Page 39 of Her Ohio Old Flame

“Whoa!” Zane exclaimed as he straightened, reaching out toward her elbow. “You’ve got something already!”

Asha gasped, her breath tumbling out in startled laughter as the rod bent sharply. The line cut through the water in frantic zigzags.

“What do I do?” she asked, half in panic and exhilaration.

“Keep the tip up.” Zane stepped closer, hovering his hands near hers without interfering. “Let it tire itself out a little, then reel it in nice and steady.”

Her focus narrowed to the fight between her and the unseen creature beneath the rippling surface. Asha dug her feet into the gravelly bank as she reeled and adjusted, her heart pounding with the thrill of the struggle.

The fish broke the surface in a silvery splash, thrashing and twisting in the sun. With a practiced motion, Zane leaned in and expertly helped her pull it onto the bank.

“That’s a beauty.” His grin was as wide as the creek itself as he held up the wriggling catch, his pride almost infectious.

Asha’s laughter bubbled up, unrestrained and genuine, as she met his eyes. “I actually did it.” She shook her head in disbelief.

“You sure did,” he replied. “Beginner’s luck, maybe.”

“Don’t ruin my moment.” She nudged his shoulder playfully.

“Well, since it’s your catch, you get to decide—release it or dinner?”

She glanced at the fish, still wriggling weakly in Zane’s capable hands, its silver scales gleaming like treasure. Her stomach chose that moment to let out an embarrassing rumble, deciding for her. “Dinner,” she said with a grin.

Zane laughed. “Good choice.” He expertly cleaned the fish by the water’s edge, talking her through the process so she could try next time. Asha watched, equal parts fascinated and grateful, as he worked with the ease of someone who had done this countless times.

Zane glanced at Asha as they rounded the final bend of the trail, the rental cabin coming into view. It stood nestled in a grove of pine trees, its weathered wood blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. From a moss-covered roof emerged a stone chimney, promising a comfortable evening.

He shouldered his pack and shifted the fishing gear, a satisfied grin tugging at his lips. Despite the worries lurking at the edges of his thoughts, today had been good. He had managed to put his concerns about the fires—and Lou’s suspicions—on pause for the present. Sharing this hike, these simple moments, with Asha made it all worth it.

They stepped onto the porch, the wooden boards creaking softly under their weight. Inside, the cabin smelled faintly of cedar and the remnants of campfire smoke. Zane flicked on the lights, revealing a cozy space with a small kitchen, a stone fireplace, and a well-worn couch that looked like it had seen more than its share of tired hikers.

Asha leaned against the counter. Her eyes were sparkling, and she wore a huge grin. “This place is perfect.”

“Glad you like it.” Zane dropped his pack and moved toward the kitchen. “I’ll get started on dinner.”

“You’re cooking?” she teased, arching an eyebrow. “What happened to the Zane who burned mac and cheese in high school?”

He laughed, opening the small pantry. “He grew up, learned how to make coffee, and then figured he needed to do more if he wanted to survive.”

He pulled out a few potatoes and carrots stored in a wooden crate and gestured toward a handwritten list tacked to the cabinet. “They keep basics for renters, but you’re supposed to replace whatever you use.”

Asha nodded, watching as he added the fish to the counter alongside a few sprigs of herbs he had collected along the trail. “You really thought of everything.”

Zane shrugged, washing the vegetables in the sink. “Like I said, I’ve done this countless times.”

The rhythmic chop of the knife as he worked was oddly soothing, filling the quiet space with a sense of purpose. As the fish sizzled in the skillet with the fresh herbs, the cabin filled with a mouthwatering aroma. Zane added the diced potatoes and carrots to another pan, the butter crackling as it melted over the hot surface.

He stole a glance at Asha, who was leaning against the doorway, her gaze distant but her expression soft. Being here with her felt… right. Like a piece of his life that had been missing for too long had found its way back.

They sat down to eat at the small wooden table, the flickering light from the fireplace casting shadows over their faces. The meal was simple but satisfying, the kind of food that tasted better thanks to the effort that had gone into it. Asha praised his cooking, and Zane laughed, brushing off her compliments while secretly basking in them.

As they cleaned up, noting what needed to be replaced in the cabin logbook, Zane couldn’t help his exhilaration. Not only from the hike, or the satisfaction of a good meal, but from having Asha by his side.

He didn’t know why she had left him all those years ago—it was a question that had haunted him more often than he’d care to admit—but the past felt less important now than the present. Whatever her reasons, she was here now, and he wasn’t going to waste this chance.

The room was dark, the only lights coming from the flickering fire in the hearth. Nestled against him, Asha was warm, pliant, and a bit drowsy. His breathing became ragged, the memory of their lovemaking a little over a week ago still fresh in his memory.

The Dom in him wanted to take the lead, overwhelm her with sensations, and make her bare herself in every way possible. The considerate lover in him longed for her to have a measure of control. The question was: how much should he push?

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