I hear something in the distance and my breath catches in my throat. I zoom in on the stream where I cooled my feet last night. Knox is awake alright. He’s bathing in the water, hair wet and chest completely exposed. Rays of sunlight bounce off his damp body, and the place centered between my thighs starts to throb with desire. Seeing him exposed and vulnerable without him knowing is oddly arousing. The way he moves through the water holds me in a mesmerizing grip, unable to look away. I suddenly need to wash my hair, even though I washed it right before we left yesterday morning.

  I unzip my tent, grab my toiletry bag and a towel, and march to the stream. I’ll only get a chance like this once. If he likes me as much as I like him, he’ll see me and kiss me again. If he doesn’t, and I embarrass myself, well... at least my hair won’t smell like campfire anymore.

  I clear my throat to make my presence known to him. He turns to me, a lazy grin on his face. “Good morning. Sleep well?”

  “Kind of. Do you mind if I join you? I need to wash my hair.”

  He eyes the bottle of shampoo in my hands. “Sure, but not with that stuff.”

  “What’s wrong with my shampoo?”

  “The ingredients inside will hurt the creatures living here.”

  “Oh, I didn’t realize.”

  He gets out of the water. My eyes immediately go to his groin, but to my disappointment, he’s wearing a pair of boxers. Tight ones. God, I want to slap myself in the face. What the fuck is wrong with me? Why can’t I stop thinking about sex all of a sudden?

  “Here, use mine.” He hands me something that looks like a bar of soap.

  I turn it over in my hands. How am I supposed to use this?

  He laughs. “You look like you’ve never used a packaging-free shampoo bar. Come on. I’ll wash your hair for you.”

  He beckons me to follow him into the stream. He sits cross-legged, the water reaching his chest. I strip down to my bra and panties and lower myself in the water, sitting between his legs. Knox gently wets my hair, then glides the shampoo bar over my head a couple of times. When he starts massaging my scalp, I let out a contented sigh.

  “This feels amazing. Hmmm.”

  I sink deeper against his chest, hoping he doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon.

  “Is this a service you provide for all your hiking clients?”

  “Of course not,” he says in a low voice. “This is the VIP Harper treatment.”

  I let out another satisfied sigh. I can feel him reacting to me, and the knowledge that I can make him hard switches something on inside me. If I can do that, he must like me, right?

  He rinses my hair with a tenderness that leaves me breathless. Once he’s done, he turns me around and smiles at me. “All done.”

  “Are we? Or are we just starting?” I hardly recognize the tone of my voice.

  “Starting what exactly?”

  I lick my bottom lip slowly, taunting. I clearly have a naughty side that surprises me, but I long to explore it. With him.

  “Knox, I want you to be honest with me. That kiss last night... why did you stop? And don’t give me that crap about bears. I know it was an excuse.”

  He takes my hand in his and strokes my palm with his thumb. “I’m sorry. I don’t have the best track record with relationships, and I was afraid to get my heart broken again. I needed to get away because I’m falling for you, hard.”

  His honesty makes me tremble. “If you must know, I didn’t come here just to clear my head and think of ways to grow my business. I wanted to be near you, to have you alone. You bring out a side of me that has been buried for far too long.”

  He locks eyes with me. “What do you mean?”

  “A sexy side,” I say without shame. “Will you help me expose it? I’m tired of being a virgin and locking my dirty fantasies away.”

  A guttural grunt escapes from his mouth, and he lifts me on his lap. “Hell yeah, I will do anything for you.”

  His mouth is on me before I can blink. The hairs of his beard scratch my chin and cheeks. It’s unreal to finally be wanted by a man, especially one like Knox. Oh, and how he wants me. His cock grows bigger underneath me, pushing against my wet center.

