Swipe Right for Love Page 4

  “Up ahead, if we’re lucky, the wildflowers will be in bloom. It’s a truly magnificent sight.”

  He wasn’t kidding.

  As I stood there looking at the gorgeous array of flowers, coupled with the sounds of the birds, and the river running nearby, I thought I’d stumbled into a little slice of heaven.

  “Wow,” I breathed. “I wish I had a camera.”

  “Next time,” Bane promised, and I hoped he was right. That there’d be a next time.

  We hiked alongside the river, which was surrounded by tall gorgeous trees, and so clear we could see the fish swimming alongside us.

  It was a moderate trail, which took about two hours, but was totally worth every step.

  “This one’s more difficult. Shorter, but a steep climb,” Bane said as we made our way to the next trail. “Nothing beats the view from the top, though.”

  When we got to the base, I looked up at all of the sand.

  “It’s called Mount, but is actually a large sand dune, which makes it difficult. You have to be careful of loose sand and always remain alert. Your calves will be burning, but I promise, you’ll be glad we did it. Ready?”

  “As I’ll ever be,” I replied with a small laugh.

  About an hour and a couple slips later, we made it to the top.

  I looked out over Lake Michigan and smiled.

  “Have a seat,” Bane said, and I looked to see him crouching down in the sand as he pulled snacks and water out of his bag. “You need?” he asked, holding a water out to me.

  I’d finished mine on the last trail, so said, “Yes, thanks,” and dropped to sit down and take in the expanse of glorious beauty before me.

  “Here,” he said, handing me a bag of trail mix.

  I took it and thanked him, then we sat in silence and enjoyed the moment.

  I could get used to this, I thought happily. I didn’t just mean the hiking for the views, which I loved, but being in Bane’s company.

  I’d never been with someone who shared my passions, who listened when I spoke, and shared his thoughts and feelings with me. Sure, I knew we were on an accelerated version of getting to know each other, due to the trials, but so far everything about Bane really worked for me.

  I really hoped that Sloane and I were able to share a connection as good as the one I felt with her father.

  We finished out snacks and water, then stood and brushed off the sand.

  “We’ll take the trail back down the way we came, don’t worry, it’s easier going down, although you have to be extra careful about slipping. Once we’re back on level ground, we’ll stop by the picnic area for lunch… sandwiches, then start on our final trail of the day. This will take us through the forest and down to the beach. I’ll take you to where we’ll be camping so we can get set up, then enjoy swimming, dinner, and if you’re good, roasting marshmallows.”

  The last he said with a flirty grin, and my heart stuttered.

  I liked flirty Bane.

  “Then I guess I’d better be on my best behavior,” I said, flirting back.

  He chuckled, then led the way down the dune.

  Eleven

  Bane

  We ate our lunch then started out on the last trail. The rest of our hike was on a wooden trail build a few feet off of the ground, almost like a trail of bridges throughout the forest and over the sand.

  I was really pleased with how well Katja had been doing on the trails so far. She kept up, never complained, and seemed to really be enjoying herself.

  After our long run that morning, I worried that we’d taken on too much for one day, but Katja was definitely in shape. A fact I’d been unable to help noticing all day. The way her capri leggings hugged her tight ass, and her dry wicked tank top displayed her perky breasts.

  I’d done my best to keep her behind me for most of the day, so I wouldn’t be tempted to imagine the way she’d feel beneath my hands, but every time we stopped, my eyes took their fill. I couldn’t help it.

  She was tempting. And sexy as hell.

  All long limbs and toned muscles. I never realized that did it for me as Sarah had been curvy and soft, but apparently it did, because I’d been fighting off a boner all day.

  I led her through the pines and down toward the beach.

  I was both excited and slightly terrified to see Katja in a bathing suit. Wet. Glistening in the sun.

  Shit.

  I shook my head, trying to get rid of those thoughts and focus on the wood planks in front of me.

