Honestly, it makes me sad thinking of her as an only child. Thoughts of her parents not being around tug my heart a little lower. I wonder what her holidays are like.
We’re almost back to the trailhead. Even though we spent hours together, I’m not ready for our time to end. We’re walking up to my place when I decide to put myself out there.
“Any chance you’re up for a movie or something?” I ask, probably too fast.
She smiles and replies with no hesitation. “Yeah. That sounds good.”
I wipe my face before she can see the grin taking over.
Back at my place, I take Slate out of his pack and get him cleaned up. He’s walking to his bed when I realize I need a shower. The hike wasn’t that difficult but we were moving out in the sun for hours. Lugging around a twenty-five-pound dog on my back didn’t make it easier. I probably smell disgusting.
“I’m going to take a quick shower and then the loft bathroom is all yours. There’s a small half-bath right here, but if you want to shower or anything…” I stumble my words.
She nods in understanding.
I did not planthispart. Idiot. Completely forgot about the whole post-hike situation. “Do you want to hang out inside or on the patio?”
“Patio,” she replies, surprising me.
I show her out to the patio.
“Wow. Your place is something.” She spins in a circle, arms out wide. “Open, modern. It’s nice.”
The exact way Hazel wanted it.
“Thanks. It was built and almost one hundred percent furnished when I moved in.”
“You still chose to live here,” she replies.
That’s not true. None of this was my choice. Taking over the lodge, this place,even Slate—were all chosen for me. One day, I was living in the city and the next I was here. And I’ve stayed.
“Feel free to grab something from the fridge. There’s water, local ciders, seltzers.” I need a change of conversation. “All up for grabs,” I say as I reach for the door.
For a few seconds, I pause. Ivy stands on my patio. She closes her eyes and tips her head to the sky. She pulls her shoulders back and lets her arms dangle at her sides. Her dark hair is pulled back, and her face is sun-kissed. The way she looks right now, carefree, looks great on her.
This feels natural. Slate sleeping inside. Me, leaving Ivy out on the patio, headed in to take a shower. It certainly doesn’t feel like I met this woman days ago.
Taking off my clothes and getting in the shower is the best feeling. Hot water runs down my body. Rinsing the tension off my tight muscles. I hear Ivy’s laugh come from downstairs.
Fuck. Me in the shower. Ivy here, laughing like that.
That laugh. I can’t get enough of it.
My body groans in a different type of frustration. I force my brain to focus on literally anything else besides Ivy. My dick barely gets the memo.
I’m chalking it up to the self-imposed drought. I haven’t been interested in going out, making plans, or spending time with anyone besides the casual after-work drink with employees at the lodge. I can’t remember the last time Slate met someone new. This is risky. Borderline reckless.
I turn the water to cold and it helps. A little.
When I’m back downstairs, I see Slate outside on Ivy’s lap. She doesn’t stop petting him but acknowledges me with a look through the window.
“He’s got you wrapped around his paw, huh?” I say as I step outside.
“I hope it’s fine I brought him out. He woke up, saw me, and ran headfirst into the window.” Ivy giggles and hits her forehead with a hand as the other stays on Slate.
Ah. The laugh.
“Totally fine. He knows all the tricks for any kind of attention.” This damn dog. Can’t blame him though. “I set out some stuff for you in the bathroom upstairs.” I gesture to the loft. Slate and I’ll start with the food.”