  I let my hands roam his hair as he trails his right hand to my shoulder. He grazes his teeth against my flesh before letting the strap of my bra fall with a flick of his finger. Still cupping my face with his left hand, he uses the other to unclasp my bra. It falls into the water, softly bobbing on the surface. I glance at it as the garment floats away, not giving a fuck about losing it. There are plenty of bras at home, but there’s only one moment like this.

  “Fuck.” It’s all he manages to say when he lets his gaze dip to my breasts. “Talk about perfect tits.”

  My nipples barely touch the water, and I love how exposed I am to him. I’m all too aware that the only thing separating us are my undies and his boxers.

  He pulls me further on his lap, and I let myself fall back so he can reach my breasts. The moment his tongue hits my hard nipples, I whimper. He teases me with slow, deliberate circles until I’m filled with lust.

  “This will go better on dry land,” he says, lifting me out of the water.

  He quickly spreads out a towel, then pulls me close and kisses me again. He lowers my panties with his expert hand, and I kick them off.

  Now I’m naked, I’m suddenly aware we’re out in the open. “What if other hikers pass this place? I don’t want them to see us.”

  Knox plants a trail of kisses on my collarbone. “No one ever comes here in the mornings. It’s too far of a hike.”

  His words relax me, and I let my arms drop to my sides while he kisses my breasts. I want to give my body to him. Fully and unashamedly. I push my chest up, nipples touching his lips, and he groans. My heartbeat picks up pace, quickening with every flick of his tongue. I know there is no stopping now. This is it. He’s going to take my virginity, and I’m going to enjoy every fucking second of that glorious moment.

  Chapter Six

  Knox

  Damn, she’s beautiful. Sprawled out naked for me on this soft blanket, whimpering under my touch, bucking her hips toward me as if she cannot wait for me to enter her. I’ve never wanted a woman like I want her.

  My tongue explores her body, covering every inch except the spot between her thighs. The wait drives her crazy. I can tell by her moans and her jerky movements, but I have no intention of rushing.

  “Please,” she cries out, “I need you.”

  She pushes my head down, her legs falling open to welcome me. I kiss the inside of her thighs and slowly inch toward her center. She writhes under my touch when my tongue hits her most sensitive spot.

  I kiss her clit, then suck it like it’s a delicacy I want to savor. Her back rounds and she lifts her ass, pushing her center into the air and giving me a perfect view of her wet folds. I use both hands to spread them and take a second to admire her glimmering opening before pleasuring her. She pants as I place a finger on her opening and slide inside. I use my finger to cover her folds in her juices until she’s completely and utterly soaked. Her pussy is slick and ripe now, her clit swollen and ready to come. And she’s chosen me for that honor. That knowledge alone drives me fucking insane. I’m so happy she decided to book a hike with me, or we never would’ve realized how perfect we are for each other.

  Her eyes clench shut as I suck on her pearl. “Oh, God. Fucking heaven when you touch me there.”

  The sounds erupting from her are wild and deep, and I can feel she’s on the edge now. I slow my pace to tease her and extend her orgasm for as long as possible. She pushes her clit against my mouth, not agreeing to me slowing the pace.

  I push two fingers inside her while I keep lapping her up. She cries out my name as she comes on my tongue, writhing and bucking like crazy.

  Her body is still shaking when she pulls me on top of her. I kiss her mouth full-on, still tasting of her, but she doesn’t seem to mind. My hands are on her tits, my thoughts centered on one thing only.

  She licks my earlobe, and I’m all too aware of my cock poised at her entrance. I won’t enter her yet, though. She’s a virgin, so this is her call, no matter how tortured I am by the delay. Only when Harper says it’s go time will I go. For now, kissing and stroking each other will have to do.

  “I need you,” she finally whispers, using her hand to guide my erection to her opening.

  “Are you sure about this?” I ask, wanting one last confirmation that she’s okay with me taking her V-card.

  She bites her lip, a dazed look in her eyes. “I’ve never been surer about anything in my life. All I can think about is your cock inside me.”

  “We need a condom first.”

