Surge Of Magic (13 page)

“Hardly.”

“What do you plan to do with all your extra time?” He glanced over at her and winked.

“I don’t kiss and tell.”

“As long as you kiss, I’ll be good.”

She loved that he enjoyed sex as much as she did. “You’re not planning on doing any rock climbing while we’re there, are you?” She wasn’t afraid of heights, but balancing on a one-inch ledge while trying to grip the tiniest of outcroppings wasn’t her idea of fun. If it had been in the middle of summer, she would have suggested tubing down the river.

“Where’s your sense of adventure?”

Oh, my. Climbing would push her to her limits. “I think it left after those jerks attacked Randy.”

He shook his head as if he couldn’t believe she thought he’d actually ask her to do something like that. “Don’t worry. We won’t be gone long enough for any big hike. Before I picked you up, I stopped at the house for some gear. I put what we’ll need in the bed of the truck. All that’s left to get is the food.”

“That’s great. How’s Randy?”

“Improving, but he’s anxious about having his magic returned.”

She would be too. “Is he depressed?”

“Yes, but I can’t blame him.”

He fired up the engine and headed to the store. She wondered why the sudden desire to go camping. “Are you trying to keep me away from that Changeling? Is that what this is about?”

A small tic appeared around his eye, and then he looked over at her. “In part yes, but couples need quality time to grow a relationship.”

She hadn’t realized Kip was such a romantic. “I’d like that.”

When they arrived at the store, they went straight to the deli for two pre-made sandwiches, and then snagged some oatmeal for breakfast and of course, ingredients to make S’mores. Teagan was really excited. When the two of them had first started dating, their time together consisted mostly of going to a restaurant for dinner and then maybe to the movies. They’d never actually been on a vacation. It didn’t matter this would only be for one night.

Once they returned to her house, Kip carried in the groceries. “Why don’t you pack some clothes,” he said. “I’ll organize the food to make it easier to carry.” He snapped his fingers. “That reminds me. Deanna leant you a backpack. Didn’t you tell me you had tossed yours?”

“It had ripped the last time I used it. Do you remember everything I tell you?”

“For the most part. You’re important to me.” He held up a finger. “Wait here and I’ll get it for you.”

Before she could unpack the food, he was back. “Hopefully, this will fit you.”

“The size looks perfect.”

Kip grinned. “Since we have to be up early tomorrow, how about an early dinner and then early to bed?”

She laughed. That glint in his eye meant he wanted to have time to make love. “I know what you want to do.”

“Always.”

*

Teagan was totally
stoked. Getting out of town would give her the freedom she hadn’t experienced in a while. This morning had been a bit chilly, but the temperatures were supposed to warm up to the seventies by the afternoon, and she couldn’t wait. Nothing was better than breathing the clean, oxygen-rich air scented with pine.

“Do you know where we’re going?” she asked as soon as she piled into the front seat of his truck. Kip was decked out in expensive looking hiking gear. His green pants had zippers at the knees, enabling him to wear long pants or shorts depending on the weather. His shirt was one of her favorites. The flap in back was for cooling, and the numerous tabs allowed him to attach small items. All in all, he looked ready to hike.

Kip glanced over at her. “Does it matter where we’re headed? The sun is out, and we’re together.”

“I guess not.” She smiled, feeling carefree for the first time in a long while.

A little more than two hours later, they entered one of the parks in the Smoky Mountains and wound up on a narrow road for what seemed like miles. While she wanted to ask what his cohorts were doing to find Randy’s magic as well as her attacker, she didn’t want to spoil their time together. She figured if Kalan learned anything important, he would have called.

Kip found a parking spot and then helped her on with her backpack. “Ready?” he asked.

“Yep.” She’d been about to ask to carry more of the gear, but she already had about one third of the food. Her air mattress and sleeping bag were attached to the outside, making it a bit awkward to carry. Kip’s pack looked like he was headed into the wilderness for a month.

“I’ll lead since the path can be narrow,” he said.

“Fine by me.” Teagan had never been here before and was happy not to have to figure out where to go.

The trees were green and the pines tall and majestic. The rush of a distant waterfall, along with the chirping of the birds, made this an idyllic place to be. Teagan had promised herself that she would leave her worries behind as soon as they left Silver Lake, and so far she was succeeding.

After an hour of hiking, Kip pointed to a path that led down to one of the falls. “How about we eat lunch by the water?”

“Sounds wonderful.” Teagan could kick herself for believing that leaving Kip had been a good idea. She loved him, plain and simple. Sure, their relationship had always been hot and heavy in the sex department, but these last few days had convinced her that she wanted to be with Kip forever.

He helped her down the path to the falls, and together they set up two small camping chairs that faced the amazing vista. He handed her a pump to purify the water. “Want to fill up our bottles while I get out the food?” he asked.

“Sure.” She walked along the water’s edge to find a spot where she could crouch down and place the charcoal filter in the stream. As she was preparing to pump, a baby deer appeared on the other side and Teagan froze. Her heart beat hard, but as much as she wanted to shout for Kip to see the precious deer, she didn’t want to spook the animal.

Remaining still, she watched Mother Nature at its finest. Just then a butterfly darted between them while the deer continued to sip from the stream. Once he had his fill, he shot back into the woods, and Teagan let out a sigh. Coming here had been so good for her soul. No Changelings and no worries—just the two of them creating some magic memories of their own.

