I could be stuck in that cabin, bored out of my mind.
But I'm not.
I'm here, in the fresh wild air, my feet against rocks, my heart pumping heavily, my breath heaving, and my hair catching on a gentle breeze.
"You're doing great!" he shouts from a little further down the rock face. When I look down at him, I see his face glowing. He loves this. He's clearly in his element out here.
"I can't believe I'm doing this," I giggle.
"I can," he says. "I imagine this is the type of thing you were born to do—a girl like you."
For a moment, I can't figure out if that's a compliment or not, although it definitely feels like one. My heart clenches, my grin grows wider, and my confidence grows.
The descent is slow, but along the way, I learn the ropes and all fear leaves my mind. I'm having too much to worry about what his plans are.
When my feet hit the bottom, I'm pumped so full of adrenaline that I unclip and run straight toward him, jumping into his arms to hug him.
He's stiff, but automatically catches me.
"That was so awesome!" I exclaim, giggling.
He smells amazing. His body feels incredible against mine.
He chuckles nervously, setting me back down on my feet and stepping away from me. I realize what I've done, and my giggle turns into a blush as I quickly turn away.
"Are we climbing back up now?" I ask, changing the subject.
"Not just yet. There's a great spot here for lunch."
Bardil packs the gear into his backpack, and we walk a short distance toward the sound of running water.
Stepping around a rock formation, my eyes take in the most beautiful sight.
A small waterfall and a massive glittering pool of crystal clear water that leads off into a beautiful stream that disappears into the trees.
"Wow," I whisper in awe.
"It's perfect, isn't it?" Bardil says quietly, his eyes drifting over the scene.
"It really is," I whisper.
I sit on the edge of a smooth rock with my bare feet dangling into the crystal pool. It's icy and refreshing. He's busy gathering sticks and building a little fire.
I can't tear my eyes off him. I've never met a man who seems so capable, so in control of the situation, even though there is nothing but wilderness around us. What's that stupid question everyone asks? Man or bear?
I know exactly which one I would choose.
My eyes drift up and down his rugged, muscular body. Carved with strength and agility. My body begins to hum again. Not for the first time today.
He has this effect on me often, despite the fact that I try to ignore it every time.
He crouches next to the fire and gently blows on it until the thin wisp of smoke turns into a flickering red flame. Bardil smiles and shouts, "Fire!" triumphantly.
I giggle and stand up from the stream, walking barefoot to the steadily growing fire.
Bardil sets a blanket down on the mossy ground and cocks his head to the side. "Sit, I'll grab the backpack. We can toast a s'more."
Why does my heart flutter so much around him?
