Ignited ✔️

1:23

River hadn't told me that he wanted me to hike on our date. He told me it'd be worth it to make it to the center of the forest, but at this point I wasn't to sure.

My calves were burning and my sides ached from the labored breathing that I had started about 5 minutes into our adventure. I wasn't a very active person so this was so unnatural for me.

River glances over his shoulder at me and his lips curve into a small smile.

"We're almost there princess" he reassures me with a chuckle.

"Awesome" I huff as I step over yet another fallen tree.

River hadn't even broken a sweat and he was carrying a big backpack filled to the brim with supplies he has yet to show me. Me on the other hand, looked like I just stepped out of the shower.

It was hot and muggy out and I hated this type of nature. I'm more of a water girl than a trees and bugs girl.

I glance up from the ground to look for River but he was gone.

My heart rate increased as I looked around for him.

"River!" I shout with my hands cupped around my mouth.

Bile had started to rise in my throat and my chest had gotten heavy, I couldn't breath.

"River!" I call again.

My feet carried me straight as I frantically searched for the tattooed male.

As I approach a big tree River jumps out from a nearby bush and scares me.

A high pitch scream escapes me as I trip over a log, falling on my butt.

"I'm sorry I couldn't resist" he tells me through his uncontrollable laughter.

"Ha Ha" I mock with an eye roll.

He extends his inked arm out towards me and has a gleam in his eyes. I take his hand and his hoists me up so fast I lose my balance and slam hard into his chest.

He had a playful smile on his face as his arms snake around my waist and he leans down and kisses the tip of my nose.

"Don't do that, I'm all sticky and sweaty" I tell him as I swat at his face.

A low chuckle rumbles from deep within him and his loosens his hold on me before sliding his hand down to encase mine.

He carefully leads me through the trees. The sound of rushing water greeted my ears as we stepped into the clearing. My jaw dropped at the sight before me.

There was a beautiful lake in front of me and a waterfall that spilled into it. The rocks along the side allowed access to the top and there was a small stone path that led behind the waterfall.

The clearing had trees scattered around it and grass that had wildflowers strewn throughout it. I could hear the birds chirping and the see the butterflies swarming around the budding trees.

I hadn't realized River let go of my hand until I saw him standing by a newly laid out picnic area with a cheesy grin on his face.

"This is beautiful I had no idea this was here" I tell him as I slowly approach him.

"This is a special place and I wanted to share it with you"