3 ~ Deepening The Bond

The afternoon sun hung low over the pines, turning the forest floor into a mosaic of gold and shadow. Victor had suggested the hike after lunch—said the trail behind the cabin led to a lookout that was “worth the sweat.” 

I had agreed without thinking twice. Anything to keep moving, to burn off the restless heat that still simmered under my skin from the shower.

We walked in a single file, him leading, me following the steady flex of his shoulders under the dark green flannel he had thrown on. No shirt underneath. 

Every time he reached up to push a branch aside, the fabric...