We both laugh, and slowly, Ashley visibly relaxes, reminding me more of the guy from the bakery. I decide to take a chance and ask him a question. “What do you love most about life?”
His answer is quick. “Nature. Never gets old. Every day, I look outside, and it’s a gift. Everything you could want is there. I never get tired of being outside. You?”
“Food. I never get tired of eating. Greatest pleasure there is.”
“Fair enough.” Ashley surprises me by continuing to talk. He tells me about places I should try before I leave and other sights I should check out. I feel a sense of pride at getting to see him slowly peel back the curtain he hides behind. To see him relax enough to smile and to carry on a casual conversation. It’s as beautiful as the nature that’s providing the backdrop to our conversation. I know in this moment that I’ll never forget this rare occasion I was privy to.
Movement behind the trees on the bank catch my eye. I lean forward trying to see, but Ashley grabs my waist, “Easy. You’ll tip the canoe.”
The warmth from his large hands are burning through my clothes. I can’t move. My heart is racing, and I feel like my breathing is so loud that it’s scared any animal nearby away. I turn my face to look at him only to have our noses meet. His eyes dart down to my lips. Kiss me. I want so badly to whisper those words to him – no, shout them. Kiss me, Ashley. I want you to. I’m almost tempted to dive over this canoe and pretend to pass out for a kiss. Then I remember Adam… I’m horrible. They’re brothers, and here I am… Shamefully, I return to my seat, silently enjoying how my skin feels marked by his hands.
When we arrive back to the dock, the façade Ashley wears is put back into place. He’s about to walk away when he pauses and looks around. “How are you getting home?”
“My bike. Or not mine, but Fran’s.”
“Let’s load it into the truck. I’ll give you a ride.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I know. Let’s get it loaded.” He walks away from me without another word, effectively ending the argument.
The ride back is one of loud silence, and the truck cab is filled with a crackling tension. My heart rate won’t slow down, and I’m positive Ashley can see the exaggerating rise and fall of my chest. But I can’t help it. My nose is filled with the smell of his cologne, a hint of spice and leather, plus the smell of wood and pine from him working in the lumber yards. I can feel the heat coming off his body, and it has me squeezing my thighs together. Everything about him is pulling at my emotions and senses.
When he stops the truck, I decide to try something reckless. I want to see if I can get him to let loose a little more. To allow himself to have fun. Do something spontaneous! It might come off as childish, but if it works… it’ll be worth me being reckless. I hop out of the truck and then walk to the bed. Ashley lifts the bike out and places it on the ground while I ogle over his muscles.
He pushes the bike to the back of the cabin. When he turns to tell me goodbye, I take off in a run. I’m relieved when I hear his heavy footfalls. He’s coming. I kick off my shoes with a giggle. I’m completely without care. I’ve given myself over completely to my reckless side as I strip down. The cool water is welcomed after a day out in the sun.
He stands on the edge of the shore. I smile and wave. “Told you I was fast!”
He places his hands on his hips and then eyes my discarded shorts. “I’m more impressed with how fast you stripped down.”
“I was excited to hop in. Why are you still standing there?”
Ashley’s large hand rubs the back of his neck. “It wouldn’t be appropriate, Sugar.”
“To go for a swim? You’ve been in the water before with me.”
His glare is one clearly of annoyance. “You were drowning.”
“Cramp! Cramp!” I allow myself to bob in the water.
“Dammit. That’s not funny.” His voice is harsh with anger. Slowly, the tension in his face eases a bit, but still, there’s no trace or hint of a smile. This time, when he speaks, his voice is less aggressive. “I have to get to work.”
I could beg him to stay, but I won’t push the boundaries any further.
“Thank you for taking me out on the canoe today. It really meant a lot to me.”
A single nod is all I get before he turns and walks back up the path. I allow my head to dip and my back to lean and relax into the water. My eyes blink against the sun, but then I allow them to close as I float. The warmth touches my skin and then settles through me. Sunshine Coast has brought me so much joy. It really is paradise here. The perfect small town. I don’t ever want to leave.