Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
The early morning sun filtered through the dense Appalachian forest canopy, casting dappled shadows on the trail ahead. The crisp scent of pine and damp earth filled the air as Zane and Asha began their hike. Zane’s confident strides crunched over the rocky path, and she stuck close to him, her breathing steady, though her legs were already protesting the steep incline.
They’d packed light—only a backpack with water bottles, trail mix, and their fishing gear for later. Zane had insisted on bringing a sturdy walking stick for Asha, teasing her about her “big-city legs,” which she’d accepted with an eye roll and a huge grin.
“This trail’s one of my favorites,” Zane said, glancing back at her. His voice was warm, and the sunlines beside his eyes crinkled with his pleasure. “It’s got a little bit of everything—views, wildlife, and a creek for fishing. And at the end, there’s a nice rental cabin I’ve booked for the night.”
Asha nodded. She had to admit, the woods were gorgeous, and the temperature here was much cooler than in town, where the days had been sweltering. She took in the moss-covered rocks and the gnarled tree roots crisscrossing the path and appreciated the trail’s beauty, but her mind kept drifting back to Maddy’s words.
“If he did this to you, he could do it to someone else—or worse, he might already have.”
The thought twisted her stomach, but she shoved it aside. Today was supposed to be about relaxing and being with Zane. Or should I talk with him?
The trail narrowed, forcing them to walk single file. A faint rustling caught Asha’s attention, and she paused. Trying to find the source, she peered into the trees.
“Look at that,” Zane whispered, pointing at the underbrush.
A deer emerged cautiously, its ears twitching as it surveyed the trail.
Asha’s breath caught at the sight of the graceful animal. For a moment, the weight in her chest eased, replaced by simple wonder. After a few tentative steps, the deer bounded away, leaping up the trail and disappearing into the forest with a flick of its white tail.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Zane said, glancing back at her.
She nodded, and a smile tugged at her lips. “Yeah. It is.”
They pressed on, the path leading them to a ridge with a breathtaking view of the valley below. Zane handed her a water bottle, and they sat on a smooth rock, letting the silence stretch between them. Asha snuggled into his side, and when he curled his long arm around her shoulders, she let him carry her weight for a moment.
Maybe he will be willing to carry my burden, too.
She opened her mouth, the words hovering on the tip of her tongue— Zane, I… but the words dried up in her throat as a shadow fell over them.
A hawk soared overhead, its cry slicing through the quiet. Zane followed the bird with his gaze, his expression one of quiet admiration.
The moment slipped away, and Asha decided against shattering his peace. Instead, she took a sip of water, letting the opportunity fade like the hawk into the horizon.
After a few more moments of quiet, Zane nudged her gently. “Ready to keep going?” he asked softly, as if unwilling to disturb the view’s tranquility.
Asha nodded and pushed herself to her feet. The trail’s descent was steep enough to make her thighs burn with each step. She kept her focus on the path ahead, placing her feet deliberately over roots and loose stones. Zane slowed his pace to match hers, but even with his effort to walk deliberately, his longer legs and steady strides made the effort seem effortless.
She watched how he navigated the terrain with a natural ease, and his breathing was as even as if he was walking on a sidewalk. Her chest tightened, the words she’d held onto since the ridge bubbling to the surface again. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words caught as her lungs begged for air. Two hours a week on a treadmill in Columbus had done little to prepare her for this. Asha shut her mouth again, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other.
The faint rush of water grew louder with each step, urging her tired legs onward. Her breaths came shallow now, the weight of the incline settling deep in her thighs. As she was about to ask if they could pause for a moment, Zane stopped ahead of her. He turned, offering her that easy, reassuring smile she could feel down to her toes.
“Here’s the spot.” He gestured toward a narrow trail branching off to the right. It dipped slightly, framed by rocks speckled with moss and ferns that stretched toward the sun. The babble of the creek grew stronger, and Asha could just make out the shimmer of sunlight bouncing off the water through the trees.
Relief coursed through her. “Thank God,” she muttered. Although she kept her voice low, Zane chuckled as if he’d heard her.
“Come on.” He extended his hand.
