Page 54 of All I Want Is Love
Soren laughs. “Maybe you are right. Let’s keep that thought for later. Come, I will show you around.”
twenty
*SOREN*
At first, I believed that Leo was just indulging me because that’s the type of person he is. He is kind and loyal, and wants to make those around him happy. Even when he feels bad, he still thinks about Aspen, Robin and me.
I didn’t want to force him into hiking. When I took him on the first hike, it was mostly to get him to enjoy the outside scenery, to get some sun and fresh air. I once went through a depressive episode myself, and I know how beneficial it is to be outside.
Now, after our second hike, I am beginning to hope that Leo truly enjoys it.
“In summer, you have to take me on an actual mountain,” he says. “Can we do that?”
“Of course. There are some beautiful hikes around this area.” There is a niche next to the hut for a bonfire. In summer, it’sgreat for barbecues, but Leo and I just use it for a romantic moment together. We will have our actual dinner inside. “Leo, can I ask you something?”
“Yes, of course.”
“You truly enjoy going hiking with me, don’t you? I just want you to know that it’s okay if you don’t. You don’t need to force yourself—"
“I don’t,” he interrupts me. “I am not forcing myself. I very much enjoy it.” He grins. “I am a bit surprised myself. I am not really an overall active person, but my body and mind always feel amazing when I am outside like this.”
My head perks up at his words. “Babe, I am really happy that you are enjoying your time.”
Leo looks at me. He is smiling, but there is a thoughtful expression on his face.
“What’s on your mind, Leo?”
“Nothing in particular,” he says. “I was just thinking.”
“Do you want to share it?”
“I am not sure. It’s not that deep. Just…” He pauses. “You will be mad.”
“I doubt that’s true,” I say.
Leo hands me a cup of steaming hot tea before sitting down at one of the benches in front of the bonfire. It’s cold around us, but the fire provides comfortable warmth. I brought blankets for us, and Leo has spread one over his lap. Meanwhile, Barkley is sleeping inside, sprawled out on the floor of the small living room. “I give you a lot of reason to worry, I know,” Leo says.
“Is that so?” I blink. “I think it’s normal to worry about someone”—you love—“about somebody who is important to you.”
“I know,” he frowns. “But you are always worrying if I like something even if I willingly participate in it.” He pauses. “I am sorry, I don’t know how to say it. Bad experience?”
I am stunned at how perceptive he is. I thought I was hiding my insecurities pretty well. “That obvious?”
“Not really,” he says. “And I know I give you a lot of reasons to worry. But I just got that feeling when you asked me if I truly enjoyed hiking.”
“My ex,” I say. “The only other actual relationship I had before you, the guy kept saying I was too pushy and that he didn’t like my hobbies much, but felt he needed to participate. I never noticed he felt like that, and I would never knowingly push anyone into doing something they don’t want to. I have been hiking my whole life, and I don’t mind doing it on my own. Of course, I love that you join me, but it’s also okay if you won’t.”
“You are not pushy at all,” he says bluntly. “Not sure where your ex got that from or if you were another person back then, but to me it feels like you are always putting my wishes first.” He grins, poking my cheek. “We just need to be careful that you don’t do that too much or you will get the short end of the stick all the time.”
I chuckle. “Now you are the one thinking too much.”
“Two overthinkers, huh?”
“It really seems like it.”
I put my cup to the side and reach for Leo. He follows my lead, putting his cup on the ground before slipping closer and straddling my hips. In the light of the fire, he looks mesmerizing, like he is glowing.
For the longest time, we just look at each other, then almost in slow motion, Leo takes off his sweater and then his shirt. His skin is warm and soft from the bath he took. So beautiful. I let my hands brush over his back, trying to feel every part of his skin.
