12: TAKING A HIKE

DELILAH

Seth and I had parked his Jeep at what looked like some sort of walnut farm, which had made me frown considering it didn’t seem like a respectable place to hike. As we pulled into the parking lot, Seth pointed out maps supporting his plans of hiking. Trails scattered all over the tiny maps that boggled my mind once I got out of the car to read them over. Signs about no littering, warnings of possible landslides, and another sign that gave me pause.

Be Advised:

Cougar spotted in the area.

Hike in groups. Stay alert. Carry Bear Spray. Keep dogs on leash. Don’t run. Make eye contact. Appear large. Make noise.

Since it didn’t feel like we were in the middle of the woods by any means, I didn’t say anything. Instead, it felt closer to the edge of town so I tried to keep the sign from my mind. However, I still sincerely hoped as we walked, that Seth was indeed carrying the bear spray.

As we set forth, nature seemed to swallow us whole. Flowers, trees, scents; even the sound of trickling streams seemed to surround us. The chilling bite of the morning slowly giving way to the warmth of the sun and the fragrances of the forest and rich soil. Breathing it all in brought a sort of peace as we walked quietly. So when Seth and I finally stopped, the sound of the birds and the breeze made everything entirely peaceful. Making me close my eyes and take a deep long breath.

“We’re almost there. Here.” He offered me his watering can, something I accepted gratefully, taking a large drink to fix my drying mouth. “So what else did Cole hire you for? Sex?”

Water came out of my nose and went all over my hands as I sputtered and coughed. The pain was intense as I covered my face. Trying to find the words and regain my composure. “E-excuse me!?”

“Now that we’re away from the cameras, it’s easier to talk knowing he won’t overhear. So I figured I’ll just be blunt and ask. I know who you are. I’m a huge fan of your work. Don’t get me wrong, but whatever my brother is trying to do, I don’t want a nice lady like yourself coming under fire between our issues.”

It took a few moments for my mouth to work. Several different feelings coming over my face as I tried to decide what to say, let alone feel other than guilty. “W-well.” I took a deep breath, capping the water jug before glancing around to see if there was anywhere to sit since this would take a moment. Sure enough, a large boulder was just up the path, one I pointed at to indicate I was moving to; not leaving. Seth let me collect myself, allowing me to get comfortable and collect my thoughts.

After another deep breath, I squared my shoulders, folding my hands in my lap. “Originally, I was hired for just the interview, from what I understood. Your brother didn’t make his wishes known until after I left the shop.”

“So the whole reason he brought you is because he wanted to fuck you?”

“What? No. I mean.” My face went red, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable. “I don’t think it was, we were entirely professional with both our deals and—” Already knowing those were the wrong words, I covered my face. Knowing this was coming out all wrong. “We haven’t even had sex!”

“Ah, so those are just noises you make when you’re in someone else’s home all the time then for fun? Is it arousing to you to be somewhere else?” His tone was slightly wicked, not fully accusatory, more playful. He still seemed to be listening, just taunting me slightly.

It wasn’t helpful. If anything, it made me more flustered. Knowing everything was coming out the wrong way and making me sound… provocative at best.

I swallowed harder, trying again. “He hired me to try and find you someone to marry. I didn’t give him any guarantees, but the retainer will help get me on my feet. Honestly, Seth, you’re a really nice guy, handsome, and have enough money to establish a happy family. Trying to find you someone that might love you wouldn’t be that hard so money aside, I’m happy to help. It just happened to be in my best interest to not say no when he offered.”

“I’m confused on how helping me became… him fucking you?” Seth asked, turning his head with a coy smile coming forward; closing the space between us.

“I already told you we haven’t had sex.” I growled, curling my fists and holding my ground. “To be honest, after spending time with you and knowing about Jewel, it was my idea.” My retort was messy, but I was getting mad. It felt like he was grilling me. Me and Cole’s relationship wasn’t any of his business.

“Jewel. How—”

I put up a hand, my face full of anger. “I’m still talking. I’m the matchmaker, and Cole put me in a vehicle with that wretched woman because of your history. Something that finally made sense because she was honestly the worst welcoming committee on this planet, let alone a highly unpleasant person to be around as a woman coming for a professional interview. That being said, I figured out really fast that your relationships keep getting messed up, and that you as well as your brother—blames Cole. Which in my professional opinion is jacked.”

Seth stayed silent. The birds chirping. As if he wasn’t sure what to say.

“Well!?” I demanded. Waiting for him to goad me again.

“I’m listening, go on.” He said with a small shrug, his face fairly passive.

I grit my jaw, taking another deep breath to calm myself and think over my words. “Your brother was obviously attracted to me, and I knew it was wrong. It’s like accepting dirty money by saying I’d have any sort of relationship with him and work for him. He is cute though, and if it keeps him distracted while you’re finding love, I just thought it would be fine for something temporary. If you really have to know about me and your brother, which I’ll say again is none of your business.”

“Temporary.” Seth repeated, tilting his head curiously at the word.

I sighed, rolling my eyes. “Look, we don’t always all make the best decisions sometimes. I was really horny, but I see I crossed a boundary. I’m happy to pack my bags and—”

“No. Don’t go,” Seth said, placing a hand on mine, moving his body inches from mine as he sat on the boulder next to me. The contact feeling intimate as his eyes met mine and his voice lowered. “Don’t go. Despite the reasons you’re here, I’ve adored your company. I also appreciate your honesty. My brother is still a rake, but he’s also trying his best to… make amends, I suppose. What you two do is your business, so I’m sorry for interluding.”

I chewed on my lip, unconvinced that I didn’t just stir up trouble between the two even more. It wasn’t my intention; if anything, I saw how much they hurt, how much they tried to work together. It made me wish me and my siblings had ever been so close.

“Thank you for saying so. I’ll try to be more… discreet in the future about how loud I am,” I mumbled, not meeting his eyes, and my cheeks flushing not just at the memory, just at the very fact that I had been caught.

“Don’t be sorry at all, they were lovely noises. Hopefully, you’ll let me have my turn once my brother’s done to make you produce even more,” Seth said with a small wink, leaning in to kiss my cheek. He lingered there for a moment, his eyes making contact with mine as his fingers laced with mine. I held my breath, unable to think.

He had not just said that. Had he?

As quickly as the moment had occurred, it passed as if it had never existed.

Seth pulled away with a small smile, his face filled with the approachable boyish charm I had grown familiar with, standing up to stretch with a large sigh. “Let’s finish the hike. There’s a beautiful view just up ahead. I’m starting to get hungry again.”