If he had a therapist, they would surely tell him his desire for a family stemmed from his feelings toward his own parents. Too busy with company meetings, they were never around, and when his parents were home, they weren't interested in hearing about the interests of a child. He couldn't recall a single occasion when they attended one of his sports games. Time and time again, he would search the crowd to see the parents and guests of other players sitting in the stands and never once saw the faces of his own family. The only consistent attendee was his best friend's mom, whom his parents paid to drive him to games.
That wouldn't happen to his children. He would be present in their lives and celebrate the things important to them, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
Rick squeezed the steering wheel and exhaled to reduce the flipping sensation in his stomach. As he drove, he promised himself to do his best to make this work, not only in the present but also in the future. He wouldn't squander this opportunity. If Molly was as interested in him as he was in her, this had the potential to go somewhere. There was still much to learn about her, and from what he saw, she was definitely worth the effort.
Turning into the campground, the flip-flops returned, and he focused on slowing his breathing to regain control. The sound of the truck's engine and the gravel beneath the tires seemed amplified, along with the sound of his heart pounding in his ears. Through his windshield he watched the road bend with each occupied site entering his view, but there was only one site he wanted to find: site twenty-three.
He grinned as he spotted Molly standing at the end of her site with Hudson by her side. This was a sight he would remember for years to come. Molly was as beautiful as the day before and the day he met her. She had pulled her hair back into a ponytail that dangled behind her. She cinched her jacket at her waist and wore jeans that hugged her legs. It took all his strength not to jump out of the moving truck to wrap his arms around her.
Putting his truck into park, he opened the door. Hudson rushed past him and jumped inside, occupying the passenger seat while he wagged his tail. Rick fixed his eyes on Molly, who was laughing at Hudson's impatience. Rick reached his arms out and stepped toward her, expecting her to step into his embrace.
Molly grabbed his hands and held them in the space between them. Not quite the picture in his mind, but he’d take it. “He's been waiting for you.”
“How about you?” he whispered.
“I've only been waiting for a little while. I had to clean up after breakfast.”
It wasn't the answer he had been hoping for. Perhaps he hadn't made his intentions clear enough. He decided to go for it, giving her arms a pull toward him and breaking her hold on his hands. He wrapped his arms around her back and held her against his chest, resting his chin on the top of her head.
“I hope you slept well.”
“I did,” she said. Her arms drifted to his shoulder blades and Rick inhaled. For a moment, he considered canceling their walk to the waterfall. Standing here at the end of the campsite with her in his arms appealed to him more. “Are you ready to go?” Molly asked.
“If you are.”
She leaned back and smiled. “Hudson may drive the truck himself if we don't get going.” Molly's gaze shifted to the dog, now lying across the front seat, staring at them through the open door.
“I think you're right.”
Rick held Molly's hand and led her to the passenger door and kept it open as she climbed inside. A gentleman never skipped the little things.
As they drove toward the parking lot at the trailhead to the waterfall, Rick snuck look after look at the woman beside him. The truck felt cozier with her in the passenger seat. It had been empty for far too long and when someone had sat there, they were the wrong person. She was the perfect fit for him, and he struggled to keep his eyes on the road. He wondered if she had noticed him looking at her. If she had, she never gave it away. Molly seemed content to look out the window at the view as it passed by or pet Hudson as he nudged her cheek for attention. It was a scene that warmed him and he wanted to see repeated as many times as possible.
Hudson whined as they turned the corner and his tail beat against the backseat. They were almost at the parking lot, and he was eager to get out to begin their walk.
“Are you ready for your walk?” Molly asked.
Hudson continued to whine and moved from one side window to the next.
Rick parked the truck and rushed to the passenger side, hoping to hold the door open for Molly. By the time he reached the other side, the door was already open, and she was climbing out. Not skipping a beat, Rick held the door steady as Molly stepped outside. If he couldn't open the door, he could at least be a gentleman and offer his hand, but her gaze was on the ground where her feet landed.
“It looks like no one else is here, again,” she said, looking up and stopping on his extended hand.
Rick pulled his hand back and slapped his side, calling Hudson out of the truck. “It’s usually quiet here. It’s why I like it on the trail. There is hardly anyone to bother you.”
“You won’t find a place like this in the city.”
“That's for sure. I've tried a few times to walk in the parks downtown and people were always crowding the path.”
Hudson leaped to Rick’s side and slapped his tail against the dirt. Rick grabbed Hudson’s leash from his truck, just in case. They shouldn't need it on an empty trail like this, but he always carried one with him should he need to keep Hudson close. As loyal as Hudson was, he had a weakness for squirrels. Even though they surrounded him daily, he still gave the occasional chase. Should Hudson want to chase a furry rodent, he might need Rick to encourage him to leave it be while it protested from a branch above. It is a wonder Hudson ever makes it to his destination at the campground, given his love of nature.
