After the Rain (5 page)

Raina had read about the popular climb to Looking Glass and is excited to see the views depicted on the net in person.

Most of the vibrant leaves have fallen from the trees. The bed and breakfast owner had told them that many visit the area two weeks prior, but Raina is happy they are there now to see the magnificent views that the leaves would have partially hindered. Besides, from what the owner said, the whole area is booked solid months in advance during the peak leaf season.

The trail is blanketed with the rich fall shades of the fallen leaves. Raina is in awe at the beauty, seemingly untouched even though they have already passed several hikers, some ascending, others descending.

Kas keeps stealing glances at his wife, her beauty rivaling natures. The blush on her cheeks from the hike and warm temperature beckons his touch. His finger lightly brushes across her cheek, and her eyes shine of the brightest jade when she turns towards him, offering a sweet, loving smile. Slipping her slender fingers through his, she steps a little closer to him as they continue the upward climb.

Kas reluctantly releases her hand when they reach a shortcut that cuts straight up the steep mountain. He would spend all day and night in the woods with her if she wanted, but he has other plans for this evening. Raina sheds her pink and green checkered flannel shirt, revealing the pale green tank underneath. She tightens her ponytail, and the act nearly knocks the already slightly labored breath straight out of Kas. He can’t get used to how she looks just as beautiful with her hair pulled back in a messy ponytail, no make-up on, dressed in cut-off shorts, a simple tank top, and tennis shoes, as she does all dressed up in her designer black lace dress, her hair fixed, and face made up. If there weren’t people around, he would have to get her to her most natural state and take her right there on the soft trail of leaves. He’s sure there’s a law against sex in the national park, but that’s a law he would happily break.

Kas takes a long sip of water to cool his hormones more than to quench his thirst. The sunlight filtering through the trees is picturesque, and Raina can’t resist taking several shots of the wilderness. Once they reach the top, she practically coos with delight at the view. They can see for miles from the advantageous 3,970 foot elevation, and Raina is in awe of the rolling mountaintops magnificently painted with the beautiful harvest shades. The air is crisp, energizing, and she smiles when the breeze gently blows across her face, lightly brushing against her cheek and hair.

“Don’t get too close, darlin’,” Kas warns as he peeks over the edge. He backs up, noticing just how treacherous the drop is; if someone fell from the rock they would surely meet their maker.

“I’ve never seen a view like this before, not in person anyway,” Raina gushes, snapping pictures with the camera Kas bought her before the trip.

“Give me that for a sec. C’mere,” he grins, grabbing her elbow, pulling her against him and a little further away from the edge. He holds the camera out at arm’s length and snaps a photo of the two them together. Seeing her carefree smile prompts one of his own, “You like it here?”

“I love it here!”

“What do you think about doing some rock climbing tomorrow?” Kas laughs at her doe-eyed expression when she glances over the edge and back at him, “Not this rock, Rain.”

“Where?” she asks, skeptical.

“Chimney Rock. They have a beginner’s level for you.”

“You would climb with me though, right?”

Kas pulls her towards him again, kissing her forehead, “Do you honestly think I’d let you do something like that without me there, darlin’?”

Raina tries to scowl, “
Let
me?”

Kas’ gaze never wavers, or flinches, from her scrutiny. He lowers his mouth to where his lips are almost touching hers. “I’m pretty sure that’s what I said,” he whispers.

Raina knows that she should take offense, but she doesn’t; she can’t find it in herself to. That authoritative protectiveness causes her lower body to contract, but she won’t give him the satisfaction of knowing that right now, “I’ll climb Mount Everest if I so please, Pierce.”

“I’m sure you would, darlin’,” he laughs, knowing full-well she would, if only to prove she could.

The climb down the mountain is tricky to navigate in the steepest parts. They take the last part of the hike back to the jeep slowly, enjoying the scenery.

It’s 7:00 p.m.
when Raina finishes getting ready. After deciding to dress up a little, she gives her reflection one last glance in the mirror. Never having felt beautiful, she smiles at how the emerald
green wrap dress fits her perfectly, pleased with how she at least feels pretty tonight. Tucking a long, curly stray of hair behind her ear, she wonders if she should let her hair down from the French twist or if she should have straightened it. Kas calls to her from the bedroom, telling her they’re going to be late if she doesn’t hurry, so she forgets about her hair and turns off the lights on her way out of the bathroom.

Kas is sitting on the chair in the corner with his elbow resting on the side table, his finger and thumb framing his handsome, strong angular face, and his right ankle is resting casually on his left knee when Raina enters the room. His lower region stands at attention at the sight, and his eyes slowly drink in his wife, “You look beautiful.”

The blush coloring her cheeks at his praise begs for his touch, and his eyes darken. Raina glances shyly at her husband through her lashes, feeling silly at how he still makes her nervous, a very good kind of nervous. The way he is sitting there demands attention. His reclined position is simple, but authoritative, his commanding presence undeniable. Heat liquefies low in her belly, and she lets out a low giggle.

“What’s so funny?” he asks, his eyes continuing their greedy stroll over her body.

“You look very intimidating,” she confesses.

“I’m intimidating, but you laugh at me?”

Scarlett streaks her cheeks again and she softly shrugs, “I find you very sexy when you are like that. Well, most of the time, anyway.”

