Page 35 of Bold Encounter
They lost themselves in each other for long, sweet minutes.When they finally broke apart, both were breathing hard.
"Genevieve," Abe said, resting his forehead against hers."I want you, more than you can imagine.But…"
"But we should wait," she said, "until this is over and I'm safe."She spoke the words yet felt disappointed.
"I want our first time to be about us, not about escaping from fear," Abe said."You deserve that."
She appreciated his restraint, and his desire to protect her heart."This can't go on forever," she said, trying to sound hopeful.
"It will be over soon."Abe pulled her into his arms."I promise."
*****
Genevieve woke to the smell of coffee and the sound of birds singing outside Abe's guest room window.For a moment, she lay still, savoring the peace of the morning and the memory of the evening before.
When she emerged from the bedroom, dressed in yoga pants and a light sweater, she found Abe in the kitchen wearing running shorts and a tank top that showed off his muscled arms and chest.
"Good morning, beautiful," he said, handing her a cup of coffee."Are you ready for an adventure?"
"What kind of adventure?"
"The outdoor kind.I thought we'd go hiking at Couturie Forest."He checked his watch."I'll have you back by early afternoon, in plenty of time to get ready for your show tonight."
Genevieve pulled out her phone to check her messages.There was a text from Cadie confirming that everything was set for their performance at Maple Leaf Bar.The venue was popular with both locals and tourists, known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics.
She replied:All good here.See you for soundcheck at 6.
Abe poured her coffee."Is everything okay?"
"Cadie has everything under control."She grinned at him."And I love the idea of hiking.Give me a couple of minutes to get changed."
Twenty minutes later, they were in Abe's car heading toward the park.Genevieve had changed into hiking boots, shorts, and a moisture-wicking top.She controlled her wild hair with a headband and felt more like herself than she had in days.
*****
Couturie Forest was a hidden gem within the park, a natural area that felt worlds away from the urban landscape surrounding it.Ancient live oaks draped with Spanish moss created a canopy overhead.Trails wound through wetlands and small clearings where wildflowers bloomed.
"This is beautiful," she said as they started down one of the main trails."I can't believe I've never been here."
"Most locals don't know about it," Abe said."It's one of the best-kept secrets in the city."
They walked side by side at a comfortable pace.Genevieve found herself stealing glances at Abe in his hiking shorts and fitted t-shirt.His legs were strong and muscled, his movements fluid and confident.He was definitely eye candy.
After they'd been walking for about twenty minutes, he said, "You mentioned that you work out a lot to stay in shape for performing, so I figured you'd be up for a hike."
"I enjoy the outdoors," Genevieve said."It's one of the few ways I can clear my head."She had a mischievous thought."See if you can keep up with me."
Without warning, she picked up the pace and jogged along the trail.Behind her, she heard Abe's surprised laughter as he caught up easily, his longer stride matching her increased speed.
"Is that a challenge?"he said.
"Maybe."She laughed as she dodged around a low-hanging branch.
They continued like that for several minutes, playfully competitive but not really racing.It felt good to move, to feel her muscles working and her heart pumping.The stress and fear of the past few days seemed to melt away with each step.
Eventually, Genevieve slowed to a walking pace, slightly out of breath but energized.The trail wound deeper into the forest, where the sounds of the city faded, leaving only birdsong and the rustle of leaves in the tranquility of the forest.
"There's a spot up ahead where we can rest."Abe pointed at a side trail that led to a small clearing.
