That’s the thing I enjoy about traveling in Canada—you’re only a hop, skip, and jump away from nature.Whether it be a dog park in the city or a nature reserve far away from any hint of human civilization, there’s always something green to enjoy.
So how come I never seem to get out into the great outdoors anymore?
I know why, I just don’t like to remember the reason.
The parking lot for the motorbikes looks different with the artificial lights turned off.The black and chrome machines look normal; less like gleaming, slumbering steampunk robots and more like ordinary transport.Moving to Theron’s motorcycle, I crouch down to look at it more closely.
The logo on the tank feels smooth as I run my fingers over it—first time I’ve bothered to look at a Harley Davidson up close.With a guilty glance over my shoulder, I use the hem of my tank top to buff the fingerprints off the paintwork.
The woodland at the top of the ridge beckons me to walk under its shady canopy.Landslide is an island connected to the States and Canada by shallow land bridges that get covered by the tide.It seems to have developed its own special ecosystem.The forest undergrowth buzzes with rustling animal movements.I hear birds trill as the sound rises from the branches, heading for the sky as I climb the incline.
I’m not making that much noise.It just seems that way because of all the ruckus from the wildlife.
The ridge is hidden by a thicket of ferns and dense brush.I only know I’ve reached the summit when the ground levels out underneath me.Standing up, I peer through the gaps in the trees.It’s quite the view.
The creek meanders away in front of me, its water silver gray in the pre-dawn light.
Far away, I hear the sound of a door slamming.Folks get up early here.
Fluttering wings as flocks of birds spiral into the air in a great cloud.That makes me frown.Why are they doing that?Their plaintive cries fade as they fly far away.The rustling in the undergrowth falls silent, as if every small animal is holding its breath.
Summer dry pine needles snap and break as something pounds them into the ground.
I know I’m being pursued.But it’s impossible.No one could climb the hill that fast.The noise stops just short of my range of vision.It’s like whoever came after me is giving me time to come to terms with what’s about to happen.
Taking a few steps back, I stand against a thick spruce.“I know you’re there.”
Theron steps out into the glade.“And I know you’re here.I guess that makes us even.”
Maybe it’s the subtle pink tinting the eastern sky, but his alluring appearance almost slaps me in the face.
Theron Rabane is IMAX gorgeous—even better close up and large.The way I feel about him thunders in my heart and rises into my throat.
Drop your guard, Aila.Are you not tired of distrusting everyone?
Damn it.That little voice inside my brain is the one that always seems to get me into trouble.
Fuck it, I’m on vacation.At least until I sign my new work contract with Luna the innkeeper.Who knows?Tomorrow morning I might be serving Theron breakfast.
Stepping to where he’s only a few inches away from me, Theron waits for me to look up.
“Are we still on for breakfast?Or are you running away?”
With his tawny hair down and pushed back from his face, Theron could almost pass for tame.His eyes are light amber under those strikingly slanted eyebrows, and there is a barely concealed predatory angularity to his cheekbones and the bridge of his nose.
“You grew a beard.”Like his hair, Theron’s light beard scruff contains a range of blond hues: light brown, gold, and pale hay.
Rubbing his finger and thumb around his mouth, he gives a rueful grin.“Yoh… yep.I have not cared to shave.”
Sometimes, the way he speaks sounds foreign.
Daring to reach up, I stroke the soft bristles on his chin.I am too enchanted by him to notice that the forest has fallen quiet as the grave around us.
Bending his head, his eyes ask me if it’s all right to kiss me… so I let him.
My body trembles as his mouth brushes against mine.I want to melt against him, molding myself to fit his form so that this kiss will last forever.Sliding over his chest and around his neck, my hands try to pull him closer.I’m relishing the giddy sensation of running my fingers through the tangles in his hair.He tastes like spun sugar and steel.My head reels as the blood spins away to my belly and thighs.
A sunbeam penetrates the forest branches, warming my skin as it dapples and dances on my arm.
