Chapter 1 - Lyla

I can't believe I'm lost in these stupid woods! All I wanted was a little peace and quiet to clear my head after losing my job. But no, I had to go and get myself turned around on this dumb hiking trail.

Now, instead of finding some calm, I'm just frustrated and hungry.

The growling of my stomach reminds me that I should have packed a snack. I shake my head at my own foolishness. Of course, I'd forget something as essential as food when I'm already in a funk. Figures.

Squinting up at the patches of sky peeking through the trees, I try to gauge how much daylight I have left to find my way back to the trailhead. The sun still has a few hours before it sets, but who knows how long it will take me to get un-lost in this maze of nature.

"You're brilliant, Lyla," I mutter sarcastically to myself.

I kick at a fallen branch in annoyance, instantly regretting it when a stinging pain shoots through my toe.

"Ow! Stupid branch!"

I glare around the peaceful forest setting as if it's personally wronged me. This was supposed to be a relaxing solo hike to process getting fired from that soul-sucking office job. So much for that idea.

With a hefty sigh, I readjust the straps of my daypack and start walking again, picking a random direction that seems vaguely right.

If I don't stumble upon the trail soon, I'll have to –- I shudder at the thought –- ask for help or even spend the night here.

The birds are taunting me with their annoyingly cheerful singing. Don't they know I'm miserable now? I give a loud "Shhh!" to shut them up, but it doesn't work. Of course not. I'm talking to birds. I've officially lost it out here.

I keep trudging forward, trying my best to stay positive. But my throat is so dry, and the grumbling in my stomach grows louder with each step. I'd kill for some water right about now.

But… Wait, what's that up ahead? It can't be...but it is! A shimmering lake comes into view through the trees. Oh, thank goodness! I pick up the pace, practically jogging towards the promising sight of fresh water.

As I get closer, I notice something strange. The surface of the lake is moving in an odd way, sort of rippling outward from the center. Is there an animal in there? By the looks of the disturbance, it's a big one.

Slowing to a cautious creep, I peek out from behind the cover of a thick pine tree. That's when I see him.

The most rugged, muscular man I've ever seen stands waist-deep in the center of the lake, running his huge hands through his dark, dripping hair.

I suck in a sharp breath at the unexpected sight, my eyes going wide. Whoa...he looks like some kind of forest demigod straight out of a fairytale. All glistening skin and bulging muscles and...wow, I should really stop staring.

My face flushes hot despite the crisp spring air. I duck back behind the tree trunk, pressing my back against the rough bark. Get it together, Lyla! This is so not the time to be ogling shirtless strangers in the middle of the woods.

Still, I can't resist the urge to sneak another peek. Just a tiny one. I tell myself it's just to make sure I'm not imagining things as I carefully lean around the tree again.

He starts stretching, his muscles bulging as water drips down his toned chest. I feel my body temperature rising, a trickle of sweat forming between my breasts. I quickly shake my head, trying to snap out of it.

Now is definitely not the time to stare at this stranger, no matter how sculpted he appears.

Using all my willpower, I tear my eyes away and take a step back from the tree line. As tempting as it is to keep watching him, I should stay hidden until I know if this guy can be trusted out here in the middle of nowhere.

To my surprise, he then steps out of the lake naked, not with a stitch of clothing on. I can't help but accidentally glimpse his whole body, his seemingly perfect cock on full display, before quickly adverting my eyes.

The mystery man strolls over to the shoreline, where a pile of dry clothes lies on a thick log. He dresses unhurriedly, seemingly without a care in the world. Once fully clothed again, he settles himself onto the log, simply watching the tranquil lake waters.

I remain rooted behind the cover of the pine tree, letting out a slow breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. Part of me is tempted to reveal myself and ask for directions. But the other, more cautious part keeps me frozen in place, watching and waiting to gauge if this lone mountain man seems safe or not.

For now, I'll bide my time right here out of sight. There is no need to potentially stumble into any unfortunate situations when I'm already dealing with being hopelessly lost on this hiking trail from hell.

I continue watching the mystery man, who doesn't move a muscle from his spot on the log. He simply sits there, gaze fixed on the glassy lake surface, as if absolutely certain he's alone out here with no chance of being interrupted no matter how much time passes.

Who is this guy? I can't help but wonder. Does he actually live out in these woods in the middle of nowhere? How bizarre. Although, I guess I don't have much room to judge after getting myself so turned around on this stupid hiking trail.

My breathing is coming a little faster than normal from the nerves and, well, everything else I've just witnessed. I try to calm myself, focusing on making as little sound as possible. The last thing I need is to give away my hiding spot right when I've decided to wait this out.

Suddenly, without so much as twitching a muscle, the rugged man speaks up in a gruff tone.

"I know you're out there. You might as well come on out."

I freeze, eyes going wide. How did he...? My heart pounds louder as I clench my fists, debating what to do. Hiding seems pointless now, and it'll probably only make things worse.

Taking a fortifying breath, I step out from behind the tree trunk.

"I'm so sorry for spying!" I blurt out, face flushed. "I just got turned around on the trail and didn't know if I could trust you or not."

His eyebrows rise ever so slightly as he finally turns to face me.

"You did good listening to your instincts about that," he says gruffly. "But you should've thought better before letting yourself get lost out here in the first place."

My temper flares at his scolding tone. "Well, it's not like I planned to get lost!" I snap back, my feisty side emerging.

Who does this guy think he is?

He simply shakes his head, unimpressed by my outburst.

"With how late it's getting, there's no way you'll make it back to the trailhead before nightfall anyway. You're going to have to camp out here."

My jaw drops. Camp out here? Is he serious? Unfortunately, a quick glance at the darkening forest confirms he's probably right about the timing. Crap.