The rain is cold, and soaks through your clothes quickly. Hunter pulls off the trail path a little ways outside the cave and soon it becomes clear why. There's a small cabin out here, with the signs of the park services. He pulls a key out of his pack and opens the door, ushering you inside and out of the rain.

The cabin is only one main room, with a small kitchenette and a queen sized bed in the corner of the room. Hunter closes the door and locks it behind you, then he heads over to the fireplace and immediately starts stacking what looks like twigs, paper and actual logs together. It doesn't take a genius to see that he's building a fire, which you greatly appreciate.

You slip out of your boots and take off your now-wet socks before setting your pack on the ground. You came dressed for a hike in the summer, but not a rainstorm, so your thin top is almost see through and very cold.

Hunter is efficient, and soon the fire is roaring. He looks over at you. "Come sit by the fire, ma'am. I'll rustle up some food. I think it'd be best if we stayed here for the time being. Summer squalls can be very unpredictable, and there's a chance part of the trail will wash out."

All you can do is nod. After the cave incident, you're pretty sure he knows exactly what's going on, and you're in no position to argue with him.

You settle down by the warm fire and wish that you had thought to bring extra clothes. Hunter moves about in the kitchen and comes back to you after a few minutes. He offers you a khaki shirt, just like the one he's wearing, and there's a slight blush on his face. "You don't have to, if you don't want to, but I thought you might like to change out of your wet clothes, ma'am. I've an extra shirt here, and there's a bathroom right over there." He points to the door closest to the bed. "It ain't much, but you're welcome to if you like."

You take the shirt, feeling a grateful smile come to your face. "That's very kind of you, Hunter. I think it's a good idea. Then I can dry out these clothes."

He nods and turns his back. It doesn't take long to change, and though you opt to keep your underwear on, it's definitely a pleasant experience to be wearing Hunter's uniform shirt. It's long enough to almost touch your knees, and doesn't leave anything bared. Plus, it smells like him. You head back into the big room and lay your clothes out by the fire.

By now, Hunter's food is filling the air with delicious spices. He hums while he cooks, some melody you don't recognize. About a half hour later, he comes back to the fire and offers you a bowl. You take it happily.

"Forest chilli, ma'am. Sorry there's not more meat, but it's hard to keep stuff that expires in remoter cabins like this one." Hunter is very studiously not looking at you.

The both of you eat in relative silence, with only the crackle of the fire and the patter of rain to keep you company. When your bowl is empty, you glance over at him and consider your options.

The cave was frightening. Hunter definitely saved you. And he's so handsome. You're on vacation. You're allowed to live a little. Maybe you could...make the evening a bit warmer? With the pair of you in one bed?

[If you choose to share a bed with Hunter, go to chapter: Thirty Eight]

[If you decide to sleep alone, go to chapter: Fourteen]