His Armored Heart

Chapter Eighteen

The two-hour tour showed Bree and Tony all of the scenic locations of the island and they learned many things about its history. When they docked once more, Bree stood, stepped off the boat, and onto the dock. "Hiking next?" She asked.

"Yes. I have a map." Tony answered as he stepped off the boat behind Bree.

"Where should we start? I'm glad I remembered to wear the right kind of shoes."

Tony pulled a folded brochure from his pocket and handed it to her. "Take a look and see which one you want to go to."

Bree looked over the map then smiled. "This one says the waterfall has an alcove behind it and the water comes from a natural spring. It would be crystal clear."

"That one isn't too far from here. We can go there and be back in time for dinner." Tony agreed. He looked at the map, then took her hand to lead her in the right direction.

"That sounds perfect. I'm excited to see the falls," Bree said honestly.

"I am as well, and then to fool around behind them." Tony teased.

Bree blushed but rolled her eyes. "Do you know where the trail starts?"

"The trail is supposed to be marked just inside the tree line." Tony answered.

"That's unique. I like walking trails. I used to walk them at home," Laney commented.

"I haven't been on a trail in years." Tony chuckled.

Bree smiled as they reached the forest and walked onto the path. "I never knew you liked doing things like this."

"Neither did I. I think I just enjoy these things when they are with you." Tony admitted. He quickly found the sign that marked the trailhead. "We go this way." He said, taking Bree down the path to the left.

"I like you like this. Exploring new things, opening yourself up for new opportunities." Bree looked Tony up and down as he walked in front of her. "The view is nice too."

"Are you looking at my ass again?" Tony asked teasingly. "It looks better bare."

"Oh, I think I always look at your ass these days. I like it clothed or bare," she honestly answered.

"It is a rather nice ass." Tony smugly teased. "Almost as nice as yours."

"Only almost?" Bree countered.

"Well, you do have an extremely nice ass." Tony chuckled.

Bree laughed as they began walking uphill, causing her to use trees to help her balance. "Well, thank you."

Tony reached his hand out to Bree to help her. "I don't think it gets much steeper than this." He assured her.

Bree gratefully took Tony's hand for the support. "I hope not. Otherwise, I think I'll fall."

"I wouldn't let you fall." Tony chuckled. "Stay close and you will be fine."

"Thank you," Bree praised. "How much longer is it to the spring?"

"I think it's only about ten more minutes. I can hear it, but I think we have to get to the top of the ridge first." Tony answered.

Bree held tightly to Tony's hand and looked for easy foot holds on the dirt path, hoping to make it just a bit easier on herself to climb. "I'll be glad when we get there, it'll be nice to cool off in the spring."

"Do you want to stop for a break?" Tony offered. He looked ahead of them on the path and saw the crest of the ridge. "We are nearly to the top. The other side is supposed to be easy going down."