Kiara smiled at him, appreciating that he was thinking of her comfort too.
"Well, I packed some hot chocolate, so we’ll both be warm," she told him, holding up her small bag. "And some snacks, just in case we get hungry while we're out."
Julian smiled, and something about that simple expression made her heart flutter. "Always prepared. I like that."
“I’ve learned,” she said. “Hunger comes on me at the oddest moments since I’ve been pregnant, so I’ve learned to have a small stash of snacks with me at all times.”
As they stepped into the garage that was attached to the back of the house, he pressed the button to open the door. Crisp air flooded into the space, carrying the earthy scent of wet pine and earth.
The UTV sitting in the spacious garage was smaller than some she'd seen around the estate, but it was still sturdy-looking with an enclosed cab that would keep them protected from the elements.
"This one's pretty straightforward," Julian said as he walked to the driver’s side and opened the door. "You drive, I'll navigate."
Kiara hesitated. "Are you sure? You probably know the trails better than I do."
"I’m happy to let you take the wheel.”
She still wasn’t very confident driving it yet, so she hoped that Julian wasn’t in the mood for speed. He stood close as she pulled herself up into the UTV, then he shut the door once she had settled into the driver’s seat.
Julian slid into the passenger seat and closed his door. The click of the latch seemed to seal them into their own little world, separate from everything else.
The interior of the UTV was smaller than a car, so they sat more closely together. Close enough that Kiara got a whiff of his cologne. Or maybe it was his shampoo or soap. Whatever it was, it was a warm, spicy scent that made her want to cuddle close to him and just inhale it.
Instead, she focused on the task at hand.
"Jude gave me a few lessons," Kiara said, settling her hands on the wheel. "But I'm still learning, so don't expect any fancy driving."
"I'm not worried," Julian said, his voice calm and reassuring.
She turned the key in the ignition, and the engine rumbled to life. The vibration traveled through the seat and up her spine, not unpleasant but noticeable. The seat was already set for her since she was the last person to drive the UTV.
Taking a deep breath, she put the vehicle in drive and eased out of the garage. The UTV responded smoothly to her touch, rolling down the short driveway and onto one of the estate's well-maintained paths.
"Which way should we head?" Kiara asked.
So far, she’d stuck to the main roads on the estate, though she was aware there were trails and dirt roads that led through the trees to different parts of the vast property.
"Right will take us down toward a small lake," Julian said. "The view there is pretty spectacular, especially with the fall colors."
Kiara turned the wheel, carefully navigating the UTV along the winding trail. The vehicle bumped a bit over the uneven surface, but the suspension absorbed most of the impact. She kept her speed low, concentrating on the path ahead.
Julian seemed relaxed beside her, one arm resting on the door as he gazed out at the passing scenery. The forest around them was a tapestry of gold, orange, and crimson, the leaves still clinging to branches despite the recent rain.
"You're doing great," Julian said after they'd traveled for several minutes in comfortable silence.
"Thanks." Warmth spread through her at the compliment.
She hadn’t anticipated spending time with him the way she was, and she knew she had to be careful to just live in the moment. Julian had just gotten home from a long and, by all accounts, busy trip, and she had a feeling that he was looking for ways to unwind.
If that was the case, and if he wanted to spend some of that time with her, she certainly wasn’t going to turn him down.
As they drove deeper into the property, the trees grew more dense, creating a canopy of autumn colors overhead. Occasionally, sunlight broke through the clouds and filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the path before them.
"There should be a clearing just ahead," Julian said, pointing through the windshield. "The lake is right beyond it."
Kiara slowed the UTV as they approached the opening in the trees. The trail widened, and she carefully navigated around a fallen branch.
"You really are good at this," Julian said. "Jude must be a decent teacher."
