Page 39 of Time To Live Again

Despite the pain, I couldn’t be happier or feel more alive. As we hiked leisurely along the dirt trails, we chatted about little things and goofed around a lot. I miss letting loose and not having a care in the world, and Leo seems to be the perfect person to do that with. My favorite part was how we couldn’t stop touching each other. Holding hands, his arm draped over my shoulders, my arm wrapped around his lower back. My soul is at ease with him, as if I’ve known him my entire life. If only this could last longer than a week.

Why can’t it?

“We’re almost there.” Leo nudges my thigh. My stomach swooshes as we round another curve. I’m surprised I’m not nauseous from the winding roads. Leo turns on his left signal and drives into a parking lot where a small group of people are getting into a minivan.

“This is my favorite viewpoint in this area,” he says. “What I want to show you is a few minutes’ walk from here.” He gets out of the car, runs around to my side, and opens the door for me.

I turn to get out of the car, and my legs and feet scream. Wincing, I stand up and pretend everything’s fine, but it’s obviously not true when I move like an old lady. Leo chuckles behind me when he closes the door. I stretch one thigh at a time.

“Man, I’m out of shape. My body’s not used to this much exercise anymore.”

“Most of the hotels I stay in have great fitness studios. I have no excuse.” He strolls toward a path and I follow.

Since he’s not facing me, I take the chance to be bold. “Well, it’s working, whatever you’re doing. It was hard not to notice before I almost passed out yesterday.”Look at you flirting! You go, girl.“Maybe that’s why I was breathless.”

He turns around with a cocky grin that I want to kiss off his gorgeous face. “Miss Olive, are you admitting to have looked below my chin yesterday in the sauna?” He places his hand over his chest. “I feel violated.”

“Excuseme. Don’t forget, you saw my boobs up front and center.” How am I talking to him about my boobs like we’re talking about the weather?

He taps his temple. “Something I won’t forget. But, Olive, it was only for a few seconds. I told you, I was a perfect gentleman. I wrapped them up with care.” He wiggles his eyebrows.

I tip my head back and laugh. I can’t with this guy. Now I’m picturing him tying a red ribbon around my bare breasts. Besides my legs aching, my cheeks are too. I can’t stop smiling—simply being close to him brightens my day.

“Too bad I didn’t get to witness the disappearance of your itty-bitty towel. Then we could call it even.”

“I’d be lying if I said I was sorry. And I ain’t no liar, beautiful.”

He stops and turns around near a bench. He’s such a distraction that I haven’t been paying attention to where we’re going. I guess I’d follow him right over a cliff.Nice visual, Olive.

He points to the view in front of us. I gasp. “Worth the drive, isn’t it? Saved the best for last.”

I pull out my phone and take several pictures. Definitely some framers among them.

“We’re at the top of Mount Constitution. It’s one of the best views of the San Juan Islands,” he explains, motioning again to the spectacular outlook. “It’s been a while since I came up here with someone.”

In the far distance, a snowy mountain peak emerges out of billowy clouds. “What mountain is that?”

“That’s Mount Baker over on Lummi Island.” He wanders over to the bench and sits. I do the same, and he automatically puts his arm around me, pulling me closer to him.Swoon. “I like coming up here to think and relax. We’re lucky that we’re the only ones here. Gotta love off season.”

We both take a deep breath at the same time. The crisp, clean air tingles in my lungs. We’re still for a few minutes, enjoying the peace and quiet. This is the place to be to clear your mind. I wish I knew what he’s thinking about.

“We couldn’t get any better with the view. I didn’t expect everything to look this clear today.” He squeezes my shoulder. “You’re lucky. Somebody must be watching over us.”

I rub my cold hands between my legs. It’s chillier here than I expected. I didn’t notice when I got out of the car. Slowly, the day is catching up with me, and a cloud of gloom storms around me.

“Have you ever seen the movieCity of Angelswith Meg Ryan and Nicolas Cage?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Leo shakes his head. “I’ve heard of it, but haven’t seen it. Why? Is it good?”

“A favorite of mine. Especially the soundtrack. I haven’t seen it in a long time.” I observe a bird near us, hopping around, searching for something to eat. “Do you believe in angels?”

He clears his throat. “I don’t know. Sometimes. Maybe. Wait…City of Angels. Los Angeles?”

I nod. “It takes place in LA. Nicolas Cage is an angel, and he falls in love with a mortal, Meg Ryan. He stands alongside people who are facing death. When they die, he guides them to the afterlife. Other times, he protects people in need. A guardian angel.”

He shifts toward me, and I look at him. “Olive, why are you telling me this? Does it have to do with why you left LA?” His concern wraps around my heart.

“A little. It makes me wonder what’s out there that we can’t see. I used to be an ICU nurse in a major hospital in LA. I witnessed devastating things every day, but I saw unbelievable miracles too.”

---