“Where can we get some coffee around here?” he mumbles.
“In the mess hall after the hike.”
His eyes widen. “After? Did you just sayafter?”
I laugh. “I know. It should be illegal.”
“Yes. That’s absolutely criminal.” He removes a lollipop from his pocket and pops it into his mouth. “I’m going to partner with you for the hike. Logan already approved.”
I can’t deny my relief. “Thank you.”
I motion for my group of six to follow us. I have Dev, Cami, Angelina, Vi, Heidi, and Taylor in our cabin, and they’re all squinting against the cool sunlight barely visible in the dawn. Still, the air feels amazing and cool—one of the many perks to camping during autumn like this. And the way the leaves are about to crunch under our sneakers and boots as we hike? It’s an experience like no other.
“How long is the hike?” Cami asks.
I smile. “It shouldn’t take longer than an hour.”
They all stare at me numbly, Bash included.
I laugh. “Oh, come on, everyone. It will be fun.” Especially now that Bash will be at my side, just in case. Though I don’t want him to find out, my mood is already ten times better now that I know I’ll have his help.
We lead the way. The trail is located past the fire pit, and we begin our uphill trot just as the rest of the groups disappear onto the trail. Logan is leading his group in the distance behind the rest of the counselors, so we fall into step last in line.
“Thank goodness it’s not hot out,” Bash mutters at my side. “Otherwise this would be miserable.”
“Miserable is a strong word.”
“So is fun, but you used it to describe this hike, didn’t you?” He gently pokes my side.
I roll my eyes. “You’d think this would be nothing for you, with all the training you put yourself through for your fights.”
“I’ve told you I’m allergic to sunlight. I’d rather be punched in the face any day.”
I can’t help but giggle at the way he says it, like he’s letting me in on a secret. He’s so cute. It’sannoying.
Angelina peeps up behind us. “Are you two dating or something? What’s with all the flirting and whispering?”
My cheeks burn. I spin around to walk backwards so I can face them and notice Taylor and Heidi grinning at Angelina’s statement. Dev, Cami, and Vi, thankfully, remain composed.
“We’re not dating,” I tell them. “Bash is my friend.”
“Can he be my friend, too?” Angelina whispers under her breath, earning a hushed laugh from Taylor.
Heidi whispers something else I don’t catch, but Bash’s grin grows, which only irritates me further.
I shoot him a glare. “Don’t encourage them.”
“Encourage what?” he says innocently, brushing a leaf off my shoulder like he has every right to touch me. “You’re very popular with the youth, pumpkin.”
“Don’t call me that in front of them.”
“Why? Afraid it’ll catch on?” His voice is low and teasing, only for me to hear.
I turn back around quickly, trying not to let the girls see the way my face is burning. The trail narrows into a winding incline, tree roots crisscrossing the path like hidden booby traps. I guide the teens carefully around them. “Watch your step, everyone.”
But just as I round a bend in the path, my boot catches on a twisted root hidden beneath a pile of damp leaves. My ankle twists sharply to the side, and pain shoots up my leg as I tumble forward.
“Ow—” I almost land on my hands and knees, but Bash steadies me before it happens.