She hesitated for a heartbeat before placing hers in his. His grip was warm and steady, and though she didn’t need the help, she didn’t pull away. Together, they navigated the narrow trail until the creek came into view.
The sight stopped her mid-step.
The water, impossibly clear, tumbled over smooth stones, its sound both soothing and powerful as it carved its way through the earth. Sunlight danced on the rippling surface, tiny sparks of gold that seemed to weave their way through the air itself. The damp, cool breeze carried the clean scent of flowing water and rich earth, wrapping her in ease.
Asha closed her eyes for a moment, breathing it all in. Something about the creek—the way it flowed so freely, unbothered by obstacles, always finding a way forward—resonated deep within her. It was as if it was speaking directly to the tight knot of fear and guilt she’d been carrying for so long.
The shame that had clung to her for years, that had twisted her perception of herself and her choices, felt lighter here, as if the creek’s constant, unrelenting flow could erode the edges of her self-doubt, washing them away with each gentle ripple. Maybe, just maybe, she could find her way forward, too.
“It’s beautiful,” she murmured, her voice quiet but steadier than it had been in days.
Zane slung the backpack off his shoulder and set it on the ground. “Let’s take a breather and get set up. You fish much?”
She shook her head, tearing her gaze away from the water to watch him. “Not really. I mean, I went once or twice with Dad, but it’s been years.”
“Well,” Zane said, holding up a rod with a grin, “today’s the day you get reacquainted.”
He crouched beside her, explaining the basics with a patience that tugged at something deep inside her. She followed his instructions, trying to focus on the feel of the rod in her hands instead of the overwhelming urge to release the words trapped in her throat.
“Here,” he said. His hands, warm and sure, wrapped over hers on the fishing rod. “You want to hold it like this—let the line feed out nice and smooth.”
The breath tickled her ear, and she swallowed against the flutter it caused in her chest. “Got it,” she murmured.
He stepped back, his approving smile sparking a strange mixture of confidence and nervousness in her. She cast the line as he’d shown her, watching as the lure arched through the air and splashed into the shimmering water.
“Not bad,” Zane said, leaning on his walking stick like an Appalachian prince surveying his kingdom. His gorgeous eyes flickered with amusement as they followed the bobber floating downstream.
The rhythmic burble of the creek, mingled with the occasional hum of insects, created a soothing backdrop as they stood side by side. Asha’s shoulders relaxed, the knot of tension she’d carried for days loosening bit by bit.
“I’ve missed this,” Zane said after a while, sounding almost reflective.
“Missed what?” She glanced at him from under the brim of her baseball cap.
“Being out here.” His gaze was distant for a moment. “Sharing this with someone who gets it.”
Her breath caught at his words. The pang in her chest was sharp and immediate, threading guilt through her contentment. He deserves to know. He deserves the truth.
The words hovered on her tongue, a delicate balance of fear and determination. She glanced at him again, watching how the sunlight played over his features, the strong line of his jaw, the ease in his stance. Zane was everything stable, everything good, and she was about to shatter that calm with the weight of her past.
Before she could gather her courage, the rod jerked violently.
“Whoa!” Zane exclaimed as he straightened, reaching out toward her elbow. “You’ve got something already!”
Asha gasped, her breath tumbling out in startled laughter as the rod bent sharply. The line cut through the water in frantic zigzags.
“What do I do?” she asked, half in panic and exhilaration.
“Keep the tip up.” Zane stepped closer, hovering his hands near hers without interfering. “Let it tire itself out a little, then reel it in nice and steady.”
Her focus narrowed to the fight between her and the unseen creature beneath the rippling surface. Asha dug her feet into the gravelly bank as she reeled and adjusted, her heart pounding with the thrill of the struggle.
The fish broke the surface in a silvery splash, thrashing and twisting in the sun. With a practiced motion, Zane leaned in and expertly helped her pull it onto the bank.
“That’s a beauty.” His grin was as wide as the creek itself as he held up the wriggling catch, his pride almost infectious.
Asha’s laughter bubbled up, unrestrained and genuine, as she met his eyes. “I actually did it.” She shook her head in disbelief.
