Page 14 of Bittersweet

Elio follows my gaze to the gray covering the sky. “You think she’ll still be here if itrains?”

I shrug. “She’s a weather girl.” If anyone should be ahead of the forecast, it’sher.

We get out of the car and cross the road, heading for the trailentrance.

Soon, we’re navigating the dusty red trail. Muted green scrub sprouts from the earth on either side of us, with majestic orange crags jutting into the sky like toppers on nature’scake.

I keep a brisk pace, wanting to stay on schedule. Kenna’s broadcast starts at five, and while she no doubt has a special pass allowing her to stay in the park when visiting hours are over, I’m not so sure the rangers will be as accommodating for Elio andme.

Heat builds in my body, this time having nothing to do with the sexy man beside me and more with the pressure of hiking in early autumn, or perhaps hiking in general. My breathing gets heavy, heavier still. Quickly, I glance atElio.

The man looks like a god—a hiking god with the body of an Adonis and the freakishly inhuman ability to breathe normally under duress. How is that evenpossible?

“Want some water?” He hands me a bottle, and I nod, grasping it and drinking half down in one long gulp before handing itback.

“Thanks,” I pant, and I want to make more conversation, but it’s impossible totalk.

Finally, we turn a corner. The foliage gives way to an incredible view of the central garden. Different shades of green are flecked throughout the landscape. Rock formations reach their long fingers into the sky. My breath catches. It’s perfect. The sort of beauty you can’trecreate.

“That view . . .” Elio shakes his head inwonder.

“There’s nothing quite like it,” I saysimply.

Elio takes another sip from his water bottle, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallows. My mouth waters, and not just for the drink in his hand. “So where do you think she’s going to make her announcement?” heasks.

“I thought around here. Her last tweet just mentioned this trail.” I shrug. We’ve seen a few other hikers so far, but no weather reporter along theway.

“We’re bound to run into her sooner or later. Water?” Elio hands me his bottleagain.

I shake my head. “No,thanks.”

“Are you sure?” Concern lingers in Elio’s chocolateeyes.

He should rip his shirt off, then empty that water bottle over his head. I press my eyes shut for just a second, imagining the moment in all its porn-filled glory. He’d toss that gorgeous hair from side to side, and the sunset would highlight his no doubt chiseled chest, the six-pack and the delicious V disappearing into his pants.“Romy,” he’d say, a sexy husk in his voice. “Come cool down withme.”

“Romy? Are youokay?”

I blink my eyes open. He stands right in front of me, only a few inches separating our bodies. My heart speeds up again, this time for an entirely differentreason.

“Romy?”

“I’m fine,” I breathe.Kiss me. Please, kiss me. I lean in, and he leans in, and this is it! It’s finally happening!And—

“I need topee.”

Oh,God.

Did Ijust—

Heat flushes mycheeks.

Why? Why did I just saythat?

“Oh.” Elio chuckles, a deep sexy chuckle, and steps back. “Well, I’m sure you could just . . .” He gestures to the bushes on either side ofus.

I turn my head to look, because seriously, the more I think about walking farther to try to find Kenna, then trekking back down the mountain with gravity not on my bladder’s side, the worse the idea seems. Maybe I could just . . . squat. Ishudder.

“It’s okay.” Elio’s laugh is gentle, and he places a hand on my shoulder. “Honestly. You’ve drunk a lot of water in a short period of time. Hell, I could gomyself.”

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