Page 6 of Burning Mountains

Itook his hand, trying to ignore the spark that shot through me at his touch.Hispalm was rough and calloused, but his grip was gentle as he guided me over a particularly treacherous stretch ofloose rocks.Itwas like being led by a very attractive, outdoorsyPrinceCharming.

"Thanks,"Isaid, once we were on more stable ground.Buthe didn't let go of my hand, andIfoundIdidn't want him to.Itwas like my hand had found its soulmate, and who wasIto break up true love?

Wewalked in companionable silence for a while, our joined hands swinging between us.Theforest around us was alive with the sounds of birds and rustling leaves.Theair was crisp and clean, filling my lungs in a way theDenversmog never could.Itwas likeMotherNature'sown oxygen bar.

"So,"Axelsaid after a while, "tell me more about this wedding planning gig of yours.How'dyou get into that?Childhooddream of being surrounded by tulle and crying bridesmaids?"

Ilaughed. "Wouldyou believe it started with origami?"

Heraised an eyebrow. "Origami?Like, paper folding?"

Inodded, grinning. "Iwas obsessed with it as a kid.I'dmake these elaborate decorations for every family event.Whenmy cousin got married,Ioffered to do all the paper decorations for her wedding.Itwas a hit, and suddenly everyone was asking me to help with their weddings."

"Huh,"Axelsaid, sounding genuinely impressed. "Neverwould've pegged you for an origami master.Whatother hidden talents are you hiding?Extremeironing?Competitivedog grooming?"

"There'sa lot you don't know about me,"Isaid, echoing his words from earlier. "I'mlike an onion.Layers, you know?"

Hegrinned, squeezing my hand. "Ilook forward to peeling them all back.Ina totally non-creepy, non-serial killer way, of course."

Thetrail suddenly opened up, andIgasped.Beforeus lay the most beautiful lakeI'dever seen.Crystalclear water reflected the surrounding mountains like a mirror, the surface broken only by the occasional jump of a fish.Wildflowersin every color dotted the shoreline, and a small waterfall tumbled down the rocks at the far end.Itwas like someone had taken every desktop background ever and mashed them into one super-scene.

"Axel,"Ibreathed, "this is... incredible."

Hebeamed with pride. "Toldyou it was worth the hike.Comeon, let's set up our picnic."

Wefound a perfect spot near the water's edge, andAxelspread out a blanket.Fromhis backpack, he produced an array of gourmet sandwiches, fresh fruit, and even a bottle of wine.

"Wow,"Isaid, genuinely impressed. "Youreally went all out.What, no chocolate fountain?"

Heshrugged, butIcould see the pleased look in his eyes. "Figuredyou deserved something special after the ordeal you've been through.Plus,Ileft my chocolate fountain at my other secret mountain lake.Rookiemistake."

Weate and talked, our conversation flowing as freely as the mountain stream nearby.Axeltold me about his work as a wildlife biologist, his eyes lighting up as he described tracking wolf packs through the mountains.Ifound myself hanging on his every word, captivated by his passion.Itwas like watchingAnimalPlanet, but with a much hotter narrator.

Afterwe'd eaten our fill,Axelstood up, offering me his hand. "Comeon,Iwant to show you something.Andno, it's not my collection of pinecone art.That'sfor the third date."

Ilaughed, taking his hand and allowing him to pull me up. "Oh, be still my beating heart.However willIcontain my excitement until then?"Iquipped.Despitemy teasing,Ifelt a little thrill at the implication of future dates.

Heled me to the water's edge, where smooth, flat stones lined the shore.Pickingone up, he demonstrated how to skip it across the surface of the lake.Thestone bounced five times before sinking.

"Yourturn," he said, handing me a stone. "Trynot to take out any innocent fish."

Itook it, trying to mimic his stance.Myfirst attempt plopped unceremoniously into the water, creating a splash worthy of aminiatureShamu.Axellaughed, but it was a warm sound, free of mockery.

"Here, let me show you," he said, moving behind me.Hisarms encircled me, his hands guiding mine. "It'sall in the wrist," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. "Likeyou're trying to swat a very persistent fly."

Withhis help, my next throw skipped three times.Isquealed with delight, turning to face him. "Idid it!I'mbasically a stone-skippingOlympiannow, right?"

"You'rea natural," he said softly, his eyes locked on mine.Wewere so close,Icould feel the heat radiating from his body.Mybreath caught in my throat.Theworld around us seemed to fade away, leaving only us in this perfect moment.Icould see everyfleck of color in his intense eyes, count every eyelash ifIwanted to.Ifound myself leaning in unconsciously.

Themoment was broken by a splash of cold water hitting my face.Axelgrinned mischievously, already backing away. "Oops.Must'vebeen a rogue wave.Youknow how dangerous these mountain lakes can be."

"Oh, it is on,"Igrowled, chasing him into the shallows. "You'regoing down,MountainMan!"

Wesplashed and laughed like children, the cool water a welcome relief after our hike.Asthe sun began to dip lower in the sky, we made our way back to the blanket, both of us soaked but grinning.

Axelwrapped a towel around my shoulders, his hands lingering for a moment. "Youknow," he said, his voice low, "you're nothing likeIexpected,ZoeMitchell.You'relike a wildflower blooming in a field of pine trees."

Ilooked up at him, my heart pounding. "Isthat a good thing?Orare you more of a sturdy oak type?"

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