8. Lily
CHAPTER EIGHT
lily
A rmed with all my notes from Saturday, I delved into working on my book on Sunday and Monday. Painting the house took a back seat, but I was able to knock out another eight chapters. Andrea is going to be thrilled with the work and the timeline. For the first time since I started working with her, I am ahead of schedule for my deadline. It’s probably a mix of no longer having a full time job, and the inspiration I am finding here, but I love that it brings no stress. I just need to fact check my previous writing with everything I learned from Thoren, and then again once we go to River’s game and I get to check out the facilities.
I’ve never been to a professional sports game of any kind before. While Phoenix had an NBA, NFL, and MLB team, I never had the chance to go see one. My parents were not big on sports, and when my company had tickets, they were always snatched by the men right away. I’m not sure if I’m more excited to see the actual game or to just see what it is like to attend a game and see what all the hype is about.
I tried watching the Rainiers games on my tablet a few times, but there is a lot of downtime. The internet assured me that attending a game is a whole experience and not as boring as watching it on TV. I think it will help that I will have Thoren to keep me company and explain anything I still don’t understand.
I plan to do something nice for both him and his brother when we go. It’s beyond kind of them to do this for me and I want to make sure they know I appreciate it. I get the feeling that Thoren is overlooked for his brother a lot, and I hate that for him. You can be proud of his brother without diminishing his accomplishments and the good man that he is.
And he truly is a good man. He was so patient with me on Saturday, explaining the same thing over and over until I fully understood it, and then driving me home even though I could have easily walked. There are not enough Thorens in the world anymore, and I am glad to have found one in a neighbor and friend. It doesn’t help that he is mouthwateringly hot, and good god, when his rough fingers stroked my cheek when he woke me up… my body lit up like a Christmas tree.
Focusing on my writing the last two days has kept me from freaking out about that fact. Now that it’s Tuesday and I need a break from all the writing, my brain keeps wandering back to Thoren. My body never responded to Tyler that way, and we were together for two years. I just thought that the ‘butterflies in stomach, tingles down to your toes, fireworks behind your eyes’ type feelings were romanticized in books and movies, but weren't realistic. I thought maybe they happened with once in a lifetime loves, not everyday love. A ping from my phone drags me from my introspection.
Thoren:
What are you up to today?
Lily:
Just enjoying my coffee at the moment. Might paint another room, or do some online shopping for new bathroom tile ideas. Your bathrooms inspired me.
Thoren:
Sounds productive. Want to get outside with Shadow and I instead?
Lily:
Yes! What are we doing?
Thoren:
Perfect. Be ready in an hour. Dress for hiking.
Exactly one hour later, I have my hiking backpack filled and ready to make Thoren proud. I dressed in my hiking boots, bike shorts, and a sports bra with a loose top thrown over it. It’s eighty-six degrees already, and it’s only the end of June. Michele told me August has peak temperatures around here, so we are in for a hot summer. I guess it’s a good way to ease myself into the difference in weather from Phoenix.
The front hall mirror reflects my image as I twist my long hair into a high ponytail, disturbed by a truck door slamming outside, setting off the flutter of butterflies low in my stomach. Grabbing my backpack, I step outside to find Thoren rounding the front of his truck toward me. His brown hair is messy on top, his beard a little thicker. Today, his hazel eyes look dark under thick eyebrows. He has on hiking boots like me, cream cargo pants with dirt smudges on them, and an olive green tee that hugs tight to his chest. The rugged outdoorsman is a mighty fine look on him.
“Have you guys been hiking already this morning?” Shadow leans her head out the passenger window to whine at me.
“Kind of,” he rubs the back of his neck, before walking around the truck to open my door. “Shadow, back. I ran a SAR training session this morning. We worked on a repel rescue,” he explains as he shuts my door once I’m in and then hops in himself. “Sorry if I’m dirty and sweaty. Just thought it was pointless to shower just to go back in the woods again.”
“I don’t mind. It completes your whole mountain man look.”
“Mountain man look?” His laugh is deep, filling the truck cab. “Didn’t realize I had a look. Is it a good one?”
“Oh yes,” I agree before thinking it through. “I mean, rugged mountain men are hot. The whole ‘I could fight a bear’ vibes really do it, you know?”
His lips tick up in a sexy smirk as he thinks it through. “I want to clarify that I could not fight a bear.”
