Page 24 of Never Till Now

“Okay, it’s foggy.” I don’t understand.

“You’re about to become a fogaholic.”

I don’t bother replying and just follow him to see what this is all about. Not long after, I’m frozen in place. My eyes fool my brain and I don’t believe what I’m seeing. I stand above the fog as if I’m in an airplane looking below. The most beautiful waves of fog dance through the tips of the trees. I’m transfixed on the thick ocean-style waves encompassing us. It’s another world up here. A breathtaking one I never knew existed. I glance around and land my eyes on Adam, who is staring down at me. The altitude must have kicked into high gear and steals the breath from my lungs.

“Would you say you’re a fogaholic yet?” His eyes soften and hold mine.

“It’s unreal.” I shake my head as my eyes magnetize back to the rolling fog waves. “Definitely a deathbed memory.”

“A what?”

“I’ve seen more people take their last breath than I can count. They all mention something they wish they had done or think about a moment they’ll never forget.” I shrug. “This moment is mine to commit to memory.”

His hands cup my face, and he looks to my eyes for approval. My arms instinctively wrap around his neck as I bring my gaze to his lips. Adam smirks just before gently pressing his mouth to mine. There’s no urge. No hunger. Just a soft, still kiss and I lose track of time. It’s probably out of pity after that weird deathbed truth bomb I dropped on him. But up on this mountain surrounded by magic, I accept it. He pulls back without a word and looks around. I focus over his shoulder as his head follows. There are a few people with their cameras and tripods set up in the distance. One guy waves us over with excitement.

“Do you know him?” I ask and walk in their direction.

“I’m part of a San Francisco fog group in order to know the best hiking times to see this. I’m sure he’s part of it.”

“Yo, dudes.” The photographer points to his screen. “Do you mind if I submit this online?”

I look at the small screen and my heart jumps. It’s one of the coolest pictures I’ll ever be a part of. Anyone who doesn’t see this for themselves would think it’s photoshopped. There Adam and I are, on the edge of a mountain. A beautiful silhouette as his mouth claims my face. The fog rolls through and exposes the tip of the trees just as the sun starts to glow in the distance. I’m speechless. Adam leans down beside me, taking in the image. A grin spreads wide across his face and he nods.

“I’m cool with it if she is.” Adam nudges me.

“Yes, please send that in. Any place would be crazy not to use it.” I shake my head. “I would really like a copy of that to hang in my place.”

“Yeah, I’m having an art expo in a couple weeks, and it would be great if you both could join.” He hands over his business card. “You two make a great couple.”

“Oh, no. He and I are just friends.” I feel my cheeks heat, unable to look at Adam. “Acquaintances, actually.”

“See you in a few weeks, just friends.” He chuckles and starts to pack up his gear. “I photograph weddings too.”

“Acquaintances!” Adam calls out as we walk away.

Despite the altitude stealing my breath, I catch him staring at me on the hike down. I make a mental note to make sure we stay nothing more than acquainted friends.

Chapter 8

Adam

Two days pass and I haven’t heard from Lauren. By the time our morning meeting ends, it’s well into my lunch hour. I head down to the lobby and see Max entering. His ball cap is backward and he wears a content smile. A grocery bag slung over his shoulder and my nephew, James, sits in the stroller. For a guy who works until one a.m. and commits to teaching a kickboxing class at nine in the morning, I wonder how he’s not burned out. If he is, he doesn’t show it.

“Hey, Mr. Mom,” I greet my best friend.

“Feels like it some days, but Kelsie needs all of our support.” The three of us grew up together and lately, Max has been filling in to help with my sister’s kids. He walks toward me as James leans back trying to climb out of his stroller. Max unwraps a granola bar and hands it to him, buying us a minute to talk. Everything seems so natural to this man. Except James isn’t even his child.

“Hey James.” I ruffle his brown hair and look up at Max. “Where’s Kels?”

“She had a meeting today with the lawyer to go over her and Benson’s custody. I took this little guy to the gym day care while I taught and then picked up food to throw in the Crock-Pot for his mama.” He smiles and changes his voice to a kid-friendly tone, even though my nephew’s only concern is his snack.

“I thought Benson was signing over parental rights?” My heart leaps to my throat and my urge to punch her ex in the face grows.

“He has a few requests before he commits to severing ties.”

“Why does no one keep me informed about this shit anymore?” I know I haven’t been giving enough attention to my sister or her kids lately.

“You’ve been busy tasting Shirley Temple and consumed with your constant workload.” He shrugs like it’s not a big deal. “I’m single and it’s Kelsie. Since the elevator fiasco as kids, you know the promise I made to her.”