“I know what you mean about people,” Molly said, reaching for the leash. He let her have it. “They are always riding their bikes or crowding the path. There is no place for regular walkers to go for a stroll. Plus, I prefer not seeing high rises behind the trees.”
“You're in luck.” Rick watched as she clasped the leash to Hudson's collar. He wouldn't get to run free today. “The only thing you'll see behind the trees today are mountains.”
“Just what I was hoping to see.”
Rick almost made another flirty crack about her wanting to see him on the trail but kept his comment to himself. He couldn't keep making remarks like that. He needed to take it slow and not scare her off. Things seemed to be going well, and it was easy for him to get carried away in his excitement. The only way to make sure he didn't say or do something stupid that would make her run in the opposite direction was for him to calm down. Already he wasn't sure what she was thinking. She might be still questioning her feelings, and he would not give her a reason to doubt what they have. Rick was determined to do all he could to convince Molly that this would work. That they should be together. Here, in Lemon Grove.
Chapter Nineteen
Molly noticed a pit form in her stomach as they reached the point of the trail where Hudson blocked her path. She took some comfort in knowing Hudson never growled once on their walk with Rick and showed no signs of concern. He happily sniffed at the plants beside them and moved side to side with his nose to the ground. His ears stood upright, as did his tail. The warmth of Rick’s hand against hers made her feel safe. Rick knew this area better than her, and if he wasn't concerned, she shouldn't be... or at least she would try not to be.
Her pace quickened as she heard the waterfall ahead. A small creek flowed beside them, carrying the water away from the falls. The sounds were familiar to her, recalling memories of camping trips with her family and friends. She didn't go often into the woods, but when she did, she enjoyed the sounds of nature. Her favorite photograph was of her family posing next to a viewpoint overlooking cascading waterfalls, which resembled more of a steep river than the towering ribbons of mist most would associate with the word. Her family
had stood smiling as a friendly passerby volunteered to take their picture. She owned few photos with all four of them together on trips. One of the family most often took on the role of photographer, which meant they were not in the picture. The sound of the water brought back the warm memories, but from now on she would associate the sound of a waterfall with Rick.
He stood several inches taller than her, which made him appear strong, although probably no match for a bear. Rick promised the can of bear spray attached to his waist would be effective. He would surely protect her if they encountered danger on the trail and he smiled as she walked alongside him. Despite only meeting him a week ago, she found it easy to trust him.
“There it is,” he said, pointing to a break in the trees ahead.
Molly saw the white pillows of water rolling over the edge of the cliff before dropping out of sight behind the trees.
“Is there a viewpoint?”
“Oh, yes. It will be worth the walk.”
Eager to see the view, she walked ahead of Rick. Her hand, still holding his, lingered behind her. Rick picked up his pace and walked beside her. He gave her hand a squeeze and now walked faster than her. She matched his pace. Soon, they were moving at a light jog and laughed as they ran down the trail toward the falls. Hudson wagged his tail, running ahead of them as far as his leash would allow, stopping only to investigate a smell at the side of the trail.
“Wow!” Molly froze on the path as the viewpoint opened up before her. A large viewing platform at the rocky ledge jutted out into the open valley below.
Molly and Rick strolled toward the platform, damp from the mist and spray of the falls. The first drops hit the tip of Molly’s nose, followed by her cheeks. The mist continued to gather on her skin, forming water droplets that rolled down to the point of her chin before dripping onto the front of her shirt. She looked at Rick, who rubbed the side of his face with his palm and ran the water through his hair, making it stand upright. He looked good no matter how he styled his hair. She watched a water drop roll down beside his ear and follow the line of his jaw, and she wrestled with thoughts of reaching across to wipe the drop away. It would be a sweet gesture, and one that would definitely communicate her romantic interest. Was she ready for what would come next if she did?
She still needed to talk to Carla about the coffee shop, but with Carla's heart so set on the location on 8th, there would be no discussing Lemon Grove. That would mean she would have to think about remaining in the city, and would that work for Rick? It would be ridiculous to date someone who she wouldn’t be able to marry because neither wanted to move.
The view of the waterfall spoke to her and created an ache deep within her. She would hate leaving this behind... and her feelings for Rick. Their relationship could force Rick to trade away nature, with its rich dirt paths and tall trees, for concrete sidewalks and metal light posts. Or, if she moved to Lemon Grove, it would take Molly away from her friend and their business. The more she pondered it, the more she dreaded them needing to make the choice.
This was why people bought vacation homes and time-share properties. They hated leaving their new favorite place and dreamed of returning. Within days, Lemon Grove already became Molly’s second home. How did a small town off the highway with so little to offer capture her heart? There really wasn't much to the place. If she wanted the best in life, she must remain in the city. But she never needed all the best.
Rick leaned on the railing that protected him from tumbling down into the ravine. She could tell he didn't care that the mist enveloped him and drenched his clothing in moisture. Molly turned away as heat rushed to her cheeks. How did she end up meeting a kindhearted and attractive guy like Rick? Carla would fight her for him. In fact, if Molly took a picture of Rick and sent it to her, Carla would probably suggest that Rick model for their shop advertising.
