Page 22 of Risk

“It’s so beautiful here. Thank you for taking me on this journey.” She spoke with her forehead plastered against the window.

Leaning back in my seat, I watched out her window. “You’re welcome. It’s one of the most tranquil and stunning places I’ve been to.”

“I don’t understand why the others don’t sightsee while we’re in all these incredible locations. After this, I’ve promised myself that I’m going to travel whenever I can. There’s so much of the world that I’ve yet to see.”

“I can’t say why the others don’t get out of their hotel rooms more. I also can’t say what they do with their free time. Maybe they go home during the small breaks we’re given between races. For me, it’s too much going back and forth. I like to take my time and enjoy where I’m at and get acclimated to the weather and the time zone, so I’m more prepared for my race.”

“Seems like the best way to do your job and travel. Is this…” She chewed on her bottom lip and then glanced out the window.

“Is it what? You can ask me anything you want. No need to be nervous.” But even as I said those words, I was nervous about what she could want to ask me that would make her nerves show.

“I just don’t want to ruin our day, and I’m not asking as your therapist, but as your friend.”

“Okay, hit me.” I flashed her a smile that caused her lashes to flutter and her mouth to part.

“Is it hard having someone else drive you when you’ve driven this before? I mean, I assume you’ve driven it since you made it sound like you’ve been wherever we’re going before.”

I chewed on the inside of my cheek as I thought about her question. If I had been alone and was headed to the Grüner See, then I had a feeling I’d be pissed the entire way. In fact, I doubted I’d be going anywhere if I couldn’t drive or if I didn’t have Aspen as my travel companion.

“Before you asked, I hadn’t thought about it, but yeah, if you weren’t here, it would be difficult to be in this situation. I don’t think I’d be making my way to our destination. I’d probably stay around town, and if it was too far to walk comfortably, I’d hire an Uber. Like I said before, I’m finding that I like having a travel companion and someone to be a tourist with. You’re definitely making this ordeal easier on me. Thank you for that.”

“It’s been a pleasure, and it’s opened my eyes as well to what I want to do. Maybe travel to one country a year or something like that. I can’t do anything on the level we’re doing, but I want to experience the world and people.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it. That’s all I wanted.” We both knew that wasn’t entirely true. I wanted more with Aspen, but I had to respect her wishes. And I did understand not wanting to lose the job that she loved. She was here so that I didn’t lose the career I loved so much. Once I was out, I knew I’d never be able to come back. There was an edge a person lost when they were away from the track too long, and I was clinging to the edge with one hand while Aspen spoke with her sweet voice and calmed every part of me.

For the rest of the drive, we spoke sporadically as we watched the trees, farms, and countryside pass us by. I knew the moment she saw the water. Her mouth fell open as she took in the clear green water and the trees that surrounded it—their reflection, along with the clouds, made for a beautiful sight.

I was happy to see there wasn’t a crowd. From where we were, I could see only one area was set up, and they were likely diving. Maybe next time I was here, Aspen and I would be diving in the water and exploring.

“Cal,” she gasped, not taking her eyes off the sight before us, “this is beyond anything I could have imagined. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I don’t think I’ll ever want to leave.”

“We’ve got all day. Once the sun starts to set, we’ll head back, but until then, we’ll have lunch and hike on the trail.”

She looked down at her sandal-clad feet. “I’m not sure I’m up for too much of a hike.”

“We’ll walk—nothing too strenuous or difficult in your shoes. I probably should have told you to wear tennis shoes, but I was too happy you agreed to come with me that I didn’t even think. I’m sorry. If I have to, I’ll give you a piggyback around the entire lake to save your feet.”

Aspen cracked a smile. “What should we do first? Should I hop on now?”

I wanted her to jump on something, and it wasn’t my back. It took everything in me to keep my comments to myself so as to not push her away again.

“Be my guest. I think a walk would be good, and then we can come back and set up to eat lunch.” I bent over so she could hop onto my back if she really wanted to.

Instead of jumping on, she swatted my ass, causing me to let out a low moan. Yeah, I was in deep need of help. I wanted this woman so fucking badly. Maybe one night, I should find someone else so I wouldn’t be on edge all the damn time. Maybe then every little thing she said or did wouldn’t cause my dick to get hard.

Maybe that was all I needed, and she’d be out of my system. It had been just before my wreck that I’d been with a woman for the night, and now Aspen was the only woman around. It made sense why I wanted her so badly. I laughed to myself. I was fooling myself if I thought that was all it was that had me enthralled with her.

Keeping my pace slow so Aspen could easily keep up with me, I kept looking for her reaction as we walked down the trail. There was a cool breeze keeping the heat from the sun at bay.

“What’s the name of this place?” she asked as she bent down and ran her hand through the clear water.

“Grüner See or in English, Green Lake,” I answered, watching as the reflection from the sun made her face sparkle and look ethereal.

She stood and wiped her hands on her skin-tight jeans. I’d tried to keep my eyes off how they accentuated her curves. Walking around with a hard-on wasn’t ideal.

“That’s a perfect name.” Her big brown eyes glittered as she took it in and started to walk again. “This country is so beautiful and magical. I definitely want to explore more of it someday. I’d be happy to stay in a cabin and stare at this water for a week.”

Tucking that nugget of information away for another day, I was about to suggest we head back when Aspen tripped over a rock and landed on her butt.

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