The air was warm and sweet, the trees green, and the dirt beneath my feet firm. The trail was well groomed and I knew it well as I had taken to hiking whenever I got stressed out at school, which was often. The trail wasn't an easy one it went straight up into the mountains. I loved it though because it was so secluded. The only concern that I had today was that it was a little cloudy and looked like rain. I wasn't about to turn back though. Today I was on a mission.
A few days earlier I had come across a slightly overgrown trail that ran along the very edge of a cliff surface. Of course there was a sign marking the trail dangerous and off limits, but I was determined to walk along it anyway. Today was the day and I could only imagine how great the view would be.
I stepped over the rope and walked along the trail the grass tickling my legs. It took only a few minutes to reach the opening out onto the cliff edge. I walked over cautiously and caught my breath at the view. It was gorgeous. Before I could take everything in I heard a strong male voice behind me.
"A few more inches and you'll fall."
I let out a short scream and turned to face the man who had spoken to me. He wore a dark green ranger's uniform and looked rugged and strong. I felt my cheeks warm as I looked at him. He was even better looking than the view.
"That's why I wasn't standing a few inches closer." I tossed back sassily.
"This trail is marked off for a reason."
"I'm sure it is." When he just stared back at me I felt myself give in a little. He had such a hard penetrating stare. "Look, I'll leave. Just chill out."
That's when it happened. In my hast to get away I stepped backward to turn around. I felt the air beneath my heel before I realized that there was also nothing beneath my toes. I saw the quick flicker of alarm over the ranger's face and then and I felt myself falling. The sky and ground wheeled around and I felt the hard rock at the edge of the cliff dig into my skin. Just when I thought that there was no way to stop myself from falling I felt the Ranger grab onto my arm. After a brief struggle he pulled me up I landed on top of him sprawled on his chest. We were both panting for breath and I felt close to tears. Everything hurt.
I'm not sure how long we lay like that. It must have been only a few minutes, but it felt like an eternity before I realized that it had started raining. It came down in sheets, hard and cold, startling me out of my stupor.
"Holy shit." I mumbled pushing myself off of him to roll onto my back.
"Are you all right?" He asked stonily.
"Yeah."
"Not hurt?"
"A little."
"C'mon, we'll get you back to the office. I'll look you over and we'll fill out a report."
He helped to my feet and with his arm around my waist we started walking down the path. He was so strong and I could feel the muscles in his arms working as he supported part of my weight. The inside of my thigh was stinging along with various other parts of my body that ached. I was dirty and wet and embarrassed and still I couldn't help the attraction I felt for the Ranger.
"What's your name?" I asked him.
"Jason. What's yours?"
"Anita."
"Well, Anita you could have gotten us both killed back there."
"I know I'm sorry."
I could see the cabin up ahead and as we walked up the path toward the front door a thought popped into my head. The least I could do was make it up to him. After all he did save my life.
"Who else is here?" I asked casually.