“We’re hiking. Not swimming. Why would I need to change?”
“Once we are done exploring, it’s a great spot to jump off. Have you ever dived off a cliff into the ocean?”
“No,” I said. “But I guess it could be fun.”
Most likely not, but I’d also thought sailing wouldn’t be fun, yet I had enjoyed it—until I almost drowned and turned into an extra in theCast Awaymovie. I wasn’t miserable, but quite happy and relaxed most days.
Dressed in swimsuits, we walked on the beach until the sand line disappeared, and the calm waves brushed against the jungle undergrowth. There, we turned into the woods. When the route went up the hill, Hunter took the lead, allowing me uninterrupted time to admire the width of his back. Eventually, the path became steeper. Hunter climbed like a mountain lion, barely breathing heavily, whereas I puffed hard, sweat running down my neck. Joining Hunter on his long morning swims could do me some good.
At some point, the path traveled along the hill’s edge, with waves crashing below. I clutched Hunter’s arm for security. And an excuse to touch him was also a bonus.
We paused at a narrow pathway that led down to a smaller rocky beach.
“The spot isn’t far. After you jump, swim around the corner to that cleared area and follow the trail up,” he said.
“Who said I’ll jump?” I eyeballed how high we were. A hundred feet? More?
From there, he veered into greenery again, and we meandered up the hill some more through the jungle. The trees, vines, and thick bushes became rare, exposing the bare mountainside. The discoloration in the stone layer—a light brown deposit—bowed to resemble an arched foot from a distance. The area yielded no hidden entry nor any carved-in messages.
We went farther up. I was winded when we reached the flat, grassy area near the cliff’s edge.
“Are we under the heel?” I looked up at the solid sheer mass of rock before me, my eyes following the distinguished lighter layer, until it curved and went straight up.
“Yep, this is the place.”
Hunter and I scrutinized the wall for some time, closely inspecting the line where grass butted against the rock, prodding cavities, and reaching shoulder-deep into some cracks. In the end we came up empty. We stood, hands on our hips, now facing the endless ocean, the constant breeze turning into a stronger gust from time to time. Day three of our search, and it was once again fruitless.
Taking measured steps, I crept to the brink, my fingers digging into Hunter’s wrist as I peered down.
“Don’t you dare push me,” I warned him, though I didn’t think he was the kind of person who would do such a thing. My mind whirled, trying to measure how far up we were. Too far.
“I’m not sure I can do this,” I said, stepping back and letting go of Hunter’s arm.
Not a second later, he rushed forward and jumped.
I gasped, dropped to my hands and knees, and crawled just in time to see Hunter plunge into the water, legs first, disappearing into the ocean.
My heart throbbed with worry. It felt like an eternity before Hunter finally burst through the surface.
“Jump!” he yelled and waved his hand.
“Never!” I shouted, then laughed.
Hunter swam to the small beach and edged his way up the steep incline of the footpath. I scrambled away from the cliff’s brink and sat on the grass. Leaning on my hands, I took in the vast, beautiful view of blue hues. I enjoyed the sense of untroubled happiness. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt so content.
Hunter reappeared between the trees and shook his hair, showering me with cool droplets. “Come on, Wonder Woman. It’s only terrifying the first few times.”
That was a poor tactic to convince me.
“Exactly. It’s te-rri-fying.”
“You don’t know what you’re missing.” He stepped to the edge and turned his back to the open water.
“Where did you learn how to do it?”
“I was on the high school diving team.” He flashed me a broad smile and flipped backward.
Shaking my head, I lay flat on my back.
