Page 29 of Aiden & Lily

His voice was teasing, but he waited beside the truck instead of pulling her forward this time.

Lily glanced at the trail. The trees looked silver under the moonlight, and the air smelled like pine and dust and warm earth. “How far?”

“Not far. I promise.”

She studied him for a beat, then sighed. “Fine. But if I trip over a root and break my face, you’re explaining that to my father.”

“I’d rather face the root.”

She laughed despite herself and followed him toward the woods. Then the trees opened up to something she never expected. Lily stopped before a pool of water. Steam wafted off the surface before dissipating into the air.

Christopher turned toward her, watching her. “It’s a hot spring.”

“What?” she whispered.

“A hot spring, it’s?—”

“I know what a hot spring is. I just…” She looked around, taking in the rocks, the trees, the pale ribbon of steam curling into the night. “I never knew this was here.”

Christopher smirked. “It’s not very well-known, I guess.”

“And how did you find out about it?”

“Oh, there was a patient—” His words cut off, and he cleared his throat. “Someone at the rodeo said something.”

Her brows pulled together. “Patient?”

He chuckled, gripping the back of his neck. “He got hurt. I had to take him to the… hospital.”

The pause was strange.

Small, but strange.

Lily watched him for a second longer. “I hope it wasn’t too serious.”

“No. He was all right.” Christopher didn’t seem interested in dwelling on the subject. He gestured toward the water. “Go on. The water’s great.”

She wanted to ask more.

Patient.

Hospital.

There was probably an explanation. Maybe he’d gone with the guy when he got hurt at the rodeo. Maybe Christopher was being vague because the story wasn’t his to tell. Still, another little question settled in the back of her mind. Then she looked at the steaming pool again, and her curiosity shifted into wonder.

She grinned. “Okay.”

Lily kicked off her shoes and placed her towel with them. Then she moved closer to the water’s edge. Her toe broke the surface, causing the glassy pool to ripple. A sigh of contentment escaped her lips before she stepped into the water. In no time, she was fully submerged, as was Christopher.

“Okay, your turn.”

“My turn?” he asked, amusement in his voice. “What’s my turn?”

“You make me talk too much about myself.”

“That’s because I can’t get enough of your lovely voice. I’d much rather spend my time getting to know you.”

She laughed. “That’s sweet, but unrealistic.” She moved a little closer, careful to keep enough space between them that she didn’t lose her nerve. “I can count on one hand the things I know about you.”