Page 10

Gavin

J immy had made us some snacks after I spoke to him earlier.

I’d expected a bag of popcorn and possibly some cookies, but he’d made us a meat and cheese tray and also a tray of different sweet treats to go with the small bag of popcorn.

“I think Jimmy got a little carried away.” We used the roof for a quiet spot for staff that needed a little breathing room, but it was also where we brought campers to use the telescope or just to stargaze on some nights.

Wyatt looked at what I’d brought before choosing a piece of cheese. Jimmy really did go a little overboard. “I love it. Now we can stay up here all night if we want to.”

“When did the city boy who never leaves his house decide he wanted to spend way more time outside?” I asked before I could think about it, making him laugh.

“Sometime between learning how to use a compass and when I looked up at the stars.”

“I’m really glad to hear that. Some people come up here and it never grows on them.

They can’t wait to leave and have a hard time enjoying their time here.

” I tried not to think about how many times a parent or other relative had made a late-night drive up here to pick up a camper who just couldn’t make it another night.

Or sometimes even the first night. I sat in the chair next to him and picked up a piece of salami.

“When I first got here, I had to force myself to stay. I know it’s only been a day, but I already feel so different about this place,” Wyatt said while his head rested against the back of the chair so he could continue to look at the stars.

“What changed your mind?”

“Well, you did,” he said surprising me.

“I did? How?”

“You showed me how to use a compass, but you never stepped in and tried to make me use it. You let me figure it out in my own way. I guess I’m a bit of a control freak, so anyone trying to force me to do something really rubs me wrong.

I wasn’t kidding when I said I know nothing about camping.

That’s part of what made me so hesitant.

Knowing I knew nothing and hoping no one forced it all on me. ”

“We would never do that. All of the staff here know everyone learns in their own way and at their own pace. The fact you picked it up so fast and were anxious to use your skills was impressive. I admit I was worried you’d want to leave as soon as you got here.

” I rubbed the back of my neck and waited for him to speak.

“Talking to your dad helped a lot. He’s very sweet.”

“He’s talked down more than a few campers who didn’t want to even take their luggage into their cabin. I hope I’m able to make everyone feel as comfortable as he does.” It worried me that when Dad finally completely retired, I wouldn’t be able to make them feel as safe and secure as he had.

“You make me feel comfortable—and safe. Before today I’d never set foot off the pavement let alone trusting myself to follow a compass without knowing where I was going.

I still can’t believe I figured it out.” He looked out to the forest, but instead of the fear and worry I’d seen earlier, now I only saw curiosity.

“I’m so proud of you. Not only did you commit to the project, but you actually went off into the forest and used those skills.

We do that one first because some campers get really frustrated, so even though it is essential we get it out of the way early,” I said as he reached for some popcorn and our hands touched.

Turning to look, his eyes were on mine and neither of us made a move to remove our hand from the popcorn.

“Well, this is awkward,” he mumbled as his smile grew.

“Not really,” I said and before I thought about it, I leaned in and kissed him.

It was just a soft press of our lips before I tilted my head and ran my tongue along the crease of his lips making him groan.

I hadn’t meant to, and I knew I shouldn’t but from the first time I’d set eyes on Wyatt I’d wanted to kiss him.

His eyes were still shut when I kissed him once more before I leaned back.

His tongue slowly traced his lips, but he didn’t move. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what—”

“No! Don’t you dare,” he said and scolded me with a single finger, eyes still closed. “Don’t ruin the most beautiful kiss in the history of kisses.” His eyes opened and he took a handful of popcorn and popped it in his mouth, never looking away from me.

“The most beautiful kiss?” I asked because there was no way in hell I was letting that one go.

“Under a sea of stars,” he whispered. I tried to speak but could only watch him take another handful of popcorn.

“Look,” he said and leaned back in his chair. “There’s the Big Dipper.” For a moment longer I couldn’t look away from him, but he was focused on the sky and soon, so was I. We settled back in the chairs and were both quiet as we took in the millions of stars laid out in the nighttime sky.

“It’s beautiful, sometimes I forget to take the time to look.”

His hand found mine without him looking away from the stars.

“I’m finding you should always take the time to look.

I’ve had my eyes closed for far too long.

” Somehow, I thought he meant more than just looking at the stars.

But we barely knew each other, and I didn’t want to assume anything.

But maybe it was okay to hope just a little.

“Did you know sometimes you can see the Northern Lights here?” I asked and from the corner of my eye I saw him turn to look at me.

“No way,” he said.

“Yep. It’s happened a few times. They’re predicting there should be good viewing the next few months.”

“I want to see them. It’s amazing that you could see them here. I thought you needed to go to Iceland or Alaska or somewhere further north.”

“I read that the solar storms are really strong this year so it’s making them visible down south where it normally isn’t.”

“I hope I’m here when it happens,” he whispered and squeezed my hand.

“Me too. Did you know that’s Orion’s belt?” I pointed at the line of three stars which was really all I could recognize just as a shooting star shot across the sky.

“Wow! Did you see that?” Wyatt asked and sat up a little straighter.

“Make a wish.” He closed his eyes again before glancing at me. He was beautiful, and this was one of the most beautiful nights I’d had in a long time.