Chapter 10 M

The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and earth as Everly and Alexander set out on their hike. Sunlight streamed through the trees, dappling the winding trail in golden patches. Birds called overhead, and the occasional rustling in the underbrush hinted at hidden wildlife. It was the perfect day to explore the scenic path leading to the cascading waterfall Alexander had told her about. 

They'd invited Angel and Basil to join, but the couple already had plans. Hanna and Jace were heading out of town for the weekend, so it ended up being just the two of them—a fact that sent tiny thrills through Everly's chest.

 As they walked, their conversation flowed as easily as the gentle stream beside them. "You really love being a vet, don't you?" Alexander asked, glancing at her with a soft smile. 

"I do," Everly replied, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Moving back a few months ago was the best decision I've made. I missed this place—the small-town charm, the community, and of course, being closer to family. But working with animals again… that's where my heart is." 

Alexander nodded, listening intently. "I can tell. You have this light in your eyes when you talk about it."

"You've been bringing Caesar in often enough." He smirked. "I swear, my dog gets into trouble just to see you."

Everly laughed. "I wouldn't be surprised." Everly smiled at Alexander. "It's what I love. Helping animals, reassuring worried owners—it's rewarding." She looked at him curiously. "What about you? What drew you to—"

Before she could finish, his fingers brushed against hers as they walked. It was a simple, fleeting touch, but it sent warmth spreading through her. A moment later, he intertwined their fingers fully, holding her hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Everly glanced at him, raising a brow, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she squeezed his hand lightly.

"I've been wanting to do that since we started this hike," he admitted, grinning.

She rolled her eyes playfully, but before she could respond, he leaned down and stole a quick kiss. His lips brushed hers, soft and teasing, before he pulled away, his gaze lingering on her.

"Sneaky boy!," she murmured, her heart skipping a beat.

"I prefer 'opportunistic,'" he countered, giving her hand another squeeze.

The trail eventually opened up to a secluded clearing where the river widened into a shallow, rocky expanse. Just ahead, the water tumbled over a waterfall, forming a breathtaking view that shimmered in the sunlight. The mist in the air sparkled, making the whole scene feel almost magical.

"Wow," Everly breathed, taking in the view. Alexander set down his backpack and unrolled a blanket on a soft patch of grass nearby. "I figured we'd stop for a picnic before we go splashing around."

He pulled out a few sandwiches, pickles, sliced oranges and strawberries, a baggy with 2 large chocolate chip cookies and two bottles of lemonade, offering her one.

"You came prepared," she said, impressed.

"I try," he said with a wink.

As they ate, they talked and laughed, the conversation light and easy. When they finished, Alexander leaned in, brushing his knuckles along her jaw before cupping her face and kissing her again. This time, the kiss deepened, his tongue exploring and his lips pressing more firmly against hers. She melted into him, her hands sliding up his chest as she kissed him back. When they finally pulled apart, breathless, Alexander grinned.

"Come on," he said, standing up and reaching for her hand. "Let's get our feet wet."

Everly took his hand, and he gently pulled her up effortlessly. They kicked off their sandals and stepped into the cool water, laughing as they navigated the smooth, rounded rocks beneath their feet. The current wasn't strong, but the stones were slick, and more than once, Everly nearly lost her balance. At one point, her foot slipped completely, and she let out a startled scream. Alexander caught her just in time, his hands gripping her waist as he steadied her.

"Careful," he murmured, his face inches from hers.

"I meant to do that," she joked, but her breath hitched as he pulled her closer.

His fingers slid up her arms, sending shivers through her that had nothing to do with the water. And then he kissed her again, deeper this time, his lips moving against hers with slow, deliberate intent. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself against him as the world around them faded away. When they finally broke apart, he grinned and tugged her toward the waterfall.

"Come on," he said. "Trust me."

They stepped beneath the cascade, the water tumbling over them in cool, rushing waves. Everly gasped at the sensation, but then she laughed, tilting her head back to let the water spill over her face. Alexander watched her, his own smile widening before he pulled her against him, his hands playing against the small of her back.

"You're beautiful," he murmured.

Before she could respond, he kissed her again, this time beneath the falling water. The roar of the waterfall drowned out everything else, leaving only the feel of his lips on hers, the warmth of his touch, and the sheer exhilaration of the moment. She melted into him, her fingers gripping his shirt as he pressed her closer, his touch searing despite the coolness of the water.

Everly gazed up at him, water streaming down his face, his dark hair plastered to his forehead. And just like that she forgot about everything else. Everly stood on her tippy toes and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him back with equal intensity, feeling completely lost in him. And in that moment, standing under the waterfall in the middle of nowhere, she realized she didn't want this to end.

When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads resting together, Alexander brushed his thumb over her cheek, his voice husky.

"I could stay here forever with you."

Everly smiled, her heart full. "Who says we have to leave just yet?"

And with that, she pulled him in for another kiss, the waterfall pouring down around them, washing away everything but this moment.