Page 21 of Trail to Trouble

She caught Hunter’s smile.

Her friends split a ham sandwich and she ate her salami sandwich. Hunter consumed one of each.

“Now what?” Bianca asked.

“You are free to do whatever you want for the rest of the afternoon and evening. We can hike some more. Take the canoe out. Play camping games. Swim. Whatever you want.”

With her long, slim fingers, Bianca pointed to the tiny sandy beach area. “I see me lying on a beach towel over there.”

“Me, too,” Alyssa chimed in.

“Have at it. Hannah, what are you up for?” he asked.

“Let’s take the canoe out for a spin.”

Hunter’s handsome smile widened. “Let’s do it.”

She climbed into the front of the canoe, and he sat in the back.

They paddled out to the center of the narrow river and then made their way along with the current. Her eyes were peeled for wildlife.

After a few minutes, she stopped paddling, closed her eyes, and tilted her face toward the sun. The warmth of the rays seeped into her cheeks. The slight breeze kept her from overheating.

God, this feels good.

At that moment, she felt relaxed. More than she’d been in the past year. With all that had gone on with Sebastián, she’d never imagined she could feel as peaceful as she did right now. Maybe she should stay up here in the Northwoods forever.

“Feels nice, doesn’t it?” Hunter asked.

Hannah opened her eyes and glanced over her shoulder, back at her canoeing partner.

“It sure does.”

“The temperature couldn’t be more perfect.”

“For sure.”

A lazy grin lifted onto Hunter’s face. His dark, wavy hair accented that tan of his. She could only ever dream of a golden tan like that. Her pale skin seemed to act as a sun reflector, not an absorber. Well, at least she didn’t burn. Not too often, anyway.

Hannah resumed paddling. Slow strokes. Floating on this river for the rest of the day would suit her just fine. It relaxed her. Quick glances at the handsome man in the back of the canoe suited her just as well.

“There’s a little inlet up ahead with a trail about a half-mile long along the shore. Do you want to stop and check it out? It’s just a little loop.”

She glanced over her shoulder. “Sure.”

Lifting that long, muscular arm of his, he pointed to a spot on the shoreline.

“Got it,” she replied as she helped maneuver the canoe in that direction.

They paddled right up to a grassy ledge where Hunter effortlessly landed when he jumped out of the canoe. He tied the vessel to a tree, then reached out to her.

Apprehension cracked through her like a whip as she stared at his hand. Remembering his touch and kiss earlier in the day had her wanting to grab hold of him, then thoughts of her past and Sebastián’s harsh touch, sent her reeling. Sebastián was a total dick and sadly, she now judged every man based on his actions. She didn’t want to, but couldn’t help herself. She’d been so wronged by him and didn’t know if she could ever find her way back to trust another guy. However, the one looking at her right now with those dark, dreamy irises had her reconsidering.

The amber hues in Hunter’s eyes softened.

“I just want to help you out of the canoe. That’s all,” he assured.

The calming tone he used caused her to push her fear aside and reach out to him.