“What’s on your mind?” Rick asked, now leaning on one arm to face her.
“Oh, I'm just trying not to think about work.” She dared not tell him she pictured him posing for a photo, dressed in a suit while holding a silver tray balancing two steaming mugs of coffee with their coffee shop logo splashed along the bottom. He would be perfect to lure potential customers to their store.
Rick smiled and pulled her close. “I hoped this would take your mind off of it.”
Molly wanted to wiggle free from his hold, but she let herself linger in his arms, carelessly allowing him to get close. What would he say when he learned Carla planned to expand the shop in the city? There would be no room for a future with him, no matter how much she wanted it. But his arm slipped around her waist as he held her close, and she didn't resist. Carla had promised she would help to make this work. If that was the truth, Molly must give Rick a chance. In the meantime, she would just need to be cautious.
Her phone chimed repeatedly in her coat pocket, and she pulled it out. Carla had sent twelve images.
“What's that?” Rick asked.
“My friend Carla. She’s sent me some pictures. I can see them later.” Molly stuffed the phone in her pocket and Rick nudged her.
“Look at them now. What pictures is your friend sending you?” The sparkle in his eyes showed his genuine interest. “Is this the friend you run the coffee shop with?”
Molly sighed and held the phone in front of them. “It is.” He would find out eventually and they both needed the reality check. This won’t work, and Rick might as well understand that now. “Carla found a property she’s interested in.”
“A place to live?”
“A place to expand the coffee shop. On 8th Street. If it had been affordable before, she would have had us open on 8th from day one.”
“I see.” His voice grew quiet, and Molly wondered for a moment if his grip had loosened before he tightened his grasp once again. “I can see why you’re trying to keep your mind off of work.”
“I'm not doing a very good job of it.”
“Perhaps I can help.” He pulled her toward him and cupped his hand to her cheek. Leaning in, he pressed his lips to hers.
Her mind swirled with every reason this wouldn't work. The list seemed endless from the coffee shop to her apartment, but her thoughts were quieted as she sank deeper into the moment. Molly had fallen into the warm embrace of a man who, it would seem, was a very good kisser, judging by the electrifying sensation of his lips against hers. Her mind rushed with imaginative thoughts of them spending day after day in each other's arms, running through the forest, laughing and giggling. The vision grew stronger and brighter the longer he kissed her. Reality hit. Soon, they must spend more days apart than they would together, and they would quickly discover their relationship would unravel the longer they were separated. With her at a distance counted in miles, they'd find they had less in common and what developed between them in Lemon Grove would disintegrate, along with her fanciful dreams.
Finally, he leaned back and their lips parted. Rick smiled and Molly exhaled. There was too much to think about. So much worry that shouldn't be in one’s mind during a kiss. If she had allowed it, the kiss would have completely consumed her and made her completely forget the obstacles in their way. Rick made her want to be reckless. She couldn’t be, no matter how much she wanted this.
“Did it work?” he whispered.
“Mmm hmm.” There was a grin on her face. Even if her mind had her thinking a million different thoughts, she wasn’t about to hide that was an amazing kiss. She would, however, hide that she had thought about other things than his lips on hers.
* * *
Rick smiled and rested his chin on the top of her head. It was impulsive to kiss her like he had, but it was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. When else would he have the chance to kiss her by a waterfall? By romance standards, they couldn't be in a more perfect setting. The waterfall was a postcard, and the surrounding mist created a veil of reflected light. Surely Molly could appreciate the moment for what it was. He thought she had. At first, he felt her embrace the kiss. It was wh
en he suddenly sensed her body tense that he realized the kiss needed to end. Perhaps he had overdone it and should have released her before she had second thoughts. Something made her tense up, and he doubted it was him... or at least he hoped it wasn't.
He had to compete with her friend, Carla, and their business. It wouldn't be an easy battle, but one he was determined to win. Her friend may want to open a second business in the city, and there was nothing wrong with that, but Molly shouldn't suffer because of it. Why should one sacrifice for the dream of the other? All he needed was a few more days with Molly to prove that this was worth whatever the struggle she was going through.
The kiss, as brief as it was, made him hopeful for more. Her lips were as soft as he imagined, and he felt relieved to have shown her how much he had fallen for her. He wanted to communicate his desire for her, his affection, his dream of a future. It was a lot to expect from a kiss, and perhaps his passion came across a little too strong, leaving her to misinterpret his intentions. While he came from a rich family background, he was never a playboy. He wasn't the type to flirt with a girl and ditch them after a few days. He was better than that. When she tensed up, he knew he had to let her go. She clearly needed some breathing room or a change of pace. That was fine. He would let her lead the way on that, but he wouldn't stop sharing memorable moments with her, such as standing by the waterfall while the mist continued to rain down on them, coating their skin in a thin layer of water.
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