We follow his direction, the path narrowing as it winds deeper into the woods. Zara slips ahead of me. Behind me, I hear Slade’s steady footsteps, each one sending a fresh jolt of awareness through my body.
“The waterfall should be just ahead,” Ava calls back to us. “Can you hear it?”
Now that she mentions it, I can—the distant rush of the stream grows louder with each step. The forest trail widens again, opening into a clearing. Sunlight breaks through the canopy, highlighting motes of dust suspended in the air. The scent of pine gives way to the clean, mineral smell of the current.
“Oh wow,” Naya breathes as we round the final bend.
The waterfall reveals itself like something from a travel magazine—a cascade of clear water pouring over a rocky cliff face into a deep pool below. Sunlight catches in the spray, creating a fleeting rainbow. The pool itself is a perfect blue-green, ringed by smooth rocks and small patches of sand.
“It’s even better than the pictures,” Ava claps her hands together, turning to Bryce with a delighted smile. “You were right about this place.”
“The hike was worth it,” he agrees, pulling her close for a quick kiss. They look happy, connected in a way that reminds me of what I’ve never had.
“Everyone remember their swimsuits?” Ava asks, unzipping her backpack.
The group disperses around the pool, finding rocks and fallen logs to set their bags on. I move toward a flat boulder near the water’s edge, aware of Slade following in the same direction. When he sets his pack down just a few feet from mine, my heartbeat kicks up a notch.
“You feeling better?”
I risk a glance at him, immediately regretting it. The way the sunlight catches in his dark curls, how his t-shirt stretches across his broad shoulders—it’s all too much. Too confusing. Too appealing.
“Yeah. Thanks for breakfast.” I keep my voice neutral, though my insides are twisting.
“Good.” Just one word, but it carries weight.
I turn away, digging through my backpack for my swim trunks. Around us, the others are also changing. Zara and Naya have slipped behind some bushes. Maia and Jace are helping each other apply sunscreen. Bryce and Ava are already in their swimwear, testing the water with their toes.
“I’m going to…” I gesture toward a cluster of trees that might provide some privacy.
Slade nods, tugging his t-shirt over his head. I catch a glimpse of tanned skin stretched over defined muscle, a trail of dark hair disappearing beneath his waistband, before I force myself to look away.
Behind the trees, I change quickly, stuffing my clothes into my backpack and pulling on my swim trunks with jerky movements. My mind races. I need to apologize to Slade. Make sure he knows last night was just a drunk mistake. Nothing to do with any latent desires or confusion about my sexuality. Because I’m not confused. I like women. Always have.
So why can’t I stop thinking about how his body felt beneath mine?
When I return, most of the group is already in the water. Naya floats on her back, eyes closed in bliss. Zara sits on a rock, dipping her feet in. Maia and Jace are splashing each other like teenagers. Ava and Bryce have waded in deeper.
And Slade—Slade stands at the edge of the pool, water lapping at his ankles, watching me. His swim trunks sit low on his hips, revealing the physique that comes from actual use, not only gym hours. He has broad shoulders and a well-defined chest, tapering to a narrow waist. His entire body is strong and precise.
Our eyes lock, and for a moment, the rest of the group disappears. There’s just us and the strange, charged energy between us. Then he turns and dives into the pool, barely making a splash.
I follow more cautiously, stepping into the cool water inch by inch. It feels amazing against my skin, washing away the sweat and dust from the hike. I wade deeper until I’m chest-deep, then duck under, letting the water close over my head. The world goes quiet and blue, my heartbeat loud in my ears.
When I surface, shaking water from my hair, Slade is nearby, treading water with effortless strength.
“There’s something behind the waterfall,” he says, pointing at the cascade. “Want to check it out?”
I hesitate, knowing this is the sort of situation I should avoid until I’ve gotten my head straight. But I find myself nodding.
“Sure.”
We swim toward the cascade, the roar growing louder as we approach. I can make out a dark space through it—some kind of recess in the rock face. Slade reaches it first, disappearing behind it. I follow, pushing through the cascading sheet.
The noise is deafening for a moment, a powerful torrent pounding against my shoulders, and then muted as I emerge on the other side. I blink, taking in our surroundings. It’s a small alcove carved into the cliff face, big enough for maybe four people to stand. The rock floor rises above the water level, creating a natural shelf. Filtered light streams through the curtain of falling water, casting everything in a wavering, ethereal glow.
And there’s Slade, watching me with those intense dark eyes, droplets streaming down his chest.
“Cool, right?” he says, gesturing to our hidden sanctuary.
