I lead us further north then off the main path. There’s still somewhat of a trail although it’s a bit rockier.
“This will lead to an old ranger station. Even though it’s no longer used by the Forest Service, it’s still in good condition and will give us shelter. At least it was when I was out there last, a few years ago.”
“Do other hikers use it for camping or partying?”
“Probably. Guess we’ll see what state it’s in when we get there. Others, like me have even been kind enough to leave items that might be of use, like blankets in a bin, firewood for the stove, even a few pots for cooking or heating water. Many are conscientious about leaving as they found it, or better, so hopefully we won’t find it trashed.”
“As long as the door and windows are intact, keeping the rain out, I’m good. But that’s generous of others; like a community shelter in the mountains.”
“Yeah, exactly.”
The first fat raindrops start to fall about twenty minutes later. We pull out our slickers and slip them on, giving ourselves some protection. Soon after, the wind picks up and I feel another drop in the temperature.
“Just over that rise is the cabin.” I point to a spot that’s about two hundred yards away.
We pick up our pace as the rain falls harder and hail starts to pelt us. When the cabin is in sight, we both run toward it. There’s a small, covered porch where we stop to take off our packs thenslickers, shaking them out. I try the door, finding it unlocked as usual. With enough light remaining in the day despite the clouds, I step inside and inspect the area. It’s unoccupied by either human or animal.
The room is one large open space with a woodstove at the far end, firewood stacked next to it, along with a stand against one wall. A cot is a new addition, and beneath it is the plastic tub that hopefully still has the blankets inside.
“This is actually cute, and nice it isn’t ravaged by animals.” Tiana steps to my side. “A little musty, but, hey, it’s shelter, right?”
“Right.” I walk to the firewood, noting there’s enough to burn for two days. Shouldn’t come to that, right? I turn to Tiana. “Are you comfortable or want me to start a fire?”
“Oh, I’m good for now. If I get chilly, I’ll put on my other layer or wrap a blanket around me.” She kneels and removes the tub from beneath the cot to open it. “Sweet.” She brings the top one to her nose. “Or, maybe not. I’ll lay some on the cot to air out.” She stands, wipes off the cot, and spreads out two blankets.
I look to the front window as ice and rain batter against it. I go to my bag and retrieve my phone, seeing there are no bars for service. Doesn’t surprise me. Then I watch as Tiana takes a third blanket and spreads it on the floor. She then retrieves our bags and places one at each end before smiling at me.
“Time for our picnic.”
I walk to the cot, placing my phone, pistol, and beanie on it. When I step to Tiana, I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close and touching my forehead to hers. “Have I told you how amazing you are?”
“Why, because I’m not freaking out over our situation?” She spears her fingers into my unruly hair. “I’m resilient, Gavin. This doesn’t bother me in the least. I know we’ll eventually make it back; it’s just a matter of when.”
“Then let’s have that picnic.” I kiss her nose then pull her down to sit. I open my bag and extract the food and thermoses. We eat and drink while listening to the rain. “We’ve got a few more hours of daylight. Chances are, we’re spending the night here. Even if the rain stops, it’s not safe to navigate the trail at night or with any ice.”
“We have blankets, we can have fire, and we’ll save some food for the morning. Think of it as a camp-out.”
“Are you going to sing campfire songs to me?”
“Oh, you don’t want to hear me sing.” She laughs.
“I bet you have a beautiful singing voice. Your tone is rich and sexy.”
“Mm, is that so? Well, I happen to like your voice, so I’ll sing only if you sing with me.”
“Ha, you really don’t want to hear me sing. Humming is the best I can do.”
“No fair.” She playfully pushes me, and we start a back and forth until I grasp her hand and pull her to me. I fall to my back, bringing her on top of me. Her beautiful, smiling face is inches from mine, and I can’t help but slide a hand around her neck and guide her down for a kiss. When she doesn’t resist, I relax and kiss her leisurely. I feel her body sink into mine, her pelvis pressing against me, no doubt feeling the ridge of my erection.
“Gavin,” Tiana whispers against my lips.
“Yeah?”
She plants her hands on the floor above my shoulders, lifting her upper body, but grinding her hips against my groin. “Is there something you’re trying to tell me?” She grins wickedly.
“That you’re turning me on, and I don’t want to scare you, but to be blunt, I’d really like to sink my cock inside you.”
“Ohmio, I love the sound of that.”