Remembering the confused look in her eyes when she had first confessed how she finds him sexy when he’s bossy pops into his mind, and he laughs. Pride constricts his chest at her confession. He loves how his strength makes her feel safe, not scared, completely different from the kind of strength she was subjected to by her father, Chris, and Brian. He would never cause her pain.
If
you
only
knew
how
far
I
would
go
to
keep
you
safe,
darlin’.
Thoughts of Chris flash angrily inside his head, and his jaw clenches at the memory. The tightness in his chest squeezes a little more when he thinks of how he would die for her, kill for her, how he almost did take a life for her.

Conflicting emotions assault his conscious at what he did to Chris. Hurting another human being is not something he takes lightly, but he would do almost anything if it meant she would be protected. He would give up everything for Raina, without a second thought. Shaking off the dark thoughts, he stands up and extends his hand, “Ready?”

The
Grey
Eagle
Tavern is packed when they arrive. The night air is significantly cooler than the enjoyable sixty-three degrees they experienced on their hike earlier, and Kas wraps his arm around Raina’s shoulders, mostly to provide her with extra warmth but also to stake his claim to a few of the men he catches salaciously staring at her as they walk to the door. Taking her hand, he leads her to a table near the back. He watches as she looks around the room, excited about the band that’s getting ready to play. She’s completely oblivious to the attention that she is getting from the nearby men. Shaking his head, his lips curve into a smile, loving her innocence.

Raina’s eyes are glowing when the music begins. Kas takes a slow sip of his beer, enjoying the look of carefree happiness on his wife’s face. Their food arrives, and he scoots closer to her as they eat and listen to the band. He had read that many types of musicians play there, from local bands to larger, nationally known ones. Tonight, it’s a local rock band, and they’re actually very good. When they start to play a slow song, Kas holds out his hand, “Dance with me.”

“I thought you didn’t like dancing?” Raina smiles, taking his hand.

“I like dancing, just not when Seth is involved,” he laughs.

Raina sweeps her lips against his, then across his cheek, before whispering, “Not everyone can have moves like you.”

Sliding his hand low on her back, Kas pulls her closer to him, kissing her forehead and winking mischievously, “I’ll show you some new moves later.”

“Oh, I always love it when you teach me something new,” she winks. When she places her head against his shoulder, at that moment, everything in the world seems right.

The next morning isn’t as warm, or sunny, as the day before but is still warm enough to visit Chimney Rock. The drive there is another beautifully scenic one with Raina asking to stop to take some pictures a few times on the way. Once they arrive, butterflies start fluttering in her stomach.

“You nervous?” Kas asks, taking the gear from the guide.

Raina nods, “A little.”

“Don’t worry, darlin’, I will be right next to you,” Kas assures her, holding out the ropes and harness. “First things first, we need to go over some of the basics. When you climb, rely on your legs for most of your weight. Push with your legs while you pull with your arms, and don’t get too close to the rock. You want to keep your hips over your feet as much as possible, it helps keep you balanced.”

Attentively listening to every word, Raina tries to memorize his instructions.

“On the way up, look for cracks and crevices to grab onto, but don’t grip too hard, sweetheart, or you’ll tire out.” He grabs her right hand, “Use this hand as your brake hand on the way down, and hold the rope securely when we descend,
never
let go. You understand?”

Her butterflies multiply until there’s a heavy swarm inside, “Yes.”

Kas threads the rope through the metal carabineers, making sure he has good stopper knots, “These autoblock knots are our safety back-up.” Looking up, he sees a twinge of fear, “Don’t worry, I’ve got you, Rain.”

“I know.”

After checking her ropes and harness, Kas fits it to Raina and feeds the rope through the belay device as he clips it through the device and the loop before attaching it to the harness and locking it, “You ready?”

His smile is contagious, and she grins back, despite her nerves. “Ready,” she exclaims.

Kas is close enough to grab her if necessary as they begin their climb. Raina looks for depressions to hold onto as she ascends the rock. She feels every muscle in her body as she continues climbing upwards.

“You’re doing great, Rain,” Kas encourages, carefully keeping an eye on her.

“How come you’re not panting over there?” she teases. A thin sheen of sweat has already broken out on her body, and her breathing is becoming labored with the exertion.

“I have much more practice than you.”

Raina smirks at his graciousness. He works out regularly and rigorously trains with Si fu Shang three times a week while she only works out twice a week with the Kung Fu Master. Her training with Jim Shang leaves her exhausted; she has no idea how Kas keeps his stamina.

About two-thirds of the way into the climb, Raina’s grip slips, and she loses her footing. Before she has time to panic, Kas’ hand is wrapped tightly around her wrist, holding her steady. Her heart is pounding in her chest as her gaze lowers.

“Don’t look down,” Kas commands.

“Too late,” she almost whimpers, scrambling to regain a firm grasp.

“You’re safe, Rain, the ropes are secure, and I’ve got you. I won’t let anything happen to you, darlin’,” Kas assures her, effectively calming her.

Not letting go of her wrist, he tells her to find a solid crevice. His soothing tone keeps her nerves at bay while she balances herself again. “Great job, Raina,” he praises sincerely.

A jolt of excitement shoots through her. Flashing Kas a bright smile, she laughs, “That was amazing, completely
exhilarating
!”