“Addie,” Morgan half-yelled from across the lanes of cars moving to drop off and pick up passengers.

  “Hey,” Adler yelled and waved so rapidly back and forth at her, she could feel the breeze from her arm. “Idiot,” she whispered to herself.

  “I’m in short-term parking,” Morgan yelled, hooking a thumb behind her.

  “I’ll come to you.”

  Adler waited until there was a break in the traffic. She hefted her backpack and grabbed her roller. She made her way across the lanes to the other side, where Morgan greeted her with a wide smile, gorgeous and bright eyes, and a bouquet of flowers.

  “I would have been here sooner, but I wanted to stop for these.” The woman held them out in between them.

  “You didn’t have to get me flowers,” Adler replied, wondering if this was something friends did for each other when they picked them up at airports. She’d only ever had boyfriends get her flowers when she’d needed a ride. “But, thank you. This is very sweet.”

  “You’re welcome.” Morgan met Adler’s eyes before turning her head slightly. “Is that a backpack?”

  “It’s the one you recommended I buy for camping.”

  “You bought a camping pack?” Morgan asked with an ever-widening smile.

  “I’m here for two weeks. I thought we could, maybe, go over the weekend or something,” Adler replied.

  Morgan looked good. Were her legs always that shapely in the shorts she’d worn in Jackson Hole? They looked long, soft, and athletically muscled. Her hair was pulled back, giving Adler a perfect view of her round but not too round face, bright blue eyes, and delicious-looking mouth. Did she just call Morgan’s mouth delicious?

  “We could go tomorrow if you want. I’d just need to pack and pick up some staples from the store for however long we’ll be. Did you like that chicken we had? I can make that again and show you how to do the prep in the kitchen.”

  “Tomorrow’s Monday,” Adler replied.

  “I took the week off. Well, I have a few things I need to do, but I wanted to spend as much time with you as possible while you’re here. I’ll check in when I need to, and if everything is okay, I’ll take some time off next week, too.”

  They started walking into the parking lot, with Morgan taking the handle of Adler’s roller bag from her.

  “You didn’t have to do that,” Adler said. “Were you worried about me rummaging through your stuff when you’re not around or something?”

  “Yes, Adler. That was what I was thinking when I took time off to hang out with my friend.” Morgan chuckled. “This is me.”

  They climbed into the car after loading Adler’s stuff into the back. Morgan pulled out of the lot and onto the road. The music on the radio was contemporary pop, which somehow suited Morgan Burns. The weather was cool, but not cold. Their windows were down. The breeze was running through the hair Adler had down. She inhaled the fresh scent of the pure air around her. She’d been in Tahoe for all of ten minutes, and she was already in love. She just wasn’t sure if it was with the scenery outside the window or the woman currently tapping her fingers on her steering wheel, sitting next to her.

  ***

  “I thought you said this place wasn’t done,” Adler said after Morgan had given her the tour.

  “It’s not,” Morgan replied, pouring them each a glass of white wine. “I want to start on the backyard, since it’s still nice outside. James is going to help. We can do most of it ourselves. I want a real deck out there, with a grill and furniture. The yard is small, but it’s doable.” She paused to pass Adler the glass. “And I need furniture for the other bedroom. I want to redo the tile in here. The list is endless.”

  “The place is beautiful, Morgan. You’ve already done so much in just a few months. Do you ever stop?” Adler chuckled and took a sip of the cold, sweet wine. “I mean, you work at work, and then you work at home, and then you work on your home.”

  “Says the COO.” Morgan took a drink and sat down at the table next to her. “I’m glad you’re here, Addie.”

  “So am I.” Adler lifted her glass in a toast. “To us and my first trip to Tahoe,” she said.

  Morgan lifted her glass and replied, “To us.”

  The smile she gave Adler in that moment conveyed all Adler needed to know.

  ***

  “When are we going to get to meet her, then?” James asked.