“Well don’t ruin it for me. So, where are we headed anyway?” He’s driving further into the woods, away from downtown. A wave of heat rushes in through the open window, the air thick with the fragrance of pine and the heavy, sun-baked scent of the earth as the trees crowd closer to the road. I have explored a few short hikes to break in my new boots, but haven’t been on a big adventure yet.
“There’s a spot up here that not a lot of people use. It has a few different trails, but one leads to a waterfall with a small swimming hole. It’s peaceful and it’s Shadow’s favorite place to swim.” The dog in question pokes her head between our seats at the sound of her name, nuzzling her head into Thoren’s shoulder as he reaches up to scratch her chin. Her wet pink tongue pokes out, licking a stripe up the side of his face.
We drive another ten minutes up the road, where he turns off into a small gravel parking lot. While there is only one other car parked here, the area looks like it could fit at least ten. There are no signs off the road alerting you to the fact that this is a hiking spot. According to Thoren, there are many spots like this all over these woods with hidden hiking trails.
Shadow unceremoniously climbs over the center console to jump out behind Thoren. “You know I have to get my bag from the back seat. You can wait five seconds to be let out from there. We do this every time,” he scolds her playfully. He grabs his large backpack, then looks over, watching me strap mine on. “You don’t have to bring yours. I packed enough for both of us, plus some snacks for when we get up there.”
My heart sinks in my chest. I was really proud of myself for having brought it, fully stocked, to show him I followed his list. He must see something in my expression as I take it off and slide it back in the truck because he is standing in front of me in an instant. His knuckle notches under my chin and tips my head up to look at him.
His golden gaze locks on mine, letting me see everything he’s feeling. “I’m proud of you for being prepared and bringing it, and I would love to hear what all you put in it. You can bring it if you would like, it’s just kind of a steep hike. I thought it would be easier for you to not have to carry it, and I packed mine with both of us in mind.”
He stays like that, holding my chin between his thumb and finger, letting me see the truth in his statement. Slowly, I nod, bringing a smirk to his lips. He takes a step back so I can shut the truck door, leaving my backpack inside.
“Good girl,” his low voice growls. He turns on his heels toward the trail head, completely unaffected. I glance down at Shadow, still sitting next to me, tongue hanging out of her mouth as her tail sweeps over the gravel. Her eyes are firmly planted on a retreating Thoren as a drop of her drool slips off her pink tongue.
Same, girl, same.
The trail head starts wide and easy, a mix of dirt and gravel, with small sporadic inclines. Aside from the trail, the ground is covered in moss, ferns, brush, chittering squirrels, and whistling birds. The trees are thick with a mix of different varieties. The smell of hearty earth and pine, mixed with crisp wind through the branches assaults my senses. My feet stop of their own accord for me to deeply inhale, filling my lungs with the fresh, clean mountain air.
“The Douglas firs are very fragrant today. On the right day, you can pick out the different scents, specifically the Juniper trees and the Douglas fir,” Thoren says over his shoulder to me. My gaze is constantly drawn to him, watching him reach out to touch some of the trees that we pass. Other times, he slows to grab my hand when roots stick out onto the pathway. His shoulders are relaxed, his stride even, and a wide smile graces his face. He truly comes alive out here.
“What other types of trees are in these woods?” I find myself asking, just so I can watch his eyes light with excitement.
“So many, depending where exactly we are. Different varieties of hemlock, spruces, pines, firs, and cedars. They all grow in abundance out here. Just wait until you hike these trails in the fall. The changing colors, paths filled with crunchy leaves, and the crisp air. It’s the most magical time of year.”
It does sound magical, and I can almost picture it. Reds, oranges, and yellows overtaking the field of greens currently around us. Cool air that sends shivers down your spine, the vibrant chatter of forest life overshadowed by crinkles of crisp leaves. I can see myself on this hike at that time, hopefully with these two companions still by my side. Shadow runs ahead of us, taking a path to the left where the trail splits.
“Is she going the right way?”
“Yeah, she knows this hike by heart. First left, then right, then two more lefts and we will be there. With so many paths, this is one of the easier trails to get lost on, but absolutely worth it.”
“I trust you to get me there.”
