Capture My Heart - Book cover

Capture My Heart

Mariah Hanson

Chapter 5

I awoke to the wailing of my phone’s alarm. Groaning, I rolled over to turn it off when I realized I had actually meant to set it to five a.m. I wanted to get a head start on picture taking.

I told myself the sunrise would be worth it and pulled myself from the warm sheets, my feet hitting the cold wood floor beneath me. Coffee… I needed coffee.

Before my body could reject my decision to be up so early, I jumped up and put my robe on over my tank top, throwing on some jeans so my nice flannel pajama pants wouldn’t get dirty outside.

I was about to stomp down to the kitchen without a thought when I remembered we had extra guests staying with us in the cabin, not just my parents.

My half-dressed wardrobe didn’t seem so appropriate when I also remembered a certain grown-up neighbor boy was sleeping on the couch in the living room.

I didn’t let my thoughts linger on the “grown-up” part of that comment my brain had so nicely pointed out.

I pulled on a sweatshirt over my tank top and disregarded the floral plush robe that I loved dearly. I would be completely embarrassed if Adrian set eyes on me in it.

I would never hear the end of the grandma jokes. Who said flowers were just for old people anyway?

I grabbed my camera and crept down the hallway. I made it halfway down the stairs when I noticed Adrian was still asleep.

His leg was hanging off the side of the couch, an arm tucked behind his head as if posing for a picture… No! I will not indulge that thinking! No way am I taking pictures of him!

My breath caught in my throat when I heard the floor groan under my toes. Adrian didn’t flinch.

Sighing with relief, I continued to carefully make my way down the rest of the stairs quietly, praying he wouldn’t wake up.

I was not ready this early in the morning to have yet another “interesting” conversation with him.

The dim glow of the fireplace was barely enough light to see where I was going, but I finally made it to the kitchen. I just hoped the noise of the coffee maker wouldn’t disturb his slumber.

“Oh, it’s just you.” I jumped violently at the sound of a voice right behind me in the doorway.

“Hey! Hey, it’s okay, it’s just me, calm down!”

I turned around and was face-to-face with Adrian. I could barely make out his features in the low light, but could definitely see that smirk forming on his face.

My anger flared. I was just about to open my mouth to confront him when he put a finger to his lips.

“Don’t want to wake the ’rents just yet, they may get ideas about us being alone down here,” he winked at me.

Oh, I was so ready to strangle him, but deep down I was just glad it was dark enough that he couldn’t see the blush heating up from my toes to my face.

What did he mean by us being “alone down here”? This is my family’s cabin, not his. I had every right to be alone in this kitchen, he was just an invader in my book.

I didn’t dwell on it though as I noticed he was moving around me to the coffee maker. He took out the coffee bag and filters and started prepping the coffee.

“How strong do you like yours? Stronger? Weaker? Somewhere in between?” he asked as he scooped the grounds. I crossed my arms.

“I like to make my own coffee, thank you.”

Adrian just grinned and scooped some grounds into the filter, completely ignoring my statement.

It was only day two of my summer vacation and he was already driving me to the edge of my sanity. I couldn’t even make my own coffee without him being present.

The aroma of coffee brewing cut off all the rude comments I could think to throw at him. He motioned at the table for me to sit, so I gave up the fight and sat down to wait.

I watched him also take out some bread and jam and he proceeded to make toast.

I don’t know if I was delusional or mesmerized while I watched him work, but I knew one thing: I was not going to turn down the opportunity to eat before I went hiking.

I found myself feeling grateful that he was doing all the work for me, but at the same time I watched closely so I would know if he tried anything funny.

Would he put ketchup instead of jelly on my bread? It was dark and I hadn’t had my coffee yet, so how would I know the difference?

There didn’t seem to be any foul play, though, as he spread the jelly on the bread once it had popped out of the toaster and handed me my share, as well as a mug of fresh hot coffee.

“I’m not sure how you like yours, so here’s some sugar and creamer. You can fix it up how you like,” he said as he placed them on the table in front of me.

I nodded my thanks and scooped two sugars and a splash of flavored French vanilla creamer into my cup.

Before I could enjoy my breakfast though, I made sure to take my camera off from around my neck and place it safely on the table, away from any liquids so it wouldn’t get ruined.

Adrian sat down across from me, watching as I sipped my coffee. I glared back at him, not wanting to look intimidated by his stare.

“What?” I asked when I could no longer handle his intense gaze. He glanced to my camera and back to me, folding his arms across his chest.

“Going somewhere this early?”

I sat back in my chair and shrugged.

“So, what if I am?” I countered. His eyes didn’t waver.

“Going alone, I mean?”

Again, I was confused about why he was asking. I nodded as I took another bite of toast.

He frowned. That was a first. I thought it was impossible for his face to express anything but an annoying grin or smirk.