  “I don’t know. When we get back,” Morgan replied into her phone. “James, we’re only going for a couple of days. Well, maybe a few. I don’t know. I just told Jake, over at the campground, to give me the best yurt he had at the last minute over at Fallen Leaf.”

  “You’re not going somewhere with a lake view?” James asked.

  “No, Fallen Leaf Campground is much more private and away from all the tourists. I figured we’d take the Moraine Trail one day. It’s short. We can hit up the Fallen Leaf Lake beach instead of Pope or Baldwin, which are always packed this time of year.”

  “Looking for privacy, huh?” James asked.

  “I’ve got to go. She’s coming out.”

  “She is, is she?” James laughed.

  “Shut up. Bye.” Morgan hung up the phone. “Are you all set?” she asked Adler, who’d emerged from the house, walking to the SUV. “Everything’s in the car.”

  “I’m good. I just wanted to use the modern facilities one more time,” Adler replied with a wink.

  “Well, the place I’m taking you to has bathrooms. It also has showers. You pay for them in coins, but I brought a bunch.”

  “Somehow, you already know me so well.” Adler laughed. She opened the driver’s side door and said, “For you.”

  “Thank you,” Morgan said with a laugh and climbed into the car.

  Adler closed the door and walked to the other side. She climbed in next to Morgan.

  “I think you’ll like this place. It’s not a five-star resort, but it’s a combination of pure camping with a little bit of modernity,” Morgan explained.

  “I like it so far,” Adler replied.

  They drove the short distance to the Fallen Leaf Campground, which was situated on the north shore of the Fallen Leaf Lake. The campground featured hundreds of campsites. It also had six yurts or cabin-like structures. Morgan knew the camp host, Jake, well. They worked together to coordinate tours and other packages for the guests. He’d been able to secure her a yurt at the last minute thanks to a cancelation. Each yurt provided a cabin-like space for a family of five or six. It would work very well for just the two of them. They’d also have a bear-proof food storage locker, campfire ring, pedestal grill, and a picnic table.

  The yurts sat on a wooden platform and actually had one electric light and a space heater they’d likely not need. There weren’t many other signs of modernity in the place. Each yurt also had a futon and bunk beds with mattresses. Morgan had chosen a yurt instead of a tent for that reason. One of them could sleep on the futon. One could take a bunk. Both of them could take bunks, and they could use the futon for sitting or to put their stuff on it. Either way, it left space between them that Morgan would likely need when they fell asleep.

  The site did not offer views of the lake, but they were nestled among towering pine, cedar, fir, and aspen trees. The one Jake had scored for her was even adjacent to a wildflower meadow. Fallen Leaf Lake was nearby. It was where the forested shoreline and surrounding mountains were reflected in its crystal blue water.

  “Morgan, this is beautiful,” Adler said as they climbed out of the car.

  “You haven’t seen the inside yet. I don’t think you’d call it beautiful, but it’s probably better than being on the ground in a tiny tent.”

  Adler turned to her and said, “You know I’d happily share a tent with you, though, right?”

  “I figured you’re still getting used to being a camper. This was a good warm-up.”

  “Laura’s a big-time camper, though, huh?” Adler asked as she hefted her pack from the back of the car.

  “Who?” Morgan asked, placing the cooler on the ground. “Oh, Laura! I guess.”

  Morgan watched Adler smile. She wondered what that was about, but she also wanted to get all their things inside and get everything set up for the night. She’d worry about that smile later. They carried all their belongings inside the small structure. To the left was the futon, which was still in its sofa form. To the right were the bunk beds. That was the extent of the furniture in the room. It was basic, but it would work.

  “Not beautiful, but still nice,” Alder said and dropped her backpack onto the floor.

  “Better than a tent?”

  “I think you think I don’t want to share a tent with you. Morgan, I really wouldn’t mind.” Adler’s cheeks blushed then.

