“He’s talking about his mattress,” she said through a building fit of laughter.
Zac’s warm caramel chuckle harmonized with hers in the sweetest melody, dragging Tabitha back to a simpler time in her life. No, simpler wasn’t right. Life back then was complicated. Stressful. Packed to the brim with preparation and single-minded concentration. She spent every waking moment focused on climbing. She considered the sport when she ate, when she worked out, when she decided what time she went to bed. She even selected her hairstyle—all one layer, no bangs—to ensure a tidy braid with no flyaways. Her purpose was clear in life, and even if she hadn’t 100% initiated it, she knew unequivocally what she was made for: climbing.
Or more specifically: succeeding at climbing professionally.
Until Zac sauntered into her life bringing with him excitement and tantalizing disorder.
She’d enjoyed so much fun and joy that month.
Until he left. And the laughter stopped.
Heart suddenly feeling heavy, Tabitha’s giggles faded away just as Lark’s started up.
“You had me going there, big guy. Good joke,” she praised.
They neared the parking lot of Off the Beaten and before the truck pulled to a stop, Tabitha’s belt was undone. She reached for Lark’s as well but was swatted away. She scowled as the sassy photographer clamped a hand over the buckle’s release button.
Zac killed the ignition and shoved open the creaky driver’s side door. The grinding sound of gravel beneath his feet rang in Tabitha’s ears until his raspy voice drifted through the open cab. “You coming, tabby cat?”
She stiffened at the hated nickname—to be fair, she hated all nicknames indiscriminately—and turned toward the open door. Shrouded in near darkness, Zac stood with his hand extended. Deep down she wanted to accept his assistance out of the large truck. Maybe he’d settle a hand on either hip and lower her to the gravel. She could imagine the heat of his calloused fingertips transferring to her skin.
A gentle breeze wisped through the air, bringing with it the scent of crisp citrus and lingering sunshine. Oh god, the scent was achingly familiar and made Tabitha clench her knees together. Zac’s eyes clocked the movement, which sent another wave of heat pinballing through her body. Longing crept up, like the spiteful bitch that it was.
And so instead of giving in to the urge to touch him, she slid behind the steering wheel and out the driver’s side door, very carefully dodging contact with Zac’s imposing frame. He shifted back to allow her the space to make an exit, anticipating her desire to keep from touching. She glanced up just as he looked down at his feet but not before catching the brown of his eyes cool a little.
“Well, ladies. It’s been a pleasure,” Zac said, heading to the back of the truck. He pulled down the tailgate and scooped up as much gear as his arms could hold. And boy, those arms could hold a lot. “I’ll see you both tomorrow morning for bouldering.”
“Thanks, big guy,” Lark chirped as she strode by and whisked her arm around Tabitha’s waist. She marched her back toward the main drag of town and called over her shoulder, “See you at eight sharp.”
Only when they turned the corner did Tabith finally let her shoulders settle away from her ears.
Chapter thirteen
Tabitha
FrankiewavedtoTabithaand Lark from a small bistro table in the far corner of The Rooftop Tavern. Lark bounded toward the petite adventure guide as Tabitha scanned the crowd to make sure a certain six foot, heavily tattooed, fully bearded man from her past wasn’t there.
“The coast is clear, babe!” Lark hollered from the table.
Tabitha cringed, dipping her head down as numerous sets of curious eyes settled on her.
The shower back at the hotel room had been much needed and provided a little fortitude to manage her nerves should another chance encounter occur, but as she stood at the entryway, much of that bravery waned. Her stomach growled. She’d worked hard that day and a french dip with those magical onion rings sounded amazing.
“I’m glad you both decided to join me,” Frankie grinned mischievously.
“Little miss all business here wanted to stay in her room.” Lark tossed a thumb toward Tabitha. “Said something about writing some notes and getting a head start on the article. But we all know what’s up. Avoidance.”
“Hey.” Tabitha tried to sound offended, but her companion wasn’t wrong. “It was a long day.”
Frankie eyed the other two women shrewdly then nodded. “Food first,” she murmured and waved to the bartender. A moment later, Kendrick deposited a few coasters and menus on the little table.
“Well, well, well,” he crooned. “Look who’s back for round two.”
“What can I say? That corned beef hits,” Lark chuckled.
“Sadly, it’s no longer on the menu.”
“Boo. Hiss. Though that’s the fleeting nature of specials I suppose. What would you recommend instead?”
