood-lovers paradise.
Beams, wide plank floors, tons of stone and iron, and more wood decorate the lobby.
I feel like we’ve stepped back in time.
Jay checks us in and gets the key while I warm up by the enormous stone fireplace.
“It’s a little different from our cabin.” I gaze around the large space. Delicious scents from the restaurant make my stomach grumble, but it’s the man strolling toward me who makes my mouth water.
I take a moment to observe him: his faded jeans and a black thermal, his hair in messy waves, his green eyes intently focused on me like I’m the only person in the world.
He takes my breath away.
I was too stunned when he walked into the office to really study him to see if he’s changed during the time we’ve been apart.
Then the kissing started and I couldn’t have cared less.
I realize something has changed about him.
“You trimmed your beard.” I touch his
face.
“You just noticed?” He leans down to kiss me. “I don’t normally let it get as wild as it was when we met.”
I drag my nails through the shorter whiskers. “I like it like this. It’s softer.”
He gives me a sheepish smile. “Beard oil.”
“Hmm,” I hum. “I wonder if it will prevent beard burn.”
His eyes flash to mine. Without a word, he pulls me to the staircase and up to our room.
Our room is dominated by a large king-sized bed. It’s huge and screams sex—in a tasteful, mountain lodge kind of way. There’s a stone fireplace on the opposite wall and next to it a door, which I assume leads to the glory of the modern bathroom.
“Want to go first?” he asks, setting our bags on the chair next to the window.
“I’ll only be a few minutes. Thank you.” I give him a quick kiss and hug him.
He hugs me back, his head resting on mine, telling me, “You’re welcome, and take your time.”
I do. Steam billows around the small but beautiful bathroom when I’m done with my shower.
Feeling bold, I get dressed in my bra and underwear and nothing else. We can eat dinner later.
When I open the door, Jay is sprawled on the bed … sound asleep.
I remind myself he flew back from Japan yesterday. Jet lag is no joke.
Glancing at the alarm clock on the nightstand, I notice it’s only four-thirty. Plenty of time for dinner—and other activities—later. Better to let him rest.
Deciding to join in on the napping, I crawl under the duvet and snuggle into his side.
The bed is soft and comfortable and Jay is warm, so warm.
My lids grow heavy as I settle in.
I wake up, alone in the bed. The fireplace has been lit and gas flames dance behind the glass screen, casting shadows around the darkened room. The sound of running water carries from behind the bathroom door.
I have zero regrets about the nap.
Stretching, I enjoy the feel of being in bed. The fluffy white comforter covers me from chin to toe. Please forward my mail, I live in this bed now.
Happy Trail (Park Ranger Book 1) Page 21
