Author's Note:
Thanks to all for the positive feedback on my first-ever story ("Can't Sleep.") This is my attempt at taking another look into the lives of Olivia and Lance. This is still a very new writing style for me, so I hope I'm not being overly predictable, etc. (??) As always, constructive feedback appreciated.
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After a long string of especially busy, stressful weeks at work, Lance and I planned a day trip to the local mountains for some fresh air and nature therapy. We each had a pack, mine with a picnic lunch and a carefully wrapped bottle of wine, and his with a cushy blanket, plenty of water and a first aid kit.
Our trip began with a 6,300 foot ascent into the Wallowant mountain range via the Ridgepine Arial Tram. The tram was usually packed with tourists and locals alike, all anxious to beat the heat along the valley floor while taking in the amazing vistas at the top. It was the perfect afternoon getaway, and going after Labor Day meant we had the gondola almost all to ourselves as we boarded for the 10 a.m. trip.
"I'm so glad we're doing this," I said as I walked to the far end of the tram car and looked out the window.
"So am I," Lance said as he took his place next to me, brushing a loose piece of hair back behind my ear.
We stood quietly together, our packs at our feet, as two other couples boarded the gondola and moved to the opposite end for the view of where we were going versus where we'd been.
The gondola doors slid closed and the car lurched into action. The sudden motion caught me unprepared and I lost my balance. Lance reflexively reached out to steady me, one strong hand grazing the side of my breast in the process. "Careful," he said with a wink.
As the car continued its ascent, Lance moved behind me, widening his stance and wrapping his arms around my waist. He nestled his chin in the crook of my neck as I rested my hands atop his. His day-old shave felt rugged and sexy against my skin. We said nothing as the car continued to climb its cable alongside the jagged mountain's edge as the valley shrank below us. We listened as the guests at the other end of the car chattered excitedly about how they planned to spend their day, seemingly oblivious to the two of us.
A recorded welcome message played overhead as we continued the climb.
"Welcome to the Pineridge Arial Tram. As we climb more than 6,000 feet to the top of Hart Mountain, you can expect the temperature to drop an estimated 25 degrees, making it the perfect escape from the valley heat."
As we gazed out the window, I traced my thumbs over the tops of Lance's hands. He kissed my neck and then playfully bit my earlobe. I couldn't help but smile as the feeling of his breath in my ear sent a shiver through by body. I gently pushed back into him, where I was pretty sure I felt a rustling in his cargo shorts. The ambient temperature may have been dropping, but things were just heating up between the two of us.
Before too long, we arrived at the top of the mountain. Grabbing our packs, we stopped to take in the view of the valley below, and get our first look at the lush landscape around us.
"It's so beautiful up here," I said, breathing in the fresh air as I took in nature's panorama.
"You're the beautiful one," Lance said as he took me in his arms and kissed my lips. My heart and my body welcomed the attention - I loved the feel of his lips on mine. I enjoyed the moment, excited by the opportunity to share a full day with my man - where neither of us had cell reception. It would be a day free of distractions. Just the two of us.
We looked at the trail map and picked an 8-mile trail that looped around and let out not far from the tram site. According to the map, the trail had areas of moderate to difficult terrain, but also passed by a lake. We figured that would be the perfect place to stop for lunch, and being an 8-mile trek, we assumed we wouldn't run into too many other people. The ranger said most visitors opted for the shorter, easier hikes.
We started on our way, sometimes walking hand-in-hand, sometimes single-tracking our way through the more narrow parts of the trail. I loved the view while walking behind him. Though his backpack hid his stunningly muscular shoulders, I could still catch the occasional glimpse of his torso as his t-shirt shifted under the pack with each step. It was the end of summer, so his body was still tanned to a golden brown from weekends playing basketball with the guys, working in the yard, and swimming laps in the pool. And his butt. I don't mind saying that I can't get enough of his butt. I love how it looks both in and out of whatever he's wearing.
Occasionally we'd stop to rest, grab some water and snap a "selfie" of the two of us. After a rather lengthy up-hill climb, I found myself especially winded, not being used to the altitude. I was having a hard time catching my breath as I leaned against a tree for support.
"You okay, babe?" he asked, as he slipped out of his pack and walked over to me. "Concentrate on your breathing, Liv," he coached. "Breathe in ... Breathe out ..." he said, slowing his own breathing to the pace me wanted to help me find. It took a few minutes, but I was finally able to catch my breath.
"Geez, that was scary," I said as I brushed the stray ponytail hairs from my face.
"We just pushed a little too hard up that hill," he said. "That altitude is pretty unforgiving sometimes."