  She shakes her head. “I’m on the pill.”

  “I just got tested, and I’m clean,” I tell her.

  “Perfect. Please, Knox, make me a happy girl and fill me up.”

  A small cry escapes her as I push myself inside. I go as deep as I can until I’m in to the hilt. She grabs my ass, guiding us to a rhythm she’s comfortable with. I pump in and out of her, and I can feel another orgasm building inside her.

  “Fuck, this is so good,” she whispers against my chest. “You’re going to make me come again.”

  I pump her even harder now, all sense of carefulness thrown out of the window. The energy between us is primal. She pulls back her pelvis exactly when I do, and then our centers come crashing together. It’s like our bodies have been made for each other.

  Her walls tighten around me. She screams as she explodes, and I follow her right away with the most intense orgasm I’ve ever experienced.

  It takes us several minutes to catch our breath. She props herself up on her elbow and gives me a heart-stopping smile. “Thank you. That was pure ecstasy.”

  “Anything for you, babe,” I tell her. “Are you sure you need me to teach you more? You’re a natural.”

  She throws her head and laughs, and it’s the most adorable sound. “Next time, you’re going to show me how I can pleasure you.”

  I frown. “But you just did.”

  A subtle shade of red colors her face. “I mean, with my mouth.”

  I grin at her. “Oh, I see. That can certainly be arranged.”

  “My Yelp review about your hiking services is going to be lit, by the way,” she says with a laugh.

  “Oh, my God, Harper! Whatever you do, please don’t go into detail. Only one person gets my VIP treatment, and that’s you. I don’t want other people expecting the same services from me.”

  She gives me a playful push. “If anyone asks you to give them the VIP treatment, I’ll hit them with my baking tools.”

  I take her hand and give it a squeeze. “Babe, listen. You’re the only one for me, you do know that, right? Now I’ve finally got you, I’m never letting you go.”

  “Same. I’m yours, Knox.”

  We snuggle and talk. It’s only when the sun is high in the sky that I realize it’s getting late. “I could lie here all day with you, but I think we have to get going if we want to make it back by nightfall.”

  Her eyes twinkle with mischief as she looks at me. “What if I keep my shop closed for an extra day? The people of Trout Creek can go a day without cupcakes. I’m not ready to leave this place.”

  “An entire day? With nothing but water and trees around us? What on earth will we do to keep busy?” I tease.

  “Hmm, let’s see.”

  “We could go bird watching if you want. Or see if we can catch a herd of deer drinking from the river. The wildlife is magnificent around here.”

  She smiles as she crawls on top of me, giving me a full-frontal view of her gorgeous breasts. “Trust me, I know plenty of ways to fill this day, and it doesn’t entail any birds or other wildlife. We won’t get bored at all staying right here on this blanket.”

  I kiss her long and hard. “Oh, yeah? Why don’t you show me what you mean? My interest is piqued.”

  She grins as she lifts herself over my erection. “I’ll show you, alright. Your wish is my command, Knox. I’m yours, remember?”

  “Mine.” The word tastes almost as good as she does.

  Epilogue

  Harper

  Six months later

  “You’ve got to try these too.” I pick a caramel-filled cupcake from the tray and hold it in front of Knox’s mouth.

  He takes a bite, making sounds of approval. “At this rate of cupcake eating, I’m going to need to book a few extra sessions with Jason.”

  “And get even more muscled? Seems kind of impossible.” I let my fingers trail his abs. When we met, Knox already had a six-pack, but since working with Jason, his personal trainer, he’s been getting more chiseled. I love it when he hugs me in his strong arms at night.

  I shake my head. Now is not the time to be thinking of us in the bedroom. We’ve got an important day to plan. “So, which ones did you like best?”

  “Honestly? All of them taste heavenly, babe. Why don’t you pick the ones you like best?”

  I shake my head. “We have to narrow this down together. Come on, Knox. This is our wedding. The cupcakes for the dessert buffet need to be perfect.”