Teagan finished pumping the water then returned.

“Everything go okay?” Kip asked.

She waved the bottles then told him about the deer. “He was adorable.”

“Just be happy it wasn’t a bear.”

Her shoulders shook. “You’re right about that. I would have screamed.”

Kip had unpacked their food and spread it out on a blanket. She dropped down onto her camp chair, and after grabbing a ham and cheese sandwich, she leaned back and took her first bite. “Mmm. This hits the spot.”

Kip bit into his and nodded. “How long is your brother going to be in town?”

She shrugged. “He didn’t say, but I don’t imagine more than a few days.”

“Do you think he’d be willing to do some protection duty?”

Teagan twisted toward him. “Are you planning on going somewhere?” While she kept her tone light, her stomach flipped. She’d grown used to having Kip nearby.

He reached out and ran a hand down her arm. “No, but if James can provide us with the location of Randy’s magic, I might have to be gone one night, and I want to know you’re in good hands.”

“That makes sense. I’m sure Sam will be willing to play bodyguard for a day or two.”

He smiled. “How about we talk about us and leave those bad Changelings back in Silver Lake for one day.”

“That’s the best idea yet.” Between the waterfall cascading down the rocks and the sweet smells of the forest, Teagan was completely relaxed. “Being in nature is better than any massage.”

“I agree, not that I’ve had one.”

“Really? Well, you are with a masseuse. Perhaps if you treat her well, she might give you one.”

He laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

When they finished their meal, they packed up and went in search of a campsite. “How about we put up the tent then do a little more hiking?” he asked. “I have a spot in mind.”

Kip was the easiest person to be with. “I love it.”

Because Teagan had plans that involved making a lot of noise during their passionate lovemaking tonight, she wanted a secluded spot. It wasn’t the weekend, so finding a cozy site should be easy.

Less than half a mile later, they located a wonderfully sheltered area next to a stream that would fit one tent. It even had a fire ring and some room for a small kitchen. It was perfect.

Kip unpacked his gear. “Help me with the poles,” he said.

Once they stretched them out, they threaded them through the loops on the outside of the tent. In no time, all four poles were set and the tent was up. While they didn’t expect rain, they tossed the rainfly on top just in case.

“It’s so cute,” she said.

“Go inside and spread out your air mattress and sleeping bag while I set up the kitchen tarp.”

“What do you think about zipping our two sleeping bags together?” When they made love, they could snuggle inside one large combined one instead of being naked on top.

“Excellent suggestion. Why don’t you work out how you want everything arranged and I’ll gather some wood for the fire after I put up the tarp?”

Clearly, Kip knew what he was doing. He set his bag by the entrance. “You got it,” she said.

The inside of the tent was about five feet by eight, and no more than four feet tall. It would barely fit their sleeping bags, but that was really all the space they needed. While it took some effort, she managed to inflate both air mattresses and then zip the bags together. She then located everything she’d need for the night—her flashlight and toiletry items—and placed them near the entrance.

Once done, she crawled out of the tent. Kip had a stack of wood next to the fire pit that he was covering with a tarp. Maybe he did think it would rain. To the side, he’d set up a nylon triangular tarp about six feet off the ground. Underneath, he’d placed the stove and cooking utensils.

“Nice job,” she said as she stood under the nylon covering. She could picture them sitting in their chairs, chilling out next to the gurgling river, listening to the cicadas.

“Ready to explore?” he asked.

It was around two, and she hoped the hike wouldn’t be a long one since it tended to get dark quickly in the forest. “You know where we’re going?”

“Not exactly.” He waved a map then slipped on a small backpack that had their water bottles dangling from the side.

She hiked up to him. Without her pack, she felt super light. Kip held out his hand, and she gladly clasped it. Being around someone who was so competent gave her a sense of wellbeing.

The path started off flat, and while they had to cross a few streams by balancing on logs, the joy of being outside was unsurpassed. Just as she was used to being on level ground, the path began its incline. A signpost, marked by an orange blaze, pointed the way that would take them to the top of Black Mountain. While she wasn’t looking forward to the hard hike, she suspected the view from there would be fantastic. Because the trail was rather narrow, Kip suggested that she lead.

“It’s about a forty minute climb so make sure to pace yourself,” he warned.

As long as she didn’t have to use her hands to pull herself up some rock face, she’d be good. Inhaling, she forged up the path. Squirrels darted up and down trees, birds squawked at the intrusion, and a wild turkey even made his presence known as she hiked toward the crest.

After stopping several times to catch her breath, Kip finally pointed to an unmarked trail. “Turn in there.”

The wind had picked up, making the air crisp and clean. She wended her way along the short path that eventually emerged onto a huge rock face overlooking the forest below. “Wow.”

From behind, Kip wrapped his arms around her waist. “Looks like we can see about two hundred miles.”

The silence and the vastness of the park made a profound impact on her. A large hawk sailed silently overhead, magnificent in its flight. “It’s incredible.”

“It is. Let’s sit a while,” he said.

Sitting was good. So was the cool breeze that helped evaporate the sweat on her forehead. He’d even brought their camp seats. “You think of everything, don’t you?”

“I try.” He grinned then helped her into her seat.

For the next few minutes they remained silent, enjoying the fresh air and peace and quiet.

Kip reached over and squeezed her hand. “What was it like growing up being Teagan Pompley?”

She chuckled. “What do you mean?”

‡