The Sky We Seek (Love and Other Dreams #2)

Chapter 34

Noah

Chuckling, we trudge along the forest path, one foot in front of the other, as it leads us farther up the mountain. I can hardly wait until we reach the top.

"Don't you want to give me a hint? Just a tiny one?" Elina asks once again with that seductively sweet tone.

Like the many times before, I shake my head, grinning. "We're almost there, don't worry." Of course, I would love to tell her right away. Because what I have planned for us today will prove to her that there's action beyond the city. And that if she stays here in the countryside, she won't miss a thing.

Since our visit to the observatory last week, something has changed between us. These past few days have been the happiest of my life. Our affection has grown, and our feelings deepened. I can see so clearly in her eyes how happy she is with me. And I am too even though I know very well that I shouldn't be.

"You're mean," she playfully pouts. She picks up the pace, probably because my adorable Miss I-have-to-know-everything-all-the-time can't bear it any longer. She wants to go faster, to finally reach our destination. "Is it about animals?"

"Nope," I reply, taking the water bottle from the backpack holder and handing it to her. "But you should refuel yourself again. "

With a dramatic eye roll, she takes the bottle from me and takes a sip. "I'm ready," she urges me on.

I can't help but approach her, cupping her face in my hands and kissing her. Just as I'm about to lose myself in our closeness, she grabs my forearms but makes no move to pull away.

"You can't distract me that easily," she says.

"I know," I mumble against her lips, kissing her once more.

Minutes later, we continue our hike and arrive at our destination after half an hour. Like always, the mecca for all action fans is crowded. Teenagers gather in groups, talking loudly. People grill, and music plays from a speaker.

Feeling tense inside, I scan the faces of the other visitors. Is someone from the village here? Apparently not, and I can breathe a sigh of relief. No accusing looks and no probing questions will spoil our outing.

"A party?" Elina asks with so much enthusiasm in her voice as if she's witnessing a miracle. Her legs are fidgety, her cheeks flushed. "And what's that over there?"

She doesn't even have to point at the swing seat with safety belts hanging from twenty-yard-long steel ropes. The structure standing right on the edge of the plateau is hard to miss. "It's a sky swing," I say. The amazed expression on Elina's face as she observes the swing is priceless. "How does it work?"

"We sit in it and let the cable winch pull us up. Then we release the safety lever, and..." I raise my eyebrows with a significant look.

"Like bungee jumping?" Her eyes light up. There's no trace of fear or hesitation .

The attraction seems to be just right for her. "Even better." I reach for her hand and pull her closer to the structure on which the swing is mounted until we can catch a glimpse of what we'll see from the seat. "It will feel like we're leaping down from there."

She leans forward, peering down the steep slope. "A real test of courage," she breathes in awe. "This will be exciting!"

I pull out the tickets from my pocket, already purchased for us. "Then let's get started."

"Oh, yes!" Elina exclaims, full of anticipation, and embraces me tightly.

I suspected she would love this. But I never expected her to come alive with such excitement in the midst of the hustle and the impending rush of adrenaline. It's more proof of how much she loves excitement. She needs action and despises tranquility and boredom.

Doubts gradually creep into my thoughts. What if nothing I show her here in Tyrol is enough for her? What if there's nothing I can do to convince her to stay with me?

"When is it our turn?" she whispers in my ear.

Reluctantly, I allow her to push me away. "We can start right away."

Hand in hand, we walk toward the swing, where we receive a short briefing. The attendant helps us fasten the bright red safety belts. With every passing minute, Elina becomes more fidgety. Seeing her like this also makes me happy.

"Here, you release the safety when you're up there." The attendant points at a small lever beside the swing with his sinewy finger .

"Got it," I say, following his instructions as Elina and I take our seats on the swing.

The employee double-checks the harnesses one last time, and then it's time to go. Our feet lose contact with the ground. As we are pulled higher and higher, the impressive mountain panorama unfolds before us. I steal a glance at Elina, who looks around in awe.

"It's unique," she breathes. "So... beautiful."

I'm unable to reply. I'm captivated by the feeling she evokes in me. Suddenly, the swing abruptly stops its upward motion and swings in place.

Elina brushes her golden hair away from her face and points at the lever we were shown earlier. "Shall we go for it?"

"With you, I would dare anything," I reply softly, looking deeply into her eyes.

She understands what I'm trying to convey. I can see it in her expression, filled with so much love. And in the way she leans in to kiss me passionately. "Then let's do it," she murmurs without breaking the connection between our lips.

Her movement sets the swing in motion. I open my eyes and see her hand on the lever.

Here we go.

With a metallic click, the free fall begins.

Elina lets out an enthusiastic scream, and I can't help but join her. Embracing tightly, we rush toward the abyss, screaming our lungs out. Adrenaline floods my body, pushing aside all other concerns and doubts. There is only Elina and me. We surrender ourselves, knowing we will always catch each other.

Suddenly, I feel a strong jolt. The swing shoots upward, and my stomach churns .

"We're fliiiiiying!" Elina shouts, followed by an enthusiastic scream.

I join in, and as the swing steadily loses momentum on its way up and down, I hold her tightly.

With a satisfied sigh, she buries her face in my neck. "I don't need anything more in life."

My God, did she really say that? Did she just imply that she could be as happy here in Tyrol as in the city?

"The mountains are magical. Once you succumb to their allure, you never want to be without them again," I say to dispel any remaining doubts.

She kisses my neck with her feather-soft lips and moves toward my ear. "Absolutely magical," she whispers, reaching my temple.

This is it. The moment when everything turns for the better.

Though it's hard for me, I create some distance between us. "Move in with me," I ask her because nothing would be more beautiful than having her constantly by my side.

With a wide smile on her face, she nods. At first just a little, then more vigorously. She looks even happier than she already did.

"You're the most amazing person I've ever met." The words effortlessly leave my mouth. I'm filled with awe and affection for this extraordinary woman.

She caresses my cheek. "I love you," she whispers tenderly.

Those are just three words, but they unleash indescribable feelings within me. "And I love you," I reply.

I wish there was a better way to express what she means to me. I wish there was a way for her to look into my heart and see my affection for her. But all I can do is kiss her and hope she feels that my love for her reaches higher than the sky above us.