Even If It Hurts by Marni Mann

Author:Marni Mann
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Marni Mann

Thirty

“I’m taking you to one of the most beautiful spots in Vail,” Lance said the next morning as we started our hike.

Since I only had a day left and he wanted me to see as much as I could, we’d gotten up early, showered, and stopped at my hotel so I could change into warmer clothes and boots. He took me through the village, and as we made our way toward the trails, I found myself staring at him. I’d done the same thing this morning when he was shaving at the sink. He’d stood there with a thick lather on his cheeks, a white towel hanging low on his waist. The muscles in his back shifted and tightened each time he moved his arms.

And I’d just taken in how beautiful he was.

At one point in my life, I’d craved the feel of a rough, thick beard scratching my cheeks. That sensation would mean Oliver was present, and that was something I’d wanted so desperately and couldn’t have.

Those days were gone.

Now, I longed for skin that was clean and polished and—my God, Colorado looked just as good on him.

His grip on my hand strengthened, and I felt it so clearly through our thick layers of gloves. Then, his pace slowed. The trees in this area were slightly denser, and we had come across a creek with a covered bridge.

“Wow,” I breathed, watching the coldness stream over the rocks, shallow enough in some areas that I could see large boulders breaking through the surface. “This is positively stunning.”

Orange, red, and yellow leaves were everywhere, a kaleidoscope of shapes and hues, making a canopy that blocked out most of the sky. And as the water danced down the narrow river, it almost sounded like a song.

I pulled out my phone, attempting to take a picture, and Lance said, “Not yet, trust me,” and he led me onto the bridge. When we were halfway across, he added, “This is the view I want you to see.”

We were inside a bridge that had a cover. There was absolutely nothing to look at in here.

Before I could ask, he brought me to the side, and he positioned me in a way where it all made sense. From this spot, through the thin, small slats of wood, I could see the windy creek until it disappeared into the trees, the bumpy mountains and the massive pines that lined them, the snow that covered it all, twinkling like diamonds from the sun.

But it was this angle, this tiny little viewing hole, that made it all even better.

“Lance, this is breathtaking.”

Magic.

That word kept resurfacing, the more time I spent here.

The more time I spent with Lance.

“I have to make my way back here one day.” My voice was soft even though we were the only ones on the bridge. “This can’t be the only time I see this.”

He stood just to the side of me, his hand on my waist, tightening when he said, “I’ll bring you whenever you want.

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