“Because if we don’t—” He pulls back sharply, like the space burns. Jaw clenched. Eyes wild. “Because I’m about two seconds from doing things to you against this tree that you’re not ready for.”
The bluntness should shock me. It doesn’t. It makes the ache worse.
“How do you know what I’m ready for?”
“Because you’ve never—” He cuts himself off, breath coming hard. “Because this is new for you. And I’m not—I won’t?—”
He presses his forehead to mine, hands still tight on my hips, like letting go might finish it.
“I want to do this right,” he says finally, rougher now. “Not rushed. Not hidden.”
“I don’t think I care about right.”
His laugh is strained, almost broken. “You should. And I do.”
He steps back abruptly. “So we’re walking back before I lose what’s left of my self-control.”
My legs feel unsteady. My skin burns. Between my thighs, the ache refuses to fade.
“Okay,” I manage.
He takes my hand anyway, fingers threading through mine. We walk back in silence, both breathing too hard.
When we catch up to the group at the viewpoint, everyone turns.
Eden’s eyes go wide. Jessica covers her mouth, clearly trying not to laugh. Even Liam looks amused.
“Y’all really oughta carry a compass,” Finn deadpans.
“Got distracted by the scenery,” Kieran says, not missing a beat.
“Naturally,” Dmitri rumbles.
My face is on fire. I focus on the actual view—mountains and snow and sky stretching forever.
Sophie appears at my side. “Your hair’s a little windblown, girlie.”
“It’s windy up here,” I say weakly.
“Mm-hmm.” Her smile is knowing. “Good thing we taught you that bun technique. You’ll need it later.”
“Later?”
“You’ll see.”
We hikeback in the early afternoon. The group is louder now—comfortable, easy. Kieran stays close but doesn’t pull me aside again. Just holds my hand, thumb tracing absent patterns that make it hard to focus on the hike.
Back at the cabin, everyone starts packing. Liam’s loading the car, Dmitri’s on his phone, the girls are gathering their things.
Sophie hugs me tight. “Use the makeup. Wear the top.”
“Why would I?—”
“Just trust me.” She pulls back, eyes soft. “You’re going to be fine. Better than fine.”
Eden and Jessica pile on for a group hug. Erin kisses my cheek, grabs my phone, and taps in a number. “Call me with a debrief, will you? I’ve got a concert in New York in February. I’ll text you the details.”
“You’re one of us now,” Jessica says. “That means you’re stuck with us.”
