12. Jack

12

JACK

I honestly don’t know why I asked Aaron to tag along, but I don’t question my decision. I have a feeling he’ll enjoy the experience, given how many times he’s shown up on the morning trail. I push aside the notion that it has to do with me, though it likely does. Either because he wants to keep hooking up or enjoys my company. He hasn’t thrown out a sales pitch about the station again, but I wouldn’t put it past him to sneak it in somehow. The truth is, I’m putting up with that possibility because I like hanging out with him as well. It’s a nice distraction. Plus, it’s gotten me motivated about my art again.

Exiting the highway, we drive toward the base of the mountains and into a remote part of the cypress forest before I park in my usual spot. Or at least it used to be when I would come more often. Judging by how quiet it is, there still won’t be anybody around for miles.

As soon as we exit the truck, I inhale the mountain air and revel in the silence. Not that Aqua Vista is bustling, but this is serene in a way my hometown isn’t.

It’s also why I know I could never be happy in a city. The coastal small-town life suits me well.

I point toward the wooded area. “It’s just a little ways on foot.”

He follows without question, and once we clear the trees and edge toward the rocky creek, he stops and takes in the view. “What is this place?”

“It’s where the eagles nest.” I motion across the water toward a tall cliff where the birds are known to live and thrive. “I’ve always wanted to photograph them.”

“Why now?”

I hitch a shoulder. “Just felt inspired.”

“I mean, you’re welcome?” He puffs out his chest. “I know sex with me is amazing.”

I huff out a laugh. “Shut it.”

Once we get to the bank, we stand side by side in comfortable silence. I hear birds chirping and the soft sound of the water lapping against the rocks. It makes me wonder why I waited so long to return.

Feeling encouraged, I lift my lens and focus on the cliff, locate the nest, and then zoom in to get a bird’s-eye view of the majestic creatures. I take multiple shots in quick succession, the sunlight reflecting off the water making it the perfect time of day for this.

“Do you see them?” Aaron asks in awe.

“Mama and babies. Gorgeous.”

I step farther back, adjust the shutter speed, and take a photo of the entire picturesque scene before me, including the creek, cliff, and cypress trees.

I kneel near a bank of rocks and shrubs. “Wanna be in my shot?”

“No, thanks. I mean, unless you need me to be?”

“Might be useful for perspective,” I reply, though I don’t actually need him in the shot. But maybe in my own way, I’m hoping to treasure this memory. “Gonna put you to work so you don’t get bored.”

“No chance.” Aaron chuckles as he sets his water bottle down, then strolls to the water’s edge, his hands balled awkwardly at his sides as if self-conscious. He takes a deep breath, then turns and grins as I focus on a tighter frame.

I’m transfixed by his form and expression through the lens. His chest and biceps are well-defined. Not so much muscly as just strong. I can picture him lifting weights at the gym with the other dudebros.

He’s short-waisted, so his legs appear a mile long at this angle. His hairy thighs are fit and tantalizing, just like the rest of him. If I think about how much I love pounding him from behind, I might lose focus in a totally different way.

Aaron drifts into his own thoughts, concentrating on something in the canopy of trees behind me. My lens zooms in on his expression, which is one of wonder as he spots something in the branches. He has a full bottom lip, a thin nose, and lashes just long and curly enough to showcase his emerald eyes that are kind yet sultry.

Yeah, he’s a gorgeous man.

There’s a barely perceptible scar near his brow bone. I open my mouth to ask how he got it, then hold back because I’m too busy admiring him, flaws and all.

It doesn’t help the urge to kiss him right now. To walk right up to Aaron and lay one on him. For no good reason. Just because. And that’s not smart.

“All finished?” he asks, startling me out of my thoughts.

I slide the lens away from my eye. “Don’t rush me.”

He grins self-consciously before showing me his guns and hamming it up for the camera. When I zoom back in, he licks his lips as if on cue, and seeing that tongue in high definition nearly makes me swallow my own. Both times we’ve been together have been rushed, which I’m not complaining about, but now I take my time imagining a different scenario. How that tongue would feel inside my mouth for a slow, deep kiss and then traveling down my skin as we take our time with each other.

