God, I was going to get a ton of questions after this.
I looked back at Ren.
‘Promise me one more thing.’
‘Anything.’
‘Don’t tell me you’ve missed me.’
His face softened, that unreadable look flickering behind his eyes.
‘Lyd—’
‘Just promise.’
He muttered something under his breath, something about promises, but I couldn’t catch the words.
Then he exhaled, long and slow, and met my gaze.
‘I promise.’
Chapter Seven
Ren
What the fuck was I thinking?The question looped in my head as we set off from the hotel carpark into the Peaks.
I’d followed her on to this trip like a dog, panting after her, surrendering what was left of my dignity, only for her to walk six feet ahead of me at all times.All I could do was stare at her swinging blonde ponytail, knowing exactly how those silky strands felt between my fingers.This was pathetic.
Sandra and I were going to have serious words when I got back.She had conveniently left out that this was a women-only hike.Wild Women Walk.I’d wanted to groan and leg it back to my car the second I realised I wasthat guy. I was the guy crashing their space.I’d been ready to pack my bags and vanish before Lydia even spotted me.But Mandy had smiled and waved me over.She hadn’t seemed fazed when I turned up.If anything, she’d looked… expectant.
Like someone had tipped her off.
My eyes narrowed.Sandra.Meddling as usual.
Plus, I was a goner as soon as Lydia’s eyes met mine – God, she looked so riled.Gloriously furious.And I couldn’t help myself.I had to stay.
But it didn’t mean this wasn’t bloody awkward, though, as I trailed alongside the eight other women, wondering if I was the giant elephant on the hike.
The saving grace so far was Peggy.She was my icebreaker, as she wove between everyone, tail wagging.She stopped every few feet to sniff a tree stump or patch of grass as we left the gravel and hit the path, wide fields stretching out ahead.
At least someone was having fun.
The rest of the group was welcoming, thankfully.Freya and Jade asked me what I did for a living, and commented on the weather.Classic British chat, although Freya had a German lilt to her voice.Amara trailed next to us, quiet but observing, her hand passing along the shrubs and bushes as we went.Amy, Gen, and Claire kept their distance from me so far, and I couldn’t blame them.They probably hated me.
Mandy brought everyone to a stop in a clearing and clapped her hands.Her bright, encouraging smile could give Lydia a run for her money.
‘All right, everyone, listen up!Today’s a relatively easy start, but we’ve got some challenges ahead.We’ll head through Edale Valley and up to Jacob’s Ladder.It’s a rocky ascent, so please watch where you walk.The climb up might get your legs burning, but the view from the top will make it worth it.Remember, this is the first location and the easiest.It’s designed to warm you up and prepare you for more challenging hikes in Snowdonia and the Highlands.’
She paused, making eye contact with a few of us.‘But we’re not in a race.We’re in the peaks for another four days, so take it slow and enjoy the walk.We’ll stop for a break at the top, have snacks, take pictures, and then continue along the ridge towards our campsite.The terrain’s tricky in places, so watch your step.All right, let’s get going.The sooner we hit the top, the sooner we can sit back and enjoy the view.’
Excited conversation rippled through the group and I felt a stab of loneliness.Lydia laughed with her friends.God, I hoped I’d made the right bet coming on this trip.
Grand gesture, Liam had said.
‘So what’s your deal?’
The voice beside me was deep and smooth, cutting through the sound of boots on gravel as we wound through Edale.The trail was well-trodden, the path stretching ahead.
