“We have forty miles planned. We start on the maintained trails and veer off of those for part of it and then loop back.”
“I’m excited.” Her eyes were sparkling, and I couldn’t resist leaning down to give her a quick kiss. She looked startled when I drew away.
I shrugged. “I couldn’t help it.”
Her cheeks went a little pink, but she smiled, and I loved it.
I forced myself to focus. “So, on a more serious topic, we’re all set with the stuff we need. If you need anything…”
Her gaze sobered. “We’re all set.”
“You know I’m fine, right?” she added a moment later.
“Adele,” I said softly, turning to face her. “I know you’re fine. You’re one of the strongest people I know, but I don’t want to pretend like there’s nothing to be mindful of. Let’s face it—on a hike like this, things happen anyway.”
She frowned slightly, her nose wrinkling.
“You’re strong and maybe a little stubborn and don’t like depending on anybody,” I pointed out.
Her eyes went a little wide before she shrugged sheepishly. “Yes, all of that.”
I gave her another quick kiss. “We’ve got you. We all depend on each other when we’re out like this. It’s really important.”
“I know it is.”
My heart felt squeezed tight in my chest for a beat as I looked down at her. I’d meant it when I told her I wanted her to give me a chance, to give us a chance, because I really liked her. Andyet, I had also been unprepared for just how deep my feelings ran. I didn’t dare shy away, although the urge was there. I knew it was something I would grapple with, in part because I sensed my own defenses around my heart were a rubble, while she still had hers up. I didn’t know what to think about that.
I mentally scoffed.You finally met your match. Someone more guarded than you.
The next morning as we prepared to leave, we were getting all geared up, checking our packs and so on, and I sensed Adele’s tension. When I glanced her way, her eyes were trained on a new group that had just arrived. For a beat, I sensed a flicker of fear from her.
I followed her gaze to see a man standing there. He was talking to someone, laughing, giving off a forced casualness. He was what we called aweekend warrior. The kind of guy who looked the part—expensive gear, name-brand boots that looked shiny new, a manicured beard. He was built like a guy who never missed leg day at the gym.
When his eyes landed on Adele, his gaze sharpened and his smile disappeared. His expression shifted to something like surprise, maybe even anger. Then, just as quickly, he schooled his expression to blank.
I looked back to Adele. Her jaw was tight. She was studiously focused on the buckle of her pack. What the hell was going on?
Chapter Twenty-Six
ADELE
The past catches up
Tension ripped through me, a jolt of fear locking my knees for a few beats. “Fuck,” I muttered under my breath.
I did not want to think about why thatman was here. At all. I didn’t need him here to ruin the trip I’d been planning and looking forward to for months.
Just breathe. Ignore him. He’s not on this trip with you. He won’t even be hiking with you.
“Hey, how you doing?” Cole’s voice reached me from the side, and I glanced over, forcing myself to unclench my jaw. His tone was light, but his gaze was intent. “Everything okay?” he asked.
I cleared my throat. “Uh-huh. Everything’s fine.” My words came out rushed and sharp.
A woman in our group stopped beside us to check about her gear. I was relieved to have anything to focus on other than, well,that asshole, and maybe the fact that Cole had clearly noticed I was tense about something.
It’s fine,I told myself.
This was our last morning here before we headed out. For the most part, I managed to ignore Chad’s presence.
