Page 20 of 4-Ever Theirs (4-Ever 1)

As they hiked, Simon told her dumb jokes, sang songs and generally kept her entertained every second. She didn’t once have time to ruminate on what she’d done the night before or debate if what she was about to do was wise. Or fair. Or crass.

Playful and adventurous, Simon had always ensured their lives were full of impetuous fun.

This day was no exception.

It was impossible not to enjoy herself. And him. Especially him.

They wound their way along canyons and stopped to admire waterfalls before he helped her cross the stream on a series of logs and rocks. Never once did she feel off balance when he clasped her hand in his, leading her through what seemed like his personal playground.

Along the way, they stopped to investigate anything that caught their interest, and once to enjoy some of the snacks he’d stashed in his backpack on an informal picnic.

She hadn’t realized quite how far they’d gone when they reached one of the lookout points on the trail. Standing with him at her back and his arms looped casually around her waist, she rested the crown of her head on his shoulder.

Together they drew in the crisp mountain air.

They might have stayed for a while before heading back down from the zenith except that a storm cloud chose right then to roll over from the opposite side of the peak.

A booming clap of thunder was followed by an instantaneous downpour.

Simon cursed as he tugged her into one of the shelters on the side of the path. It resembled a campus bus stop. A Plexiglas roof and walls provided an unobstructed view and a place to take a break from the wind at the summit on the metal mesh bench beneath.

“Let me guess, you didn’t check the weather report this morning?” She grinned, sure of the answer before she’d asked.

“Don’t expect miracles, babe. Just ’cause I’m finally going to get to sleep with you doesn’t mean I got any smarter last night.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Shit, Andi. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin…”

“You didn’t.” She stopped him right there with the only thing she knew for certain would work.

Andi went onto her tiptoes and braced her hands on his shoulders. When he looked down at her, she ambushed him, covering his mouth with hers.

He tasted like salt and summer.

They kissed as thunder rumbled in the distance and the rush of rain beating the leaves surrounded them. Steam rose off the rocks where the hot earth met the cool water, blending and becoming something ideal.

She understood exactly how that felt.

When Simon drew away, blinking down at her with slumberous eyes, she knew what to do. Listening to her instincts, she toed off her shoes, tucked her socks inside them, then quickly dispatched her shirt and pants, folding them neatly on top of her sneakers.

Finally, she unhooked her bra then wiggled out of her panties, ensuring she’d have some dry clothes for the ride home.

“Come on, Simon. Play in the rain with me?” She curled her finger suggestively at him as she stepped out into the downpour. Her hair was plastered to her skull in no more than a few seconds.

The water coursing down her face, breasts and torso felt divine. Invigorating and sort of taboo, like her liaisons with her roommates. It was a sensation she could easily get obsessed with.

Twirling around with her arms outstretched, she laughed as she caught the rain in her palms.

Until she heard him say, “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Insane, but gorgeous.”

And then he was there—naked as she was—kissing her, drawing her down onto the soft grass.

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