Night is not that far off. What the hell am I going to do?
5
Garen
Along the familiar hiking path, the spring air cools my sweat-slicked body as I reach the fork on the trail. I had planned to just do my normal run, but at the last minute go left to take the long way around before heading home. With the rainstorm predicted tonight, there may be a chance I'll be stuck indoors for a few days. So, a longer run is a good idea.
I peel off my shirt and tuck it into the band of my shorts as I continue my jog. But after ten minutes, I realize my bladder will not last until I get home. Slowing down, I find a spot at the edge of the trail that slopes down into a gap in the mountain. While taking a leak, I close my eyes and raise my face to the spring sunshine peeking through the forest canopy. The warmth feels good, and I know clouds will be stealing it away soon.
A shout pulls my attention. I shake myself dry, zip up, and look around. When I glance down to my left, shock shoots through me. A woman is trapped on a small ledge below, waving frantically at me. Relief floods her face when our eyes meet.
My heart jumps into my throat when I recognize the beautiful woman. It's the rabbit shifter whom I offended at the Ostara Festival.
"Hold tight. I'm coming over!" I shout as I make my way to the spot above where she's trapped.
Lowering to my knees, I take in the sight.
"I think I can reach you. Can you go up on your tiptoes?"
She nods and reaches toward me. I grab her hands, and as she positions her legs against the dirt, I yank her up with all my strength. I then fall backwards, my body humming with an intense electricity.
Sitting up, I find the curvy shifter panting and brushing the dirt off her legs. Warm sparks continue to dance through me as I take in the sight of her.
"You okay?"
"I think so. I'm not sure." She attempts to stand and groans out when she places weight on her right foot.
"Shit. I may have sprained it," she says while cringing.
"Here. Let me help you," I say, standing and offering my hand.
She takes it, and my body is once again consumed with an electric heat. Her eyebrows furrow, but she doesn't say anything. I help her to stand, but she winces the moment she puts weight on her foot.
"It doesn't look like you can walk," I say.
"Fuck," the curvy beauty grumbles.
"My place isn't too far. Let me bring you there and see what I can do with my first aid kit," I suggest.
"I don't know if I can walk all the way to your place," she says, looking away shyly.
"That's fine. I can walk for the both of us," I say, grinning at her.
Nodding, I give her the okay to wrap her arms around my neck and scoop her up, trying to ignore how her touch makes my body feel.
Speed walking home, I realize I'm pressing this poor woman against my sweaty chest.
"Sorry for the sweat. I was on a run," I say, feeling my cheeks heat. I keep my eye on the path so I don't trip, but I swear I can feel her smile in my arms.
"No worries," she whispers.
As we head up my driveway, the hiker swallows a gasp at the sight of my home. I can imagine it's a bit surprising to see when the trees open up, given how huge the place is.
Inside, I gently place her on the oversized chair by the fireplace and carefully prop her feet on the ottoman. I flick on the gas fireplace and head into the kitchen to make tea. When I come back with two steaming mugs of Earl Grey, I suddenly become very aware that I am shirtless as I set a mug on the table beside her.
Our eyes meet, and I swear I see a flicker of heat behind her hazel-colored gaze.
"Let me go throw on something. Careful. That's hot," I say.
