Page 24 of Double Booked
She stowed her purse under the seat while he grabbed his backpack. Then they exited the car and were off. They’d picked a good time to come, as there were only a few other people on the trail. Ringed with evergreens, the lake glistened, and the snow-capped mountains provided a breath-taking backdrop.
He purposely started out at a slow pace so she wouldn’t have trouble keeping up with him.
“Are you going to take photos while we’re here?” she asked.
“Maybe, but the goal today is hiking, not working.”
She took her phone out of her jacket pocket. “I’m no professional, but I want to take some photos and send them to my sister. She’ll be so jealous.”
He chuckled and stepped back while she snapped some shots of the scenery. “Do you want me to take one of you?” he offered.
“I thought you didn’t like taking pictures of people.”
“I’ll make an exception,” he teased.
“Okay.” She handed him her phone. Then she placed her hands on her hips and faced the camera.
He shook his head.
“What’s wrong?”
“You’re too stiff. Act natural.”
She scowled. “What should I do?”
“Turn sideways and look at the lake. I’ll capture your profile.”
“What should I do with my hands?”
“Put them in your pockets.”
She gave him a funny look. “Okay. You’re the expert.”
He snapped a few photos of her profile. Then he pointed to a large rock that was jutting out of the water. “Climb up there and I’ll take a few more.”
She looked at where he was pointing and raised her eyebrows. “What if I fall in?”
“You won’t. I’ll help you climb up.”
They picked their way through the brush to the water’s edge. Then he extended his hand to her.
“I don’t know about this.”
“Trust me.”
Sighing, she placed her hand in his. He clasped it tightly, enjoying the smooth, delicate feel of it. She hoisted herself up and quickly sat down, her legs dangling over the side.
“Perfect. Now, wrap your hands around one knee and look out at the lake again.”
“This reminds me of getting my senior picture taken only without the lake and mountains,” she joked.
He laughed and snapped a few pictures while she was still smiling. “Great. Now look more serious.”
“Like I’m contemplating life?”
“Yes.”
She adopted a more serious expression as she gazed out at the lake.
