Page 29 of Once Upon a Star

“Yeah. The hike sounds like fun. I would love to see what Grace did. I was checking out their website and they have a ropes course and a zipline now. I’m not sure if we can go on them but it would be fun to see.”

“Great. I’ll take a shower and we can head out. Unless you need to take one?” I asked.

“I’m good. I’ll take it after we get back. I’ll get changed and meet you out here later,” she said. She put her cup in the sink and gave me a dazzling smile as she walked past me. I wanted to believe there was a hint of flirtation in the look but I couldn’t be sure.

“Meet you out here,” I called. As I headed to the shower, I knew it was going to be a cold one and I had a feeling it was going to be the first of many.

Chapter 16

Aracely

It was a perfect day to go for a slow, leisurely hike. The weather was a little cool and crisp, giving a slight chill to the air. There were some gray clouds out in the distance but they were so far away, I was sure they wouldn’t bother us. The trees were tall and lush and provided a beautiful canopy for the trail. Off in the distance, I could see the lake surrounded by a carpet of soft grass and wildflowers. The water was clear and calm and so smooth it reflected the flora surrounding it.

There was a gentle breeze and as I closed my eyes and listened to the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind, I took a deep breath. I could smell the slight hint of pine in the area. Tension that I hadn’t even known was there slowly left.

Bash looked good in his tan hiking pants and black long sleeve shirt. They were snug and hugged his body in a way that left little to the imagination. The pants showed off his long, lean legs and I was sure when he turned around, I would see his perfectly toned ass. The black shirt strained under the pull of his biceps and chest. I wondered if he had been working out more for the play or if that was just how he was. He had always been good about staying in shape. I had seen some of it before, but never like this. Plus, there was something about seeing the adult Bash that was so much sexier than the teenage version.

The outfit and being this close to him only reminded me of how sexy he was and that I was still attracted to him. Even as tired and drained I had been the night before; it had taken me longer than usual to fall asleep. It was because I knew Bash was right next door to me. I thought for sure I could hear his breathing. I wanted to get up and go to him, to see if I could just sleep in the same bed with him. I had thought about coming up with some excuse to do that but nothing logical came to mind. Instead, I tossed and turned and when I had finally fallen asleep, it was to dream about waking up with him next to me and all that would happen after.

In the light of day, I wanted to think that I had my wits about me. I wanted to think that I could find a way to enjoy the time, the nostalgia, and the ability to get away with a friend. Not think about how sexy he looked or that I wanted him in my bed.

I seemed to be the only one having those thoughts as Bash walked as if he didn’t have a care in the world. I couldn’t blame him, it was easy to get lost in the day, in the moment. Winslow Creek Camp was a good size camp with trees and bushes and a few mountains that surrounded the area, giving a rustic and peaceful atmosphere. Having been born and raised in New York City, I had always been in awe of how different it looked and it was only a few hours away.

Off to one side was a large lake where, in the summer, I went canoeing and kayaking. I think I had seen on their website they were doing wind-surfing and stand-up paddle boarding, but they had not been available when Bash and I were campers. We did go swimming in the lake, even though it was very cold. In the middle, there was a platform that had a diving board and slide.

There were plenty of activities to keep us busy, including archery, horseback riding, arts and crafts, tennis and basketball courts, and an obstacle course. I had always been fond of the obstacle course. I had been happy to say I had outrun Bash and a few other guys when we were campers.

The best part of the camp were the numerous walking trails. One led up the side of the mountain and had perfect views for sunrise, sunset, or was fun for night hikes. There was one that went to the rock-climbing wall and was where we had camped out that one night, years ago. But my favorite was the long loop that went around the circumference of the lake.

I loved that it was an easy, mellow hike that didn’t take a lot of work. I liked how each turn, each step seemed to give me a different view of the lake and the camp. Every time I took the hike, I saw something different and today was no exception.

It had been years since I had taken the hike and I took in how the trees had grown and changed. There were some that had been damaged by either lightning, fires, or old age and it made me a little sad but that was a part of nature. The hike, the camp, the woods had all changed since I had been here last, and so had I.

Bash and I kept up an easy banter as we hiked. I was a little more out of shape than I wanted to admit. I tried to work out and walk in the city as much as possible but it was hard with my work schedule. I could feel my quads and glutes screaming at the exertion. I was sure I was going to pay for it later, but I didn’t care. It was worth it for the chance to see everything again, and to be with Bash.

“Does it feel strange to be here on our own or is it just me?” I asked Bash when we were about halfway through the hike.

He laughed as he stepped over a rock and reached back to take my hand and help me over it. I didn’t need his help and contemplated telling him so, but I didn’t. I liked the idea of him helping me and the chance to hold his hand. He gave me a knowing smile, making me think that he liked it, too.

“There is a part of me that thinks that Rick is going to come out of the trees and try to scare us,” Bash said.

“That man was obsessed with scaring us, wasn’t he?” I asked with a laugh.

“Didn’t he keep track of how many kids he made cry or wet their pants because of him?”

“Oh, my goodness. You’re right. He did do that. What a jerk,” I said.

“More like an asshole. Who does that to kids?”

“Apparently, Rick. I had no idea how he kept being invited back every year.”

“No clue, but I don’t miss him,” Bash said and then stopped and turned to look out onto the lake. “Though I did miss this view.”

I stood next to him and looked out onto the lake. The weather had gotten cooler as we walked. There was a slight mist coming off the lake, giving it a mystic feel. I had hiked along this trail countless times and knew the trail well. It was different walking it as an adult rather than as a child or young adult. Especially when it was just Bash and I.

“Wow, it is spectacular,” I said and stood and just enjoyed the moment.

“It most certainly is,” Bash said.