  “Everything okay?” Katja asked in that voice of hers.

  That damn voice that just needed to scream out my name as I made her come with my mouth.

  Fuck. Get a grip, Bane.

  “Yup,” I managed to say, my tone gruff.

  Focus, focus, focus.

  “Almost there,” I added, thinking I’d send her off to relax on the beach while I set up camp to keep myself busy and hopefully work out the tension with manual labor.

  “Oh my gosh,” she breathed out from behind me as the beach came in to view. “This place is breathtaking.”

  I lifted my head and took a minute to enjoy the vast blue lake, then continued on to where we’d stop for the night.

  “Why don’t you go ahead and get changed into your suit. Relax. Enjoy the water. I’ll get us all set up here,” I offered, hoping like hell she’d accept.

  “Are you sure? I can help,” Katja replied.

  I took off my pack and said, “Absolutely. I want you to take a break and check it out. It’s a beautiful beach.”

  “Okay, thanks, but let me know if you need anything.”

  “I will,” I assured her, then busied myself unloading my pack while she went into the woods to find a place to change.

  My backpacking tent was up in three minutes. It was small, lightweight, and could easily fit two people. Although, for this excursion, it would only be sleeping one. I planned to use my sleeping bag on the ground outside of the tent, and Katja could take the inside.

  I moved away from the sleeping area to set up the pit for the open fire where I’d cook our dinner.

  I was feeling restless and a little unnerved when Katja came back, carrying her clothes in one hand, a towel in the other, her body encased in the sexiest one-piece I’d ever seen.

  With a slit down the front, resting high on her hips, the blue matched her eyes perfectly.

  My dick approved, and wanted to show her how much, and I knew I needed to go.

  To run.

  “You know what, I’m gonna left my wolf run now, then I’ll join you and start dinner, if that’s all right,” I said, my voice tight as I tried to control my growing need.

  “Okay,” Katja said, her tone conveying her nerves. But, she put down her things, wrapped the towel around her waist, and waited to see what would happen next.

  Brave girl.

  “Be right back,” I said, knowing it was too soon to strip right in front of her and shift.

  Not only did I not need her to see my straining cock but shifting in front of a person was very intimate and could be alarming the first time.

  I found a secluded spot, discarded my clothes and shifted.

  My wolf let out a soft whine of pleasure, and I had to admit, it felt good to loosen the reins and let him take over for a while.

  We strode back into the clearing and I saw Katja start, her eyes widening as we stopped and preened for a moment. My wolf was the arrogant sort. Strong and proud, with a thick grey coat.

  “Hi,” she said timidly, and I could sense she was fighting the instinct to run.

  Which was a good idea, because my wolf loved the chase.

  We walked closer to her and she stuck out her hand, as if meeting a strange dog, which I guessed, in a way she was. My wolf gave her a sniff, memorizing her scent, then nudged her hand with his snout.

  Katja complied, hand shaking, and ran her fingers across his fur, as she murmured that it was nice to meet him.

  He nudged her hand again,
then stepped back and looked up into her face.

  She watched warily, then gasped when we spun and shot out of the clearing and into the woods.

  I knew she’d be fine, and that we both really needed this, so I surrendered to the wolf as he took off across the forest.

  Twelve

  Katja

  I stood there, momentarily speechless, as Bane’s wolf ran off into the woods.

  It had been a terrifying, yet thrilling experience, having a wolf standing a few paces in front of me, his fur under my palm. He was gorgeous, and fierce, but I could still see Bane in his eyes, so I knew he wouldn’t hurt me.

  I wondered when he’d be back as I put my clothes down and grabbed my phone and wireless headphones.

  The beach was empty, as the whole place had been since we’d arrived. Bane had said we may run across others, but we hadn’t. It felt like we were the only two people in this slice of paradise.

  I laid my towel down, settled atop it and put in my ear buds.

