Page 4 of Peaked Desires

After all, he has seen me in nothing but a towel. He knows the shape of my body. My big body. Plus-sized, curvy… whatever you want to call it.

“Oh, it’s ok,” I choke out, the heat of my cheeks burning red hot. “I’m sure you have plenty more important things to be doing today.”

Huxton takes a step closer, and I swear my nipples tighten with each closing step.

“Nothing is more important than my employees.” A big hand reaches for my shoulder. His expression doesn’t change, but Huxton’s fingers give a hard squeeze, and his voice deepens. “I want to make sure you’re comfortable here. This is your new home, Elise.”

My cheeks flush.

Home? I’ve never had a proper home before.

With a hard swallow, I manage a gentle nod and start walking again.

We spend the next few hours exploring the sprawling grounds of Mountain Retreat Lodge. Luckily for me, my sneakers are up to the task because Huxton drags me up a few of the close-by hiking trails. His enormous boots make easy work of the rugged terrain, but it all comes so naturally to him. He talks passionately about the surrounding forest, giving me tips for our guests and showing me where to find the most amazing things, like wild deer feeding in a tiny clearing.

This place is everything I need.

We continue along the hidden trails, filling the peaceful silence of the forest with small talk and facts about the land. Huxton promises one last stop as he leads me to a hidden trail. We brush past hanging branches and lush greenery that’s surrounding the path.

As we move forward a majestic sight catches my eye.

“And this…” Huxton trudges towards the edge of a small lake, crystal clear water sparkling in front of us. “… is one of my favorite spots.”

I watch water crash down a cliff, cascading from high above, a powerful waterfall like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It hits the rocks below, catching hints of sunlight as it falls. Tiny flecks of light bounce off the water, like shining diamonds sparkling on the surface. The soothing sound drowns out the hammering of my rapid heartbeat.

Huxton shifts on the spot beside me, staring in awe at the waterfall.

I breathe in deep, catching the mist from the waterfall as it mixes with Huxton’s masculine scent. I notice his eyes soften as he takes in the beauty before our eyes. He looks so big, naturally fitting into the surrounding landscape - it’s a match made in heaven.

“You love it here, don’t you?” I ask.

“This place means everything to me.” Huxton answers without moving his eyes away from the waterfall. His gaze lingers for a moment, before he clears his throat and turns back to me. “I come here whenever I need to clear my mind, but I’ve been so busy lately I haven’t had any time for myself.”

I watch the hulking man closely as he talks. I feel like there is more to Huxton’s story that he doesn’t want to talk about. So I leave it for now.

“I know the feeling,” I grin and take another deep breath. “I think this is exactly the change of pace I’ve been looking for.”

“You’ve certainly picked the right spot, Elise. And listen, I want to apologize again for what happened earlier in your cabin. I didn’t mean to startle you like that."

I’ve barely noticed Huxton has moved closer until I feel his breath on my cold cheeks. The tiny hairs on my neck stand up and I crane my neck to look at him. Our eyes lock on one another. Suddenly the temperature around us sores.

He doesn’t smile. He doesn’t frown. There’s nothing. No emotion for me to read.

He’s towering over me. So sturdy. So strong.

He could crush me if he wanted to. The sheer size of him would render me powerless to his strength. He could do anything he wanted to me right now and no one would ever know.

Maybe that wouldn’t be so bad?

I shake the thought from my head and try to ignore the excited tingle on my skin.

“Should we keep going?” I whisper, unable to break the eye contact.

He never takes his eyes off me. “Probably a good idea.”

I exhale and force myself to turn around. If I don’t, I might have more than one regret today.

I’m breathing heavily as we leave the trail and make our way across to the main lodge. Aside from chirping birds and crunching footsteps, the descent down the mountain is completely silent.

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