“Okay,” Canaan agreed, and they hiked alongside Kelly and his wife for a while. Kelly asked him about his service, and it turned out that he had a brother stationed on a ship, so they had plenty to talk about as they made their way to the mining relics. They found some flat rocks to sit on for lunch, and Renzo relaxed some.
Canaan leaned against him during a lull in conversation, stretching to whisper in Renzo’s ear. “See those rocks over there? Bet we could hide behind them and...”
“We are not fooling around here.” Renzo’s tone was somewhere between stern and laughing, as Canaan was as entertaining as he was confounding.
“But tonight?” Canaan’s big green eyes were so damn hopeful that Renzo couldn’t help nodding.
“We’ll see. Gotta make it back to the trailhead in one piece first.”
“Give me incentive,” Canaan wheedled, voice still low.
“Kiss once the tent’s up?” Renzo offered, not entirely used to light banter like this, but something warm in his chest kept expanding with every smile from Canaan.
“That works.” Canaan’s voice made it clear he’d be down with kissing right here, but Renzo did have some limits. Besides, having the promise of the kiss hanging between them made the return trek go faster, especially after Kelly and Veronica went ahead. Canaan haggled over how long the kiss would be while huffing and puffing up the steep ascent, using Renzo for balance more than once.
“I’m finding you a walking stick before we hike tomorrow,” Renzo promised.
“I’m not sure anyone’s ever worried over me like you do.” Canaan stopped for more water.
“Well, get used to it,” Renzo said before he remembered that this was supposed to be a one-weekend deal, and someone else would have to be the one worrying about Canaan long-term. Which was a thought he didn’t like, and he took the next few cobbles with hard strides that ate up the pavers.
“Hey!” Canaan called from behind him. “I’m trying to keep up here, but you’re a freaking mountain lion.”
“That would be a better nickname than Rooster.” Renzo stopped to let him catch up. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay.” Canaan took his hand as they traversed a wider part of the trail. “I like hiking with you.”
“Ditto.” Renzo’s voice came out gruff, and his body was doing this weird thing where he kept flashing ahead to the tent and that night, inconvenient arousal distracting him from the gorgeous surroundings.
Eventually, they made it back to the trailhead and the rest of the group. Renzo stretched while waiting for the stragglers to emerge from the trail.
“You’re way more flexible than you look.” Canaan had an appreciative gleam in his eye. “I like.”
“Yeah? I’m not showing off. Just trying to stay limber for tomorrow’s hike.”
“Well, you’re giving me all sorts of ideas.” Canaan leaned closer. “Want me to tell you?”
Yes. No. Maybe. Renzo both loved and hated talking sex with Canaan. And as much as he wanted to hear Canaan’s dirty ideas, he worried that the reality might disappoint. But before he could get out an actual answer, the guides called for them to load up.
“Now, we’ll go two to a tent. The gear is already at our campsite,” the guide announced. “We’ll make camp, then have a nice dinner over the fire, and there are showers at the campsite for those who need them.”
Now that was a luxury he seldom had when hiking while deployed—they could go days and sometimes weeks without a shower. He fully intended to take advantage of that, particularly if Canaan was serious about the kissing. Which he must have been, given how diligently he applied himself to the tasks of helping to make camp. The campground was nice and level with some much-appreciated shade from giant pine trees. The group campsite reserved for them also had a picnic shelter and tables. Wanting some semblance of privacy, Renzo directed Canaan and their tent to the back of the group space. Not for the first time, Renzo noticed that they made a good team—Canaan was opinionated and stubborn, but not particularly argumentative and took most of Renzo’s tent assembly orders in good humor.
“Okay, that’s done.” He climbed inside and waggled a finger at Renzo. “Come here. Time to pay up.”
Very aware of others all around them, laughing and talking and putting up their own tents, Renzo complied, scooting in next to Canaan. He intended a very fast peck. Something to appease Canaan but not start anything they couldn’t finish. But he hadn’t counted on a lap full of Canaan, warm and wriggling happily, not unlike a determined puppy, making himself at home in Renzo’s arms.
“Kiss,” Canaan demanded, leaning in. Renzo gave in, giving him a very chaste brush of the lips that was at odds with the way his body was screaming at him for more. “That doesn’t count.”
“Oh?” He really shouldn’t encourage Canaan, but his competitiveness couldn’t help coming out. “Show me how it’s done then.”