  I watched the water lap against the shore as I listened to my downloaded music on shuffle and did what Bane had told me to… relaxed.

  I must have dozed off, because I woke to the sound of splashing, and turned my head to see Bane in the water. I sat up slowly and looked my fill.

  His back was broad and muscular, and tapered down to a small waist. His ass looked fantastic in his swim trunks, and the water streaming down his back beckoned for me to have a taste.

  I stood up, as if in a trance, dropped my headphones and walked toward the edge of the water.

  He must have heard me, or felt my gaze, because he turned, giving me an unobstructed view of his chest. It was hairless, which I found surprising, with defined pecs surrounded by his beautifully cut biceps. His abs were flawless and he had a sexy V that disappeared into his trunks.

  But, it was his expression that made me hungry.

  He looked happy, carefree, and playful, as if the shift and subsequent run had been just what he needed.

  Bane was smiling as he waved at me.

  “Come on in, it feels great,” he said, and I was helpless to do anything but listen.

  I moved toward him, my eyes taking in the stubble on his chin, his wet, messy hair and the gleam in his eyes.

  He dropped back under the water, then emerged with a laugh and tossed his wet hair back.

  And I was done for.

  I didn’t feel the cold water as I got deeper, I was on a mission, and nothing was going to stop me.

  Bane was still smiling as he watched me approach, not yet reading the intention in my eyes. I noticed the moment he did, though, because the smile dropped and his pupils dilated. His hand reached and pulled me toward him, my chest crashing into his as his head lowered and he claimed my lips with his own.

  The kiss wasn’t tentative, or unsure, not the awkward first kiss you had with a virtual stranger… it was pure fire.

  I moaned against his mouth and tilted my head, offering him more, which he took with a vengeance.

  Bane’s hands were on my ass, cupping and holding me close. I felt his erection against me and jumped up, wrapping my legs around his waist as my arms snaked around his neck to hold on.

  He didn’t stumble, instead catching me with ease and strength as he ground his cock against me, causing a whimper to escape my lips.

  The water caressed us, as our hands did the same, roaming over each other’s bodies in an attempt to feel everything at once.

  My fingers played with the wet hair at the back of his head as my tongue danced with his.

  The sound of a boat horn and cheering had us pulling our heads back and looking over at the party boat on the water. There was a group of people. I assumed they were young by the obscene gestures the men were making, but who knew.

  Anyways, it effectively ruined the mood, and had me backing out of Bane’s arms and standing on my own two feet again. Albeit shakily.

  Bane ran his hand through his hair, his eyes on me were wary.

  I wasn’t sure if I should say something, or just let it go, but I knew I didn’t regret it. Not at all.

  “Uh, I’m gonna catch some fish, then I’ll start on dinner,” Bane said after a few tense seconds.

  “Okay,” I replied softly, my voice still rough with emotion.

  I turned and started out of the water, when Bane asked, “Katja, you do like fish, don’t you? I guess I should have asked that before.”

  I gave him a small smile and nod, then walked the rest of the way out.

  I picked up my towel and dried off, not turning to watch Bane fishing in the water with what I’m assuming were his bare hands. All that manliness would probably make me jump him again, and I didn’t think he was ready for that.

  No, instead, I took a deep breath, grabbed my things, and went back to our camp to get changed.

  I’d brought some yoga pants, tank, and hoodie to wear for bed, so I figured I may as well put that on now, rather than my dirty clothes.

  This time, I took my stuff into the small tent Bane had put up and changed in there.

  By the time Bane came back with the fish, I was dressed, my hair was pulled back, and I was ready to help him put our meal together. I hoped things wouldn’t be awkward, but I also prayed that he didn’t regret what had happened in the lake.

  And, I was hoping we could do it again.

  Thirteen

  Bane

  I cleaned and cooked the fish while Katja sat back and read a book.

