Chapter Seven
897 Words
EVERLY
The crisp mountain air was exhilarating. Just what I needed after my restless sleep last night. I woke up when the sun came up. Hearing Bianca’s snores next to me indicated she definitely was not about to be a chipper hiking partner. So I decided to go by myself. I texted the girls where I was heading, in case anything happened to me.
The sunlight was perfectly streaming through the branches as I meandered on the switchbacks of Goseman Trail. I read that the scenic view was at the top of a gorgeous crest that overlooked the terrain. I figured I would get up there and take a few pictures and then head back down in time for my friends to arise from their hangovers.
After hiking for an hour or so, I started to get warm. I took off my gloves and shoved my down jacket into my day pack and kept going.
About another 20 minutes later, I could see the crest as the view began to open up, the trees thinning. I could see the rolling hills with the foggy contrast adding to the depth of the view. The sky was a perfectly pale blue with white wispy clouds. Incredible! I huffed on as the burn in my chest from the exertion flared up, pushing myself to the crest. I was breathing deeply on the trail when I got a faint whiff of cedarwood and campfire again. The same perfume from last night! I whipped my head around trying to see who was by me. My eyes landed on the hottest guy I have ever seen. He stood still, locking his almost light gray eyes with mine. His eyes, they looked so familiar. Taking in his face, his full lips were perfectly matched with strong cheekbones and the right amount of facial stubble and a chiseled jawline. His dark eyebrows made his eyes pop more. Dark brown hair peeked out of the hood of his jacket. I was lost in my thoughts about him, I didn’t realize I walked right up to him. We were touching. I only noticed because my hands were enveloped in the most warm and sensual feeling. His hands. He stroked my cheek, his hands were rough, but I couldn’t decide if I wanted to have them all over my body or pull his finger into my mouth. I nuzzled into his palm with my cheek. Smelling the cedarwood, I knew my source. It was him. “Cedarwood..” I dared to breathe. “What is this feeling?” I thought or at least I thought I kept it to myself. It’s like I’m on drugs! The warm feeling was spreading up my arms and to my core, making my stomach have butterflies. I loved it! I wanted more.
“What are you feeling?” He asked, calmly, like he already knew the answer or something. I took him in with my eyes again. He was tall, He had broad shoulders and was lean. Built for agility not for heavy lifting. I could see the muscles under his flannel sleeves. I wanted his arms around ME. Mine! ah! Stop! This is a rando on a hiking trail! I whirled around, talking with my hands, “This is--this is crazy! You’re a complete stranger! In the woods! This is more than crazy! This is--dangerous!” I ripped off my beanie because suddenly, I felt so hot! I saw his nostrils flare as the wind gently blew.
“Hi, I’m Joe.” He simply offered me his hand. For some reason, that gesture alone let me know he wasn’t about to abduct me. Why take the time to introduce yourself to an isolated human in the wilderness if you were going to chop them up into pieces?
Impulsively, I grabbed his hand. “Everly.”
“Everly. I like that.” He said my name and God, did that sound good coming from his mouth. The tingly thing was happening again, building from my hands down to my core.
He spoke, “Meet me at the Crescent Ridge Lodge. We’ll have a drink and just talk. 6 pm. Ask for Joe.” I hear him this time. This guy is asking me out! On a mountain. I don’t know if I should call Dateline or Nicholas Sparks! “I feel it, too. You are not crazy.”
Wait, what? He feels it too?! He wants to rip my clothes off and jump MY bones right here? He can’t possibly understand. “Ok, JOE.” I linger on his name, incredulously.
He laughs at me, “I’ll see you later.” Oh good, glad I am here for your entertainment. I will LITERALLY be here all week. Ugh!
I back away, not able to take my eyes off him for fear he will disappear and I’lll be left with just my wanting thoughts of my dream guy again.
I walk as fast as my tired legs will let me. I want to hurry and get to cell reception and see if Crescent Ridge Lodge even exists. The mountain tap water is boiling my brain or something. Yea, that’s it.
As I am hiking, I can’t help but smile at my ridiculous encounter. I may have just manifested Dream Guy to life. Goes to show mountain air IS good for the soul
- Writer
