“Or the company.”
I watched Jayce shove his closed textbook back into his pack and stand up, offering his hand for me to do the same.
“Is this a good idea?” I asked, and Jayce laughed, ignoring the annoyed looks that came at us from across the library.
“This is a great idea,” he promised. “Just relax for a while, Mace, and let’s go for a drive.”
Chapter 17
Jayce
Iwas thrilled thatMacey was allowing me to take her away from campus for a while, away from the hustle and bustle of student life and homework and stress. This nature preserve was one of my favorites in the state, and I couldn’t believe she hadn’t yet seen it.
“Garden of the Gods,” Macey read aloud as we arrived. I parked the car, and we got out, linking hands as we walked in the direction of the stunningly enormous nature center. It felt good, holding her hand, being together. It was such a simple thing, really, but I cherished it.
“This is such a beautiful area,” I told her. “Everyone should see it at least once.”
“It’s getting dark,” Macey said softly as we approached the trail head. “Can we still come in the dark?”
I laughed, and Macey scowled. “Yes, we can still come in the dark,” I told her. “They don’t close until nine or ten. See, the pathway is lit up.”
“Okay, okay,” Macey said with pursed lips. “I was just checking. Are there wild animals out here?”
“Possibly. But you know I won’t let you get hurt.”
There was a bitter chill in the air from the last of winter that consumed us, but neither of us seemed to mind. It was often cold in Colorado, except for occasionally in the late summer. It was something that locals grew used to.
“It’s beautiful here,” Macey murmured as we walked. “Where is everybody? This seems like the perfect time to go.”
“Lucky for us, nobody else agrees.” I kissed the top of her head, inhaling the comforting scent of her shampoo and the subtle hint of her fruity perfume. I didn’t care that it was cold, because I couldn’t be cold so long as I was around Macey. Not for a second.
As we walked the dimly lit path through the winding, massive stone carvings, Macey held onto me, her eyes wide and excited for the adventure that laid in front of us as the birds chirped and creatures skittered across the pathway.
“It’s beautiful.” With a soft, dreamy sigh, she rested her head against my shoulder as I trapped her hand in mine, stopping briefly as we stared in awe at the sharp, jagged rocks lit by the moon in the dark sky. Itwasbeautiful, something I never even realized could be so beautiful.
“It really is,” I agreed, tightening my grip on her. “I’m sorry it’s so cold.”
