Page 11 of Burning Mountains

Ilaced up my new hiking boots, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.Axelmust have sensed my apprehension because he came over and put a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Don'tworry," he said softly. "I'vegot you."

Weset off down the trail,Axelpointing out different plants and animal tracks as we went.Ifound myself hanging on his every word, amazed at the depth of his knowledge.Theway his eyes lit up when he talked about the wilderness, it was clear this was his true passion.

"Andthis," he said, pointing to a small purple flower, "isMountainLupine.Beautiful, but toxic if ingested."

Isnorted. "Charming.Iseverything out here trying to kill us?"

Axelgrinned. "Oh, it's not just the plants.Theanimals, the weather, the terrain - it's likeMotherNature'sown version of 'TheHungerGames' out here.Maythe odds be ever in your favor."

Aboutan hour into the hike, we came to a small clearing.Axeldropped his backpack with a theatrical flourish and turned to me with a grin that could only be described as diabolical. "Popquiz time.Let'ssee what you've learned about survival skills.Nopressure, but your life may depend on it."

Iraised an eyebrow so high it nearly achieved orbit. "Oh, is that what we've been doing?Ithought you were just showing off your encyclopedic knowledge of poisonous berries and animal poop.Mymistake."

Helaughed, the sound echoing through the trees. "Alright, smartass.Let'ssee you set up a shelter."

Forthe next half hour,Axelguided me through the process of building a lean-to shelter.Hishands were gentle as he showed me how to tie knots and position the branches.Everytime he touched me, even just to adjust my grip or demonstrate a technique,Ifelt a spark of electricity.Itwas like being taught wilderness survival byThor.

"Notbad," he said when we'd finished, giving me an approving nod. "Youmight survive out here for at least... oh, 24 hours now."

Ifelt a surge of pride. "Ihad a good teacher.ThoughI'mnot sure how this will help me plan weddings.Unlessyou're suggesting we start offering 'SurvivalChic' as a theme."

Asthe sun began to dip lower in the sky, painting the clearing in hues of orange and pink,Axeldecided it was time to teach me how to start a fire.Becausenothing says romance like playing with flames in a dry forest, right?

Iwatched in awe as he coaxed a small flame into life with nothing but some dry tinder and a flint.Itwas like watching a magic trick.

"Yourturn," he said, handing me the flint. "Remember, it's all in the wrist."

Itook it nervously, trying to mimic his movements.Afterseveral failed attempts that produced more swearing than sparks,Iwas ready to give up. "It'shopeless,"Isighed. "I'mjust not cut out for this wilderness stuff."

Axelmoved behind me, his chest pressed against my back as he guided my hands.Icould feel the rumble of his voice through his chest as he murmured, "Don'tgive up.You'vegot this."

Withhis help,Ifinally got a spark to catch.Asthe small flame grew,Ilet out a triumphant whoop that probably scared every animal within a five-mile radius.Iturned toAxel, beaming likeI'djust discovered fire for the first time (which, technically,Ihad), and found his face inches from mine.Fora moment, we just stared at each other, the crackling of the fire the only sound.

Axelcleared his throat, stepping back. "See?Toldyou you could do it."

Asnight fell, we sat by the fire, sharing a gourmet meal of trail mix and jerky.Theconversation flowed easily, punctuated by comfortable silences where we just enjoyed each other's company and the peacefulness of the forest.Well, as peaceful as it can be when you're constantly wondering if that rustle in the bushes is a cute bunny or a hungry bear.

"CanIask you something?"Isaid after a while, looking atAxelacross the flickering flames.Thefirelight danced across his chiseled features.

Henodded, his eyes reflecting the firelight. "Shoot."

"Whydid you really bring me out here?Imean,Iknow you said it was to test the new gear, but...Isthis some kind of elaborate plan to recreate 'TheBlairWitchProject'?BecauseI'vegot to tell you,Iam not cut out for found footage horror."

Axelwas quiet for a moment, poking at the fire with a stick.Whenhe finally spoke, his voice was soft, almost vulnerable. "IguessIwanted to show you my world.Tohelp you see whyIlove it up here so much.It'snot just trees and rocks and the constant threat of bear attacks, you know?"

Hishonesty touched me deeply.Thisguy was stealing my heart. "It'sbeautiful,"Isaid sincerely. "Ican see why you never want to leave."

Helooked up at me then, his gaze intense. "It'snot just the place,Zoe.It's... well, it's better with you here.You'relike the peanut butter to my jelly, the marshmallow to my s'more."

Myheart raced at his words, doing a happy dance.BeforeIcould respond with something equally cheesy,Axelstood up, offering me his hand. "Comeon, there's one more thingIwant to show you.Andno, it's not my collection of pinecones,Ipromise."

Heled me up a small hill, away from our campsite.Aswe crested the top,Igasped.Spreadout before us was a panoramic view of the valley, bathed in the soft light of the setting sun.Thesky was a canvas of pinks and oranges, with the first stars just beginning to twinkle.Itwas like someone had taken every inspirational poster ever made and turned it into reality.

"Oh,Axel,"Ibreathed. "It'sincredible.Isthis what being high feels like?BecauseIthinkI'mhaving a nature-induced psychedelic experience."

Hestood behind me, his arms wrapping around my waist.Ileaned back into him, feeling safe and content in a wayInever had before.

"Thisis my favorite spot in the whole world," he murmured. "I'venever brought anyone else here before.MainlybecauseIwas worried they'd turn it into a selfie spot and ruin the magic."

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