The Secret We Share

Kylie

"Ugh, did you really have to pick the hottest day to go hiking Jordan?" I sighed, trying to unstick my T-shirt from my body.

"Come on, I think there's a waterfall up here!" Jordan exclaimed, sounding like a 10 year old. He couldn't help it, he loved hiking and the outdoors. It was one of the things that drew me to him actually, his passion for it was kinda cute.

He grabbed my- sweaty -hand and pulled me further along the wooded path. At least the trees provided some measure of temperature control.

"Jordannn," I groaned. "We've already walked two miles, my legs are tired."

"Weakling," He said, shaking his head. With one swift movement, he had scooped me up off the ground.

"Jord!" I squealed, surprised by the action. Luckily we hadn't seen anybody else on this path.

After a bit of a tussle, I ended up on Jordan's back, my arms wrapped around his shoulders. I held on as he continued the hike.

"How are you not tired?" I asked him, jokingly but actually kinda curious.

"So there's this thing? It's called...get this...a gym!" Jordan said, clearly thinking he was hilarious.

I smacked his shoulder. "Oh whatever, I workout...sometimes. Just keep walking." I said, and he continued to laugh at himself.

I rolled my eyes, boys.

*****

We'd finally reached the waterfall, and we flopped on the soft patch of grass beside the base of the falls.

Jordan pulled me into his side, wrapping a strong arm around my waist.

"What are you thinking about baby?" Jordan asked turning to look at me with his signature grin.

About how those shimmering pebbles on the bank of the creek are the exact shade of golden brown as Alexis's eyes- right down to the flecks of gold.

"Just about how beautiful this waterfall is, I mean seriously how are we the only ones here?" I said, suppressing my thoughts.

"Hey, I don't mind." Jordan said, his hazel eyes sparkling.

He lifted my chin to meet his gaze, leaning in to press his lips against my own. He led the kiss, forcing my lips in sync. I tried to make up for my lack of emotion, and hoped like hell that he wouldn't realize that my heart wasn't in it.

Jordan smiled into the kiss. He pulled away, though he still remained within an inch of my face.

"I love you." He stated, finally opening his eyes to look at me. His thumb traced against my cheek.

My heart stopped. He had never told me that before. What do I do?

It was then that I panicked. My heart rate increased, and though it had only been a second it felt like minutes had passed of me floundering for words- with Jordan's lips still centimeters from my own.

In order to avoid responding, I did the only thing I could think of- or not think of -in the moment. I kissed him suddenly, thinking that maybe I could distract him.

Because, luckily, Jordan was a teenage boy, my impulsive and evasive tactic worked- for now.

*****

The woods were quiet on our hike back to the car. The setting sun cast a golden glow on the wildlife around us, and I was grateful for the slow reprieve from the baking heat of the afternoon.

Our hands intertwined, Jordan and I walked along the uneven path.

"Hey Kylie?" Jordan asked, and my breath hitches in my throat.