Page 100 of All Roads Lead to You

“I wish, but we should’ve hired them up top. Think of it this way. Our legs will get a good workout. You’ll have the beefiest set of thighs of all the tennis players.”

“My thighs are just fine, thank you very much.”

“That they are,” he whispered in my ear.

After exploring and relaxing for about an hour, we made our way back up. After the first thousand feet, we both regretted it. Even for athletes like ourselves, it was still a tough trek. The hike was not made for the faint of heart.

“Fuck, my legs are burning,” he said.

“On fire is a good description of how my legs are feeling right now.”

We had to sit often and drink plenty of water. Once we finished our canteens, we pulled out the spare ones to have easier access.

Before we reached the top, we discovered a little alcove and ledge looking over the canyons. Even better, it provided shade, so we climbed it, sat down, and dangled our legs over the edge. A slight vertigo hit me, but the view was stunning.

Logan wrapped an arm around me and pulled me close. Neither of us worried anyone would catch us, since there weren’t many hikers headed upward. We were alone here. It felt like we were at the edge of the world, and humanity was over, except for us.

He kissed my sweaty cheek before resting his head on mine.

“I can’t think of a more beautiful place to spend with you, Logan.”

“Wait until we sit and watch the sunset. Once we’re plunged into darkness, I’m going to kiss the fuck out of you.”

But he didn’t wait, pulling me into a deep kiss.

We didn’t let go of each other when we pulled away, looking out at the beautiful world surrounding us.

“I wish Hunter could’ve seen this.”

“And he will because you and Hunter are going on a road trip together one day. It may not be next year. It could be ten years, but you’re going to do it. He deserves it, and you two need to do this together.”

He nodded. “I like that. That’s a good plan. I just hope…”

“What do you hope?”

“I hope that we’re still together and you come with us. It wouldn’t be the same without you, either. You’ve fucking changed my life, Nick. I finally feel comfortable being myself because of you. And you helped me through my grief. I still fucking hurt, but it hurts less with you here.”

“You’ve changed my life, too, and for the better. I like where I’m at right now. I also hope we continue on this path.”

We kissed again, and Logan stood, offering me his hand. I took it as he hefted me onto my feet. “Let’s get back, have a shower, a couple of beers, then see that sunset.”

As planned, we showered and drank a beer. Then, as the sun started to go down, Logan and I headed to find a spot to sit and enjoy the show.

I was taking pictures of him when a man offered to take some of us together. I shoved the camera into his hands and rushed to Logan’s side. As much as I itched to wrap my arm around him, I held back, but it was Logan who put his arm over my shoulder, beaming for the camera.

“We’re allowed to give each other brotherly hugs, you know,” he said through his teeth.

True. Just like it was okay to camp together, eat dinner at a restaurant together, or see a movie together. I was getting so wrapped up in protecting us from outsiders that I’d forgotten.

I put my arm around him, too, and we smiled for the camera. The guy took several shots of us before handing it back to me. I thanked him, and we went off in search of a secluded spot away from hikers and vacationers.

“My legs still fucking burn,” I said as I sat down on the rocks between Logan’s spread legs and leaned back into him. He wrapped an arm around my front and gave me a peck on my neck. We’d found a ledge like before to dangle our legs off of.

“Same. Just wait until we get to Lake Tahoe. That frigid mountain water will heal us right up. The lake will be around sixty degrees or so.”

“I can’t wait.”

He leaned forward and rested his head on my shoulder. “I feel so free out here.”

---