large trunk, they would be able to follow either side around towards the boulders making the next facing. It was from there that water gushed out. It was much cooler, and flecks of water touched Jennifer’s skin ever so often. With widening eyes, Jennifer took the sight in.
It was like a rare lagoon in the middle of a forest minus the pool of water. It was exactly how she envisioned and yet so much more natural with trees, climbing vines and budding flowers.
“Wow,” she said in a hushed breath. Andrew chuckled.
“Was it worth it?”
Jennifer glanced at him. He seemed to cringe in the silence. Remembering most of the attitude she had given him at the benefit, flight and drive into the town, she chuckled.
“You tell me,” Jennifer answered. She stared at him for a moment longer and then steadied herself enough to stand.
“Where are you going?”
“To the fall. I need to stick a hand in.”
Andrew stood up after her. He provided extra support as she followed the tree to its base towards the boulders it was wedged in between. The water was loudest at this point and gushed from the break in the water just feet from Jennifer.
“I can’t believe it,” she glanced towards Andrew. “I’ve never seen a real waterfall before.”
“Go ahead and stick your hand in,” Andrew coaxed. Stretching out a hand towards the rushing water, Jennifer gasped as her hand passed through. It seemed colder than the water she had felt when they had been lower on the mountainside.
“It’s freezing!”
“I know. It’s great for when you all covered in sweat,” Andrew laughed. He reached past her side, his chest pushing against Jennifer’s back. As he pulled his wet fingers back, he playfully flicked the water towards her face. She giggled, and then reached towards the falling water with two hands.
“Can I drink it?” The water splashed along her forearms as she brought it back, a tiny pool of clear water rested between her two cupped hands.
“I wouldn’t.” Andrew smacked the bottom of her hands, spilling the water.
For a moment, Jennifer gasped, looking back to Andrew before she reached for more water to splash. They shared the smooth surface of one boulder to stand. Beyond the large rock, there was nothing but a gaping hole, loose bramble and the flat facing the mountainside. Jennifer nearly lost her balance trying to prevent Andrew from getting more water. He grabbed her quickly around her waist.
“Be careful,” it was a command. His eyes ran over her face.
Jennifer flicked her fingers in his face, squeezing her eyes shut as Andrew reached behind her. She felt the cold sting of the mountain water hit her face seconds later.
“You’re so cruel,” she said through clenched teeth. Andrew still held her waist with his left hand. They were chuckling together, snickering at their playfulness. When Jennifer opened her eyes, she saw that Andrew’s face was sprinkled with water droplets just like hers.
“Switch places with me,” he said softly, a smile still lingering on his face. Jennifer held onto Andrew with a tight grip as they took tiny steps to switch places on the broad surface of the fallen trunk.
They changed places carefully, putting Andrew closest to the falling water. He grabbed a hand full and rubbed his wet palms over his face. Reaching for more water, he ran it through his hair. Jennifer watched him carefully. His shirt was damp a bit see through, as wet white cotton could only become with sweat.
She had a better view of his chest and was able to make out the defined muscles beneath his clothes. After a moment, she looked at his face again. Andrew had been watching her. Jennifer nodded towards him with her head.
“Do all men like you live at a gym?”
He chuckled. “I don’t live at a gym.”
“I weigh a good bit.” Jennifer crossed her arms over her chest, feeling a bit vulnerable with the thin fabric over her. It had gotten a bit moist as she stood near the fall and it clung to her