  That was when Morgan knew. She smiled back. She was certain her own cheeks were a shade of crimson. She dropped her own bag to the floor, bent down, and pulled out a small bag.

  “I actually got you something,” Morgan said as she stood. “Here.”

  She passed the small, brown paper bag to Adler, who looked at it curiously. Then, she must have felt what was inside. She smiled, opened it, and dumped out its contents into her hand.

  “Pressed pennies.” She chuckled.

  “I drive from store to store sometimes. I found these from all around. I figured you could start a real collection. Silly, I know, but–”

  “Just wait,” Adler interrupted. She bent down and searched inside her own bag. “Look.” She held up a small black, flat object. On the front it said, ‘Penny Passport.’ “I got this for the ones you gave me. I haven’t added any new ones to it, but I got you one of these, too. I thought you could add new ones. And if I happen to find some, I’ll add them to mine.”

  “That’s…” Morgan didn’t know what to say exactly. She took the penny passport from Adler, opened it, and saw the several open plastic slots for pressed pennies. “This is amazing, Addie.”

  “It’s ridiculous. I just saw it and thought of you.”

  “Thank you,” Morgan replied.

  Adler stood. They stared at one another for a moment before Morgan placed the gift on the top bunk’s bare mattress.

  “How about we unpack the essentials and then go for a quick hike? There’s a trail around here that’s only a mile. We could do that, come back, and cook dinner,” Morgan suggested.

  “Sounds great.”

  “Tomorrow, I thought we could wake up early, take a kayak or canoe out on the water, and watch the sunrise.”

  “Really?” Adler asked. “That sounds perfect.”

  “I’ll put all the food stuff in the container until we get back. Get ready, and I’ll meet you outside,” Morgan said.

  She didn’t wait for Adler to answer. She headed back out where she’d left the cooler and a couple of other things. She needed a moment to wrap her head around whatever was happening. She’d been trying to handle her growing feelings for Adler, knowing they’d never be returned. The vibe she’d been getting from the other woman, though, had her wondering if there was a chance there could be something between them after all. Now, she just needed to figure out what she was going to do about it.

  CHAPTER 11

  “You said that the hike would be easy,” Adler said.

  “No, I said it was short,” Morgan replied with a laugh.

  They dropped their packs onto the floor. Morgan flopped back onto the futon. Adler followed close behind. She looked over at Morgan. While the woman had sweat on her forehead and, likely, other places, she still looked great. Adler wondered how terrible she looked in comparison. The hike that she’d thought would be an easy mile had turned into a mostly uphill hike with a windy trail. She’d managed okay for most of it but realized fairly quickly that she was out of shape. She worked out as regularly as she could with her schedule, but running on a treadmill a few times a week hadn’t prepared her for hiking at high elevation.

  “Well, I’m definitely ready for dinner now,” Adler replied. “How about I do the cooking tonight? You’ve done so much already.”

  “I thought we’d just do sandwiches or something tonight. We can keep it easy.”

  “Okay. I’ll grab everything from the bear container and be right back.”

  Adler stood. Morgan didn’t protest as Adler left the yurt. Just as she made it to the locked bear container to retrieve the food, her phone rang. Lake Tahoe had surprisingly good cell phone reception.

  “Pax?”

  “Hey. How are you?”

  “I’m good. What’s up?” Adler asked as she unlocked the container.

  “How’s Morgan?” Paxton asked.

  “Gorgeous,” Adler replied. “God, Pax. I like her. We just got back from a hike, and I stared at her ass for, like, half a mile. I just looked at the sweat on her forehead and thought about licking it off her skin.”

  “Wait… What?!” Paxton practically yelled and then laughed. “Seriously?”

  “That’s weird, right?” Adler asked, lifting the lid of the container. “Is this what it’s like?”

  “Is this what what’s like?” Paxton asked.

  “Being–”

  “Gay?” Paxton interrupted. “You’re asking me if wanting to lick another woman’s sweat is a gay thing?”

