The gold cufflinks and matching clip…
Focus on the road, Maeve.
In a strange twist of events, I’m driving. I didn’t think Mr. Uber Alpha Male would agree, but given his unfamiliarity with the area and lack of knowledge about our destination, he caved.
I sit behind the wheel of my vintage Beemer, an 850i with a V12 engine in Brilliant Red. Nearly 300 horsepower and built in 1991, back when BMW took their time with cars.
I zip us around curves on Sunset Boulevard, leading Kellin to my favorite spot in the whole city—the top of Temescal Canyon.
Most people don’t realize that autumn is the best time to visit the City of Angels, and today’s one of those perfect days. If our luck holds, the sun will start kissing the horizon right when we reach the peak.
I park the car and face him. “Do you even like hiking?”
He nods, but instead of answering, he snatches my keys. “I’m driving on the way back, by the way.”
I toss my head and laugh as we hop out and walk to the trailhead. Kellin spent the entire drive itching to climb behind the wheel and test out the six-speed manual transmission.
When we reach the edge of the trail, he waves a hand. “Ladies first.”
“So you can watch my ass the whole way.”
He winks. “Absolutely.”
And he’s true to his word. I feel his gaze glued to my backside for every single step.
Good. I didn’t wear my favorite yoga pants for nothing.
We start off chatting about other hikes but eventually drift into companionable silence. When we reach the top of the world, I throw my arms in the air like a kid. “Yes! Perfect timing.”
The fire orange sunset sweeps for miles across the top of the Pacific Ocean, a layer of leaves highlighting the season. As always, the view is even more spectacular than I remember. I haven’t ventured up here in over a month even though I consider this spot my happy place.
In a quiet act of intimacy, Kellin captures my hand, and we wander toward the edge of the cliff to appreciate the stunning panorama.
After a moment, he whistles. “It looks like the ocean’s on fire.”
I enjoy his awestruck expression. “It really does.”
“I can see why you love this hike so much.” Shaking his head, he chuckles softly to himself. “I didn’t know Los Angeles had this sort of thing.”
“Forestry, mountains, and epic views?”
“Exactly. They don’t really mention this inThe Hollywood Reporter.” He stares out at the horizon, squinting in spite of those sexy Ray-Bans. “But they should. Who gives a shit about what A-list actor is dating which nepo baby when there’s all this to enjoy?”
“I usually disagree with gatekeeping, but I’m glad not every tourist knows about this place. Huge crowds would detract from the enjoyment.” I inch closer and wrap my free hand around his forearm. “Do you mind if we take a moment of silence? I usually do that to, um, just express gratitude for my health and my career or say a prayer for my mom. That sort of thing.”
He glances at me with an unreadable expression, and a little tension builds in my back. Crap. I hope my mushiness didn’t spook him.
Again.
My muscles relax again when he kisses my forehead. “Let’s do it.”
We soak in the silence, listening to the breeze and quiet birdsong.
I lay my head against his shoulder and breathe in the clean air.
I’m so glad I brought him here. After the chaos of the last few days, this was just what I needed.
And being here with him… I can’t imagine a better way to spend the evening.