We walk together in silence, the trail getting steeper with a rougher terrain. Thoren grabs my hand more often, his long legs easily stepping over large rocks and steps where my short ones struggle. At some point, he stops letting go, keeping my hand nestled in his for the rest of the hike. The part that surprises me is that I let him, his calloused fingers strong and warm, wrapped around mine.
My parents weren’t big on physical touch growing up. I don’t have memories of snuggling with them or frequent hugs. It was so rare that I could probably count on one hand the amount of times I was hugged in a year. There were never displays of physical affection with my ex either. In fact, I can’t think of a single time he held my hand. Was something broken in me that I was so desperate for Thoren to keep his hold on me? Even Michele’s hugs that were surprising in the beginning are a source of comfort for me now. I gripped his hand a little tighter, keeping the intimate connection between us.
An hour into the hike, the steady stream of rushing water becomes audible above the sounds around us. It can’t come any sooner, with sweat dripping down my back and my legs fatigued. The thought of a break and dipping my toes in the water spurs me on to finish the last little bit. The trees are getting sparse ahead, opening up to a hidden gem.
“Welcome to our secret spot,” Thoren says, giving my hand a small squeeze before dropping it to take off his backpack. My head is on a swivel taking it all in. Directly ahead is a large rock wall about twenty feet tall with rivulets of water trailing down the protruding rocks before careening into a round swimming hole. The beach is more rock than sand, but there is a grassy section off to the side where Thoren is setting out a blanket.
Shadow is already splashing around in the water, tongue out and tail a blur, looking like the world's happiest dog. It’s truly breathtaking and beyond peaceful. The sound of the water trailing over the rocks isn’t as loud as a typical gushing waterfall, and it immediately sets my soul at ease. Shadow grabs a stick from the edge of the water, dragging it to where Thoren is seated on his blanket.
He takes it from her, tossing it into the water for her to retrieve. “You coming, or are you going to stand there all day?” He chuckles, holding his hand out for me. I leisurely make my way over to take it as he pulls me down beside him. “What do you think?”
“I’m speechless. That hike was hell on my legs, but absolutely worth it for this ending.”
He reaches into his backpack, pulling out a tub with sandwiches and some cut up fruit. “I’m glad you agree. Are you hungry? I have turkey and cheese or ham with cheese.” He holds them both out to me. I take the turkey from him, unwrapping it and taking a bite.
“Holy crap, this is good,” I say in the most unladylike fashion, mouth full of food.
He chuckles, taking a large bite of his own sandwich. “My mom makes this incredible aioli that I added to them.”
I love that he talks about his family so much, and that I can see the love he has for them. The last man I dated actively avoided talking about his family, and I didn’t find myself talking about my parents often. Who wants to bring up parents that are disappointed in you?
“I really need to meet your mom now.” The blush on his cheeks spikes my heart rate, but he doesn’t say anything.
We finish our sandwiches and pick at the fruit while he throws the stick every time Shadow brings it back. He asks about what items I put in my backpack while I proudly tell him that I got everything on his personal list. He tells me about his other favorite hikes in the area, and how often he is able to go. When the tray of fruit is empty, he puts it away, then leans down to unlace his boots. His nimble fingers work with ease, bringing unbidden images of what else they could do with ease. My weekly date with my vibrator may need to be moved up.
“Wanna get in?” he nods toward the water, pulling his socks off.
I glance toward the crystal blue water, Shadow swimming in the middle of it with the stick in tow. It looks inviting, and I am covered in drying sweat. I nod, undoing my boots as well. By the time I have my boots and socks off, Thoren is standing and pulling his shirt over his head. I try not to watch, but his hands lower to unbutton his pants and I am rooted to the spot. He slips them down his hips, exposing his thick thighs, dark hair trailing down his muscled legs. My gaze slips back up to the bulge in his boxers, my lips parting on a gasp. It’s a large bulge.
He looks up, catching me staring and winks, before heading for the water. His black boxers hug his skin, and I have a hard time swallowing past the lump in my throat. I’m certainly not stripping down to my undies, so I slip my tee off and meander over in my shorts and sports bra.
I don’t have a whole lot going on in either department. I’m petite and toned, but my boobs are small handfuls at best, and my booty is perky but also on the smaller side. The way that Thoren’s eyes are trailing over every inch of my exposed skin makes me feel like Jessica Rabbit, with curves for days and everything a man wants.