  “Pax, I don’t know what’s going on. I’ve only ever dated guys. I’ve only ever been interested in dating guys.”

  “But?”

  “But since I first laid eyes on this woman, I’ve thought things I’ve never thought before.”

  “Sweat licking?”

  “You’re having way too much fun with this. What’s the point of having a gay sister if I can’t ask you these types of questions? Oh, and the sweat licking is a recent event.”

  “Adler, calm down. You’re fine. Everything is fine.”

  “No, it’s not, Pax.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I think she might be into me, too,” Adler said softly, turning to make sure Morgan was still inside the yurt. “And I don’t know what to do about it.”

  “What do you want to do about it?”

  “I guess I want to talk to her.”

  “Talk? A minute ago, there was sweat licking. Now, you just want to talk?”

  Adler turned back around to retrieve the food. When she did, she caught sight of something in between a few trees. It was large. It was black or brown. It had eyes. They were looking right at her.

  “Pax, I have to go,” she whispered.

  “What? Is she there? Did she hear you? Please tell me she heard you and you two are about to get it on inside a tiny tent. God, I can’t believe my sister is into a woman. Mom and Dad are going to be so confused; two daughters in–”

  “Bye, Pax,” she whispered and hung up. “Morgan?” she said loudly enough for Morgan to, hopefully, hear. “Morgan, can you come out here, please?”

  Adler stood completely still. The phone, while no longer connected to Paxton, was still in its position at her ear. Her other arm was at her side. Her feet were cement-stuck to the ground.

  “What’s up?” Morgan asked, moving toward her.

  “No, stay there,” Adler commanded. “Don’t move.”

  “Addie, what’s wrong?”

  “There’s something over there.” She wanted to point, but she was afraid if she moved, she’d provoke it. “I’m pretty sure it’s a bear.”

  “What?” Morgan walked up next to her and followed her line of sight. “Oh, that’s a black bear.” She shrugged.

  “And it’s about fifteen feet away from us,” Adler said in a near-whisper.

  “They’re common here. We should close the container.” Morgan reached down, closed and locked the container. Then, she yelled at the bear very, very loudly. A man came over from one of the other sites. He clanged a metal fork on a pan. Adler watched these two very crazy people as they continued to make noise. After a few seconds, the bear ran off and disappeared into the woods. “There. All good.” Morgan turned to her. “Let’s grab the food quickly, though. We can grab our shower stuff, too, but all soaps and everything needs to stay out here tonight. We can shower after dinner and lock it all back up.”

  “I’m sorry; there was a bear right over there.” Adler pointed at the spot the bear used to occupy.

  “Yeah, there was.” Morgan laughed. “You’re cute.” She smiled at her. “Addie, this is the woods. We’re in their territory, technically. With black bears, you just have to scare them off. Make yourself big. Make a lot of noise. That usually does the trick.”

  “And if that doesn’t work, what? You run?”

  “No, you never run,” Morgan stated seriously.

  “Morgan, we–”

  “We’re fine. That’s Jake.” She pointed to the man who had just helped her make as much noise as possible. “He works here. He does this all the time. He’ll make sure the bear’s run off. We’re okay.” She placed both of her soft hands on Adler’s forearms. “I promise. I wouldn’t take you out here if I didn’t think we’d be safe.”

  “Okay.” Adler nodded at those sincere blue eyes. “Dinner, then?”

  “Go inside. I’ll grab it.”

  “No way. I came out here to do something for you for once. Go back inside. If he comes back, I’ll make a lot of noise.”

  Morgan chuckled and replied, “Just yell for me and for Jake.”

  “Go back inside,” Adler said as she laughed.

  Morgan disappeared back into their yurt. Just as she lifted the lid to the container again, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She thought it might be Paxton, making fun of her again, so she pulled it out. Instead of a text from her sister, she had a work email. For the first time in a long time, she had no desire to check it.