Free CRUSH by Lacey Weatherford Page A

of
swiftness to it.
    “That’s what I wanted you to see.” I pointed to
the far cliff face. The afternoon sun was angled just right, highlighting the
ancient Indian ruin, which had been built into a cave in the side.
    “This is incredible!” Hunter exclaimed, getting
out so he could take a better look.
    I followed suit, and we met in the middle,
leaning back against the hood.
    “There’s a visitor center and a hiking trail
you can take up into them. It’s down the main highway a bit. The last part of
the trail is pretty rough, though. I like coming here to sit by the river and
enjoy the view instead. It’s so peaceful.”
    Hunter cast a grin in my direction before
turning back to the amazing sight. “We should come and hike into it someday.
Can you imagine what it must’ve been like to live in a place like that?”
    I shook my head. “Well, I wouldn’t have wanted to
be the kid constantly being sent after water, that’s for sure. I’m thinking
they must’ve been pretty strong to keep on making that climb over and over
again.”
    “I’m sure you’re right. I can’t fathom the kind
of work it would take to make a place like that run properly. I wonder if
defense was really that important to survival. Just imagine carrying all that
rock up in there to build it. That’s some serious dedication.” He surprised me
when he wrapped his arm around my shoulders, giving me a friendly squeeze.
“Thanks for bringing me here. This is awesome.”
    I felt the heat creeping into my cheeks. I was
happy he was pleased with it. It was one of my favorite places to come sit and
unwind. “I’m glad you like it. I didn’t know if you would. You seemed kind of
horrified when I told you about things there are to do.”
    He chuckled keeping his arm around me loosely.
“I guess it’s more enjoyable when the person you’re with is a great part of the
view too.”
    I snorted and shoved him away. I started
walking backward toward the water, keeping him in my sight. “Now you’re just
laying it on thick.”
    “And you like it. I can tell by that pretty
blush spreading so nicely over your skin. I think it’s gonna paint you all the
way down to those tiny, cute ankles of yours.” His gaze traveled over my entire
length and back up. “You really should just admit it.”
    He was going to do some serious damage to my
heart I was afraid. I’d never felt so easily comfortable with someone in my
life, not even Clay. There was definitely something about Hunter Wilder that
drew me. He made my heart race every time he looked at me. It was exhilarating
and scary at the same time.
    “I can’t admit it. You keep reminding me you
don’t have room for girls in your life right now.”
    The smile slid from his face, and he grew
serious, his eyes watching me like a hawk from where he leaned. He pushed away
and stalked in my direction, catching me by the arms and pulling me against
him. My hands slid up his chest of their own accord, and my breath caught in my
throat as I tipped my head to look at him towering over me.
    “A girl like you tempts me to change my mind.”
    He literally took my breath away. I wanted him to
kiss me, but he held me rigidly, not moving any closer. I wanted to know what
his lips would feel like against mine. He made all other guys I’d known pale in
comparison. Deciding to take the initiative, I slid my arms farther up,
wrapping them around his neck and pulling him down closer.
    He resisted at first, but then released a sigh
and moved toward me.
    I held my breath, waiting for his mouth to
touch mine.
    The sound of laughter broke us apart and we
turned, seeing a man and a woman with a couple of small children walking down
the side of the stream.
    “Good afternoon!” the woman called to us in
friendly fashion. “Beautiful view, isn’t it?”
    Hunter looked at me. “It sure is.” He pulled me
into the circle of his arms, and I thought I might swoon on the spot it was so
romantic. “Enjoying a day of