  She’d offered to help, but since our sides were dried fruit, jerky, and sun chips, there wasn’t much for her to do. Besides, I wanted her to sit back, relax, and enjoy our time at the park.

  I wanted her to like it so much that she wanted to stay in Indiana and come back here someday.

  It was nice, being up here with someone who didn’t feel like they needed to fill the air with chatter all the time. Some of the people I brought on these trips never shut up long enough to enjoy the peace a night in the woods could bring.

  That was just another thing I found I liked about her.

  The list kept getting longer. Her sweet disposition, love of fitness and the outdoors, and ability to enjoy her surroundings were also on that list.

  But at the top of it? That kiss.

  Damn.

  I’d almost lost control. Almost pulled aside her bathing suit bottoms and thrust inside.

  I’d wanted to, so badly, but the idiots on the boat had saved us both by behaving like immature jackasses.

  It was really for the best.

  Although, as much as I tried to keep things platonic and focus on us getting to know each other, our libidos obviously had different ideas. I was drawn to her in a way I’d never been drawn to anyone.

  It was almost as if the kiss was going to happen whether we wanted it to our not.

  Like it was fate, or kismet, or whatever the word was for the kind of pull you had no control over.

  Which just meant I needed to be aware, and more cautious from now on.

  I was in control of myself, dammit, and could keep my hands to myself as I got to know Katja as a person.

  Our relationship couldn’t be based on sex, or our physical attraction, it needed to be about so much more. We needed to build trust, have a game plan, and stick to it. We needed our union to be about Sloane and her happiness.

  Not mine.

  “I hope you’re hungry,” I called as I got out the paper plates and other items.

  “Starving, actually,” Katja replied with a smile as she closed her book. “Must be all the fresh air.”

  “That’ll do it,” I agreed, then made her a plate with the fish and sides, handing it to her before I made my own.

  “This looks fantastic, thanks,” she said, then waited for me to sit down.

  We ate in relative silence, letting the sounds of nature fill the void while we consumed the fish, which, if I do say so myself, was pretty damn delicious. I’d caught four, figuring we’d both be hungry since we hadn’t had mu
ch to eat of real substance since breakfast.

  And, I guess I was spot on, because within twenty minutes, all of the fish was gone, along with the chips, fruit and jerky.

  Luckily, we still had some trail mix to snack on if we got hungry later on, and for breakfast, I’d put together my famous oatmeal packets. I’d originally thought it up when I brought Sloane out on her first overnight, thinking she needed more than a granola bar to sustain her.

  All I did was toss oatmeal, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and vanilla sugar into a zip lock, then I’d boil some water then stir it all together in my camping mug, topped with my travel sized almond butter and sometimes banana and put it on top. It was a pretty hearty breakfast that was not only tasty, but would give us the energy to hike back to the jeep in the morning.

  Sloane loved it. I was hoping Katja would, too.

  This need I seemed to have to keep her well-fed and taken care of was new, and more than I expected to feel for someone who was still a relative stranger.

  “Thanks again, that was great,” Katja said, pulling me from my thoughts. “I insist on cleaning up, you’ve already done so much… why don’t you relax for a while?”

  I nodded in agreement and thanked her when she took my plate.

  I wandered off to find some privacy and use the restroom, then went to the beach to clean up a bit before heading back to the camp site. Everything was put away, except the marshmallows, which I noticed Katja had taken out and laid in my chair.

  I guess that was her hint that she wanted to roast some.

  It was dark, the sky was lit up with stars, and the crickets were sounding off as Katja read her book, a small smile playing on her lips. She looked beautiful in the firelight, and I once again fought the urge to go to her.

  “I’m guessing you’re ready for dessert,” I said with a laugh as I picked up the bag of marshmallows.

  “Yes, I love roasted marshmallows,” Katja replied. “I could be stuffed full and never say no to that burnt deliciousness.”

  I searched the ground until I found a couple of sticks, held them into the fire to sterilize, then handed her one.