Flight Risk

28 - Eastbound on the 239

Caleb and I stood on the Steep Rock cliffs as the sun rose higher in the sky. We had a long drive to Paint Lake today, yet we lingered here like in a hot shower after a day of winter sports. I'd wrapped my arms around his torso and released a contented sigh while listening to his heartbeat.

"You're snugglier than I imagined you'd be," he said.

It was impossible not to want to bury myself in his embrace. He kept the world and my insecurities at bay. I only hoped I did the same for him.

"I warned you at the wedding. Plus, I slept on you on the plane and stole every hug I could get."

He beamed down at me. "I never said it was a bad thing." His face drew closer to mine. "I love it."

We'd shared several kisses this morning, from the ones he'd placed on my head and cheek to tender moments like now when the world faded around us. But that fade only lasted a minute as a loud family approached with excited, yelping kids. We pulled apart.

"I suppose it's nearly time to move on," I sighed. As much as I longed to see polar bears and belugas, each destination got us closer to our goodbye. As naïve a question as it was, if we never moved, would this last forever?

"Suppose so." Yet his hands rested on my hips. "It's funny, I planned this entire trip without ever predicting which places would mean the most. I doubt I'll forget Steep Rock."

"Neither will I."

It was where Caleb opened up, and I jumped off an emotional cliff. While it was terrifying and didn't have quite the results I wanted, I didn't regret it for a second. This closeness was worth it.

We walked hand in hand back to the car. Even the slightest touch made me giddy. He adorably rushed to open the driver's door when I unlocked it with the key fob. I had to fight laughter as I slipped inside. He was over-the-top, but I adored that side of him.

The sun had warmed the vehicle's interior in our absence, so I rolled the windows down until the slow air conditioning kicked in, and we retraced our path back to the main highway north. The breeze and warm air were quite soothing, but they would put me to sleep if the temperature increased.

As we traversed the pine channel and the car cooled, Caleb's gaze kept flickering to me. It didn't seem like he wanted to say anything, but he didn't look away.

"Enjoying the view?" I teased as he hadn't glanced out the window or windshield much.

"Very much so. You're beautiful."

A smile bloomed on my lips. "You're more complimentary than I thought you'd be."

"I complimented you plenty in the past. Though if I let all of them slip out, I'd scare you off."

That was unlikely. The only time Caleb and scary joined forces was to describe me confessing my feelings or the idea of us ending.

"Depends what they were."

"Okay, you're adorable when you fidget with the ends of your hair when you're nervous or want to say something important. Watching you light up as you show me around new places is as captivating as the place itself. And you have the softest skin that feels amazing every time we touch."

Even though I'd thrown on the air conditioning, my cheeks burned and I glanced at Caleb's smiling face. His eyes hesitantly met mine, as if in question. I couldn't help but poke a little fun at him.

"You're right, those are downright terrifying statements. If I weren't driving, I'd tuck and roll straight into the ditch."

"This far from any major centre?"