“You sure did,” he replied. “Beginner’s luck, maybe.”
“Don’t ruin my moment.” She nudged his shoulder playfully.
“Well, since it’s your catch, you get to decide—release it or dinner?”
She glanced at the fish, still wriggling weakly in Zane’s capable hands, its silver scales gleaming like treasure. Her stomach chose that moment to let out an embarrassing rumble, deciding for her. “Dinner,” she said with a grin.
Zane laughed. “Good choice.” He expertly cleaned the fish by the water’s edge, talking her through the process so she could try next time. Asha watched, equal parts fascinated and grateful, as he worked with the ease of someone who had done this countless times.
Zane glanced at Asha as they rounded the final bend of the trail, the rental cabin coming into view. It stood nestled in a grove of pine trees, its weathered wood blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. From a moss-covered roof emerged a stone chimney, promising a comfortable evening.
He shouldered his pack and shifted the fishing gear, a satisfied grin tugging at his lips. Despite the worries lurking at the edges of his thoughts, today had been good. He had managed to put his concerns about the fires—and Lou’s suspicions—on pause for the present. Sharing this hike, these simple moments, with Asha made it all worth it.
They stepped onto the porch, the wooden boards creaking softly under their weight. Inside, the cabin smelled faintly of cedar and the remnants of campfire smoke. Zane flicked on the lights, revealing a cozy space with a small kitchen, a stone fireplace, and a well-worn couch that looked like it had seen more than its share of tired hikers.
Asha leaned against the counter. Her eyes were sparkling, and she wore a huge grin. “This place is perfect.”
“Glad you like it.” Zane dropped his pack and moved toward the kitchen. “I’ll get started on dinner.”
“You’re cooking?” she teased, arching an eyebrow. “What happened to the Zane who burned mac and cheese in high school?”
He laughed, opening the small pantry. “He grew up, learned how to make coffee, and then figured he needed to do more if he wanted to survive.”
He pulled out a few potatoes and carrots stored in a wooden crate and gestured toward a handwritten list tacked to the cabinet. “They keep basics for renters, but you’re supposed to replace whatever you use.”
Asha nodded, watching as he added the fish to the counter alongside a few sprigs of herbs he had collected along the trail. “You really thought of everything.”
Zane shrugged, washing the vegetables in the sink. “Like I said, I’ve done this countless times.”
The rhythmic chop of the knife as he worked was oddly soothing, filling the quiet space with a sense of purpose. As the fish sizzled in the skillet with the fresh herbs, the cabin filled with a mouthwatering aroma. Zane added the diced potatoes and carrots to another pan, the butter crackling as it melted over the hot surface.
He stole a glance at Asha, who was leaning against the doorway, her gaze distant but her expression soft. Being here with her felt… right. Like a piece of his life that had been missing for too long had found its way back.
They sat down to eat at the small wooden table, the flickering light from the fireplace casting shadows over their faces. The meal was simple but satisfying, the kind of food that tasted better thanks to the effort that had gone into it. Asha praised his cooking, and Zane laughed, brushing off her compliments while secretly basking in them.
As they cleaned up, noting what needed to be replaced in the cabin logbook, Zane couldn’t help his exhilaration. Not only from the hike, or the satisfaction of a good meal, but from having Asha by his side.
He didn’t know why she had left him all those years ago—it was a question that had haunted him more often than he’d care to admit—but the past felt less important now than the present. Whatever her reasons, she was here now, and he wasn’t going to waste this chance.
The room was dark, the only lights coming from the flickering fire in the hearth. Nestled against him, Asha was warm, pliant, and a bit drowsy. His breathing became ragged, the memory of their lovemaking a little over a week ago still fresh in his memory.
The Dom in him wanted to take the lead, overwhelm her with sensations, and make her bare herself in every way possible. The considerate lover in him longed for her to have a measure of control. The question was: how much should he push?
Asha seemed to notice how preoccupied he was and jabbed him with her elbow.
He pulled her close to him. “Behave.”
Her giggle was so joyful and bright it made him smile. It felt comfortable between them as if the years apart had evaporated.