“Okay, now you’re just messing with me,” he proclaims, wiping his brow. With the sun up, the heat is more evident, and I feel my hair sticking to my neck.

Our gazes connect. “What are you talking about?”

“Taking close-ups of all my imperfections so you can fuck with me later.”

“Your imperfections?” I chuckle. “Not a chance. Besides, that would only make you more appealing, more human.”

He opens his lips for a retort, but I’ve apparently rendered him speechless.

Maybe that was too honest.

“Or maybe those buckteeth of yours might work for my evil plan,” I tease, trying to break the tension.

“You ass.” His laugh reverberates in my bones as I regroup and focus on the cliff again.

After a few more snaps of the eagle’s nest, I lower the camera and pad toward the creek, making sure to avoid any sharp rocks. I sit on a large boulder jutting out of the water, and he follows my path, then sinks down beside me, releasing a dreamy sigh. We skip stones for a solid few minutes, enjoying the reverie, before making a competition out of it.

“Hey, no fair.” Aaron pouts as his rock immediately sinks. “I’ve only done this like twice in my life.”

“Sucks to be you,” I reply as my stone skips several times across the water.

He appears relaxed, at peace. And I can’t help thinking it has to do with this town, this creek, and maybe even me.

“Holy crap, look!” He’s pointing up at the cliff as the eagle spreads its wings to take off in flight. I lift my camera and start snapping. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so cool in my life.”

“Seriously?” I ask, taking one last shot.

“Maybe. I mean, we live in a part of the country that has great weather and lots of natural resources, but I can’t say I’ve ever seen a bald eagle.”

“Then I’m glad I invited you.”

“I’m glad too.” Our gazes connect and hold. “So what now? I’d kill for some coffee.”

“Yeah?” I stand and wipe off the seat of my pants. “I know just the place.”

“Does it have bright, whimsical colors and a friendly server?” Aaron asks as he follows me toward the path in the woods.

“No, it’s someplace off the beaten path,” I reply with a smirk.

“As if Aqua Vista isn’t just that,” he teases. “You afraid to be seen with me?”

“What?” When my feet falter, he laughs. He’s only messing with me. “Brat.”

“A brat with daddy issues?” he says as we near my truck. “I’ll take it.”

I drive a bit farther up the main road and pull into a run-down diner. “The food makes up for the decor.”

“I believe you.”

We sit in a booth by the window and order coffee and omelets. I like that we’re far from Aqua Vista because, yes, it’s away from nosy family members and neighbors. But it’s not because I’m embarrassed to be seen with him. In another life, I would be proud. But neither of us is in a position for something like that. My heart wouldn’t be able to handle it, besides the fact that he’s not from around here.

As if reading my mind, he asks, “Have you ever had a serious boyfriend? In high school, maybe?”

“Nah, our town is too small for that. I was one of the only out gay kids. But I was serious about someone once.”

“Yeah? Someone in town?”

“Not anymore. He moved. And before you ask more, there’s not much to it. He lived here temporarily and then decided to go elsewhere. Wasn’t on the up-and-up with me about his desire to move again or see other people. End of story.”

Aaron throws me a pointed look. “Except for your broken heart.”

“Why would you think that?” Damn, maybe I don’t keep my emotions as close to my vest as I thought. Or maybe he’s just better at reading me than most.

“Wild guess. You’re a pretty closed-off person.”

“What do you expect?” I scoff, the depiction like pressing on a bruise. “You’re an outsider.”

“Ouch. Point taken.” He blows out a frustrated breath, and I feel damned guilty after such a nice morning together. “For what it’s worth, I’d want to date you if things were different.”

“Well, things aren’t different, but … noted.” Hearing that makes my stomach all fluttery and it’s not a pleasant feeling. “Anyway, breakfast is on me.”

“Thanks,” Aaron replies as I toss down the money and stand.

When we’re back at the car, Aaron says, “I don’t know if you plan on developing the film soon, but if it’s before I leave town, I’d love to see the photos.”

Aaron mentioning leaving town sours my mood. “Sure, I’ll let you know.”