Page 38 of Noah

He must be concentrating on parking.

He leapt out of his vehicle, locked it, and approached me wearing what I suspected was a brand-new outfit designed specifically for hiking. I bit my bottom lip as a chuckle threatened.

God, he's adorable.

I was blessed with a shy smile as Brody wandered in close to me.

"Hi."

I smiled. "Hey. Are you ready for some beautiful scenery?"

"I didn't know what to wear. I went shopping this morning."

I winked at him. "And you look fantastic."

Brody cast a gaze past my shoulder and nodded. "Good."

"All right. Let's go."

I led the way to the trail head. The intensity of the incline wasn't conducive to conversation other than a few utterances of warnings or appreciation of what the ancient evergreen forest was offering us. Thin beams of light cut through the overhead boughs of cedar and fir and across the woodland floor of ferns and fallen logs. Just over an hour later, we were near the peak.

Brody scrambled up the last few steps behind me to the lookout and came to a stop, gripping the sleeve of my jacket. He scanned back and forth at what he was looking at.

"Why have I never come up here before?" he asked.

"You've really never been hiking?"

"Didn't know I'd like it." He yanked on my sleeve. "What am I looking at? Do you know?"

"Yup." I pointed to the left. "That there is the Saanich Peninsula, and you can just see Saltspring Island." I moved my hand. "Out there … the Olympic Mountains and the recognizable Mount Baker." I turned us further. "And then, of course, the city of Victoria."

"That's quite the 360-degree view."

"The best."

I closed my eyes, the view having nothing on what I was feeling as Brody leaned against me, his shoulder to mine, still gripping my sleeve, and tipped his head to touch mine.

"Thank you for bringing me up here."

"Every day if you want me to."

Brody's body shook—an actual laugh. He hadn't given me one of those yet. I felt like I'd been honoured with precious gems. I would cherish this day for a long time to come.

We stood and enjoyed the view, Brody humming softly beside me. It was a peaceful sound. One that meant Brody was content and happy. I wished I could bottle that sound.

Brody turned his face against my ear, his warm breath whispering across my skin.

"I really like you," he said.

My heart fluttered. "I really like you, too, Brody." He leaned harder against me and gripped my sleeve tighter; his nose nestled against my hair, breathing heavily.

My heart thundered, urging me on.

"Can I kiss you?" I asked.

Brody released my arm and nodded, nuzzling the side of my face. I didn't have to turn far to place his lips within reach. Brody tipped his head back and opened his lips for me. I took a chance and cupped his face. He didn't object, instead leaning into the palm of my hand, whimpering.

It was the most beautiful sound of desire I'd ever heard. I brushed his cheek with my thumb and had my first taste, my tongue slipping in between his open lips before our souls mingled. The anticipation of weeks should have made the kiss hard and fast, but it wasn't. I caressed his mouth with mine, only taking what he was ready to offer. Our lips performed a sweet gentle dance.

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