Wednesday means another rez delivery. The sun is shining and there's a gentle breeze, making it the perfect day for a scenic drive. Everything else is done for the day, so for once I just enjoy the drive and take in the scenery. Unfortunately, the closer I get, the tenser I feel as a sense of unease creeps over me.
Sara steps out the front door as I pull up and I see her call back over her shoulder. I put my truck in park and make my way to the tailgate as Jace shows up. "Sup, lil' elf?" He asks with a mischievous glint in his eye.
Nothing much now. You're my last stop, then I'm done for the day. Not even sure what to do with the rest of my afternoon. I don't get done this early very often," I laugh. +
He waves over a couple of young guys to grab the produce while he keeps chatting. "Well, if you aren't busy I could show you around a little bit if you'd like? We rarely allow visitors," he says with a goofy grin. "It's a rare chance, take it while you can."
He can see my hesitation. Part of me wants to give them their order and be gone as fast as possible, but the other side of me wonders what he'll show me. After teasing me about just being on the front lawn last time, I can't turn him down. "I may have a bit of time to spare," I say, smiling.
Natural wonders or man-made marvels? Visitor's choice, I'm feeling gracious today," he says with a wink.
Dealers choice?" Not really sure what either means so whatever he picks will be fine.+
Beautiful day, so nature it is!" Jace grabs my hand and sets off through the east lawn. The moment he grabs it though, my heart starts to race! Instinct kicks in and I pull away. I must look like a deer in the headlights because the moment he turns around, his look of confusion is quickly replaced with regret. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to upset you."
I just keep my wrist clutched to my chest and look at him, willing my heartbeat to slow down. "Sorry, I just don't like people touching me. It freaks me out when I don't expect it," I trail off, dropping my gaze. I hate the look he's giving me. He means well, but it just makes my anxiety feel ten times worse.
Come on, the tour's still on me," he says with a small smile. This time he points in a direction instead of trying to lead me. "I promise it's worth the trek." His kind grey eyes twinkle with sincerity, helping me to relax.+
Having regained my composure, I return his smile. "Lead the way, but if you get us lost in the woods I'm gonna kick your butt," I warn with a small laugh.+
As we start down the path there's an awkward silence, it's not totally uncomfortable for me but I can tell by the way he keeps side-eyeing me it's bugging Jace. "So where are we going?"
What, and ruin the surprise, not likely!" The mischievous glint is back in his grey eyes. "For real though, it's one of my favourite places. I think you're really gonna like it, just about a twenty-minute walk up this path."
So have you lived here all your life?" I ask, trying to put my freak out behind me.+
Small talk... I can do this.
Yup, my parents moved here as teens. They met, fell in love, had me and the world has been a better place ever since."
So humble.
Before I can retort, he smirks. "What about you? What's your story?" +
Not my favourite topic.
Nothing much to me," I admit. "I was born and raised here; my adoptive parents have been great. Lost my mum five years ago, which has been so hard. My dad comes and goes, her death hit him hard so he travels a lot now. I think me and home remind him too much. I get it," I trail off, not really having anything else to add.
'Way to kill the convo.' Fuck, dude, I don't know what else to say.
His eyes shift to a darker shade of grey. "Sorry to hear that, family is everything. You may have noticed we are a tight-knit group here. After Chris's parents died, he spent a lot of time with me and my parents, he's like a brother to me." This serious, sentimental side is new, I've only ever seen playboy Jace.
I guess that explains why he's so serious all the time, eh?" I muse, more to myself. Chris' energy is so dominant and serious that I don't think I've seen him crack a single smile.
He's actually a great guy, but sometimes he just needs to lighten up. He takes his job too seriously; so focused on the business side of things he's missing out on the little joys. Like an afternoon hike with a lovely lady in the woods," he says with a wink.
Cheesy even for you Jace," I say while rolling my eyes.+
Almost there!" +
I can feel his excitement as the sound of running water reaches us now. +
Do you trust me?" He comes to a stop in front of me and holds out his hand.
I can't help but look at his hand like it's covered in mud. "No," I reply immediately as his face sinks. "Don't take it personally, trust isn't easy for me."
Come on, think of this as a turning point. A little trust goes a long way. Just close your eyes, grab my arm and I'll lead you to the clearing. It's for maximum effect, trust me, it's worth it," he says, almost pleading while he sticks out his elbow.+
Fine," I grumble.
I can always open my eyes if it's taking too long or whatever. +
So I grab his arm and close my eyes, following his lead. The smell of the woods begins to fade as the sound and scent of water gets stronger. After what feels like ten minutes, we finally come to a stop.
Open your eyes, lil' elf."+
I blink away at the brightness as my eyes adjust. We are on a rainbow-coloured pebble shore bank that meets the crystal blue water of a small lake. The way the sun shimmers across the rippling surface makes the it look like it's dusted in diamonds. A waterfall crashes off to the left and a small stream snakes off into the far forest on the right.
Wow." I can't take my eyes off of the bright pink, yellow and red stones peaking out of the water.+
I've been coming here since I was just a little kid, best swimming hole around." He waggles his brows as his classic playboy smirk plays across his lips. I blush and turn away, focusing on the water instead.
I bet, looks nicer than any pool I've seen before. It's just so peaceful here, kinda makes me want to curl up for a nap," I muse. I can't remember the last good night's sleep I've had.+
The next thing I know, Jace is pulling off his shirt. +
Wow, what is with the guys here? Perfectly chiselled chest and a six-pack.
Like what you see?" He asks, grinning, having caught me looking at him. I quickly turn to hide my blush.
Caught me off guard, I didn't expect you to be stripping." Hearing a splash, I turn back towards him. Moments later, he breaks through the surface, shakes out his golden-brown hair, then runs a hand through it to slick it back.+
Come on in, the water is beautiful!" +
I just stare at him as he laughs at me. +
He's crazy. Certifiable.
Yeah, no, sorry I left my bathing suit at home," I say. +
Live a little, the water is perfect, I won't let anything happen to you." I reach down and the water is perfect. "See, would I lie to you? Now come in already!" He splashes at me.
I still don't have a suit."+
Strip," he teases. "Bra and panties are like a bikini after all." I just glare at him. "You can use my shirt. Come on, the water's fine, besides the best sight is behind the waterfall. Hurry up and change behind the bush, haven't got all day! Chop, chop!"
I can't believe I'm doing this, but I quickly change. Thank god his shirt is so big. It's mid-thigh on me, which is still more leg than I'm comfortable with, but whatever. "Don't look. Lemme get into the water first." He laughs but turns and I quickly get into the water; so refreshing on this warm, sunny afternoon.+