“Do you think that’s a very wise thing to do up here?”

I was taken aback by the firmness in his voice. Who does he think he is, my father? I raised an eyebrow.

“Why does it matter to you?” I retorted back.

His eyes flashed with amusement for a split second and then he was serious again.

“You don’t seem to be all that concerned that it’s 5:30 in the morning and we’re in the middle of the woods with nothing but wilderness between here and the nearest town thirty miles away.

“Not to mention it’s still dark outside. Yet you want to go hiking alone, in the dark, without telling anyone where you’re going.

“Don’t you think your parents will worry when they wake up and find you missing?”

I frowned. No, I hadn’t thought about it that way, but I wasn’t about to let him gloat.

“Look. I’ve been here many times. I know the area well and I don’t need advice from a city boy telling me what to do at my family cabin,” I shot back at him.

He didn’t react. Just sat there, arms crossed, looking at me like I hadn’t just called him out.

“You may not realize it, but this ‘city boy’ knows enough to understand your whole plan isn’t as safe as you think. But if you insist on still venturing out this early, I’ll be coming with you.”

I couldn’t believe my ears! He had the audacity to sit there and act like he was the boss of me?

I may be three years younger than him, but I am still an adult. Before I could protest, he started up again.

“I don’t want to argue with you. Either I’m coming or I’ll wake up your parents at this godforsaken hour to tell them of your plans to go exploring the woods in the dark.”

I wanted to shout back “go ahead,” but I bit my tongue. My parents trusted me enough to go on my own up here, but I didn’t want them to wake up cranky and make a scene in front of everyone.

I sighed. Adrian took that as my surrender and smiled.

I wanted to slap that smirk off his face, but that would require actually touching him. I shivered. No thanks. I’ll settle for him tagging along while I took pictures.

I smiled dryly back at him. Let’s see if this city boy can keep up with me on my own turf.

***

Twenty minutes later, we were setting off down the trail. I could practically feel Adrian’s breath on my neck for how close he was to me.

I tried the whole slowing my pace thing so he could see he was walking too close behind, but he mirrored my movements perfectly, not missing a step.

How was I supposed to focus on what I was shooting with him hovering like that?

We were almost to the ridge that overlooked a small valley below when movement from the bushes to my right startled me. I stopped in my tracks.

It was almost light enough that I didn’t have to squint anymore. Suddenly, a rabbit jumped out onto the trail and darted in the opposite direction of us.

Shaking my head at my silliness over a rabbit, I continued down the trail, ignoring the chuckle that came from Adrian.

Just ignore him and focus on your mission. I wanted to get a good shot of the sunrise over the valley.

I had made a checklist on my portfolio of all the places I wanted to take pictures for the next few weeks. I just hoped I didn’t have a tagalong every time.

Pushing back the tree branches in my path, I finally found my spot. The sun was just starting to peak over the pines. Perfect timing.

Turning on my camera, I found the right settings for dim lighting and began to take some practice shots. It took a few tries, but I finally found the right adjustments needed for the perfect sunrise.

I almost forgot Adrian was even with me until he cleared his throat.

“Hey. Look, over there,” he mumbled into my ear.

I jumped at the feel of his breath on my skin and turned around to snap at him, but then I noticed what he was pointing at.

Four deer had made their way out of the trees and were grazing at the edge of the forest. It was the perfect accent to the scene before me.

Taking advantage of the moment, I captured it all—the deer, the trees, and the sunrise making beautiful rays of light against the pink morning sky.

This was going to make my college portfolio look so professional. I’d be able to get that scholarship for sure!

I suddenly felt a little guilty for taking all the credit though. Without Adrian pointing out those deer… I shook my head, not wanting to overthink it.

He’s the one who invited himself along. He might as well earn his keep.

I walked along the ridge, taking more pictures at different angles until the sun was just a bit too bright for my eyes to handle.

That’s when my stomach growled and I realized we’d been out here for over an hour. Our parents were probably out of bed by now and making breakfast.

I turned and found Adrian sitting on a rock back at the trailhead. He looked so peaceful sitting there. Picture perfect…

No! No taking pictures of him! I shook my head to clear my unruly thoughts.

“You ready to head back?” Adrian asked suddenly, without opening his eyes.

“Yeah,” I replied.

He stood up to stretch, then he started back down the path we had come from. I followed quietly.

Even though I told myself I didn’t want his picture, part of me felt a little twinge of regret, although I couldn’t understand why.

I didn’t want to admit it, but he seemed different from the prankster I knew. Like he grew up or something. Maybe it was time I moved on…

Next chapter
Rated 4.4 of 5 on the App Store
82.5K Ratings
Galatea logo

Unlimited books, immersive experiences.

Galatea FacebookGalatea InstagramGalatea TikTok