Emma nudged him. “Speak for yourself. I fully reserve the right to bail if the wildlife looks at me wrong.”
Sienna laughed an easy, warm sound, and something in me tightened.
She was good at this.
Confident.
Effortless.
She was steady in a way I hadn’t expected, at least not emotionally.
The contrast between her yesterday, flushed, kissing me like she wanted to swallow the stars, and her today, all bright,inviting, and effortlessly in control, nearly knocked me off balance.
She caught me watching and quickly looked away, biting back a smile.
Professional.
We were supposed to be professional.
“Okay,” I said, hauling a dry bag toward the Polaris ATV. “Let’s load up.”
The honeymooners followed us, chatting the whole time, telling us where they met.
College hiking club.
How they loved the same food.
All things Italian and cheesy.
Meanwhile, Sienna checked their water systems, secured straps, and double-checked fuel supply while I arranged the packs efficiently.
We met at the rear of the Polaris at the same second, both reaching for the final bag.
Sienna’s and my hands brushed, which made my pulse trip and her breath catch.
I saw it.
She felt it.
We both pretended otherwise.
Jake smiled at us like we were the poster children for outdoor marital bliss. “You two work together so well. How long have you been married?”
Sienna dropped the bag on her foot, and I almost choked.
“Uh—” she sputtered. “We’re not…”
“I always say when things are this perfect, why count?” I said smoothly, stepping in before Sienna imploded.
Her head whipped toward me, and my mouth twitched.
Sienna’s face turned scarlet. “Right. Well. We should… focus. And, um. Go.”
She marched to the driver’s seat of the Polaris before she burst into flames.
I took the passenger seat beside her while the honeymooners settled in the back, buckled into the bench seats. Emma snapped a selfie with all of us before I even had time to brace myself.
Sienna groaned quietly, while I bit back a laugh.