As my toes touch the edge of the water, the cooling sensation flows through me. The rocks are slippery underfoot, but manageable, so I continue further in the water, cautious of my steps. I feel Thoren’s stare as I continue until the chilly water laps around my thighs.
He is standing further in, only his pecs and above exposed. His eyes are hooded and dark, still tracking my every movement. They stall on my hard nipples poking through the sports bra before finally reaching my face.
“Are you coming?”
“Nah, I don’t have a change of clothes.” I’m enjoying the refreshing water swirling around my legs. I want to tell him that this place is magical. I feel small, and inconsequential in this big forest, and something about that feels freeing. Like my problems aren’t so big, and I don’t have to stew over Andrea’s words about Tyler, or that being this close to him half naked makes my body come alive. “You know my favorite color, but I never asked yours.”
“Blue,” he answers immediately. “Blue like the sky on a hot summer day. Like the crystal waters we are standing in. Like the sapphire blue of yo- Shadow, NO!”
I follow his line of sight, right as Shadow stands directly over my discarded shirt and shakes. A startled laugh leaves my lips, as Shadow sits on the now soaked shirt. Her head cocks to the side as she stares at us, confused.
“I’m so sorry,” Thoren wades through the water behind me. “I have a spare shirt in my bag. I grabbed an extra shirt and shorts in case we decided to get in. I’ll wash your shirt too, it’s going to smell like wet dog.” He seems distressed over a little water and dirt on my old tee.
I touch his arm, letting him see the sincerity in my eyes. “It’s okay, it’s just a shirt. And she’s a dog. It’s not a big deal.”
He looks down at me, the heat radiating off his body. His gaze searches my face, but I’m not sure what he’s looking for. Prickles of awareness touch my skin as his warm breath coasts over my face, and cold water droplets slip from his hair onto my overheated skin. I let my hand drop, trailing down his arm as it goes. Shadow’s sharp bark breaks the moment, and he steps back, breaking eye contact.
“I guess we should pack up and go before it gets too late. The hike back always takes longer.”
He pulls a rolled up tee from his backpack and hands it to me before packing up everything and shoving it back in. He pulls on fresh shorts and his same green shirt, and we head back out the way we came. If the trails to get here were confusing the first time, they seem even worse now. I would have been lost in an instant without Thoren leading the way. He seems lost in thought and distant since our moment in the water. I think he was going to tell me his favorite color was blue like my eyes, and a part of me wanted to hear it, even if I shouldn’t.
The walk back remains quiet, both of us focusing on the nature around us. His hand stays wrapped around mine again though, and I really like that. He feels present in this moment with me, aware of my footfalls and breathing. He slows when I get a little short winded, his thumb coasting over my knuckles when roots overtake the path.
Before I know it, we are back at the truck. Thoren opens the passenger door for me before he puts Shadow and his backpack in the back seat. Shadow’s wet and dirty head pops over the console, giving us sad puppy eyes, as he starts the truck.
“I’m guessing she’s used to sitting in the passenger seat,” I joke, giving her a chin scratch.
“Yeah, you kind of stole her domain. I try to keep her in the back, but she just jumps over the seat right away. I don’t mind having a passenger princess though,” he smirks. He rolls the back window down, pulling Shadow’s attention toward it. With the front windows shut and the back open, the wind billows his large shirt I’m wearing. My mouth waters as the scent of his cologne wafts up. It’s a mix of the woods, sage, and amber, reminding me of a warm hug on an autumn day.
I try to subtly lift it to my nose, taking a deep inhale. “Thank you for taking me with you today. I needed an excuse to get out of the house. Your secret location is safe with me, but I may go there again. It brought on a peace like I’ve never felt before.”
A smile touches his lips when he turns to me. “I feel that there, too. There’s no service that deep in the woods to distract me, and something about that little open space surrounded by nothing but thick woods makes me feel like I’m in my own little world.”
He turns onto our lane, and pulls up in front of my cabin, leaving the truck running. Leaning his head back against the headrest, he rolls it to look at me again. “Shadow will be alone most of Thursday, if you would like to spend time with her again.”
“I would love that. Thanks again for today, Thoren,” I open the door and grab my backpack from by my feet as I hop out.
He nods, a faraway look crossing his features. “Have a good night, Lily.”
I shut the door, and head into the cabin. I fight a smile when I notice his truck doesn’t pull away until my front door is shut.