  He takes the treat from my hand and puts it aside. “Our wedding day is going to be perfect no matter what flavor the cupcakes are. All that matters is that we exchange our vows next week.”

  “Yes, of course.” I bite my lip. “But if you had to pick a flavor, which one would it be?”

  He throws his head back in laughter. “Fine. I’ll give you my top three. Strawberry, caramel, and white chocolate.”

  I plant a kiss on his delicious mouth. “See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

  “Are you all set for tonight’s event?” he asks, brushing a strand of hair out of my face.

  “Yup. It’s going to be a full house again.”

  Five months ago, I took out a small loan to expand my shop with a café. I now have three nights weekly when people can book a table and watch local bands play acoustic covers. And during the day, my café is always filled to the last seat. My coffee and cupcakes are so popular that I had to hire a part-time employee and open a website where people can make reservations. I couldn’t have done any of it without Knox. He made me believe I could do this, and he was right. We now live together in his cabin on the mountain, and he drives me to work every morning. Sometimes I pinch myself to make sure it’s not a dream.

  I glance at the clock above the baker’s oven. “I still have twenty minutes before I need to get back.”

  I close the bakery between five and seven p.m. every day so I get some time to myself. Otherwise, I’d never catch a break.

  “And how do you want to spend those twenty minutes?”

  I push him against the kitchen counter and lick my lips. “I have one flavor left you might want to taste again.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “Peach. And cherry. Whatever suits your fancy. Mind you, they’re all wet.”

  He shakes his head, smiling. “You’re such a naughty girl, Harper.”

  “Why?” I ask, faking innocence.

  He replies by pulling me against his muscled body. “Because you make me hard at least four times a day, now being one of them.”

  I tap my finger against my lips. “Hmm, I see. How should we remedy that?”

  “Any way you like it, babe.”

  I wiggle my eyebrows at him and lower myself until my mouth is level with his crotch. I unbutton his pants and pull them down, his erection fighting against the fabric of his underwear. When I pull those down, his cock jumps out, ready and hard as a rock.

  My tongue darts out, only touching his tip. I tease him endlessly until he groans and puts his hands on the back of my head, guiding me closer.

  I eagerly open my mouth and let him all the way in, sucking his dick over the entire length.

  His quickened breaths let me know he’s close. He pushes me away and kisses me full on the mouth. “What was that about a cherry pie?” he asks, pulling my panties down.

  He flips me around, my stomach against the counter. I tremble in anticipation.

  Then he pulls my skirt up. Fuck, yeah. He’s inside me a second later, pumping me so hard I slam into the cold metal of the counter. I don’t care. This is exactly how I like it, and he knows it all too well.

  I close my eyes, focusing only on how his dick glides in and out of me. If there is a heaven, then I’m pretty sure this is it.

  I can feel a climax building inside of me. Energy streams from all parts of my body to my center until I can no longer keep it together and tip over the edge.

  “Fuck, I love you, babe,” Knox says with a ragged breath.

  I cry out his name as he shoots his load. It takes him three more thrusts to completely empty his balls inside of me.

  We both sink to the floor, still panting.

  “Now that’s a flavor I want to taste every single day of my life,” he says with a twinkle in his eye.

  “Oh, I’ll make sure of it,” I tell him.

  He kisses me, soft and sweet.

  Happy doesn’t begin to describe how I feel. My business is flourishing, I’m marrying the love of my life next week, and I get to have sex with my hot fiancé at least three times a day.

  Knox makes me complete, and life with him is glorious.

  Thanks so much for reading Taught by the Hiking Guide. I hope you enjoyed this story! Want more Trout Creek men? Then grab book three in this series. Taught by the Personal Trainer will melt your heart & your panties.

  For news about releases and more, follow me on Instagram at Instagram.com/hazeljnorthauthor or subscribe to my newsletter at www.hazeljnorth.com.

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