Come Away With Me(17)

“Nice car.”

“I figured it would be a good day for a drive with the top down.”

“Sounds good to me.” The leather seat is low and soft and I can’t help but be just a little impressed. He has good taste.

Before long we’re zipping down the freeway through Seattle and heading out of town on Interstate 90. This car can move! The sun is warm, the wind feels great, and Luke cranks up some Maroon 5. There is no need for idle chit chat, we’re just enjoying each other’s company, and I find myself relaxing back into the seat and enjoying the lush, green scenery on our way to the falls.

It’s obvious Luke knows where Snoqualmie Falls is, and as we get closer he turns down the music, then rests his hand on my left thigh. Just that touch alone makes my libido sit up and take notice, and I take a deep breath to calm my erratic heart.

“You’ve clearly been here before.”

Luke smiles at me. “Yeah, my parents used to bring us here when we were kids for picnics and stuff.”

“Do you mind if I leave my camera bag in the car? I’ll just take my camera.”

“No problem, I’ll close the top.”

Luke patiently waits for me to gather what I need out of my bag, then closes the top of the car, locks it, and we’re off, hiking down the covered bridge that leads to the hotel and the falls access where tourists can ooh and aah over the beautiful water.

I sling the camera strap over my neck and check the settings as I walk.

“How long have you been a photographer?” Luke asks. He’s intently watching me adjust the settings.

“All my life, actually. My dad bought me a digital camera when I was about ten, and I never wanted to do anything else.” The memory brings a smile to my face and I look up at him.

“He must be very proud of you,” he murmurs.

The pain is swift and hard. “He’s gone.”

“Gone?”

“My mom and dad were killed almost three years ago.” Shit, I didn’t mean to say that!

“Damn, Nat, I’m sorry.” Luke stops walking and pulls me into his arms, holding me tight, my camera squished between us, and I’m mortified to feel tears prick the backs of my eyes. I do not want this day to turn sad.

“I’m okay.” I put my hands flat against his hard chest and look up into his face. “I’m okay. Let’s not get sad today.”

Luke’s frowning down at me, his eyes full of compassion and to my relief, void of pity. I don’t want him to feel sorry for me.

“Hey, I’m okay. Really.” I cup his cheek in my hand and he turns and places a kiss in my palm.

“Okay.” He releases me and we resume our journey to the falls. It doesn’t take long as it’s not far from the road.

I glance over at him, and he’s still brooding, a small frown on his face.

“Luke, cheer up. You didn’t say anything wrong. I’m happy you’re here.”

He looks me in the eye again and gives me a half smile. I relax a little, happy that the mood is lifting and pick up my camera as we turn the bend to see the falls.

“I’m so glad there isn’t anyone else here today,” I’m trying to change the subject.

“I’m surprised there aren’t,” he replies.

“Well, summer’s almost over, and it’s the middle of the week, so I figured we’d have the place mostly to ourselves.” I start snapping photos.

Luke steps back and watches me work. I move up and down the path getting different angles, stopping to adjust my settings and take shots of flowers and spider webs and other things that catch my eye. The trees are just beginning to change color, so I aim my camera up and take photos of those too.

“Ready to move on?” I glance back at him. “I hope I’m not boring you.”

He shakes his head, his arms are crossed in front of him and he’s leaning on a fence. He looks relaxed, but his eyes are watching me intently.

“Nothing about watching you is boring, Natalie.”

Oh.

He unfolds himself and takes my hand, kissing my knuckles, before leading me farther down the dirt path to get shots at the base of the falls. He again backs away and leaves me to my work. I feel his eyes on me as I move, and I smile to myself.

After about twenty minutes I’m satisfied with the shots I’ve captured.

“Okay, I think that’s a wrap.”

I turn around to find his eyes have widened in surprise.